By Paul G. Kengor
Editor’s note: This article first appeared in The American Spectator.
I was saddened to wake up the morning of July 4 and learn that
Richard Mellon Scaife, Pittsburgh billionaire, conservative
philanthropist extraordinaire, and spearhead of Hillary Clinton’s
ominous “vast right-wing conspiracy,” died at age 82. How appropriate
that this patriot bid goodbye on July 4. It’s fitting, too, that his
death comes within a year of the deaths of his two principal lieutenants
at his foundation, Dan McMichael and Dick Larry.
Together, these three men established numerous conservative programs,
institutions, and even individuals. They made a huge impact.
I got to know Dick Scaife pretty well. About three or four years ago, he read my book Dupes.
It’s a lengthy account of how the communist movement has long
hoodwinked and exploited American leftists—many of whom Dick Scaife had
battled and loathed. Scaife loved it. It was the last full book that he
read. I learned that he was recommending the book to his friends. Soon
enough, I learned he wanted to meet with me.
