William F. Buckley Jr.’s Guide to Friendship in a Polarized Era: Lessons in Civility from a Catholic Conservative Icon

Politics is a machine that will forever run on division. This division is the nature of robust, democratic, and pluralist political systems. However, disagreement does not necessarily need to lead to disagreeability. This is an idea that seems to be largely forgotten by vast swathes of both sides of the political aisle. William F. Buckley Jr.’s Guide to Friendship in a Polarized Era seeks to indirectly address this gulf and to assist in promulgating the idea that lifelong and rewarding friendships are possible under the conditions of political and ideological differences. And how civility can be returned to our society. The book also seeks to redress the various machinations in society that contributed to the devastation wrought by tribal vitriol in America. This includes institutions such as academia and journalism, and it advocates-- just as Buckley would have-- for a robust infusion of Christian ethics into these institutions and our broader society.

Josh Cohen is a Conservative writer living in Minnesota. He has hosted a blog where he provides insight into a wide array of social and political topics as well as a podcast where he invites thought leaders from all realms of the political and cultural sphere for long-form discussions. He has written for Right Side Broadcasting Network (RSBN), Townhall and many other outlets. He was Managing Editor for History On The Net at Salem Media Group, where he contributed articles, managed freelancers, and contributed to SEO. He was also host and executive producer of the Eyewitness History podcast, where he interviewed a co-founder of Apple, the creator of the podcast format, the former principal of Columbine High School, and many Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists. He is currently senior editor for Headlines and Global News.