Your Help Is Sorely Needed for Our End-of-Year Appeal.

Dear Friend,

When Bill Buckley offered me the editorship of the magazine, I was committed to remain as a special adviser to Margaret Thatcher for another 18 months. Bill agreed to six months.

I went along to see the prime minister and told her of his offer. “Oh dear,” she said. Then, after a pause, she added: “But you’ll have to take it. It’s actually a job of world importance.”

At the time I thought she was exaggerating. Not now. Having seen how the names of Buckley and National Review open doors throughout Europe (but in Central Europe especially), in Australia and Canada, and even in countries where you don’t think American conservatism will ever be the flavor of the month, I am very realistic about the degree to which the work of NRI has changed the world for the better. In a world in which government and supranational bodies have been infiltrated by radical cranks at every level, NRI plays both Buckley’s role in spreading conservatism and Orwell’s role in defending plain common sense.

As an NRI fellow I see both as part of my mission. Of course, I enjoy being a NRI Fellow. I get called back to the U.S. to take part in NRI symposia. I get invited to cities and towns in America I might otherwise not visit. I debate with formidable opponents. I socialize with clever people from other disciplines. I learn a great deal, and I hope that I manage to teach a little of the truth too. And I call freely on my NRI colleagues to take part in the Danube Institute’s debates and conferences or to contribute articles to Quadrant on issues of freedom and security important to America but to our allies too.

I’ve written about the early successes of NRI. Today, under Lindsay Craig’s leadership, it is enjoying one of the most fertile, lively, and intellectually impressive periods in its life of almost 30 years. I congratulate her. I’m delighted to be aboard, and I hope you will want to join us in our never-ending voyage of freedom and discovery.

The Institute is engaged in an End-of-Year Appeal in which it seeks to raise $250,000 to support its many excellent programs. Contributions are appreciated, and tax-deductible. Make your donation here.

Sincerely,

John O’Sullivan

We are aware that the new tax-reform law is causing people in some brackets or situations to increase giving before the year ends. If your accountant or financial advisor has made such a recommendation, please consider NRI as the recipient of your extra generosity. (Should you make a stock contribution, or if you wish to make your contribution by wire transfer, please contact Aaron Robinow at 212-849-2806 or by e-mail: Aaron@nrinstitute.org).

National Review Institute is a non-profit, 501(c)(3), journalistic think tank, established to advance the conservative principles William F. Buckley Jr. championed, and complement the mission of the National Review magazine by supporting and promoting NR's best talent. All contributions to it are deductible for income, gift, and estate tax purposes. EIN# 13-3649537

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