Conservative Leader Paul Weyrich dead at age 66

Paul M. Weyrich, Chairman and CEO of the Free Congress Foundation and first president of The Heritage Foundation, died this morning around 1 am. He was 66 years old. Weyrich was a good friend to conservatives, a true leader and a man of unbending principle. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Republican National Committee Chair Mike Duncan expressed, "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Paul Weyrich, whose life work was instrumental in the development of Conservative thought. As the first president of the Heritage Foundation and respected leader of other Conservative organizations and coalitions, Paul's service to America has embodied and further advanced the Republican Party's core values of limited government, lower taxes, and individual responsibility. We are saddened by the passing of Paul Weyrich, but we know that his contributions will continue to resonate for generations."

House Republican Leader John Boehner said in a statement, "Paul was one of the giants of the conservative movement – a man committed to family, faith, and preserving and expanding freedom both here in America and around the world. His passing is a great loss for conservatism, and for our country. Paul was right from the start, as a volunteer for Barry Goldwater’s 1964 presidential campaign. The Heritage Foundation – which he co-founded and helped organize – provided a roadmap for Ronald Reagan’s presidency and continues to serve as a leading public policy research institute for the conservative movement. For more than four decades, Paul shaped American politics through his leadership, his writing, his activism, and his passion. He will be missed."

Carter L. Clews, Americans for Limited Government said, "Paul Weyrich was a giant of a man to whom all conservatives owe a lasting debt of gratitude. It is safe to say that there is not a conservative institution in America today that does not bear his imprint and carry forward his legacy. Back in the dark days of the 1970s when I first met Paul, he embodied the dream of a conservative emergence. Though then, he was, indeed, a 'voice crying in the wilderness,' he would with dogged determination take he lead in fomenting a revolution that brought Ronald Reagan and a Republican Senate majority to power."

Weyrich often made his views known in columns published by major newspapers and across the Internet. Weyrich's last column was published today, Thursday, Dec. 18, the day he died. It discussed a subject close to his heart – an assessment of conservatism. As a tribute, his final words are shared below:>

The Next Conservatism, A Serious Agenda for the Future by Paul Wyrich - Dec 18, 2008: It was the best of times. It was the worst of times. It is the worst of times because millions of Americans are unemployed this Christmas. It is the worst of years because we have mortgaged the future of our children and grandchildren for decades to come.

It is the worst of years because many good friends have left us. It is the best of times because we still live in the greatest nation on earth. It is the best of years because we have the freedom to speak our minds. It is the best of years because we can organize as we see fit to support the political candidates of our choice.

It is the worst of years because we have to witness the troglodytes from hell kill innocent people in Mumbai, formerly Bombay. It is the best of years because we have a peaceful transition from a Republican to a Democratic President with exemplary co-operation between President George W. Bush and President-elect Barack H. Obama.

It is the best of years because the test of the sea-based missile defense system has worked. It is the worst of years because most of America is not defended against a missile attack. It is the best of times because the 22nd city opens a light-rail system this December after light-rail nearly died out a few years ago.

It is the worst of times because the Bush Administration has turned down 70 some cities which want light rail or streetcars. It is the best of times because Amtrak has set records in number of passengers carried. It is the worst of times because the airlines carry more people on one day than Amtrak does in a year.

It is the best of years because various factions are co-operating toward an agreement about the withdrawal of United States troops from Iraq. It is the worst of years because we are struggling in the war in Afghanistan.

It is the best of times because medical science continues to make great progress. It is the worst of times because we are about to suffer a government takeover of the most successful medical system in the world.

It is the worst of times because conservatives appear lost and without a serious agenda or a means of explaining such an agenda to the public. It is the best of times because Free Congress Foundation has a serious agenda called the Next Conservatism which should ignite a meaningful debate about the future.

Rob Bluey, The Heritage Foundation, appropriately summed up most of our feelings: "Weyrich will be deeply missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, including son Steve, who currently works at Heritage." Bill Smith, ARRA Editor shared, "We were not ready Paul to leave us at the young age of 66, but we know that he is still pulling for us. Young conservatives would do well to read and head his words. My prayers are for his family and others who are miss him. Paul, thank you! See you again in a few days."

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