George Carlin was one of the most penetrating political commentators of the last half century. He was fearless and merciless to frauds and political con men. He was also a master of the English language.
He was an inspiration and he will be missed.
He had the best thumbnail summary of the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal: “Kennedy aimed high. Marilyn Monroe… Bill Clinton showed his dick to a government clerk.”
Nation magazine’s John Nichols has an excellent tribute piece.
I did not always agree with Carlin’s position but his courage and spirit – especially in the post 9/11 kowtowing conformist era – shined like a candle on a dark night.
Jim,
I second your sentiments. It’ll be interesting to see whether the talking heads in the media put on ‘sack cloth and ashes’ at Carlin’s passing like they have done ad nauseum with Russert.
But I’m not holding my breath.
Old George has a pretty good take on voting posted at youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0u6lCBnRoHQ
Tom – thanks for posting the link to Carlin’s riff.
Carlin was such a tonic contrasted to so many other comics who bootlicked since 9/11.
Wife and I agreed that we were both discouraged from listening to Carlin as kids. Thank God I got an earful of him and Richard Pryor growing up….
Made me the sicko I am today….
It’s sad to see him go especially at such a time. Who will exactly replace him? Certainly not those banana brothers, Jon Stewart or Stephen Colbert. His real legacy will be restoring the long lost art of political scepticism to the American public. Fortunately for us, he will long outlast the people who censored him. A toast to a man who rose below vulgarity.
I was to young to remember Lenny Bruce, but I’m glad George Carlin was around. I loved the bit when he said that before he would make an opinion, he was do a little thinking before making a decision. Wise advice!!
During Lenny Bruce’s arrest for obscenity Carlin was also arrested for telling police who were questioning the audience that he didn’t believe in government issued IDs. You are absolutely right Jim, Carlin was never a post 9/11 conformist.
I refuse to allow society to tell me how to dress. I’m not wearing any clothing today.
Carlin certainly told more truth to the American public than that corporate media whore Tim Russet.
Dr. Robert Duncan says there have been thousands of silent assasinations, but we really don´t know who passed by foul methods. Most of my favorite liberal voices have passed in the last 2 decades. Duncan has been removed from the internet. His website http://www.TheMatrixDeciphered.com used to be easily accessible. If you are interested in seeing the contents of his writing, Google wireless torture¨ or ¨bran entrainment¨. I am a victim of what Robert Duncan, PhD from Harvard, talks about
Myself and another physician will be discussing just that topic with MS State Rep. Jim Guest this Sunday Nov. 22 9amCST at http://www.thejimguestshow.com. Click on listen live. Our fist show is already archived there.