The first time I ever saw Ayn Rand in person (Feb. 1968) Buckley’s name came up and I don’t think I’ll ever forget it. Rand was giving lecture 17 of the Basic Principles series. During the Q & A, some woman (girl, really, she seemed quite young) asked Rand what she thought of William F. Buckley’s FIRING LINE show. Well, Rand got a little offended and told the girl that she didn’t answer obscene questions. Then she caught herself and told the girl that even though she might not have intended to offend, she should consider the context. The girl sat down and that was that. At that time I wasn’t aware of the Chambers’ obscene review of ATLAS in Buckley’s NATIONAL REVIEW. When I found out, I thought, “That’s a black mark against Buckley.

Years later he redeemed himself, at least slightly. I was reading an article by him in PLAYBOY and he was telling about his penchant for always knowing his favorites, in all kinds of different categories. Since this was a column on food, Buckley stated that his favorite restaurant on earth was Paone’s in New York city. So on my next vacation in New York I tried it. Incredible. In talking with Mr. Paone I found out he was from the Pittsburgh area (my home.) He had been in New York for decades and I told him he must enjoy Boardway. But he said he had never seen a play—too busy with the restaurant. Thanks Bill for Paone's.

RIP William F. Buckley