Michael Gerson on William F. Buckley

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Buckley knew that politics, above all, is the realm of ideas, not merely tactics and power. For conservatives, those ideas do not change with time and circumstance. The goal of freedom, he said, is to "live my life an obedient man, but obedient to God, subservient to the wisdom of my ancestors; never to the authority of political truths arrived at yesterday at the voting booth."

These are all important lessons—but lessons do not substitute for the man. With Buckley's passing—as with the passing of Reagan—conservatism has one less grand, unifying figure. One less leader regarded with respect and affection by every element of a sprawling coalition, from libertarians to religious conservatives. Buckley united the movement because he embodied it, and he embodied it because he largely created it. Conservatism will survive Buckley's passing, as an edifice survives the death of its architect. But few remain who understand how the building was built.

Excessive mourning is inappropriate when a good man dies full of years and honors. But the loss to conservatism and to America is real. The departure of William F. Buckley Jr. leaves an unfilled spot where wit and joy once stood.

Gerson, a speechwriter and policy adviser to President Bush, is a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and a NEWSWEEK contributor.

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Posted By: votenic @ 03/05/2008 3:13:56 PM

Michael Gerson?
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Posted By: lennonism @ 03/03/2008 12:58:06 AM

Though I disagree with Mr. Buckley's ideals and even been disappointed at some comments he made, I do respect his intelletual conservatism. I wish that the so-called republican base with its conservative roots would actually take the political debate to a higher level. But the problem is that the republican base and its mouthpiece of Fox News never take the high road and actually give an intellectual answer to their conservative beliefs. I'm tired of conservatives or others in the right using dead-end arguments, red herrings, or even hate speech in order to get their point across. If you really believe in what your talking about, then have something to back it up with, not just talking points and punch lines to support their views. Why has public debate got dumber and less articulate over the past couple of decades?
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Posted By: Ohg Rea Tone @ 03/02/2008 8:24:33 AM

There are those who hope to out-Buckley Buckley. But this is an impossible task. William F. Buckley so clearly articulated a thoughtful conservative vision that every person listened - whether they agreed or not. Some are saying the new Buckley is Rush Limbaugh - but Limbaugh is a buffoon compared to the eloquent Buckley.......http://thefiresidepost.com/2008/01/31/ohg-rea-tone-on-demise-of-rush-limbaugh/