Thursday, June 28, 2018

Mark Steyn Receives the Inaugural George Jonas Award: Full Speech Video

So, unfortunately I wasn't able to attend this incredible event honouring the most deserving individual I could possibly imagine-Mark Steyn (the event was on a Friday night so it was impossible for a Jewy Jew like me to attend). It truly pained me not to be able to be there in person, but I'm sure that Mark Steyn and his people and team know that I was with them in spirit and that I am so delighted to finally be able to hear the entire speech plus the wonderful introduction by Lord Conrad Black.

I love this video so much, I'm not through the whole thing but so far, I'm absolutely mesmerized. I love the insight on writing at the beginning that Mark learned from George Jonas (take a vignette from the past, something from the present and something that looks to the future), and I love how he is ribbing Andrew Coyne and Jon Kay (ha!).

I know I joke a lot about being a SteynFrau and spend a little bit more time than is probably normal (but honestly, being 'normal' is highly overrated anyway) talking about Mark Steyn's sartorial flare (PS: LOVELY SUIT, BEAUTIFUL GREEN TIE, love this with the blue plaid pocket square FOR REAL AND NOT FOR JOKING-JUST GREAT!) and his works and himself in general, but there is some very serious thought behind my schtick, it's not all just for laughs.

I'm well aware THANKYOUVERYMUCH that I have no particular authority to recognize prophets, actually zero authority on this except being a legend in my own mind, but I do spend a lot of time thinking about wisdom, human nature, and about modern prophets. I think there's a pretty broad range of humans that could be prophets-politicians, public intellectuals, writers, artists, etc...but there's obviously no Central Prophet Recognition Agency nowadays. People who declare themselves prophets are usually, without fail, kooks.

But I have a short list of formidable humans that I think are prophets for various reasons-and remember, prophets were prophets-they got messages and shared wisdom and insight-they weren't magicians or gods-just regular humans, often incredibly flawed with unique strengths, wisdom and messages for humanity. Some of my list and you can agree or disagree, whatever floats your boat: Theodore Herzl, Jabotinsky, Begin, the Lubavitche Rebbe, Reagan, Thatcher.

Anyway, these are all humans of extraordinary consequence and no human of consequence ever has an easy ride so Mark Steyn easily and breezily goes on my list. Truth be told, I have considered him as such since the first time I read one of his columns, with that crazy Jewfro emoji-photo thingy in the National Post. I got out of the subway, called one of the editors that I knew back then and said WHO AND WHAT IS THAT AND FROM WHERE?????? I was hooked!

Since then, and over the years I've been truly blessed to have been able to make some rather modest contributions to Team Steyn in various ways and I'm so grateful for that opportunity. I feel so lucky indeed.

So congratulations once again to Mark Steyn on this most deserved honour. 

I am so very proud to know you!

May G-d bless and keep you and yours, and may you enjoy many healthy, joyful long and productive and successful years.

(If you want to support Mark Steyn in a tangible way, consider joining The Mark Steyn Club, or going on the inaugural Mark Steyn Club Cruise. Regretfully, I shall not be playing the role of Julie McCoy your cruise director, but there are so many awesome people going, I know it's going to be amazing.

Plus, Mark Steyn will be trapped, on a boat! Sorry did I say that out loud? OMG WHOOPS! GAH!)

*waves*

(IS IT HOT IN HERE? JUST ME???? AGAIN???? GADZOOKS!!!)