His charm notwithstanding, let’s remember some of the things William F. Buckley stood for:
“The central question that emerges…is whether the White community in the South is entitled to take such measures as are necessary to prevail, politically and culturally, in areas where it does not predominate numerically? The sobering answer is Yes-the White community is so entitled because, for the time being, it is the advanced race.”
-William F. Buckley, National Review, August 24, 1957.
Here’s the opening graf of the Times obituary :
William F. Buckley Jr., who marshaled polysyllabic exuberance, famously arched eyebrows and a refined, perspicacious mind to elevate conservatism to the center of American political discourse, died Wednesday at his home in Stamford, Conn. He was 82.
We thought that the notion of “advanced race” put one at the edge, rather than the center, of American politics. Perhaps this is part of an editorial policy of being polite. But it does reek of inaccuracy and timidity.