REMEMBERING: GEORGE CARLIN

GEORGE CARLIN (1937-2008)

Comedian and social satirist George Carlin passed away on June 22, in California, of heart failure. He had battled heart and other health problems since the 1970's. Carlin was 71.

Beginning his long career as a radio disc jockey in the 1950's, Carlin soon joined another comedian as part of a stand-up duo act, then later branched out on his own, where he developed his biting social wit and unique satirical style over the years. His immortal routine, "The Seven Words You Can't Say On Television," first performed in the 1960's, launched him into comedic superstardom and even led to a Supreme Court decision in the 1980s. Although the routine would seem tame by today's looser standards, it was years ahead of its time when Carlin created it.

He pushed the envelope of decency many times in his career, but offended few people, really, because he was always funny. Carlin had the gift of making you laugh at yourself, without really insulting you. What he said was most often so true, and couldn't be denied. He was at his best with his socio-political satire, and he targeted everything and everyone, from big government, to environmental extremists, to terrorists. Many of the politicians he joked about the most were some of his biggest fans. George Carlin was always making you laugh, but he could also make you think and that will always be his legacy. He will be much missed.

Here is a small sampling of the wit of George Carlin, over the years:

 

Frisbeeantarianism is the belief that when you die, your soul goes up on the roof and gets stuck there.

 

I'm not concerned about all hell breaking loose. My fear is that PART of hell will break loose. That'll be much harder to detect.

 

Some national parks have long waiting lists for camping registrations. When you have to wait a year to sleep next to a tree, something is wrong.

 

The very existence of flamethrowers proves that at some time, somewhere, someone thought, "Y'know, I want to set that person over there on fire, but I'm just not close enough to them to do it."

 

There is no present. There's only the immediate future and the recent past.

 

Weather forecast for tonight -- dark. Continued dark overnight, with scattered light in the morning.

 

Well, if crime fighters fight crime and firefighters fight fire, what do freedom fighters fight? They never mention that part to us, do they?

 

Didja ever notice that when you're driving, everyone going slower than you is an idiot? And everyone going faster than you is a maniac!!

 

Why do croutons come in airtight packages? It's just stale bread to begin with.

 

When cheese gets its picture taken, what does it say?

 

Isn't it a bit unnerving that doctors call what they do "practice?"

 

The IQ and life expectancy of average American just passed each other going in opposite directions.

 

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