The Political Thought of James Burnham

The news that President Reagan has awarded the Medal of Freedom to James Burnham brings me particular pleasure. Burnham’s intellectual contribution to the defense of freedom in the world is immense, and this official recognition of it is welcome.

I have never concealed the fact that I regard James Burnham as my political mentor; I was honored when national review invited me to take over his column some years ago. It is therefore a pleasure to pay him homage.