William F. Buckley Jr. Dies, 82
Conservative commentator William F. Buckley Jr. has died at age 82, according to the AP. His assistant told the AP that Buckley died Wednesday morning at his home in Stamford, Conn. The New York Times is reporting that Buckley suffered from diabetes and emphysema, but that the cause of death is unknown.
Buckley is known for his writings in his magazine, the National Review, which posted this statement:
I’m devastated to report that our dear friend, mentor, leader, and founder William F. Buckley Jr., died this morning in his study in Stamford, Connecticut, writes Kathryn Jean Lopez, NR editor.
He died while at work; if he had been given a choice on how to depart this world, I suspect that would have been exactly it. At home, still devoted to the war of ideas.
As you might expect, we’ll have much more to say here and in NR in the coming days and weeks and months. For now: Thank you, Bill. God bless you, now with your dear Pat. Our deepest condolences to Christopher and the rest of the Buckley family. And our fervent prayer that we continue to do WFB’s life’s work justice.
Statement from House GOP Leader John Boehner after the jump ...
House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) issued the following statement after the death of William F. Buckley Jr.:
“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.”
