William F. Buckley, 1925-2008

I met William F. Buckley only one time in the early 1980s . I was Chairman of Young Conervatives of Texas at Abilene Chrisitan University and was a young college student on the quest to change the world. Before I met Buckley I had been exposed to some of his excellent works. He was a brilliant writer whose nonfiction meant more to me than his fiction (of which he was famous).

When I met him, I was young and arrogant and felt I had so much more to offer the world than my actual worth. I believe people needed to know me and my opinions were vast and my knowledge was limited. What impressed me was how Buckley was a gentleman. He listened, politely as I pontificated about the way the world was and should be. He actually encouraged me in my enthusiasm and wish me well in my endeavors. He actually gave me the contact information of one of his assitants if he could ever be of assistance.

The funny thing was, I wasn't very impressed by the fine treatment I received. I expected no less. It was after many years and reflecting back that I realized how honored I was to meet the person that many call the intellectual godfather of the modern Conservative movement.

Kevin Price is Host of the Houston Business Show (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650) and Publisher of the Houston Business Review. Hear the show live and online at HoustonBusinessShow.com. Visit the archive of past shows here.