The erudite William F. Buckley Jr., one of the greatest conservative thinkers of our time, passed away yesterday. Mr. Buckley always fascinated me whenever I saw him on Firing Line during my high school years, and maybe even before. The way he spoke about politics and conservative principles shaped me early on. His vocabulary was impressive and I listened to him in awe and was charmed by his wit. For me he made being intellectual, philosophical and political cool. Even my blog sis Pat has admitted to a secret crush on WFB. Now I know why she and I became friends so easily!
During my college years I discovered Young Americans for Freedom while attending San Diego State University, and knew that I had to be a part of such an organization just because he was the founder. My political science professors never had kind words for him, but I challenged their assumptions and often impressed my classmates and professors with my willingness to speak up for my conservative principles and not buy into groupthink or moral relativism. Mr. Buckley helped me to do that.
Perhaps one day I’ll get to meet Mr. Buckley in heaven and thank him for standing firm to his principles and teaching us what it means to be a conservative. Senator John McCain could learn a few things from him!