On October 14, 2021 at 10:56 am, Felipe Dimer de Oliveira wrote:
Dear Mark
It is pleasure to finally join your club. I follow your writings since you were on "The Atlantic" and "National Review" and you are one of the few who still discusses any topic of relevance — "The Atlantic" nowadays is just unreadable!
My question to you, Mark. I'm interested to hear your thoughts on why and how is our civilisation self-destructing. Is it that prosperity has softened up our character? Or were the seeds of our demise planted from outside? For example, I believe Soviet influence on Hollywood movie's in the 50 and 60s is (or should be) common knowledge; recently, ASIO has sounded the alert for Chinese trying to influence lecturers in Australian Universities. Would external influence be so thorough as to taint every aspect of our culture with self-loath? Or have we become too negligent to appreciate the value of our civilisation and defend it?
With best regards from Albany, Western Australia.
On October 14, 2021 at 10:57 am, James wrote:
I recall you interviewed Calgary pastor Artur Pawlowski. Yesterday, a judge sentenced him to preaching whatever the "public health experts" say any time he talks about his position on COVID. Compelled speech in Canada. What are your thoughts?
On October 14, 2021 at 10:59 am, Boris Gurovitz wrote:
Mark, I don't know if you saw Joe Rogan grilling Dr. Sanjay Gupta about the outright lies that CNN told about him taking "horse medicine", when he was prescribed human Ivermectin for his case of Covid by his human physician. Why do you think there is such a concerted global effort to quash treatments, and drugs and vitamin regimes that do work. Why is there such an obsession with this vaccination as the only option-or else? India had much success with Ivermectin. Why the demonization?
On October 14, 2021 at 10:59 am, André wrote:
Merriam-Webster has refined the neologism "anti-vaxxer" to mean "a person who opposes the use of vaccines or regulations mandating vaccination." I'm fully vaccinated, but according to the dictionary I'm not an anti-vaxxer because I support people having the right to choose for themselves. At the risk of overstating Merriam-Webster's relevance, do you think things like this matter?
On October 14, 2021 at 10:59 am, Miles Jackson wrote:
Hi Mark, did you see that Prince William is encouraging the preservation of space and the earth instead of space tourism? I thought he got the normal genes in the family. Do think he's going to go Full Charles or will Kate reign him in?
On October 14, 2021 at 11:00 am, Robert wrote:
Greetings from Scotland!
Any comments on the new law in Poland, which bans the big Internet companies from cancelling material not covered elsewhere in the Criminal Code? And offers swift action thereon?
We should contact our representatives and ask why that example can't be followed here.
On October 14, 2021 at 11:00 am, James E. wrote:
Hello Mark, a first second founding member here. I was curious which authors or commentators you read or listen to on a regular basis.
On October 14, 2021 at 11:04 am, Josh Passell wrote:
Mark,
For a little light reading, I like to dip into The Federalist, by Hamilton, Madison, and Jay for a screed or two before turning in; or indeed before rising to greet the day. Stimulates the gray matter.
As brilliant as the Fathers were, I think I see the flaw in their argument: Joe Biden. Never in their worst nightmares of factional strife did they imagine a gibbering baboon in the role of Chief Executive, reading incoherent drivel from a Teleprompter. Nancy Pelosi, they foresaw; Eric Swalwell they foresaw. An illegitimate President, installed by way of a stolen election, governing by fiat without a large legislative majority, largely supported by a wholly partisan apparat and a guard dog press--that they did not foresee.
My edition (1937) has an introduction written by Edward Mead Earle, who concludes: "A century and a half [...] is a long time for a document drafted by fallible human hands. [...] Both the Constitution and its great exposition, The Federalist, have stood the ruthless test of time." What a card.
So, is our time uniquely wicked in the long history of Constitutional government? I used to think not, but now I think it's inarguably so. What do you think?
On October 14, 2021 at 11:06 am, Martin Helme wrote:
Hi Mark
I heard you mentioned Estonian conservatives a few weeks back in your show. Made my day, there are quite a lot of us here that hang on your every word!
Now all we have to do is wait for that "it is 6 pm in Tallinn!"
I am an old fan, ever since I discovered you in fin de ciecle in Londons Daily Telegraph. Joined the club last year as I felt that the corona was depressing you too much and it was my little way of helping you bring back the happy warrior.
Keep it up! Our civilization is collapsing in front of our eyes and I think the right thing for conservatives is to prepare for what comes after. If we are honest, the current society is not worth saving anyway!
On October 14, 2021 at 11:06 am, Jamie Marsh wrote:
Hi Mark,
I have two questions. First, will you be offering any "Let's go Brandon"-related merchandise on the Steyn store? If so, can I put in a preorder?
Secondly, Australia seems to be going off the rails authoritarian-wise with regards to Covid. The government there seems totally out of control. I've never been there but understand Aussies to be as tough and independent as any in the western world. While bad, things don't seem quite as bad in the rest of the anglosphere and I was interested in your take. I agree with most of your arguments on the limitations of the US constitution, particularly the first amendment in the era of big tech, but doesn't the second amendment still provide a check on government overreach, at least in large swaths of our country?
On October 14, 2021 at 11:09 am, Sean B wrote:
Mark, William Shatner just became the oldest guy in space. Would you want to fly into space at 91 and beat his record?
On October 14, 2021 at 11:10 am, David wrote:
Hi Mark and a Happy "Let's Go Brandon" day to you.
What do you think about the Rolling Stones getting ahead of the guillotine (no pun intended) by removing "Brown Sugar" from their playlist because it is sexist, mysogynistic and racist (as if half their other stuff is not)? Are we now to applaud Mick and the boys for being just a sensitive bunch of misunderstood dudes who are getting in touch with their woke side?
On October 14, 2021 at 11:11 am, Brian W wrote:
Hi Mark,
Any thoughts on when - or if - life will return to some semblance of normalcy?
On October 14, 2021 at 11:14 am, Eric Dale wrote:
Personally, I could go for some Soviet influenced movies right now. In the 50's and 60's, you had subtext and plot. Now we have comic book movies.
On October 14, 2021 at 11:15 am, Michael Cavino wrote:
Hi Mark,
As you have noted for many years, it seems that free speech is being strangled in the U.S. and in other western nations. For example, AG Merrick Garland has now sicced the FBI and DOJ on parents who dare raise questions at meetings of their local school boards, at the behest of the teacher unions. And now the Rolling Stones have removed "Brown Sugar" from their set lists – played at every show since 1970 -- because the woke crowd dislikes the slave references in the lyrics.
So, in your view, is there anywhere in this world where free speech is thriving?
Thank you for the excellent content for us Clubbers! Your website is oasis of sanity in these troubled times.
Let's Go Brandon!
Michael
On October 14, 2021 at 11:16 am, Bryan in Virginia wrote:
I agree with you that the school board uprising are similar to the Tea Party and the Trump 2016 campaign with the thread of no GOP input. Have you followed the Loudon County VA madness with the School Board covering for a trans boy raping at least 2 girls between May and most recently this month?
Do you think this movement has the grassroots legs to turn into a full-scale repudiation of all of our political leaders and create some real change at all levels of our corrupt systems? Thanks!
On October 14, 2021 at 11:21 am, Xavier in Ohio wrote:
Hi Mark,
It feels like we might be entering (or have already entered) a period of late-stage capitalism. As you've noted, it has become prohibitively expensive to put $1 into an American employee's pocket. As Thomas Piketty has pointed out, when the rate of return on capital is greater than the rate of economic growth over the long term, the result is concentration of wealth, and this unequal distribution of wealth causes social and economic instability. Have we just reached a point where many successful members of society keep doing the things that made them successful (i.e., keep putting money into the stock market), while unsuccessful members of society are either stuck in the same bad habits or do not know how to access the systems necessary to increase social mobility? I would love to get your thoughts on any of these.
Also, any chance we can hear your full COVID-modified version of Monster Mash?
Thanks.
On October 14, 2021 at 11:22 am, Jim Anthony wrote:
If possible, please speak about any positive development that your prediction that the West does not have the will to survive, may haply be averted.
On October 14, 2021 at 11:24 am, George Pereira wrote:
Mark,
Senator Ted Cruz is reputed to be a high power lawyer yet he seems completely and totally uninterested in the Americans being held in solitary confinement by Nancy Pelosi's "police" force.
No one in the house or senate seem interested.
Why do you suppose this is?
Is it because they are Trump voters?
Are they compromised, bought off or just cowardly?
Let's Go Brandon!
On October 14, 2021 at 11:28 am, Scott Schertzer wrote:
Dear Mark,
I truly appreciate the ramped up schedule of the Clubland Q&A. I always look forward to your quick witted responses to club members concerns. I do worry, however, that you are getting too worked up as you expound on the imminent demise of western civilization. I hope my question doesn't lead to a stroke or aneurysm.
While the Covid cloud has been quite dark I believe it had the potential for a silver lining. Republicans have been railing about public schools for quite some time. When teachers refused to do their jobs it presented the perfect opportunity to push for greater school choice and the need for tax dollars to be put in the hands of parents instead of bureaucrats. Instead all they did was demand that teachers return to school and everything continue as before. I can only assume that they don't actually want to see a change as far as public education is concerned. Am I missing something here?
Take two aspirin and answer in the morning.
Sincerely,
Scott Schertzer
Miami Beach
On October 14, 2021 at 11:29 am, Michael Tolocka wrote:
I haven't heard any concrete reason about the "collapse" of the supply chain. Dozens of container ships await disburdenment at Long Beach, Elizabeth, and elsewhere. Why aren't they?
On October 14, 2021 at 11:35 am, Penns Woods wrote:
If you cease the time zone introduction then I quit.
On October 14, 2021 at 11:36 am, JD wrote:
At long last the Canada-US border is opening. Will you be hosting a Mark Steyn Christmas Show this year? Or perhaps a transnational event at the Derby Line opera house?
On October 14, 2021 at 11:41 am, Al Man from CA wrote:
Hi Mark
Well, do I have time to re-read After America before the nuclear inferno, or will Western civilization just end up being semi-third world entities controlled by Marxist stooges via China?
Best Regards.
On October 14, 2021 at 11:41 am, Douglas Hunter wrote:
Hi Mark, been following you since your happy warrior columns at NR and you've come up with innumerable great lines over the years, but my favorite is "..I used to fear there'll be civil war, now I fear there won't be". Given the very likely 2024 matchup of Kamala Harris vs Donald Trump, do you think a 3rd party finally emerges? I'd love it to be the Libertarians, but they've bungled the last two opportunities. Seems there's a very wide open lane here between these two.
On October 14, 2021 at 11:48 am, chickensoup wrote:
I disagree about the Chinese and classical Western music. I think that the Chinese recognize the value of this music and the value of learning to play western instruments. Also classical music performance is a tried and true way to lift out of poverty. New York Jews at the turn of the 20th century comes to mind.
On October 14, 2021 at 11:49 am, Sean B wrote:
I noticed in your greatest hits post about the debt ceiling that you had a football reference. Here we are again in a time of debt comedy while football scandal is also on the front pages. The meme going around is that Jon Gruden should have worn a Hunter Biden mask so that the media would be completely disinterested in his emails. We're stupid to think that the latest Hunter emails about Joe Biden, China, and shared bank accounts will amount to anything, aren't we?
On October 14, 2021 at 11:50 am, Eric Dale wrote:
Mark, I'm going to throw a topic you dislike even more than horse race politics: sports! Recently, Jon Gruden, who was coach of the Las Vegas Raiders of the National Football League, was fired for emails written years ago to colleagues at ESPN.
What's interesting to me is the hunger to punish all dissent is so great that our corporate overlords are now scouring old emails in search of the next sacrificial lamb. Is there a point where the media members who parrot the usual talking points ever think to themselves that killing off the concept of privacy and moralizing every bad utterance will come for them too one day? Also, what does it say about sports in general when they're talking about the gossip and not about the game anymore?
On October 14, 2021 at 11:53 am, Penns Woods wrote:
DHS Secretary Mayorkas issued directive to ICE that no enforcement action be taken against illegals but shift the 'focus' to employers. Employers only have to make good faith efforts to identify those legally entitled to work in the US. They are not required to do background checks. All this directive does is evade the letter and spirit of the laws/regulations. When ICE goes to places they KNOW illegals are working the illegals don't have to flee anymore, because ICE will only be present to talk to the employers. And what if the employers don't wish to talk to ICE. Everything this clown Mayorkas and the administration does is to move our immigration system toward collapse. Thoughts on this latest move by our government?
On October 14, 2021 at 11:54 am, AJ wrote:
Hi Mark, do you think there's any chance that the FBI will be razed to the ground as it deserves? Parents in America concerned about their children being indoctrinated with CRT in school, and bothered by their daughters being raped in school bathrooms by boys in skirts are called domestic terrorists, arrested, vilified and their livelihoods destroyed. How can this corruption be clawed back? This is police-state, worse than the third world, banana republic stuff. It's terrifying.
On October 14, 2021 at 11:57 am, Pamela S wrote:
Two questions: will you be reading State of Terror, and if so would you give your review? Second, which state will be the first to secede from the U.S. and will money be the motivation do you think? I can't even believe we've gotten to the point where I'm asking this.
On October 14, 2021 at 12:00 pm, Peter S wrote:
Mark,
Your thoughts on the alleged GOP steamroller coming in 2022?
Just kidding. My actual question is:
What are your thoughts on Donald Trump suggesting that his supporters abstain from voting in the 2022, 2024 elections unless "we" "solve the Presidential Election Fraud of 2020"? In that same message, Trump claims that the 2020 election fraud is "thoroughly and conclusively documented." If it is as he claims, why did Sidney Powell's "Kraken" fail in a way that can only be described as anti-climactic? Is this a good pressure to put onto the GOP or is Trump just paving the way for the Democrat-Marxists to march forward unopposed?
On October 14, 2021 at 12:00 pm, Tom Grothe wrote:
Mark, do you have any plans for another book or books? I certainly hope so.
On October 14, 2021 at 12:13 pm, Michelle Dulak wrote:
chickensoup, I agree with you. Chinese (generally Chinese-American, and many are actually Taiwanese-American) classical musicians in the US are lumped in with Korean-Americans and Japanese-Americans. They are not "imitative," and it's absurd to say that because their ancestral cultures don't run to symphonies and concertos, they are only aping Western musicians.
On October 14, 2021 at 12:13 pm, Elisa Angel wrote:
The people who complain about the recitation of the time zones don't have anything on me -- please don't recite the plot of the latest Bond film again. That was painful.
For the record, I like the time zone recitation.
