Paul Weyrich: Rest in Peace

The conservative movement lost one of it’s founders and strongest advocates today.  Paul Weyrich died this morning at the age of 66.

I have seen a few articles about him so far with pictures of him in hislatter years when his health was failing.  When I remember him I see a strong leader with a clear and precise use of language and unfaltering stand for truth.  He was a confident advocate for conservatism.  And he engendered confidence in those he touched with sound advice and counsel.

I didn’t know him well, but I was around him on various occasions.  I met him the first time in 1984.  I was a young college student ready to take on the political world.  I had gone to Powhatan, Virginia for a conference of student leaders gathered to start a new campus conservative organization called Students for America.  Paul was helping a young up-and-comer who had a vision for active student conservatism start an organization designed to promote future leaders.  His name was Ralph Reed.   Paul Weyrich was one of a few leaders in the movement who made a path for a new generation of activists like Ralph who helped bring the GOP to majority status under the banner of standing for innocent life, free-markets and a strong national defense.

Paul helped found The Heritage Foundation and served as its first President.  Heritage came into being as a way to counter the pro-tax, big-government think tanks which dominated Washington, D.C. in the 1970s.  From a humble beginning in 1973, Heritage has become one of the largest, most influential think tanks in the world thanks to Paul’s early efforts and those which have been carried on by Ed Feulner.

As someone who was directly and indirectly influenced by Paul’s leadership, Christian witness and clear stand for truth, I am greatly saddended by his passing.  He will be greatly missed.