William F. Buckley, Jr. (1925 - 2008)

Sad news today - William F. Buckley, one of the founders of modern conservatism has passed away today at the age of 82. Buckley will be remembered as the founder of the National Review, who report this morning that Mr. Buckley passed away in his study. Somehow appropriate.

Buckley will also be remembered as the host of Firing Line, as one of the most gifted writers American conservatism has ever produced, and as a one-time CIA spook turned author and societal commentator. He was a fervent anti-communist, a staunch supporter of Barry Goldwater and Ronald Reagan, and one of the most formidable masters of English vocabulary.

He will, most certainly, be missed. Feel free to post your own tributes in comments.

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Michelle Malkin quotes Reagan at a Buckley/National Review tribute:

One final note: I think eventually the pundits and analysts are going to catch on to the enormous force and deep roots of the conservative movement. Some of them even seem to have finally realized that I actually am one and that I mean it. And when that happens, they are going to realize something not only about this journal, but about its founder and editor: that Bill Buckley is perhaps the most influential journalist and intellectual in our era — that he changed our country, indeed our century...

So, Bill, one last word to you. We thank you for your friendship. You are, of course, a great man. And so we thank you also for National Review, for setting loose so much good in the world. And, Bill — thanks, too, for all the fun.

God bless you.