A Fond Farewell to William F. Buckley, Jr.

Last night, we gathered our children to tell them the story of a very great man. We told them that once America was hastening to a majority view of despair and socialism. That once upon a time nearly everyone was deceived into thinking the government held the answers to our problems. Then came William F. Buckley.

Bill Buckley founded National Review in 1955 and gave birth and voice to the modern conservative movement. I'm firstly a conservative because of my parents, who were influenced by Buckley and Firing Line and Human Events. They knocked on doors for Goldwater, avidly followed politics, and more, discussed it with us. I even remember debating politics on the school bus as a 2nd grader. I was taught well, but it was National Review that led me to really think about the principles my fine parents gave me. I remember Hal reading me the magazine while I cooked supper as a newlywed - and it was cold water in a thirsty land. How many conservatives, like us, were made principled thinkers by William F. Buckley?

There is an erudite voice missing in our world now that Bill Buckley has gone to his reward. Lord, raise up many in his place!

Note: If you don't recognize who Bill Buckley is, you are in for a treat of an education:
National Review Online - be sure to check out their blog The Corner for some great eulogies of WFB
Up From Liberalism A foundational book - Check out God and Man at Yale as well! Buckley was an exquisite writer.
More later, my family has gone to bed without me!