Publisher's Commentary   Two weeks ago Deltans witnessed a rare treat at the Bologna Performing Arts Center on the campus of Delta State University as author, writer, columnist and noted conservative, William F. Buckley, helped kickoff  the Levingston Distinguished Speaker Series.. Endowed by Cleveland natives Jon and Bruce Levingston, the goal of the series is to bring a leading public figure to the campus each year to speak and interact with the University and Delta.
  As I have mentioned in a previous column, Bruce is recognized as one of the top concert pianists in the world and currently lives in New York; however his ties to the Mississippi Delta have remained extremely close. Jon, who lives in Clarksdale, runs his family's furniture business with stores in Cleveland and Clarksdale. Jon has also been heavily involved in the arts on a state level as well as serving as a board member of the Delta State University Foundation and the Bologna Performing Arts Center.
Buckley, author of God and Man at Yale, and more than 30 other books, is also the founder of the conservative magazine National Review  and the host of the television show "Firing Line". Buckley also has Southern roots, as his mother is from New Orleans and his father Texas.
  In his speech, Buckley sent the audience into applause and laughter several times.  There was a very traditionalist side to Buckley as he often referred to how family, religion and patriotism, the backbone of American society, should be protected, honored and revered. He also alluded to the rewards of a free society, indicating that music, the arts, and education should be openly enjoyed, unencumbered by government.
  However, Buckley's tongue did occasionally lash and skewer certain entities, namely, the Federal government. In an Orwellian twist, he brought up the court case of the display of the Ten Commandments in the back of an Alabama courtroom, which has been there for 175 years. He asked the audience to imagine that if there had been a discovery of another set of Dead Sea scrolls, which indicated that the Ten Commandments were fictional, would the display then violate the separation of Church and State? He then posited a peculiar scenario of a non-secular Nancy Reagan, asking would the "Just Say No" program be considered "religious" if she were declared a saint. An enigma indeed, especially for those supporting the American Civil Liberties side. Buckley referred several times to what he called the "slippery slope" philosophy, that leads people to desire more and more legislation and more and more taxes to make ends of desired human behavior and results. He cited the fact that at no time since 1944, has the American taxpayer sent so much of his income to the State.
  During his 45 minute speech, Buckley wandered into areas as remote as F.A. Von Hayek's theories on communism and capitalism earlier this century, when statism was the "du jour" and "avant garde" economic policy of most of the world. Quoting from Hayek's book, "The Road to Serfdom," Buckley lowered the boom on collectivist thought and praised man's individuality and ability to out maneuver and out think the State.  Before allowing the audience to catch its collective thoughts, he next launched into an area no politician would touch, saying that America's most deadly trend is the increasing number of single parents. He lastly, and effortlessly pointed out the dichotomy between the 14th and 16th amendments, allowing that the former gives everyone equal rights, while the latter allows the government to treat people unequally in the form of the income tax.  His speech was fascinating, and his ability to handle questions on a myriad of subjects is amazing.
  Later that night, Cindy and I attended a small dinner party hosted by the Levingstons at K.C.'s, in honor of Buckley.  I had the opportunity to visit with Buckley and our main topic of discussion concerned term limits. He supports term limits, I oppose them, and as it turns out, so does Mississippi - more about that in another column.
  In all, it was a great evening, and just one of the highlights of living in the Delta.  The Levingstons are a fine example of dedicated Deltans who bring their ideas and talents to our region of the state, improving life for us all.
  As we go to press with this issue of the DBJ, there is no official winner in the race for the governor's mansion.  This is most interesting as it looks as though the battle will continue in the House.  I would hate to be Musgrove or Parker at this very moment because whoever wins in the end will enter the governor's mansion knowing that half of the great state of Mississippi did not want them as their governor.  I also feel for the 122 House members who will more than likely have to make the decision as to who will become governor - how will their constituency back home view their vote.
  If Mr. Musgrove is elected, I urge him to not let us fall from the business climate that Governor Fordice and Jimmy Heidel have put into place.  Education, of which Musgrove has consistently spoken, is most definitely important. However, luring new business and industry to Mississippi is not easy and this must also be a priority. We cannot afford to lose any ground in this area.
  To Mr. Parker, if he is elected, it is now time to spell out exactly what his plans are for Mississippi - now that the feel good tv commercials are over - show us the beef!
  The DBJ was proud to play a part in this  election by sponsoring the first gubernatorial televised debate in Mississippi at the Performing Arts Center on the campus of Delta State University.  We have appreciated receiving all of the congratulatory calls and letters concerning the debate. Back