Conservative Icon James L. Buckley Passes Away at 100

By | August 19, 2023

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death – Obituary News : James L. Buckley, a prominent champion of conservative values, passed away on Friday morning at the age of 100. His lifelong commitment to conservative ideals and his impressive career across all three branches of the government left a lasting impact on American politics.

Born in Connecticut as the fourth of ten children, Buckley’s belief in limited government, personal freedom, and his Catholic faith were instilled in him from a young age by his parents, as reported by the National Review (NR). His younger brother, the renowned William F. Buckley Jr., further deepened James’ dedication to conservative principles.

After graduating from Yale University, Buckley put his studies on hold to serve in World War II. Upon his return, he embarked on a career as a lawyer, staunchly defending constitutional conservatism. In 1968, he made history by becoming the first third-party candidate since 1940 to win a Senate seat, according to NR. Buckley advocated for tax rate indexing, a concept that eventually found its place in the Reagan tax bill. In 1973, he introduced the Human Life Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

Buckley played a pivotal role in the passage of the Family Educational Rights and Policy Act of 1974, which emphasized parental rights in education. His legal expertise also led to a landmark Supreme Court decision addressing campaign-finance regulations and their implications for freedom of political speech, as highlighted by NR.

Later in his career, Buckley was appointed by former President Ronald Reagan as an undersecretary of state, head of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, and ultimately served as a federal judge for an impressive 15-year tenure.

Tributes poured in following the news of Buckley’s passing, with many recognizing his unwavering dedication to his faith and his commitment to equality. Kathryn Jean Lopez, a prominent commentator, tweeted, “A most beautiful soul, James Buckley, died this morning. He was a senator and judge, but I will always remember him most fondly at the altar rail, where he said we are all equal and in need of our Savior. May he be in union with Him today and for eternity.”

James L. Buckley leaves behind a legacy of conservative values and a lifetime of public service. His contributions to American politics and his unwavering commitment to his beliefs will continue to inspire generations to come..