RIP George Carlin

Fuck. George Carlin died. 71 years. Not a bad age. The same age at which Yves Saint Laurent just died. They both got a lot done in their own way, right?

A few choice quotes from one of the great comics in modern times:

If it's true that our species is alone in the universe, then I'd have to say the universe aimed rather low and settled for very little.

Inside every cynical person, there is a disappointed idealist.

When you're born you get a ticket to the freak show. When you're born in America, you get a front row seat.

- all from the inimitable George Carlin

He's just been named the first posthumous awardee of the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.

NYT topic page on Carlin

It Takes a Nation of 6-Year-Olds

How refreshing to hear a Republican, Ron Paul, speak candidly about why Osama bin Laden attacked the U.S. on 9/11. Of course, Giuliani immediately has to reach for the old canard that pointing out the reasons is the same as saying we deserved what we got. This clip finishes with a great quote from David Cross, which also speaks the truth with even greater candor:

If the terrorists hated freedom then the Netherlands would be fucking dust. As would Denmark and Sweden, and Switzerland and New Zealand and Canada and every other country that's truly freer than we are.

I don't think Osama bin Laden sent those planes to attack us because he hated our freedom. I think he did it because of our support for Israel, and our ties with the Saudi family and all our military bases in Saudi Arabia. You know why I think that? Because that's what he fucking said! Are we a nation of 6-year-olds? Answer: yes.

"Why did the bad man put the plane in the building?"

"Cos he hated freedom."

"Oh, cos I went to the Lexis Nexis database, and there's over fourteen hundred articles that actually explain wha..."

"Shhhh. He hated freedom. Have a cookie. Get him in the back yard! Show him the outdoor pool!"

Giuliani, you listening? Of course, even if he were, I doubt he'd change his tune. Not when mendacious criticism plays so well with the base. As usual, the jester speaks more honestly than the courtier. Maybe Ron Paul will prove an influential exception. We need folks who get it on both sides of the political divide.