R.I.P. William F. Buckley, Jr.

One of my heroes has died. I never had the privilege of knowing Bill Buckley in person. I don't move in such august circles. I did have the pleasure of knowing him through his quick paced television program, Firing Line, and through The National Review and many of his books. Mr. Buckley helped frame my opinions and appreciation of modern American society.

There's a Country song that states, "She had me from 'Hello'." Of course, Buckley never trifled with such a simple greeting, but he captured me nevertheless. Buckley had style, verve, wit nonpareil, and panache. William F. Buckley, Jr. set the bar high. He was an unapologetic patrician and the modern political version of Socrates' gadfly. One could only aspire to a view over the bar, few cleared it.

In one of his books, Buckley wrote about the first time he saw the house that was to be his future home. The realtor brought him and his wife to a lovely home, but Buckley felt a certain unease. Finally he realized what was wrong. There were no books in the house. He soon remedied that. Throughout his life Buckley wrote more than 50 of his own to fill shelves abundant with the finest thoughts of the finest minds. Perhaps he could also be considered a modern day Montaigne too.

William F. Buckley Jr.'s most successful venture was his magazine, The National Review. I'm not sure everyone understood its raison d'etre. Naturally it was a forum for the best in conservative thought. It gained that excellence through the magazine's willingness to present divergent views on such topics as deficit spending and star wars technology. Those who think Mr. Buckley's media instrument closed minds are wrong, although I cannot say as much for the current publication. He thoroughly enjoyed the parry and thrust of intellectual exchange. His wit and good will mitigated a well-placed touche. As he tightened the web about an opponent, his eyes betrayed an amused "got ya!" Even Mr. Buckley's "enemies" spoke well of the man.

My condolence to his son, siblings, and grandchildren. If Aristotle's Happy Life can only be achieved at the end of the examined good life, then Bill Buckley is indeed very happy today.