True Genius

I was very sad to hear about George Carlin's death. I know he suffered with heart problems for a pretty long time, but 71 really isn't very old. The word "genius" is thrown around a lot, but in my estimation the only true geniuses of comedy have been Richard Pryor & George Carlin. Chris Rock will eventually join that illustrious list, also, I think. I was fortunate enough to have seen George Carlin in person, & it was an unforgettable experience. I also read his books, & for someone who dropped out of school in the 9th grade, he really put the lie to the need for higher education. But I guess when you're a genius to start with, & also have such an enquiring mind & quick wit, learning is a life-long pleasure, actually. RIP, George. You made us laugh, & you made us think. We will miss you & your ability to slash through all the bullshit to get to the truth.

Thank You

It may have taken her four days, but I have to hand it to her: Hillary Clinton today gave a beautiful, honest, gracious, heartfelt & brilliant speech, the speech of her life. It was masterful, & maybe if she had spoken like that throughout the campaign, the outcome would have been very different. Perhaps she couldn't have given that speech on Tuesday night because the wounds were too raw; I think I've been a little too hard on her, & I apologize for that. But today (or I guess it's actually yesterday now) she said everything right, & that speech was as close to perfect as anything I've ever heard. It helped to restore a lot of the faith that I, & perhaps a lot of others ,once had in her. It will live in history. Thank you, Hillary.

Making History

Well, he did it. Barack Obama, a progressive, first-term senator few people even knew not that long ago, has defeated the most famous woman in the world to become the (presumptive) presidential nominee of the Democratic party. It was Hillary's nomination to lose, & by God, she did, with her typical grace & style (right!). It's a stunning, obviously historic achievement for Sen. Obama, & even so, Hillary didn't have the class & humanity to let him have the moment all to himself. As is typical with the Clintons, her speech was all about her. Yes, her campaign was also historic, but I think she set the women's movement back with her combative, aggressive manner. It shouldn't have been about beating the boys at their own game, but about actually changing the way we play the game. As much as I would have loved to vote for a woman for president, she was just the wrong woman at the wrong time. Congratulations, Sen. Obama, it was a stunning victory & possibly the most well-run campaign in American political history, & you deserved to have your shining moment all to yourself. Please don't pander to the Clintons & offer the vice-presidency to Hillary. You were so much more gracious in your remarks about her than she was; I think that's enough. Godspeed, & God bless the Secret Service.