Posted on 10/31/2010 2:27:38 PM PDT by fanfan
Edited on 12/27/2010 2:11:38 PM PST by Jim Robinson. [history]
On Saturday, October 30th, the Canadian Centre for Policy Studies hosted a Tribute Dinner for Ezra Levant, with Mark Steyn as a featured guest.
Ezra Levant was the publisher of the Weekly Standard who was brought before the Alberta Human Rights Commission for daring to publish the "mohammed" cartoons in a story discussing the "mohammed" cartoons.
Presented by the CCPS president Joseph Ben-Ami, this sold out event, with two of Canada's foremost defenders of free speech, drew over 250 concerned citizens from as far as Montreal, Toronto, and London. A few Americans drove from as far as NY to attend.
A VIP reception was held, followed by the Tribute dinner.
Floralove Katz open the dinner with a moving rendition of O Canada, accompanied by the crowd. Joseph Ben-Ami welcomed everyone, spoke a bit about the institute, and the current threats to our freedom. Father Raymond J de Souza, who also writes for The National Post gave the Convocation.
After dinner, Dr.Roy Eappen offered A Loyal Toast.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loyal_toast
(HT for pictures, Dr.Roy)
Mark Steyn spoke about the real meaning of freedom, using examples from the Human Rights Tribunals he and Ezra faced, and called out to bloggers in the audience (like Connie and Mark Fournier of Free Dominion) for their bravery in the face of personal attacks, and expensive law suits, etc. for continuing the fight for free speech and freedom.
Joseph Ben-Ami presented Ezra with The Maple Leaf Award.
A true fighter for freedom and Real Human Rights, Ezra Levant thanked everyone for the moral support he received when he really needed it.
The crowd gave him a standing ovation!
LOL! It is fun to get "all-dolled-up", as my Mom puts it.
Hey, he got to meet Fanfan.
I’m jealous now.
Thanks, AFTR, I agree. :-D
I can’t even see any dirt under your fingernails left over from autum garden clean up!
LOL, that's why the garlic is going into the ground today, and not last week.
Mark Steyn must have been like whipped cream and a cherry on top of the gathering!
He was! It was hard to get close to him, but his publicist was nice enough to introduce us, and take some pictures of us.
Don’t be jealous Darks.
You know I love you!
That kind of thing doesn't happen often. Good thing someone was there to record it with pictures and personal reports or who would believe it. LOL
LOL, good point!
Thanks fanfan.
I had the good fortune to meet and shake hands with Mark Steyn when he had the misfortune of appearing before the BCHRT in a dismal basement hearing room without windows.
I also had the good fortune to hook up with Connie and Mark in more pleasant surroundings.
The Levant venue looks more pleasant still, and it appears that the views shared by the above are becoming downright respectable !
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGVyLEnQEQs
Mark Steyn speaking at the dinner.
It’s just like being there!
Thx.
My pleasure.
Good speech, eh?
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.