Joseph Sobran, RIP
The great American writer Joe Sobran died [last Thursday] in Arlington, Virginia, from complications of diabetes. He was just 64. There is much more to say about this extraordinary man, but for now I just want to mention his sacrificing his lucrative career at National Review on the altar of truth. When Joe opposed the first US war on Iraq, ex-CIA agent Bill Buckley first ordered him to submit to the warfare state, and when he wouldn’t, fired him, even calling Joe an anti-Semite. But unlike Buckley and the other neocons who attacked him, Joe was no hater. He simply loved the Prince of Peace.
Joseph Sobran, R.I.P.
15 Greats from Joseph Sobran
National Socialism Comes to America
Confessions of a Reactionary Utopian
Joe Sobran received his B.A. in English from Eastern Michigan University and pursued graduate studies in English, specializing in Shakespeare. From 1969 to 1970 he taught English on a fellowship and lectured on Shakespeare.
In 1972, he went to work for National Review magazine, beginning what would be a 21-year stint, including 18 years as senior editor.
From 1979 to 1991, Mr. Sobran was a regular commentator on CBS Radio’s “Spectrum” series. Starting in 1979, his columns were syndicated by the Los Angeles Times Syndicate and later with Universal Press Syndicate and Griffin Internet Syndicate.
For 20 years, he wrote the weekly column “Washington Watch” for The Wanderer, a weekly Catholic newspaper. He has also written for numerous other publications over the years including Human Life Review, Celebrate Life! and Chronicles magazine, for which he writes a quarterly essay.
Abortion
After tens of millions of [abortion] 'procedures,' has America lost anything? Another Edison, perhaps? A Gershwin? A Babe Ruth? A Duke Ellington? … As it is, we will never know what abortion has cost us all.
Welfare
If the welfare state is here to welcome them, the solution is to get rid of it, as should have been done long ago. Overpopulation is a problem for socialist systems, not for free societies. In fact, the welfare system may be more destructive [to] the immigrants' families than to the natives.
Warfare
War nearly always serves as an occasion for serious expansions of state power and the destruction of legal protections.
[...] The Classic Liberal has a tribute, and some links. [...]
I've never read Sobran. But after reading some of the links provided, I'll be looking at more of his work.
Very interesting stuff.
[...] (not a hipster either) has an excellent tribute to Joseph Sobran (1946-2010). Very interesting reading. A typical [...]
[...] Via The Classic Liberal, we learn of the passing of the writer, Joseph Sobran Politicians never accuse you of ‘greed’ for wanting other people’s money, only for wanting to keep your own money. [...]
Joe Sobran was one of the greats. Thanks for putting these links together, CL.
Sobran was awesome! I've been re-reading and reading articles by him that I've missed. Great stuff! Important stuff!