William F. Buckley

“One must bear in mind that the expansion of federal activity is a form of eating for politicians.”

“I profoundly believe it takes a lot of practice to become a moral slob.”

“The best defense against usurpatory government is an assertive citizenry.”

“The more complicated and powerful the job, the more rudimentary the preparation for it.”

“Liberals claim to want to give a hearing to other views, but then are shocked and offended to discover that there are other views.”

“Life can't be all bad when for ten dollars you can buy all the Beethoven sonatas and listen to them for ten years.”

“I won't insult your intelligence by suggesting that you really believe what you just said.”

“Idealism is fine, but as it approaches reality, the costs become prohibitive.”

“Back in the thirties we were told we must collectivize the nation because the people were so poor. Now we are told we must collectivize the nation because the people are so rich.”

“I would like to electrocute everyone who uses the word 'fair' in connection with income tax policies.”

“Some of my instincts are reprehensible.”

“Liberals, it has been said, are generous with other peoples' money, except when it comes to questions of national survival when they prefer to be generous with other people's freedom and security.”

“I'd rather entrust the government of the United States to the first 400 people listed in the Boston telephone directory than to the faculty of Harvard University.”

“I would like to take you seriously, but to do so would affront your intelligence.”

“Even if one takes every reefer madness allegation of the prohibitionists at face value, marijuana prohibition has done far more harm to far more people than marijuana ever could.”

“All adventure is now reactionary.”

“It seems to me that the idea traditionally defended of endeavoring to maintain existing ethnic balances simply doesn't work any more.”

“A Conservative is a fellow who is standing athwart history yelling 'Stop!'”

“We love your adherence to democratic principles.”

“One can't doubt that the American objective in Iraq has failed - different plans have to be made. And the kernel here is the acknowledgement of defeat.”