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Ben Stein's Diary
Breaking Fast With Bill Safire
Another monthly installment of Ben Stein's print edition diary.
(Page 2 of 2)
Then I got to see a sweet-looking young woman. She smiled and said, "Well, now we can make an appointment for you to talk to someone about Medicare."
"Wait a minute. You mean I have been waiting half an hour to make an appointment?"
"Yes," she said cheerfully.
Okay, this is the future.
The elevators were all broken by then. I had to walk down and could not find my car in the dark, miserable garage. Finally, I found it. It was scary. Then rushing over to CNN to talk about the death of Bill Safire. Dave Gergen was on the show and was genuinely great and kind to me. He really is a great guy. Paul Begala, a Democrat, said there really was a conspiracy by "moneyed interests" to hurt the Democratic Party. This was "the vast right-wing conspiracy" that the Clintons always talk about. Moreover, this truth was "proved" by a book by a legal commentator for CNN, a very bright fellow named Jeffrey Toobin.
Now, that really made me laugh. The hostess kept introducing me
as a "conservative humorist," so I said, "The real humor is that
anyone would believe anything was proved by a book, even by
someone
as brilliant as Jeffrey Toobin." What a joke. There are books on
every side of every issue. Putting words between covers tells
exactly nothing. Toobin may be right. He really is smart. But it
sure looks to me as if the money is all on the left now. Anyway, it
was sad talking about my dear pal, the great, great Bill Safire, in
the past tense.
Off to Yizkor services, remembrances of the departed, at my very left-wing temple. It was upsetting:
1. Some speaker, I do not know who, told us we should pray for the Iranians to be happy. Way too much like in 1937 Jews praying for Himmler to be happy.
2. Another speaker said we needed national health care. Hey, is it a synagogue or a rally for Obama?DON'T ANSWER. I ALREADY KNOW.
3. The rabbi read a list of the members of the congregation who have died this year. Right in the middle was the following: "Senator Edward F. Kennedy." This is so infuriating on so many levels I can scarcely control myself. Kennedy, of course, is not a member and never was. He is a killer. He is about the most mean-spirited person I have ever seen in politics. Why are we counting him -- son of the pro-Hitler father -- as a member of our temple? And doesn't this mock the whole idea of solemn memory, to make it a political statement?
4. At the most solemn moment of the service, when a violin was playing very sad music for the victims of the Holocaust, four teenage girls in front of me were giggling and texting.
And people think Jews are smart!
Anyway, I had been fasting and I had super good sushi dinner after sunset. Happy New Year.
About the Author
Ben Stein is a writer, actor, economist, and lawyer living in Beverly Hills and Malibu. He writes "Ben Stein's Diary" for every issue of The American Spectator.
Letter to the Editor View all comments (35) | Leave a comment
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Dr. Jim Garrow| 11.25.09 @ 8:20AM
Ben:
Thank you for your remembrance of this multilayered superstar. Poignant and appropriate.
Shalom.
JohnD| 11.25.09 @ 9:23AM
Ben, you always makes me proud to be a fellow product of the Montgomery County Maryland Public Education system.
Frank Marschino| 11.25.09 @ 12:51PM
Ben, there are few like you left who combine solid, "glint in the eye" conservatism with a deep faith and humanity. Keep going!
Rick Young| 11.25.09 @ 1:06PM
Reminded me of the Sunday before Michael Moore came to speak at the local liberal college a few years ago, our Pastor put it in the bulletin insert as 'Oscar winner ...'.
It should not have been in there at all, much less in fawning terms as that.
I'm glad you controlled yourself better than I did that day.
Adam Smith| 11.25.09 @ 2:02PM
A nice entry Ben. Hanging out with my Jewish friends (all liberal "progressives") over the holidays has provoked some interesting conversations.
I can not imagine what being surrounded by them in temple must be like.
Some nice moments with Safire you had and thanks for sharing.
Tim| 11.25.09 @ 2:08PM
When did Teddy manage to convert?? Must have been after the Pope snubbed his rapproachment letter.
Greenacres| 11.25.09 @ 6:37PM
Ben,
Loved Saffire's historical novel of Lincoln's first three lamentable (his lamentable personal life experiences) years as president. "Priceless!"
I share your consternation for the Jewish vote for likes of Kennedy & Obama. I'm a little disappointed in some harsh words you've had for Gov. Palin, though, and from a distance detecting your similar blind spot there. IMHO, the fact Trig volunteered to serve in Iraq means her family has done far more to preserve America, and perhaps Israel, than Teddy, Barry, and the whole bunch they brought with them would in a thousand years.
Love your dry wit. Keep up the good work.
Colleen McDonald| 11.25.09 @ 6:47PM
Your remembrance of William Safire is so clean, so clear I can once again see that twinkle in his eye that was nearly always there when he was defending someone on a panel. I wish there was some semblance of 'discourse' today in politics. Oh well, there is your diary and American Spectator and some other other really brilliant gems amongst all the noise.
Although it saddens me to also include a thank you for someone remembering Ted Kennedy in a more truthful light, even though the subject is so disheartening.
Happy, glorious Thanksgiving Day.
Rich Rostrom| 11.25.09 @ 6:49PM
"Way too much like in 1937 Jews praying for Himmler to be happy. "
Ben, don't confuse the Iranian people with the Iranian government. It's Iran's corrupt and despotic rulers who hate Jews and Israel.
Most of the Iranian people don't care much about Jews or Israel - but they despise the mullahs and their cronies, who torture and oppress them.
Those who have a common enemy shouldn't pick on each other.
Christopher West| 12.9.09 @ 6:09PM
Rich - the same thing could be said about Americans. The actions of our government stopped reflecting the feelings of our people a long time ago.
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Jack| 11.27.09 @ 2:55PM
That was another warm heartfelt story. I also have started out living my best friends and find it leaves a vacuum that is impossible to fill. Your diary entries mean a lot to me. Stay healthy and keep up the good work.
Bille Baty| 11.28.09 @ 2:06AM
I always enjoy reading your diary, Ben. Your reflections on life and the life and people you have had the privilege of knowing are not just entertaining but educating as well.
Please compile them into a book for posterity and our enjoyment. Blessings and Shalom.
Mandarin Chinese Online| 11.28.09 @ 4:34AM
What they say doesn't matter to me.
it really make me down
Darsey| 11.29.09 @ 6:44PM
Ben, it is good to read that someone whose writing I respect - you- had high regard for someone else whose writing I respect - Safire. God's blessings for your health.
electronic| 11.30.09 @ 4:13AM
First of all, I wouldn't trust ANY bill punched out by the idiots in congress today.
mac| 12.6.09 @ 8:06PM
Ben, thanks for your words about Mr Safire. Thanks also for all you do for the 'cause',
Christopher West| 12.9.09 @ 6:11PM
The Lord's blessings on you and yours, Mr. Stein. Thank you for your writing and keep up the good work.
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