But….let me say this about a couple of those blogs:

RE: Ayn Rand. There was nothing vile about Buckley's column on Ms. Rand. He simply stated that she took her philosophy to extremes he could not coutenance. Randites are themselves, many of them, incapable of discourse. I refer you to a youtube clip of her on Phil Donahue. She was simply dismissive and rude to anyone who disagreed with her.

bill's comments on the birmingham bomb were wrong. But he many times said as much and those who know him have reported that he cried upon hearing the news. Nevertheless, his general point, apparently too sophisticated for the blogger, was right: lawlessness on the left or the right, no matter how justified the cause, simply encourages further lawlessness as people take matters into their own hands on the misguided idea that their cause, whatever it may be, justifies acts of provocation or even violence. Martin Luther King was a great American, but nevertheless he could not contain the violence and anger unleashed by the confrontational approaches he advocated, however rightly. And thus was had the weathermen, the black panthers, and the Muslim extremists who unleashed so much civil discord at a very difficult time. These issues are not easily discussed in soundbites. As a conservative, nevertheless, Buckley repudiated his own views and would support the MLK holiday.

thanks again for letting me see these rantings. I look forward to a more extended but fair essay on the issues they raised, but for now let us simply thank Bill for reminding the left that holdiing half the planet in slavery — even in the name of their causes — was wrong.

Then one night I stumbled on Firing Line, and watched in awe as Mr. Buckley demonstrated with finesse the "rightness" of being "right". I watched until long after I should have been in bed. I was in love with a man three times my age. Deeply, hopelessly, awed. Filled with unabashed adoration for this man who demonstrated that conservatism in its purest form is intellectually right, and unapologetically so.

My interest in politics and conservative thought were inspired, honed, and nurtured by Mr. Buckley. I literally felt a shock, as if a friend had died when my husband came home and said, "Did you hear? William F. Buckley died." A defining moment, I'll never forget where I was or what I was doing, much like 9/11 or the Challenger.

I was not blessed to know him personally, but I knew him through his essays. His most recent observations regarding the Republican party were so welcome among what seems to have become a group of non-thinkers. I admire his courage, appreciate his audacity, and cherish his civility.

Thank you, Mr. Buckley. And thank you, Mr. Shadroui for writing a eulogy almost deserving of him. :)

Blogs are a penny-a-dozen; however, here are a few.

http://freestudents.blogspot.com
http://www.liberalavenger.com/2008/02/27/william-f-buckley-dies-to-avoid-black-president
http://leftword.blogdig.net/archives/articles/February2008/27/Shed_No_Tears_For_Bill_Buckley.html
http://www.boomantribune.com/story/2008/2/27/135839/926