The American Spectator : William Safire, RIP

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William Safire, RIP

By Ben Stein on 9.28.09 @ 2:01PM

This has not been a good time for losing friends.

This has not been a good time for losing friends. Genius pal John Hughes. Patriot, superstar political and moral philosopher, Irving Kristol. One of the kindest, gentlest, finest men on the planet, a twinkle of intelligence and love always in his eyes, beautiful soul Irving Kristol.

Now, just yesterday, irreplaceable Bill Safire, who was more family than friend.

When I think of Safire and losing him to cruel, vicious cancer, I think of losing the walking talking embodiment of that highest of virtues, loyalty. (Kristol, too.) Yes, a brilliant writer and phrase-maker -- the words, "an effete corps of impudent snobs," will live forever. His advice to those of us who came to his Yom Kippur "breaking of the fasts" was perfect Safire, "I am not telling you to fast -- but food tastes better when you're hungry."

Yes, fearless fighter for what he thought was right, against Carter and in telling the truth about Hillary Clinton, but more than that, in sticking up for Richard Nixon through thick and thin. He thought, he knew, Nixon was being wrongly persecuted and even after Nixon's wayward goons wiretapped him, he stood up for Nixon.

Resolute lover of America. Resolute defender of Israel against the new anti-Semites who call themselves anti-Israel, Bill Safire was genuinely without fear or favor.

He was a pallbearer at both of my parents' burials, and did it magnificently. More important, in life, he was a friend, confidant, and supporter of the Steins from his lofty perch.

The New York Times was lucky to have him for thirty years. The Nixon family was lucky to have him. The Steins were blessed beyond measure to have him and his beautiful Helene and sweet Mark and Annabel, for whose comforting I pray. But most of all, the cause of decency in this great country and in Israel, that most righteous of causes was given him as a gift by the Lord God Almighty, Lord of Hosts of battle, and Bill was a host unto himself.

We say in the Jewish faith that those who pass into eternity on or just before the High Holy Days are specially selected of the Lord. Irving Kristol passed the day before Rosh Hashanah. Bill Safire died yesterday, Erev, Evening of Yom Kippur. He is blessed and so are we to have known him. God bless you, Helene and Mark and Annabel, we mourn with you.

topics:
William Safire, Irving Kristol

About the Author

Ben Stein is a writer, actor, economist, and lawyer living in Beverly Hills and Malibu. He writes "Ben Stein's Diary" for every issue of The American Spectator.

Letter to the Editor View all comments (10) | Leave a comment

Al Adab| 9.28.09 @ 5:22PM

Mr. Safire was one of our giants. his novel Freedom reflects the era clearly. Now he joins Buckley, Kristol, Reagan and the others. Perhaps there are seminars in heaven.

Erin| 9.29.09 @ 1:54AM

Dear Mr. Stein, I was brought to tears while reading your tribute to Mr. Safire. As a reader of your work, this is a frequent --and gratifying --experience. You write from the heart about "the ridiculous and the sublime"--and we, your readers, are fortunate to glimpse your gentle ways. Mr. Safire was blessed to have you as a friend. "May the Road rise up to meet you and may God always hold you --both-- in the Hollow of His hand .

CUG Smith| 9.29.09 @ 12:15PM

Having attended a high school in New Orleans whose student body was probably 40% Jewish and 40% Catholics like myself, I have had a deep respect for Israel for nearly 50 years. Mr. Safire, Mr. Kristol, and yourself have been among the the finest American supporters and defenders of Israel against the continuing anti-Semitism of the Left. I am sure your tributes to these two departed friends bring great comfort to their families. I pray that Irving Kristol and William Safire find comfort and rest in the company of the Lord, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

With the conclusion of Yom Kippur, I hope that you had an easy fast. My studies of the Jewish calendar tell me that the upcoming celebration of Sukkot is a joyful time of rejoicing, and quite a contrast from the seriousness of Yom Kippur and the days of reflection and repentance preceding it. I pray, Mr. Stein, that this transition to a more joyous celebration reflects good things for you during the remainder of this year.

colleen| 9.29.09 @ 7:49PM

It is breaking my heart to have to read so many of these essays but thank goodness they have an essayist with your heart and character. Thank you Mr. Stein, for all of your words of comfort.

Ben Stein| 9.30.09 @ 1:50AM

August 18, 2007

I think stocks will be a heck of a lot higher a year from now than they are now.

FAIL.

America| 9.30.09 @ 2:13AM

You forgot Novak, the guy who betrayed his country to score a few cheap political points.

John Nampion| 10.4.09 @ 9:28PM

My mother is always right, and she was right about you, Ben Stein, when she observed that even when you are poking fun at people, you are always "sweet and good natured" about it....

And when you are done lampooning whoever or whatever it is, you always end up by saying, "They were just the nicest people"....

Obviously there was no satire involved here - but your goodness and your willingness to find it in just about everybody shines through.

Reading even sad news from you is a pleasure.

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