On May 6, 2026 at 2:57 pm, Chris Davies wrote:
Mark,
I hope you are well on your unofficial Steyn Tour of Eastern Europe.
Congratulations on 9 years of the Mark Steyn Club. I wish I had found you sooner but better late than never and it is one of the few Clubs I would ever wish to stay in.
You're once again looking guilty of the crime of being right too early over the Iran war. Those who dissent from that vista and have left the Club in a queenie huff will rue the day.
No question this week. My beloved Fiona is in Intensive Care, although improving now so like you, the importance of who is 2 points up in Iowa has rather passed me by.
Keep well Mark and most of all, keep going.
On May 6, 2026 at 2:58 pm, Steve from Manhattan wrote:
Mark, Happy Birthday to the Club, and I am pleased that you have been well enough to swim in a Ukrainian River while enjoying the "frigid temperatures." I wish you Godspeed in moving further from Putin's forces.
Regarding Iran, you mentioned that you "would genuinely like to know what pro-war listeners make of this week's developments." I am pro-hope, rather than pro-war, but I will give it a try. Until 471 days ago, the White House was occupied by a gang of thieves whose hatred of the "Great Satan" rivaled that of the mullahs. The last 24 hours are just the same for me as each of those other 471 days. I appreciate that President Trump inherited a mess, of which the mullahs' nuke quest was only a part. I am thankful each day that he manages to dodge Marxist assassins. And I hope that the American people don't hobble him by giving the Marxists control of Congress. I hear you loud and clear that the mullahs "only need to survive."
But this Founding Fortnight Member is in the same posture I was on Day One of Epic Fury. Will the mullahs survive? Time will tell.
On May 6, 2026 at 2:59 pm, Pat Smith wrote:
Hi Mark,
I am glad to hear you have relocated from the land of Count Vlad Putin to Count Vlad Dracula.
Speaking of evil, in yesterday's note book you referenced one of the most evil institutions on the planet, the intelligence community. If the 337 agencies that comprise the intelligence community believe an Iranian bomb is years away, I'm inclined to beieve they already have one. After all this is the same intelligence community that said North Korea and Pakistan couldn't get a bomb until after both countries produced them. Not to mention the Russia collusion hoax which was invented and fomented by the same "community."
I was hoping Tulsi would get in there and blow the place up, but it appears the threat of the smear machine has corrupted her. I am not a morse code expert, but I am pretty sure she was blinking out "SOS" during that Senate hearing. What is your take?
On May 6, 2026 at 3:02 pm, Robert wrote:
Mark,
Have you any comments on Louise Arbour as Governor-General? Could you provide a clip of the Toronto debate where you eviscerated her and Simon Schama for easy reference?
After the debate it became quite clear that YOU would be an excellent G-G.
On May 6, 2026 at 3:02 pm, Johnny Big Fan wrote:
Hey Mark. I see your old debating opponent Louise Arbour has been appointed Governor General of Canada. Will we continue to be subjected to her progressive rantings now she is the King's representative?
I recall the subject of your debate with her was mass immigration of which she seemed to be enamoured. She can probably tick every "Human Rights" and UN migration award box whilst living closeted away from all their effects. What say you?
On May 6, 2026 at 3:03 pm, Joan Tintor wrote:
Looking forward to Mark's thoughts on Madame Arbour being appointed Canada's representative of His Majesty Charles III. She seems more enthusiastic about erasing Western civilization than she is about the monarchy. But is that far off from Charles' position?
On May 6, 2026 at 3:05 pm, Frank Gallenstein wrote:
Hi Mark,
The Ukrainian River? Yikes! Did you consult your doctors about this? Oh well.
I ran across this recent quote from Justice Gorsuch. I suspect you won't find it very assuring:
"... the Declaration of Independence had three great ideas in it. That all of us are equal, that each of us has inalienable rights given to us by God, not government, and that we have the right to rule ourselves.
Our nation is not founded on a religion. It's not based on a common culture even, or heritage. It's based on those ideas. We're a creedal nation. And I hope we take a moment to reflect on that and to recommit ourselves to that. One more thing, one more thing. The courage it takes to defend those ideas. They were not inevitable."
On May 6, 2026 at 3:10 pm, Queen of the Jungle wrote:
Dear Mark- Congratulations on this wonderful Anniversary and I hope you are around to celebrate another 9 years with us.
I have to say that when I first signed up, I couldn't believe that I would actually pay $$$ to be able to ask you a question. Turns out it has been a great investment, at least as good as the Oracle of Delphi, and I look forward to the Q&A every week with great anticipation and enjoyment.
My question today has nothing to do with Iran and the War- no doubt you will be flooded with those inquiries. Rather it is regarding our canine friends, namely the dogs of Ukraine and vicinity. I am almost afraid to ask, but how are they doing? Are there many that are homeless? Do they have any rescue organizations over there? How are the dog owners handling the situation? Any info would be appreciated.
Thanks to the influence of our Islamic conquerors, Dogs have been taking a hit all over the world, from Manhattan to Morocco where they are set to kill over a million of these wonderful creatures to prepare for a freakin' SOCCER GAME.
In any event, please take care of yourself. The world needs Mark Steyn now more than ever.
On May 6, 2026 at 3:13 pm, Peter wrote:
Greetings Mark,
I am interested in what you think of this plan:
1) Orange Man wraps up the Iran was fiasco by June 1, whatever it takes;
2) spend June and July celebrating America's 250 birthday, and the low gas prices for summer driving season;
3) Trump barnstormers the nation holding rallies August-October, and reminds Americans of his amazing accomplishments thus far;
4) the Republicans win the midterms and save America from the communists.
Please take care of yourself old bean.
Cheers,
Peter
On May 6, 2026 at 3:17 pm, Charlene Pinkava wrote:
Happy Club Birthday Mark! I'm proud to be a founding day member. I do miss the musical interludes on Q&A but I guess On the Town and Song of the Week are excellent consolation.
I bought some old unused stamps from a friend and was thrilled to see a sheet of 37c Yip Harburg stamps. Without you I would have just flipped right by them. Thank you. How about a quick musical aside?
On May 6, 2026 at 3:20 pm, Paul Shanklin wrote:
I saw K T McFarland on Fox Business this morning. She said that the ending of funding for the Iranian proxies was off of the most current proposal to the Iranians.
Maybe this is why they are warming up to us?
Thank you for Saving Demography
On May 6, 2026 at 3:23 pm, Scott Schertzer wrote:
Dear Mark:
It has been an honor to be a first week founding member of the club. And even though I have some qualms regarding your take on Iran, I respect your point of view and have reupped for year number 10.
Can you please provide a more overarching view of how you think the United States, and the rest of the western world, should be dealing with Iran. If not war, then what? Should we just allow them to have nuclear weapons and deal with them in same manner we do North Korea? Do you think it's merely bluster when they refer to America as the great Satan? Would you support Trump having gone to war if you were convinced that we had the will to do what is necessary to win it?
Sincerely,
Scott Schertzer
Miami Beach
On May 6, 2026 at 3:26 pm, Anthony LaRose wrote:
Mark,
If as you say, this coming election--which the Republicans appear to be losing--is out last hope for the west, why did Trump listen to Lindsey Graham and Mark Levin and sink Republican chances, and thus the world's?
Will the world remember, in say 100 years, that the west's final chance at survival was sunk not by the likes of a Chinese invasion or crazed mullah nuke attack, but the "sage wisdom" of by the likes of Graham and Levin?
Stay in good health and I bid you a safe return.
Tony
On May 6, 2026 at 3:30 pm, Brian Bennett wrote:
Mark, as a member since January, I am enjoying membership in The Club and your frank, well-substantiated opinions. Laura's links are a nice bonus for me. What's not to like?
The War Department has yet to provide a clear vision for achieving a satisfactory conclusion in Iran. Given the status quo, what is the best path forward?
On May 6, 2026 at 3:34 pm, Carol Cox wrote:
Probably like most people, I'm truly puzzled by the sudden decision to stop helping ships thru the Strait and would like your analysis. With continued prayers for your health and safety~ CWC
On May 6, 2026 at 3:36 pm, Ketil Haarstad wrote:
Dear Mark, keep your head down.
As we are renaming, ref. The Gulf of America, should we go for changing The Persian Gulf to The Bay of Trump, if not Triumph?
On May 6, 2026 at 3:41 pm, Doug222 wrote:
Hi Mark. I'm letting you know that l'll be sticking around for your next year of excellence in broadcasting skills you learned from RUSH in your early legal defendant life. I did vote in the OH-IO primary election. What about you? Did you send your Ukrainian mail-in ballot in? Thanks. P.S. Follow the breadcrumbs you dropped home.
On May 6, 2026 at 3:48 pm, Paul Courtney wrote:
Dear Mark Steyn: You invite hostility again? Like an Eskimo demanding ice! My hostility peaked when you called prog rock "pretentious", but I got over that. Renewal tomorrow set, small price to pay to jump ugly with anti-war zealots! Hope you can at least smile at that one.
So, I'm still pro-war, even after another week, not due to your pro-war links, but because I gotta be me (consistent, that is, but what a song title!). I may be the last person on earth who'll admit I favored the Iraq war (not the occupation) and thought we should have de-capped Iran in '05 (twenty years ago rings a bell).
I don't even favor Trump, but Iran has been provoking this so thoroughly for so long that I'll support him in this. He's done one right thing, including Israel as an ally and letting 'em loose to degrade Iran and proxy brigands. I'll continue to say so even if it turns out badly as you predict. I still think it can (not necessarily will, remember Iraq) turn out well in time for November. I also think it can be done better, for instance, Iraq should be prompted to invade (if Bush actually won anything, we'd have an Iraqi gov't that would have invaded by now). But my notions are too much like the ice the feds send to Alaska. We are funding that, right??
On May 6, 2026 at 3:51 pm, Our Man Obsidian wrote:
An aside into British politics. Regional elections will be held there soon, and some say that the big winners will be Reform and the Green Party. Concerning the latter, there is concern over the tack that Zack Polanski's Green Party has taken in bringing Islamists on board. How disruptive could this be to Britain?
(A comical aside- one Green Party luminary, who has been a trumpet blower for Slavery reparations, has been found to have slave holders in their family tree. Now, should they pay reparations to themselves? The paperwork would be easy enough.)
On May 6, 2026 at 3:52 pm, Norman Fenton wrote:
Dear Mark
You probably weren't aware but last week there was a conference at the LSE organised in partnership with the Center for Countering Digital Hate laughingly titled "Convention on Information and Democracy ". It was invitation only and the only people invited seem to have been academics and political activists whose primary objective in life is to censor the free speech online of any views that are even mildly conservative. Imran Ahmed (the Head of CCDL who has been banned from the USA because of his pro-censorship activities) was of course a keynote speaker. One of this mob's particular obsessions is to pressure Elon Musk to censor conservative voices and it seems that in Europe they are having some success – I am one of many who has now been suspended from X. Can you explain why Musk is unable to resist the European censors?
On May 6, 2026 at 3:53 pm, Drew Weber wrote:
Hello Mark,
You were spot on in your column regarding the continued failings of the Secret Service the day after the assassination attempt at the White House Correspondents Dinner.
The government's release of the detailed video is even a worse look. The security dog appears more astute than its handler. Seems all the agents had their eyes focused on the secure area beyond the metal detectors and none were looking at the unsecured area in front of the detectors. Thus the surprise when the would be assassin bounded past them.
The reaction and stumbling of the three in uniform with their backs to the wall would fit right in with a Keystone Cops gag. Since protection of the President, VP and cabinet were at stake, would think it better to have spent the money to have fit and armed agents at the metal detectors rather than outsourcing to a TSA-like crew.
What a mess.
On May 6, 2026 at 3:55 pm, Walt Trimmer wrote:
If I'm not mistaken, Back in the USSR was Paul's response to the Beach Boys. Not all Boomer Rockers have left the Club.
On May 6, 2026 at 3:56 pm, Norman Stephens wrote:
I'm sorry to hear that some members leave over a difference of opinion on such a complex issue as the military operation in Iran. No one is blessed with the ability to know the future. Reading different perspectives is how we survey the possibilities and then form a more informed opinion. Making uninformed judgments is easy and often wrong.
On May 6, 2026 at 3:57 pm, Texas Optimist wrote:
Hi Mark,
Hearing about your thrilling adventures in Ukraine has been a wonderful break from the dreary news cycle.
And if this newest Iran deal is finalized, it would provide a nice change of topic for your triumphant return from Eastern Europe.
Our prayers are going out both for your health and for Middle East progress.
On May 6, 2026 at 4:00 pm, Douglas Hunter wrote:
Happy 9th anniversary Mark! Far from criticism here, I 100% agree with you on this idiotic "excursion". I'm impressed with your courage in traveling through a war zone, as I will be in Moldova in June and would love to follow the steps narrated in your tale for our time "A Journey through the Bucovina". I'm convinced with my luck a wayward drone will find me while exploring the bluffs along the Prut. Buck me up Mark! Thanks, Doug.
On May 6, 2026 at 4:02 pm, Fraser Sutherland wrote:
The first two paragraphs alone are worth the entrance fee. Classic, classic Steyn; alternately ironic at a Mannian level -Thomas!
Not that other clot, Michael!- and deeply deeply humorous. What's not to like as we say in these parts?! Now, let's get on to the third paragraph if my lol-hit hurting stomach can take it! 'Go Mark' definitely not 'Go, Mark'!
On May 6, 2026 at 4:04 pm, Gayn of Funkshun wrote:
Once again, I ask these questions: who and what is closing the Strait of Hormuz? Iranian fishing boats? Threat of mines? And where is the US Navy in all of this? Isn't keeping an international waterway open more or less fall under one of their main missions?
On May 6, 2026 at 4:06 pm, chickensoup wrote:
Happy happy birthday to the entire MS crew!
On May 6, 2026 at 4:08 pm, Wm. P. wrote:
2017 seems a lifetime ago.
On May 6, 2026 at 4:10 pm, Doc Savage wrote:
Terrorists have complete freedom to attack and kill innocent civilians. In fact they prefer this form of violence even if means just stabbing one Jewish person at a time. It instills fear.
The "Free" world has adopted a current military strategy of NOT attacking civilians ala Dresden -Hiroshima. Advantage terrorists. America has no chance of winning any present or future conflict because they will lower themselves to killing civilians. You can stalemate but you can't win.
On May 6, 2026 at 4:12 pm, Drew Weber wrote:
Hello Mark,
You were spot on in your column regarding the continued failings of the Secret Service the day after the assassination attempt at the White House Correspondents Dinner.
The government's release of the detailed video is even a worse look. The security dog appears more astute than its handler. Seems all the agents had their eyes focused on the secure area beyond the metal detectors and none were looking at the unsecured area in front of the detectors. Thus the surprise when the would be assassin bounded past them.
The reaction and stumbling of the three in uniform with their backs to the wall would fit right in with a Keystone Cops gag. Since protection of the President, VP and cabinet were at stake, would think it better to have spent the money to have fit and armed agents at the metal detectors rather than outsourcing to a TSA-like crew.
What a mess.
On May 6, 2026 at 4:15 pm, Glen Flint wrote:
Hi Mark,
I still think you're the smartest man in the world even though you tried to get into an elevator in the middle of air raid. Thankfully the power went out before you got in. I shudder to think what would have happened if the reverse occurred.
Back in your even smarter days you wrote, "There are three possible resolutions to the present struggle:
a) Submit to Islam;
b) Destroy Islam;
c) Reform Islam."
Megyn Kelley appears to have switched from Islam is incompatible with Western values and needs to stay out of our country and our way of life to a solid a) Submit to Islam. She is doing a course correction and deep self refection, rationalizing that the loss of some of her pro-Western viewers will be offset by her new Muslim fans.
I'm interested in your analysis of her business model.
Praying for your safe return.
Glen Flint
PS. What are the odds of survival being trapped in a 9th floor elevator during a Russian drone attack versus the University of Vermont Medical Center Urgent "Care?"
