Let me make a couple of points.
1. Only hyper-Calvinists believe that 144k will be saved. These people shouldn't even be called Calvinist, because Calvin never believed this. I'm not a hyper-Calvinist.
2. I've read Aquinas, and have great respect for the man.( even though I strongly disagree with him on several issues) Something that a lot of traditional Catholics seem to think is that Aquinas is the BEST theologian that ever lived, and that there is no one even close to him. This notion is laughable. Jonathan Edwards was just as strong as Aquinas. I think it would've been very close if they had debated. Watch Dr. James Whites debates with Catholics.
3. I've said this many times, and I'll say it again. William F. Buckley represents ONE type of conservatism. It's not like he is the King, and no one can disagree with him. There are PaleoCons, NeoCons, Libertarian Conservatives, etc. there are 2 things I rely on as guides to my politics. The Bible and the Constitution. Remember, EVERYTHING belongs to God, and without him there can be NOTHING.