We lose a good one!

I remember buying George Carlin’s Occupation Foole (“spelled that way just to piss ‘em off!”) album in the early 70’s and playing it until the grooves wore out! He was a regular performer, and guest host, on Johnny Carson’s “Tonight Show”. Oh sure, his language was a bit raw, but what self-respecting adolescent in those days couldn’t rhyme off The Seven Words? It wasn’t street swearing; it was smart, subversive satire. Over the years, he was always relevant. His material was intelligent, observational, wry and honest. He gave us a totally stripped down, ‘in yer face’ look at ourselves. Perhaps that’s why his material stood the test of time…..his thoughts on the foibles of our species were like looking in a mirror. So the Big Guy called his number. Nothing sensational like a fiery crash or a hostage taking. His ticker just quit. He had performed publicly as recently as a week before. He didn’t have to endure months or years of failing health. It almost seems fitting that he was making people laugh until the end. Rest in peace, George. Thanks for the mirror.