William F. Buckley Jr., 82, Dies; Sesquipedalian Spark of RightThat's got to be the most ridiculously confusing headline and lede in a Times obituary in history. It's the way to scare off all those anti-intellectuals and I'm going to arrogantly cite it as a reason why students don't know jack just so I can fit the link in.
William F. Buckley Jr, who marshaled polysyllabic exuberance, arched eyebrows and a refined, perspicacious mind to elevate conservatism to the center of American political discourse, died on Wednesday at his home in Stamford, Conn. He was 82.
It works though:
Perspicacious: [adj] having keen mental perception and understanding; discerning: to exhibit perspicacious judgment.
Sesquipedalian: [adj] given to using long words.
He wrote 55 books. If I only can have a tenth of his productivity!
