"you can't go wrong if you follow your impulses"

"the world is full of sick, hateful people"

so, if those sick, hateful people follow their impulses, it's OK?

wait, this is George Carlin..... there should a few more "fucks" in there.

Old George hasn't been funny in years, and now we're learning that he's not too bright, either.

He's become the angry old man he's always made fun of.

Does he have any idea how often he nearly became a criminal just for the stuff in his act? Does he give a fuck about that? One wrong election outcome and I bet he would be changing his mind! Prison cells tend to do that to people.

doggone it, george explains things the way I believe or understand them...duh

doggone it, george explains things the way I believe or understand them...duh

"What I decided was that I didn't give a fuck about what happens on this planet to these people. I mean, I see the nice things in people, I see the good things, but I also see what a depraved, sick species we are, the only species that kills its own for personal gain."

I suppose that explains it.

Carlin is a bitter old man who's run out of ideas and thinks that being independent boils down to being hostile to everyone and everything. He hasn't been funny in 25 years.

I haven't really followed Carlin in a long time (no HBO, for one thing) but I lost whatever respect I may have had for him (I'm sure he's losing sleep over it) years ago (2004?) when I found out he didn't vote, thought it was a waste of time, said it made no difference, etc. This was AFTER the invasion of Iraq and all the other Bushie disasters were in full view. I figured he was either cynical beyond belief or a complete idiot.

It's pretty easy to stay "uninvolved" when you've had 70 good years and made tons of dough. I imagine it's a bit more difficult if you're a parent whose 18-year-old is in constant danger in Iraq - or an Iraqi wondering if you'll live to see the next day.

Carlin may or may not still be funny, but he's definitely a world-class asshole.

PS: Heather said "You've divested your interests in this world." She's just talking about his detachment from caring about anyone, right? Or did I miss the news when he renounced (or denounced/rejected/dejected) worldly goods and moved into a cardboard box?

That was a fantastic interview, Heather, and not simply because Carlin's misanthropy has always struck a chord with me. You prodded him and gave him the space to respond.

One doesn't have to concur with Carlin's disassociative views to appreciate his creative spirit. He's always dined on sacred cows, and there are more now than ever, as evidenced by the frequently visceral reaction to his material.

Although he's always pointed out the folly of humanity, when he was perceived of being anti-establishment, he was widely adored. With age, and the cultural merger of establishment and anti-establishment, it isn't surprising many people are outraged to find themselves in his crosshairs. In our increasingly self-serious, self-righteous, tribalistic, finger-pointing society, THEY are always fair game. WE are not.

As is often the case in matters of offense, the people who are offended need to be offended. Occasionally, I am one of them. And I am grateful there are still people willing to do exactly that.

What the #%&@ was on your mind when you put a cuss word from Beetle Bailey on your front page?

I was in Vegas about 5 years ago with a couple of buddies. We grew on Carlin and loved him.

Seeing he was in town we didn't hesitate to get tickets for his show.

We went in ready to laugh and to love this icon.

Five minutes into the act we were looking at each other realizing something was terribly wrong.

The 'icon' had become a character of himself ..

"Hey dumbass earpieced, hat backward audience, remember when I used to be funny?"

Very, very sad.

When you've had a succesful career like Carlin, not only by working hard but by being lucky enough to resonate with such a large audience, you can afford not to give a fuck. It's not like he's going to to end up starving or in jail. The rest of us have to care to survive.

Unfunny was that excellent, serious, revealing interview.

Funny -- the laugh until you weep kind -- is watching the comments section explode with hatred because George ain't buying whatever it is the comment writers are selling, whether that's holding your nose and voting, or indeed sacrificing your principles and participating in any way, no matter what the cost.

That kind of irony is so rich it's almost physically painful...

This is a real artist. I think not giving a #%&@ and being able to articulate that takes a lot more introspection and courage than most of us have.. especially when this attitude is treated with scorn and ridicule.

His description of not being a part of the Tribe is very perceptive and enlightened. I have never seen him perform live, but everytime I hear him interviewed on the radio or read something he has written, I am once again in love with his art. I happen to believe differently from him on the origin of "life" or "consciousness", but that is of no consequence to me since what I "feel" when he speaks is Truth. None of us knows for certain the meaning or origin of life; at least no one I know of. And those that claim that knowledge are suspect. Even the Dalai Lama, who is one of the most enlightened humans alive today, will not take a stand for another's beliefs. His Joy is in knowing who he is, and that is enough. I think that is George's source of happiness: he knows who he is and has no problem with others' opinions of him. He has found a way to fulfill his dreams, and beyond. What greater happiness could there be? He has done it his way, and been successful, even in what the rest of the tribe might consider success: money, longevity and fame.

Bless George Carlin.

"I am committed to Oneness through Justice and Transformation"

peace,

st john