[SteveMcKing]

"Why? We constantly see great minds and good people lose their cutting edge because of age, so we shouldn't be surprised."

Of course age can be a factor and often suspect of senility, but I don't believe that Ronald Reagan, for example, ever penned a socialist view following his own clinical wasting of "brain-muscle" - neither in the form of Alzheimer's nor any general dementia expressed beforehand.

"Do you really think the FreeRepublic is a liberal piece of crap website?"

Hyperbolically, yes. In reality, no - it is still a useful tool for conservative agendas. We are miles off-course however, but thankfully, too, Republicans are well above modern-day democrats in all ways that matter (or at least culturally and policy-wise...).

More personally, I am questioning my own views of elitism and intellectual leadership. This is a classic conundrum, recognizing the certainty of failure and incompetence, but wishing to respect the freedom and deserved opportunities of everyone to excel as individuals.

[Old Professer]

The critic writes with rapier pen, dips it twice, and writes again.

[brazzaville]

Good evening.
"Of course age can be a factor and often suspect of senility, but I don't believe that Ronald Reagan, for example, ever penned a socialist view following his own clinical wasting of "brain-muscle" - neither in the form of Alzheimer's nor any general dementia expressed beforehand."

Buckley doesn't have to have senility or other physical problem. He was a towering intellect and probably still is, but he is old and he grew old in an ivory tower.

"This is a classic conundrum, recognizing the certainty of failure..."

There is no certainty of any outcome beyond the sad fact that people will still die. Other great intellects and people who know better say he is wrong.

"but wishing to respect the freedom and deserved opportunities of everyone to excel as individuals."

That's admirable of you.

Michael Frazier

[Old Professer]

When all is writ, in proper script, the critic sate awaits his fate.