William F. Buckley, Jr. R.I.P. 1925 -2008

As his book says: Nearer my God....

William F. Buckley, Jr. or Bill, as he liked to be called, has died. Reported on NRO, he died while working in his study this morning.

I feel as if I've lost a family member. He has been an influence for all of my adult life. My mother bought me yearly subscriptions to the National Review as birthday presents. I'm sure he'll get an earful, respectfully, from her. She loved watching him.

And the world has lost a champion for freedom.

But, he is happier now. He has joined his beloved wife, Pat. I know that they will not read this, but, our condolences to his family. And thanks. For without Bill's genius the world would have been a darker place.

May God bless his family and have mercy on him. Amen.

O,CAPTAIN! my Captain! our fearful trip is done;

The ship has weather’d every rack, the prize we sought is won
The port is near, the bells I hear, the people all exulting,
While follow eyes the steady keel, the vessel grim and daring:
But O heart! heart! heart!
O the bleeding drops of red,
Where on the deck my Captain lies,
Fallen cold and dead.
O Captain! my Captain! rise up and hear the bells;
Rise up—for you the flag is flung—for you the bugle trills;
For you bouquets and ribbon’d wreaths—for you the shores a-crowding;
For you they call, the swaying mass, their eager faces turning;
Here Captain! dear father!
This arm beneath your head;
It is some dream that on the deck,
You’ve fallen cold and dead.
My Captain does not answer, his lips are pale and still;
My father does not feel my arm, he has no pulse nor will;
The ship is anchor’d safe and sound, its voyage closed and done;
From fearful trip, the victor ship, comes in with object won;
Exult, O shores, and ring, O bells!
But I, with mournful tread,
Walk the deck my Captain lies,
Fallen cold and dead.

God Speed. And may there be sailing in Heaven......