William Buckley's contributions to modern American Conservatism can only be summed up by the Great Communicator himself, President Ronald Reagan. Thanks to my friends at Missouri Pulse for posting the quote below.
Excerpt from Reagan’s speech at National Review’s 30th anniversary event, 12/5/1985:
“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.
While I am quite certain that this is what history will say, I also know you and I would add something, because you and I remember a time of the forest primeval, a time when nightmare and danger reigned and only the knights of darkness prevailed; when conservatives seemed without a champion in the critical battle of style and content. And then, suddenly riding up through the mists, came our clipboard-bearing Galahad: ready to take on any challengers in the critical battle of point and counterpoint. And, with grace and humor and passion, to raise a standard to which patriots and lovers of freedom could repair.
Like myself, many of you have known and been grateful for Bill's friendship — like everything else he does, he has made of that too an art form.
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.”
The Birth of the National Review...Buckley's most famous piece of writing-the publishers statement from the first edition of the National Review.
MORE...From Buckley's National Review.
MORE...from Jonathan Martin at The Politico.
MORE....Rush on Buckley's passing and legacy
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