Buckley, R.I.P.

William F. Buckley died today. In a contoversial piece for Esquire Magazine in 1969, Gore Vidal described Buckley as, "not unlike Hitler, but without the charm." While I don't agree with his positions, I do have to admit a certain respect for Buckley. Say what you will about his political ideology or his personal manner, but the fact that conservativism is seen as a valid political ideology today is directly attributable to Buckley. He was a prime example of a transformational leader (more on that tomorrow) who for better or worse has shaped political discourse for several generations. Though he was wrong, that achievement deserves our respect.