On February 19, 2025 at 2:58 pm, Josh Passell wrote:
....I read that President Zelenskiy (to try the latest spelling I saw on Reuters) came a cropper in his "Let's you and him fight" approach to peace. The idea of United Army of Europe fell as flat as a soufflé under a Panzer tank. "If you understand by it the unification of national armies, it will not happen," Poland's foreign minister answered. Polish troops fighting in Ukraine is "not a consideration, because Poland's duty to NATO is to protect the eastern flank, i.e. its own territory".
Germany is similarly pacifist, if that's the word, according to the dead man still presiding: "There will be no ground troops, no soldiers on Ukrainian soil who are sent there by European states or NATO states." Be careful what you wish for, Vlod!
France is always spoiling for a fight, if that's the word, non? "France is not preparing to send combat ground troops to the front," Macron said. After saying on Monday that sending Western troops to Ukraine is not "ruled out" in the future."
The UK may—or may not—want to mix it up a little: "We have got to show we are truly serious about our own defense and bearing our own burden. We have talked about it for too long – and President (Donald) Trump is right to demand that we get on with it," Sir Keir wrote. Yet last I checked, boots remain fixed on England's green and pleasant land.
In short, Mark, what if they held a war and nobody came? Trump and Putin are sorting the weak from the chafed, and making doves out of chickens and chicken bleep. No blood for rare earth minerals!
On February 19, 2025 at 3:00 pm, Chris Hall wrote:
The revelations from the DOGE team about USAID grants to organizations that are supposedly non-governmental included a handful of groups supposedly working for climate justice.
Do you think that turning off the monetary spigot to these NGOs might impact the plaintiff in your decade long legal tiff in the DC courts?
On February 19, 2025 at 3:03 pm, Aaron Everitt wrote:
Mark,
It seems to me that what has been exposed through the data discovery is something that most of us felt, but did not have the back up to contextualize it. In many ways, it feels like a spouse who has cheated on you for years and you knew something was wrong, but you hadn't hired the private investigator to do the digging yet.
My question for you is, is there a time to ever reinvent it all?
Western societies have always prided themselves on their rule of law And constitutions bring near scriptural; but as Lysander Spooner said and is often quoted, " But whether the Constitution really be one thing, or another, this much is certain - that it has either authorized such a government as we have had, or has been powerless to prevent it. In either case, it is unfit to exist."
I suppose the argument could be made that this isn't the result of the constitution and its failures and is instead the unscrupulous people who did the damage. But it would seem to me that if the system allows for this kind of corruption and endless bureaucracy to perpetuate itself a wholesale restart shouldn't be off the table.
What are your thoughts? Continued prayers for your health.
On February 19, 2025 at 3:03 pm, Doug Cole wrote:
Mark: Always a pleasure to hear your voice. Watching the US deep state bureaucratic cockroaches abandoning their posts makes me absolutely giddy.
But do you think it will make a longer-term difference for the positive? Or are these entrenched moochers and looters simply crawling under a rock while formulate their next woke attack?
Thank you for all you do to call things out that deserve to be called out!
Doug Cole
On February 19, 2025 at 3:06 pm, Steve from Manhattan wrote:
Mark, Pocketsquares be upon you!
In one of the many recent lawsuits by Democrats against President Trump and Elon Musk, the plaintiffs cited to a February 4th Washington Post article which stated: "Trump is not closely monitoring Musk's moves, according to people close to the president, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to speak publicly."
Now, it might well be that we can borrow from Mary McCarthy on Lillian Hellman and say that every word the Washington Post writes is a lie, including "and" and "the". Furthermore, the Washington Post would be more than happy to use, say, the chap who periodically cleans the Oval Office windows as a source "close" to the President. But Republican often seem to be plagued by leakers on the inside of the White House.
What do you think—is that happening to President Trump already?
On February 19, 2025 at 3:07 pm, Kelly Walter wrote:
Mark,
With so many horrific things happening around the planet, I greatly appreciate your insight and prescience on these matters. I loved the Rush special yesterday, and miss his voice terribly. But I must say that you have filled that hole in my heart in a big way. Thank you for being a clarion call of reason in an insane world.
And I truly find great delight and comfort in your musical shows On the Town and Song of the Week. I await these respites with eager anticipation each week. They are a much needed oasis in the barren desert of our modern day culture. Your depth and breadth of knowledge in this area is astounding.
My wife and I are planning a trip to New England to view the Spring foliage. Any recommendations on a good restaurant in your neck of the woods?
Kelly Walter
On February 19, 2025 at 3:10 pm, Aly M wrote:
What do think about the latest conspiracy theory surrounding Mme. Marcon? And the suspicion she (or he) is not who they claim to be?
On February 19, 2025 at 3:10 pm, Toby Pilling wrote:
Is Rishi Sunak English?
On February 19, 2025 at 3:14 pm, Elisa Angel wrote:
Why is it difficult to release unredacted documents of the JFK assassination directly to the public? It's been 61 years. Why can't we know what the documents say?
On February 19, 2025 at 3:14 pm, TJ Blount wrote:
Dear Mark--
I see that the Left is trying to reboot the idea of reparations as if it were another comic book movie.
How much will MS-13 and Tren de Aragua contribute? Will the Romanians crossing into Maine pitch in, too?
Thank you for all that you do.
On February 19, 2025 at 3:16 pm, Nicola Timmerman wrote:
Trudeau announcing a $3.9 billion (for now) high speed train project over the next five years. What are the chances much of this goes to Liberal friends like scandal plagued SNC-Lavalin (or whatever they call themselves now)?
On February 19, 2025 at 3:18 pm, Keith Marsden wrote:
Why is the west committing suicide while China goes from strength to strength?. 37 trillion in debt no infrastructure but bloated pockets of the politicians. The west is being run by the mafia and all of us minions have to pay the protection racket without being protected. America and my country the U.K. are the equivalent of third world countries and it is all being done deliberately. Unless Trump and RFK act quickly and before another plandemic there will be nothing we can do.
On February 19, 2025 at 3:22 pm, Paul Courtney wrote:
Dear Mark Steyn: ...Those classified docs Trump had, the ones Jack Smith seized due to national security threat or something, where are they now? Because I wouldn't trust the current archivists.
On February 19, 2025 at 3:23 pm, Jamie Marsh wrote:
Mark,
While no one speaks MAGA better than Trump, it seems to me that Vance is better at articulating the merits of Trumpism: economic nationalist populism, defense of western civilization, limited government, pro-free speech and gun ownership, return of manufacturing, etc.
Which was better, Vance's speech in Munich or the pearl-clutching of the European technocrats? And Vance's insults are just as effective, but without the over-the-top insults and name calling. Vance's "if we can take ten years of Greta Thunberg, you can take a few months of Elon Musk" was brilliant.
What's your take on Vance and how well he seems to articulate the merits of Trumpism?
On February 19, 2025 at 3:24 pm, eaglepatriotminuteman1776 wrote:
Dear Mark,
Now that I am nearing completion of my first year of law school, I have been able to confirm that I do indeed hate Federal judges. You should read some of the rulings, especially the ones from the 1930s to the present, where these capricious men who rose above their station twist themselves into knots trying to justify their opinions. The desegregation cases are the worst of the bunch.
I am now inclined toward the British view that adopting a written constitution is a mistake because it necessitates rule by lawyers. Now that I go to school with them and am taught by them, I can assuredly say that I do not want to be ruled by them.
Americans' biggest problem not only the constitution and those bureaucrats in black robes who rule us, but the fact that so many Americans are emotionally attached to that worthless piece of scrap.
Flashman was right, not a single American or British life was worth the price for a documentary the words of which can be twisted and bent into whatever meaning greasy politicos and crooked lawyers wish.
Yours Faithfully,
William of Kiev
On February 19, 2025 at 3:26 pm, Israel Pickholtz wrote:
The idea of a DOGE dividend to taxpayers is a trap. It gives the Democrats and the media talking points. Discriminates against poor who are not taxpayers.
Is this not obvious?
On February 19, 2025 at 3:27 pm, Bill Holcomb wrote:
Hi Mark -
Do you agree that the Dems are not apoplectic about the amount of money being identified as waste by DOGE; rather, about the exposure of the wacky liberal nature of the waste? The actual amounts are just the tippy tip tip of an unfathomable iceberg, akin to finding pennies under one's sofa cushions. Stay well and stay you.
On February 19, 2025 at 3:28 pm, George Pereira wrote:
Mark,
In 2022 German military preparedness was at 50%. (Of course, we all know this was a lie. Everything the elites say is a lie) The actual number was no doubt much lower. Now the German news state the actual rate of preparedness is yet again even lower. (Whale excrement levels?)
In today's much-diminished Great Britain the Army says they would be hard put to field 40,000 troops and even supplying 10,000 men rotations as peacekeepers in Ukraine were stretch the army to the breaking point.
France, la fille aînée de l'église, is unwilling to keep its churches from being burned by Islamic infidels.
The deranged dominion has turned away from the men of Operation Market Garden and instead embraced Justina and the rest of his whores.
Yet they all scream and shout for war and that everything is Trump's fault.
Are all of these counties lost forever or is there any hope of sanity returning?
On February 19, 2025 at 3:28 pm, Churlish Will wrote:
Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't King Charles III the commander-in-chief of the British military? If so, he had to ok using UK troops in an effort to thwart President Trump from negotiating a truce between Ukraine and Russia.
***** context ****
Prime Minister Keir Starmer pledged to send British peacekeeping troops to Ukraine if needed as he sought to show that European nations are serious about their own defense.
On February 19, 2025 at 3:29 pm, OLGA from Arizona wrote:
I fear the Ukraine "deal" is going to be just as horrid as the
Israel one: far bloodier than a natural outcome would have
been, with more favor to the evil side than the ally.
On February 19, 2025 at 3:30 pm, Bill Bradshaw wrote:
Dear Mark,
Margaret Brennan is a dollybird to steal one of your words. I don't think we have the best and brightest running Face the Nation. Bob Schieffer never said anything that dumb but he was never that attractive either.
You've been sounding great lately, hope you're feeling great too.
Thanks, Bill Bradshaw
On February 19, 2025 at 3:33 pm, Pat Smith wrote:
Hi Mark,
Hope you're feeling better and I hope you recovery continues. Is Margaret Brennan and the rest of the MSM willfully stupid or just plain stupid. I have a hard time believing that any sentient human being can live to adulthood with that little intelligence, so the stupidity was be intentional. My question is, is this reigned down from above or are they just automatically compliant?
On February 19, 2025 at 3:34 pm, Mark Lipniacki wrote:
Greetings Mark,
If you witnessed a roomful of people applauding a wretch who had just burst into tears, or a man who was clearly
under the influence and talking twaddle; you would be forgiven, even in these strange times, for assuming
that you had walked into a secure facility as opposed to a security conference. N'est pas?
On February 19, 2025 at 3:34 pm, Amr Marzouk wrote:
Any comments on German diplomat bursting into tears after Vance's talk about free speech?
Amr
Australia
On February 19, 2025 at 3:35 pm, Alysia L wrote:
Mark: I am SO glad that the bankrupt US government is on Elon's critical path for the mission to Mars! I've read that the fully deployed Starlink constellation may ultimately generate enough profit to completely fund the Mars expeditions. Even with all the other earthly cares, does it sometimes seem to you that we've been living in a sci-fi novel for the last month?
On February 19, 2025 at 3:36 pm, Queen of the Jungle wrote:
Greetings Mark- hope you are enjoying all this global warming in Nueva York and vicinity.
Now that President Trump and Elon are plowing through the Deep State at warp speed, I am wondering which are your favorite exposes, exec orders, cabinet appointments, etc.
So many to choose from- isn't it great!
I am so glad that you are here with us at this time to enjoy the show and share your thoughts.
On February 19, 2025 at 3:37 pm, K Deeds wrote:
Mark,
I think you need to replace Trump as chairman for the Kennedy center. Imagine all the great plays you could put on from Ann and Phelim.
Your career would be coming full circle.
Best wishes for your continued success and health!
KD
On February 19, 2025 at 3:38 pm, Drew Weber wrote:
Hello Mark,
DOGE is generating excitement bordering on euphoria as it attacks waste and questionable spending. Kudos, as this is long overdue. However, the current tally stated on its website of $55 billion represents only 1% of the federal spending, and less than 5% of the annual deficit.
Just as private companies have downsized, there are surely cuts possible and needed in the federal workforce. However, with about 2 million civilian employees, reductions would translate to personnel cost reductions of only a few percent of the federal spending.
Entitlements and transfer payments constitute the bulk of federal spending. Unless these are addressed through cuts and/or tax increases, there will be no end in sight for huge deficits.
Take Medicare. Years of previous payroll taxes support Part A hospitalization benefits to seniors, at least until the laughingly termed "trust fund" is extinguished. However, Part B (outpatient services) is different. Payroll taxes were never dedicated to Part B. Seniors on Part B or the portion of Advantage Plans receive 75% subsidy from the federal government equating to $6,000 per year to each senior. This subsidy is reduced in part for the 8% of seniors subject to Income-Related Medicare Monthly Adjustment. Part B subsidies total about $400 billion annually. A senior reaching 65 can expect to live another 2O years and receive subsidies totaling $120,000, or $240,000 for a couple. The federal government must "pay" for the subsidies through general taxes, borrowing or printing money.
There is a case to be made that supporting senior healthcare is reasonable government responsibility, and surely there is waste in medical spending. However, seniors are getting subsidies from the federal government which allows many of them to spend money on things that younger workers cannot yet afford.
DOGE should continue to be relentless in purging waste and corruption. However, our politicians and citizens have bought into the fiction that an expansive social welfare system is possible without the broad-based taxation necessary to support it. Until we confront this, DOGE however noble, will fall short.
On February 19, 2025 at 3:40 pm, Teresa Maupin wrote:
Your three observations nail it: racket, racket, racket. Looking forward to the Q & A.
On February 19, 2025 at 3:42 pm, Mark Jensen wrote:
Dear Mark,
Thank you for taking my question last week! It was the honor of a lifetime.
If I may, I'd like to hear your takes on the current row between Trump and Zelenskyyyyyy. Things have taken quite a turn and I'll be so interested in your view of things.
And, as always, I'm praying daily for your health and complete recovery.
Know that.
Thank you, Mark N Jensen
On February 19, 2025 at 3:44 pm, April L. wrote:
Hi, Mark!
For a level 1/3-acre lot, which would you recommend, a gas-powered rotary mower or a manual reel? I prefer the manual reel, but I'd like to get your thoughts. :)
On February 19, 2025 at 3:47 pm, Paul Courtney wrote:
Dear Mark Steyn: Enjoyed your take on Maggie Brennan, who would ban paper and ink if her staff told her nazis printed orders. As good as Rubio's reply was, I wish he'd asked Maggie where she got that notion. I have never heard it put that way, can't help but wonder where she got it.
My question- How surprised our we that dems are too addled to mount a resistance, but sentient enough to file papers in federal courts populated by a greater share of useful idiots than general population?
On February 19, 2025 at 3:51 pm, Janet wrote:
Dear Mark,
VP JD Vance gave an important speech to our European friends about the importance of Free Speech in a democracy, and the usual suspects twisted his words into support of the "far right." (NY Times followed by NPR, MSNBC and the Washington Post, Matt Taibbi writes a helpful compilation). Are these outlets, not unlike CBS's Margaret Brennan's declaration that "free speech was weaponized to conduct a genocide" in Nazi Germany, starting to believe their own distortions? Are they willing to say anything to disrupt Trump and DOGE? Or are they simply reacting to the threat of losing government handouts via USAID "grants?" Does anyone remember that "disinformation" and "misinformation" are Soviet Russia terms?
Thank you for your continued fight.
Janet
Portland, Maine
On February 19, 2025 at 3:53 pm, OLGA from Arizona wrote:
Dr. Naomi Wolf had a super gloomy piece about how
the LA fires were not at all accidental. She was particularly
creeped out by the Eloi behavior of residents who were
utterly complacent about not leaving their homes even
as the flames raged closer & closer.
I wondered, Mr. Steyn, if you'd talked to her about this,
& what your take on it was.
On February 19, 2025 at 3:56 pm, Scott Rosen wrote:
Thank you for the Rush Limbaugh tribute Monday and reposting the show from 2 years ago. Is there an archive of Rush's shows that one can randomly listen to? I discovered him in the late 1980s and would love to listen to some oldies but goodies.
Miss you here in the USA! Please return.
On February 19, 2025 at 4:08 pm, OLGA from Arizona wrote:
I think Trump is about fifty-fifty as personnel goes,
so I expect the end result will be net zero (to coin
a phrase). I should like to be pleasantly surprised
by seeing some meaningful, lasting restoration of
proper government actually occur.
