As you may know, it is with great sorrow that the nation marks the passing of a truly great American thinker, writer, speaker, founder of the National Review, host of Firing Line, and proponent of conservatism. William F. Buckley Jr. passed from this world early last Wednesday, February 27th at the age of 82. It appears he passed while in his study working on his last book.

I would like to convey my condolences to the Buckley family and all those who's lives he touched and are impacted by the sadness of his passing.

Now, I am far to young to have been terribly impacted in my political and conservative thought directly by Mr. Buckley. I have read some of his voluminous writings. Perhaps the most ingrained memory is that I do recall watching Firing Line with my father. I can see Mr. Buckley tipped back in a chair, holding a pen or other such, and using the most eloquent form of the English language I've ever heard. What he was saying always seemed to make sense to me...even though at the time, politics really didn't. I also remember my father's respect and admiration for the man, and intently listening to the television when Mr. Buckley was eloquently elucidating a point or deftly eviscerating the opposition. Unfortunately for me I entered the political thought sphere as Mr. Buckley was slowly leaving it to others, Firing Line itself ended in 1999 and it was a while before I discoverd National Review. Mr. Buckley did appear from time to time however. I recall him being on television with Sean Hannity or on the air with Rush Limbaugh. 

Although he may not have directly influenced me, his political ideas and stout conservatism certainly have. Indeed, Mr. Buckley's influence upon the conservative thought and discourse has been profound. I greatly respect Rush Limbaugh who himself claims Mr. Buckley as a second father and indeed ranks him among the founding fathers in eminence. Many other conservative speakers and writers have been eulogizing his passing and commenting upon their respect for the man and his effect upon their thought and education.

I certainly did not know him personally, and it may be more factual and appropriate to say that I knew of him and the gravity of his influence. However, I do feel the loss, as though a great light has gone out in the world and we are darker for it.

Thus, belatedly, the time is ripe to remedy the situation on my own part. And I find no better analgesic than to dive headfirst into his voluminous, and lasting writings. This is made very easy by Hillsdale College and their free online access to William Buckley's lifetime of work. I would encourage anyone interested in conservatism to take the time to peruse this gold mine. A link very worth a bookmark.

William F. Buckley Jr. Online: http://cumulus.hillsdale.edu:8080/buckley/Standard/index.html

I also have a print copy of his literary autobiography Miles Gone By on order, and am in anticipation of recieving it.