National Review founder William F. Buckley has passed away.Rep. John Boehner:
“ America has lost a giant. William F. Buckley was, in large measure, the architect of the modern conservative movement. His intellect, wit, and dedication have inspired generations. In the 1950s, as many in America were moving toward a socialist future of ever-expanding government and ever-decreasing freedom, it took an act of courage and vision to stand athwart history and yell, ‘stop’ as Buckley wrote in the first issue of National Review. As long as America honors the ideals of our Founding Fathers – free speech, freedom of religion, and limited, Constitutional government - his legacy will be cherished.”President George W. Bush:
America has lost one of its finest writers and thinkers. Bill Buckley was one of the great founders of the modern conservative movement. He brought conservative thought into the political mainstream, and helped lay the intellectual foundation for America's victory in the Cold War and for the conservative movement that continues to this day. He will be remembered for his principled thought and beautiful writing — as well as his personal warmth, wit, and generous spirit. His legacy lives on in the ideas he championed and in the magazine he founded — National Review.Rep. Roy Blunt:
Laura and I send our prayers to Chris Buckley, the Buckley family, and all who loved this good man.
“William F. Buckley was more than a journalist or commentator. He was the indisputable leader of the conservative movement that laid the groundwork for the Reagan Revolution. Every Republican owes him a debt of gratitude for his tireless efforts on behalf of our party and nation. “While Mr. Buckley’s successes are vast, his longest lasting influence will always be through the work of the National Review – a magazine he founded more than five decades ago to give a voice to the brand of conservativism we associate with the modern Republican Party. Even though Mr. Buckley is no longer with us, the impact he has made will forever serve as a monument to the achievements of this honorable man.”Sen. Jim DeMint:
“America has lost one of its sharpest intellects and truest patriots today. William F. Buckley has been a guiding light for the conservative movement for over half a century. He was an inspiration to millions and a personal hero of mine. Buckley’s passing reminds us that a generation of great Americans who built the modern conservative movement are leaving us, but thankfully their philosophical underpinnings are not. Standing on the shoulders of giants is an enormous responsibility; it is left to new generations of conservatives to do just that by carrying the banner of freedom and liberty forward.”Sen. Cornyn:
“Debbie and I offer our deepest condolences to the Buckley family, his friends and his colleagues, who are all in our thoughts and prayers.”
“William F. Buckley was the intellectual inspiration for the modern conservative movement. For more than a half-century, he prodded, and questioned, and amused, and inspired millions. His work served to lift up countless Americans. His influence on both policy and history is almost immeasurable. America is safer, stronger and freer thanks to his life.Rep. Jeb Hensarling:
“Mr. Buckley has been honored by President Reagan and countless others for his contributions, and justifiably so. He was the embodiment of “morning in America,” the optimistic conviction that our values are enduring and our best years are still ahead. His role in the development of conservative thought was unique, and he can never be replaced.”
William F. Buckley was a legend within the conservative movement and helped to shape the view of generations of conservatives. His magazine, the National Review, played an instrumental role in defining conservatism and the Reagan Revolution. Personally, I will never forget how reading the National Review as a student at Texas A&M University guided my own journey as a conservative.
“A true Renaissance man, Mr. Buckley was an author, an entrepreneur, a soldier, a CIA operative, a novelist, a sailor, a conductor, and most of all, an idealist. His legacy is carried on by the National Review and by countless numbers of devotees – many of whom serve in Congress today – who believe in the principles of faith, family, free enterprise, and freedom. Each day, we in the Republican Study Committee work to carry the conservative torch that was lit by those like Mr. Buckley.
“Though his passing is a loss for our movement, Mr. Buckley’s words, ideals, and principles will undoubtedly continue to play a major role in the lives of all conservatives. I offer our deepest prayers and condolences to Christopher Buckley and the entire Buckley family.”
