When figures larger than life die they leave huge holes around us. To me, such deaths remind of the changed nature of the forest when one of its ancient residents comes down in a storm. The canopy has a hole where once stood a giant.
The tributes to William F. Buckley are pouring in all over the internet, on radio & TV, and in print. Yesterday I heard a particularly moving tribute given by Rush Limbaugh, who was befriended and mentored by Dr. Buckley when he began broadcasting nationally. He told the story of being in his late 30s, and just beginning to broadcast from NYC, when Dr. Buckley invited him to his Manhattan residence to celebrate a birthday! As a college dropout who was going to meet one of the most brilliant people in our nation's history Limbaugh had his driver go around the block four times until he could get up the nerve to get out of the car. He later told the story of how Buckley, more than anyone else, reminded him of his late father. Buckley's response was to tear up and become embarrassed by Limbaugh's obvious affection.
The following tribute by Fr. Robert Sirico of the Acton Institute is in the same vein. We need more men like William F. Buckley. Enjoy!
WFB: In Memoriam - The Acton Institute
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