Allard Lowenstein, R I P

(Remarks at the Memorial Service for Allard Lowenstein, March 18, 1980, by WFB)

Possibly, as a dissenter, my own experience with him was unique, in that we conservatives did not generally endorse his political prescriptions. So that we were, presumptively, opponents of Al Lowenstein, in those straitened chambers in which we spend, and misspend, so much of our lives. It was his genius that so many of those he touched—generally arriving a half-hour late—discovered intuitively the underlying communion. He was, in our time, the original activist, such was his impatience with the sluggishness of justice; so that his rhythms were more often than not disharmonious with those that govern the practical, banausic councils of this world. His habits were appropriately disarrayed. He was late to breakfast, to his appointments; late in announcing his sequential availability for public service. He was punctual only in registering (though often under-age) for service in any army /that conceived itself bound to righteousness.

About the Author

William F. Buckley Jr.

William F. Buckley Jr. founded National Review magazine in 1955.

(Remarks at the Memorial Service for Allard Lowenstein, March 18, 1980, by WFB)

Possibly, as a dissenter, my own experience with him was unique, in that we conservatives did not generally endorse his political prescriptions. So that we were, presumptively, opponents of Al Lowenstein, in those straitened chambers in which we spend, and misspend, so much of our lives. It was his genius that so many of those he touched—generally arriving a half-hour late—discovered intuitively the underlying communion. He was, in our time, the original activist, such was his impatience with the sluggishness of justice; so that his rhythms were more often than not disharmonious with those that govern the practical, banausic councils of this world. His habits were appropriately disarrayed. He was late to breakfast, to his appointments; late in announcing his sequential availability for public service. He was punctual only in registering (though often under-age) for service in any army /that conceived itself bound to righteousness.