William Safire, RIP (This has not been a good time for losing friends)

American Spectator ^ | SEPTEMBER 27, 2009 | Ben Stein

[RobinMasters]

This has not been a good time for losing friends. Genius pal John Hughes. Patriot, superstar political and moral philosopher, Irving Kristol. One of the kindest, gentlest, finest men on the planet, a twinkle of intelligence and love always in his eyes, beautiful soul Irving Kristol.

Now, just yesterday, irreplaceable Bill Safire, who was more family than friend.

When I think of Safire and losing him to cruel, vicious cancer, I think of losing the walking talking embodiment of that highest of virtues, loyalty. (Kristol, too.) Yes, a brilliant writer and phrase-maker -- the words, "an effete corps of impudent snobs," will live forever. His advice to those of us who came to his Yom Kippur "breaking of the fasts" was perfect Safire, "I am not telling you to fast -- but food tastes better when you're hungry."

Yes, fearless fighter for what he thought was right, against Carter and in telling the truth about Hillary Clinton, but more than that, in sticking up for Richard Nixon through thick and thin. He thought, he knew, Nixon was being wrongly persecuted and even after Nixon's wayward goons wiretapped him, he stood up for Nixon.

Resolute lover of America. Resolute defender of Israel against the new anti-Semites who call themselves anti-Israel, Bill Safire was genuinely without fear or favor.

[RobinMasters]

[RobinMasters]

Ping.

[marron]

Wow.

I remember when, for conservatives, Safire was all there was.

[cpa4you]

Some years ago, during the Clinton years, Safire called Hillary a “congenital liar” in one of his columns. Buba, then President, threatened to punch Safire in the nose.

I sent an email to Safire expressing my appreciation for his thoughts, and, he was kind enough to respond. Recently I heard him on the radio, doing a book tour.

Safire was a long-time columnist at the NY Times and a novelist.

He WILL be Missed!

[Clemenza]

Big fan of Bill’s columns on language long before I ever cared about politics. He will be missed.

[grandpa jones]

Some years ago, during the Clinton years, Safire called Hillary a “congenital liar” in one of his columns. Buba, then President, threatened to punch Safire in the nose.

That was a great column. One of my favorites...
Safire: Blizzard of Lies

[metalurgist]

Safire was never a conservative. He admitted on Meet The Press that he voted for Clinton TWICE. After that, I always read his opinions with a jaundiced eye.

[marron]

Safire was never a conservative. He admitted on Meet The Press that he voted for Clinton TWICE.

Yes, you're right. And yet... he was all we had at one time.

I was just thinking about how much things have changed. The "big" media hasn't changed much, but with Fox and FR and Limbaugh and so forth we've got choices we didn't much have then.

Then there was George Will. He was such a breath of fresh air... and now I see that he's not particularly conservative either, but at one time he was the best we had too.

The only thing I miss from those days is Buckley. He had some strange ideas too, but I suppose who doesn't. He still changed the map and stood in the gap until Limbaugh, Fox, and the internet could finally get here.

cheers