[jobim]

Not to address the merits, or lack of, to Mr. Buckley's comments, but to speak a word in his defense as a bona fide American hero.

When a man has been responsible for funding and exposing through print and TV the major conservative thinkers in the 20th century, do we not owe him our respect?

When a man whose love for language and learning has done so much to promote truly civil intellectual discourse in our country, in contrast to the rapid coarsening of the culture we presently witness, do we not owe him our respect?

How can he consider himself a Conservative who directs personal insults at one on whose shoulders he stands?

[CometBaby]

How can he consider himself a Conservative who directs personal insults at one on whose shoulders he stands?

I did not insult Mr. Buckley .. I disagreed with him.

do we not owe him our respect?

Disagreeing with someone is not disrespectful. Respect is earned, not "owed". When respect is demanded, only fear is given. Where respect is commanded, it is freely and admiringly offered.