New Generations Check In: The Wisdom of NR Remains

Alas, what can be said about William F. Buckley, Jr. and his flagship magazine of ideas that has not already been said? Rich and compelling evidence exists, placing Buckley's brainchild, National Review, at the vanguard of publications featuring innovative policies of a libertarian or conservative bent. It is The Holy Grail of opinion, among Forbes/Reagan/Goldwater conservatives.

Commanding respect from the young, as well as the experienced oldtimers, perhaps the most rewarding quality that National Review offers its publishers and long-term subscribers is the multi-generational appeal.

Sophomores in high school and seniors on the golf links equally value the in-depth consideration given important topics of today, including everything from parental school choice, Medical Savings Accounts (MSA's), active management of forest resources for forest health, options for improving foreign policy, ideas for reducing spending of taxpayer dollars, and not rarely, a focus on tax relief, replete with details as to how it would offer net benefits to workers' take-home pay, overall business profits and the American economy. Written in engaging fashion by a stable of writers, the likes of Jeanne Kirkpatrick, Ramesh Ponnuru, Jack Kemp, Newt Gingrich, Thomas Sowell, Laura Ingraham and many great conservative/libertarian voices of this half-century, you can not help but to be swept up in the battle of real ideas. National Review inspires, it educates, it creates questions, it enthralls the reader.

The politically astute and the aspiring future leaders of America unite in their appreciation for NR's uniquely literate way of presenting new ideas and age-old ideals. Not for the faint of reading, one of the greater benefits, which accrues to the recipients of NR columns, is occasionally perceived to be its only significant handicap. In truth, however, as the most effective teachers will attest, young readers of NR will discover that they respond positively to being challenged to read at a higher level. Drawing rough parallels to the world of literature, when gauging writing quality, NR is to Newsweek what Fitzgerald is to common novelists. Though not written with the complexity of James Joyce, NR takes a higher road than everyday news sources, and the expectation is that if you're not there already, you'll soon catch up with the rest of the pack. After quite a few decades of success, NR hasn't lost it's bet that we will, indeed, keep up. And American politics is the better for it.

We all know those of the younger generation, who are solid prospects for future leadership in America. When contemplating gifts for their next celebration of birthday, holiday or graduation, consider that an NR subscription would offer them myriad ideas, improved vocabulary and an addiction that will last a lifetime. Whomever gave me my first copy...thank you, but will you make next year's renewal for me? It's your turn!