George Carlin has been gone over a couple of weeks and it still seems weird that we won’t get to see the legendary stand-up comedian do one of those HBO specials anymore.

For myself, the New York born Carlin was the best in the business and a true innovator when it came to delivering routines which could make the audience laugh and appreciate his warped sense of humor. This man to me was much more than a great comedian but also a very smart individual who made us think about things in a way we never really considered.

Since his passing at the age of 71, the man who dominated like no other on stage for better than four decades has been seen on HBO where the network has reaired most of his acts. Whether it was “Back In Town” or “Life Is Worth Losing,” he always made me come away with a big smile on my face. I can recall watching a few of his specials in the wee hours of the morning after a night out with friends where I had too much to drink. There I’d be though hungover and still able to laugh at his jokes because they always made me feel better. 

Some might not have gotten his act which over the years became a more negative portrayal of the public and America in general. Was he really off tangent though? If you sat on the couch and watched closely, he was giving a reality check to Americans about what’s happened to our country.

Is it still great? Absolutely. Does it make me a traitor if I believe that much of what Carlin said was true and made me view the good ‘ole USA very differently than when I grew up here in NYC? I don’t believe so because like many, I’m old enough to formulate an opinion. It is this respective blogger’s belief that the comic brought up some very interesting observations about the hypocrisy of this country. 

Whether it’s electing a new President only to then complain about the job they’re doing later or hitting home with why so many kids today are bigger and heavier than before due to the surroundings, he had a way like few with words at really stating the obvious but in terms most of the media would never dare say.

Perhaps that explains how during one of his earliest and most infamous act, “The Seven Words You Can’t Say On TV” he was arrested for having the audacity to recite those dirty seven. Was it really that bad or was the country back then afraid of its shadow? One way or another, we all grow up and the vast majority wind up using those words as bad as it sounds.

This radical thinking might not be how I was raised or most of us but sooner or later, we’re all going to be exposed to them. I can recall being a naiive kid who believed in all this country had to offer. Not anymore. I’ve learned that you can’t trust the government. The same one we help elect.

Which brings me to one of my favorite Carlin moments via YouTube. In this video which I recall seeing back in 1996, he states why he doesn’t vote and gives pretty good reasons. I’m sure many have seen this but it’s worth watching again. Especially from a fallen legend who truly got it.

So enjoy a legendary comedian who might be gone but will never ever be forgotten:

George Carlin- Voting

RIP George. You’ll be missed but your legend shall live on.