I must say I’ve never been into William F. Buckley. I’ve tried reading his columns and stuff in the past and always got bored. His writing style just wasn’t my cup of tea. I’ve never been able to stand him live, but that’s how I feel about most people. (How anyone can stand talk shows and interview programs I’ve never understood. I can stand actors pretending to be other people; real people being themselves on tv bore and irritate me. And don’t get me started on radio.) Also, everyone is recounting fondly his threatening to punch Gore Vidal in the face as if it were some rhetorical triumph instead of a common kneejerk reaction to Vidal’s bullshit. I mean, who doesn’t want to punch Gore Vidal in the face? I’ll bet even Vidal wants to punch himself every now and then.
Be all that as it may, apparently Buckley died with his boots on. As someone whose expired and half-eaten-by-cats corpse will probably be found when the smell starts to bother the other hobos in the alley, I’ve got to respect that.
5 Responses to “My bid to make everyone hate me”
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February 27th, 2008 at 6:53 pm
,Only someone “off” could hate another based on such silly reasons. A difference of opinion on Bill Buckley doesn’t quite rise to that level…for most reasonable folk, that is.
I liked Buckley, but it was more the sound of his voice than what he actually said, because a lot of THAT I couldn’t understand till it was translated into Flyover American. I also admired his ability to say really cutting, ugly things with such fancy words.
February 27th, 2008 at 6:59 pm
I found his writing very hard to read. I did like Firing Line, though.
My favorite memory of “Firing Line” is from a panel discussing the separation of church and state. The camera was on Alan Dershowitz who was saying “If Abraham were to attempt to sacrifice Isaac today the way he did in the Bible, I’d swear out a warrant against him for attempted murder!” Buckley, off-camera, quickly said, “But would you defend him?” That got a big laugh. Dershowitz said, “Well…”, and the laughter got louder. Dershowitz then said under the laughter, “Probably.”
February 27th, 2008 at 8:23 pm
Oh I was just kidding.
February 27th, 2008 at 10:25 pm
BTW, my comment was to kc — I know people won’t hate me, I am universally beloved by my minions!
What? You contradict me? Guards! Off with their heads!
February 28th, 2008 at 5:49 am
Well, there’s proof (as if we needed any) you’re not a lefty, Andrea…’they’ DO hate others for such insignificant differences of opinion. Your comment says it, universally!
Cold this morning. Better make some coffee.