Today would have been Bill Buckley's 85th birthday. Though I was born after the ages of Reagan, Goldwater, and Buckley's years as editor of NR, I still owe a great debt to his thought:
Reading lists and speakers from YAF have helped shape my perspective by exposing me to the nuances of conservative political thought.
I don't think anyone else has done as much for political activism and the conservative/libertarian movement as WFB. What do you remember most fondly about Buckley?
Though I was born after the ages of Reagan...
ReplyDeleteJust how young are you?
His clever wit. My favorite:
ReplyDelete"I won't insult your intelligence by suggesting that you really believe what you just said."
20, I've only lived through Bushes, Clintons, and Obamas :-(.
ReplyDeleteI was born in '62, so all I remember of WFB is him on Firing Line - his voice and New England WASP accent.
ReplyDeleteMy Dad used to watch his show; I never understood why, until I had my conservative "awakening" in 2007/2008 watching the debacle that was the "anointing" and "immaculation" of Obama.
I am thankful for the enlightening! I should now read the book you note, God and Man at Yale. I am sure it will be riveting, now! :) Happy Thanksgiving, Professor!
Pasadenaphil, I love that one too--it's one of two quotes on my FB info page, just to make sure all my liberal friends know which way the wind's blowing. (My other quote is by H.L. Mencken: "The urge to save humanity is almost always a false front for the urge to rule it."
ReplyDelete1. The Hoover Institution has many transcripts of Firing Line available; some some the programs are available for purchase at Amazon.
ReplyDelete2. 20, I've only lived through Bushes, Clintons, and Obamas :-(.
For your sake and mine, I hope your future decades are no more "interesting" than the first two, but I wouldn't put money on it.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteBuckley was a talented harpsichord player, and loved Bach's music.
ReplyDeleteAlways answered his mail. I have 6-8 replys from him about everything including 'Peanut Butter'.Favorite qoute "Cancel your own god dame subscription".
ReplyDelete