William F. Buckley, Jr.

Today is a sad day for conservatives across the nation, as we mourn the loss of a man that could easily be deemed "The father of modern conservatism". Buckley, at age 29, started the National Review that would go on to become one of the most reveered conservative publications.

When liberalism was on the rise (quite rapidly, I might add), William F. Buckley, Jr. fought for conservatism. Something he did until he died this morning at his home after battling emphysema.

Rush Limbaugh often spoke of Buckley, referring to him as his mentor and hero. I think Rush speaks for most of us (conservatives) when he refers to Buckley in such a manner. For, were it not for William F. Buckley Jr., who's to say if we'd have been fortunate enough to call Ronald Reagan, Mr. President.

A conservative author/columnist that I have a great respect for is Jonah Goldberg. I think Jonah sums everything up quite nicely in his post at http://www.nationalreview.com/ ... I've pasted it here.

"Saying Goodbye"
-Jonah Goldberg

"I just saw Kathryn's post about Bill Buckley. I'm stunned. He will be greatly missed. But we should also remember this was not a life cut tragically short (no matter how much we wish he were still with us). His accomplishments were almost incalculable. As George Will once said, "before there was Ronald Reagan there was Barry Goldwater, before there was Goldwater there was National Review, and before there was National Review there was William F. Buckley." As conservatives — and as Americans — we are all standing on his shoulders.

Moreover, William F. Buckley's life was marked by enormous joy. He had a lust for life as well as for letters and debate. He raised a wonderful and accomplished son, loved and was loved by a formidable and beautiful wife, had more friends than he could count — or, in a sense, even know — and will be remembered for generations to come. Sadness is to be expected at times like this, and I certainly feel it. But let's leave room for, if not a celebration, then at least grateful appreciation, of a singularly remarkable life."

Godspeed Mr. Buckley. You will be truly missed.

"This plus $1.50..."
JR