In Memorium: William F. Buckley

William F. Buckley, the highbrow American conservative, has died. With his passing, an era has also passed.

I liked him, in spite of my finding much of what he said to be specious and sanctimonious. My sense is he always took the high road, avoiding the gutter that so many right wing apologists favor. He could have a very civil and intelligent discussion with someone such as John Kenneth Galbraith, who was from the opposite side of the political fence. He could respectfully challenge someone on their views. He could even agree with a political adversary on certain issues, showing that political differences do not require mutual demonization.

William F. Buckley was a man who represented the best and brightest among so-called conservatives. He kept the discussion on a thinking person's level. A rare breed. A loss. Bill, I may have disagreed with most of your premises, but I never resented you for it. Would that more of your fellow conservatives could emulate you.