Cliff Stearns: “50 years ago a new periodical entered the marketplace in American history. That publication was National Review. Its…”

“50 years ago a new periodical entered the marketplace in American history. That publication was National Review. Its founder and editor was 29-year-old William F. Buckley. From the beginning, Buckley's magazine stood ``athwart history, yelling `Stop,' at a time when no one is inclined to do so, or to have much patience with those who so urged it.'' And for 5 decades, it has bravely and effectively espoused conservative values and ideas, with both humor and intelligence. It is no surprise that since its inception, we have seen widespread acceptance of conservative principles like economic freedom, individual responsibility, and traditional values. Buckley and National Review did much more than ``stand athwart history.'' They helped shape it and America and the world are better for it. I offer a most sincere happy birthday to William Buckley and thank him for his wonderful creation, and I congratulate the family at National Review for 50 years of fine work with hopefully many more years to come. ____________________”