Tom Feeney's Statement on the Passing of William F. Buckley Jr.
Tom Feeney's Statement on the Passing of William F. Buckley Jr.
(Washington, D.C.) - Tom Feeney (R-Oviedo) today released the following statement after learning of the passing of William F. Buckley Jr.:
"An American hero has left us today. From his first book 'God and Man at Yale,' to his long running PBS show 'Firing Line,' to his founding of the most important political journal in American history, 'National Review,' Mr. Buckley was the intellectual leader of conservatives for five decades.
"Watching a steady drift in America in the first half of the 20th century towards socialism and collectivism, Buckley founded National Review stating its mission was to stand 'athwart history yelling Stop.' He excommunicated anti-Semites from the conservative movement. He wrote dozens of books, fact and fiction, authored thousands of columns and was the premier debater of our times.
"His wit was extraordinary. During his campaign for Mayor of New York in 1965, he was asked what he would do if first elected. 'Demand a recount,' he answered. When President Nixon encouraged him to run for Congress, he replied, 'only if I can hold all 435 seats simultaneously.' And when asked which cabinet position in the new Reagan Administration he might want, he answered 'ventriloquist.'
"Buckley led to the leadership of Barry Goldwater and the election of Ronald Reagan as President. I have read his keen intellectual commentary from age 12 or so, left the neighborhood football field early on Sunday to watch 'Firing Line,' and am addicted to conservatismâs flagship publication - National Review.
"Buckley was the foremost intellectual guide for millions like myself, leaders like Ronald Reagan and Lady Thatcher, and the entire conservative movement. In short, he was instrumental in the defeat of socialism at home, the Soviet Union abroad, and is largely responsible for the freedom in America enjoyed by all.
"This is a sad loss for America. William F. Buckley, RIP," said Feeney.
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