The Buckley Documentary

Above, William F. Buckley Jr. in an undated photo from Wikipedia.

Last night was the first time in months that I stayed up to almost 11:00. This was to watch the PBS documentary, "The Incomparable Mr. Buckley".

I learned a lot about William F. Buckley Jr. from the program. It was interesting that many of the liberals who appeared on Firing Line were also personal friends. It was refreshing to see how friendships can be made despite political differences. 

It was interesting to see a photo of Buckley shaking hands with Sen. Robert F. Kennedy. Kennedy would not appear on Firing Line. When asked why, Buckley quipped, "Why does the baloney avoid the slicer?"

Above, Buckley and Robert Kennedy.

Buckley passed away while working in his study. At the time, he was working on a book on Barry Goldwater. He was 82.

The only thing that marred the program for me was the Trump-bashing at the end. Otherwise, it was a worthwhile documentary.

UPDATE:

I just discovered that the full documentary has been posted at YouTube.

Here it is:

"The Incomparable Mr. Buckley" On PBS Friday

PBS American Masters will be airing "The Incomparable Mr. Buckley" on Friday (9:00 PM on New Mexico PBS 5.1) evening. (Check your local listings.)

It takes a look at William F. Buckley Jr., one of the fathers of the modern conservative movement in American politics. This is one program that I am looking forward to seeing.

I have some of Buckley's books such as In The Jeweler's Eye, Quotations From Chairman Bill and Up From Liberalism. I was a regular viewer of his Firing Line television show and read National Review.

I remember seeing Buckley at the 1976 Republican National Convention as he took a "stroll" on the convention floor. I was a California Reagan delegate at that convention in Kansas City, Missouri. He received a great welcome from the delegates.

Here's the official trailer:

Margaret Thatcher On Free Market and Redistribution Societies On "Firing Line"

Before she became Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher appeared on William F. Buckley's Firing Line and spoke about free market societies and state-controlled redistribution societies.  Keep in mind that this conversation took place 30 years ago.  What she said then is pertinent now in the U.S.

Her comments begin at about the 3-minute mark.