Posted on 01/13/2012 11:07:42 AM PST by nikos1121
From writing books, to creating, leading and sustaining National Review Magazine, to his 33-year run as the host of Firing Line on television, Bill Buckley became the indispensable intellectual advocate from whose energy, intelligence, wit, and enthusiasm the best of modern conservatism drew its inspiration and encouragement.
It was not until William F. Buckley, Jr., founded National Review Magazine in 1955 that the tide began to slowly turn for conservatives. National Review was a lonely voice of conservatism in an overwhelmingly liberal establishment. Buckley began what led to Senator Barry Goldwater and his Conscience of a Conservative that led to the seizing of power by the conservatives from the moderate establishment within the Republican Party. From that emerged Ronald Reagan. Bill stood up to defend freedom as a positive value of greater moral worth than either the state and the elite, and over time his work had a transformational impact on the quality of American politics that continues even today.
He was a wonderful friend, a great patriot, and a lively human being. Callista and I are praying for him and those who loved him. He will be missed.
The obituary itself does not prove Newt's conservatism, in my mind it is unquestioned, but regretably not to the editors and most writers at the National Review, who have come a hair's breath of endorsing Romney and Huntsman.
What’s a National Review? The magazine of that name died awhile back.
There is a publication under that name in DC now, but it looks like it has a different purpose...something about support the big government branch of the GOP.
Thanks, for the post. ;-)
I’m quite sure that Bill Buckley is rolling in his grave.
You are correct about Newt’s conservative credentials. Newt is somebody that gets things done. It is obvious the RINOs and weak-kneed conservatives are afraid to admit the bold conservative, pro-growth action that is required. They are afraid to admit that Newt is the conservative that not only articulates and debates what is needed, but he is equipped to execute these plans. Calling all True conservatives and conservative leaders, such as Sarah Palin, the Tea Party Express and Evangelical leaders to get behind Newt now so he can WIN South Carolina and make this nomination a horse race. Conservative should realize that Perry and Santorum are good conservatives, but they cannot speak and execute as well as Newt and they would not fare well against Obama. Get behind Newt!
I don’t quite trust Newt, but if Santorum can’t get the lead done I’m going to have to go with him. I will NOT go with Romney! I’d love a Santorum lead. I wish Palin would endorse him. I’m sure it would help him tremendously. But Newt is going to have to be second choice.
I’m still shocked and amazed at the Ann Coulters, George Wills etc out there who profess to be conservative. Even Rush in his sneaky way giving Newt his daily digs. I’m surprised Newt hasn’t been invited to go on his show.
No one on either side can speak to as wide an audience as Newt can. You may not agree with him, but the man knows the Socratic method of discussion and debate relative to an issue, and he can bring that to anyone’s level.
Can you picture Romney speaking to a crowd of poor Latinos or blacks? I think not, but I can picture Newt speaking to them, and maybe even getting several to come around to conservative thinking.
Can you picture Romney speaking to the NAACP? I doubt it, but I can picture Newt doing so, and maybe convincing a few people to consider a conservative solution to poverty in this country.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.