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George Carlin On Countdown - True Comic Standing

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Comedian George Carlin sat down with Keith Olbermann on Tuesday's Countdown and confesses that he's seen every show and calls it the best news show ever. Never at a loss for words, Carlin gives his take on politics, Governor Bush, illegal wiretapping, Sen. Arlen Specter's attempt at stand up comedy, Stephen Colbert's presidential bid and the outrage from the right over the earth shattering Dumbledore controversy;

Carlin: "Don't these professional Christians have something to do during the day? I mean, isn't there - didn't Jesus leave instructions on how to plan your day with something constructive?"

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liberalNmoderation's picture

HA! Fiiirst! Mofo's!
Carlin kicks ass!!!!

Kiva's picture

damn! second!

The Carpenter's picture

Keep on keeping on, Mr. Carlin. You are one of my heroes.

theWalrus's picture

Olbermann/Carlin '08!

fishtaco's picture

carlin pointing out that we been anesthetized by tecnology and comsumption, on tv selling his lastest dvd box set. but he is right about keith.

jasmoran66's picture

That was great! They should have a special hour long interview next time. Hint, hint...

googly69's picture

Carlin is GOD.

Guy Fawkes's picture

These closet gay conservatives making a big fuss over a fictional character's sexual orientation just means that they need to find an outlet to release their guilty, tortured feelings about their own desires for members of the same sex.

Frepi's picture

"Everybody's got a cell phone that makes pancakes so they don't want to rock the boat...People have been bought off by guizmos and toys in this country."

This is so true

Freakaloin's picture

i like what he said about this country died a long time ago and now we just play with our gizmo's and want to be left alone...sounds about right.

bobbie's picture

I'm not so sure it is the 'cell phone that makes pancakes' that keeps Americans cowed. I think its the longer worker week, the job insecurity, and maybe the fear someone in the family will get sick beyond the Insurance Company's willingness to pay. Everyone I talk to is tired. Yeah, I can see the disgust for people who would rather watch American Idol than engage themselves with something that matters. I also understand the feeling that there isn't anything anyone can do to make things better. America is in such deep shit and has been ever since the Republicans managed to make a blow job an impeachable offense. What can we do? Electing Democrats sure hasn't helped.

proud atheist's picture

fishtaco @ 5:

carlin pointing out that we been anesthetized by tecnology and comsumption, on tv selling his lastest dvd box set. but he is right about keith.

Everyone has a business. Besides, why shouldn't he be able to profit from his work?

Anyways, his point was that Americans have grown fat, lazy, and apathetic to their current situation. They do not want to ask any difficult questions, they would rather just escape off to their fantasy TV, Xbox, computer, text messaging, land. I don't expect things will change until the economy really takes a dive and it is no longer to keep it floating through foreign debt and war.

Yay for Carlin, yay for atheists.

Dr. Matt's picture

Would the reich-wingers care about Dumbledore if he had a wide stance, was propositioning underage male pages, or scoring meth from a male hooker? Perhaps Rowling should add one or more of those traits to Dumbledore as to placate the reich-wing.

wasaperson's picture

Frepi @ 9:

"Everybody's got a cell phone that makes pancakes so they don't want to rock the boat...People have been bought off by guizmos and toys in this country."

This is so true

---How so? voting on reality tv shows?--how quick you are, hey make your voice heard here as well-like me

Mindfire13's picture

I love CARLIN!!!!

Herb Urban's picture

George Carlin has been a voice of sanity in an insane world for decades. He once described all religion as a form of mental illness. The current Theocrat (sic) regime is doing their best to prove him right.

Dr. Acula's picture

I loved how Carlin pointed out that Busholini was NOT elected (twice)!

Che's Lounge's picture

Shit, piss, fuck, cunt, cocksucker, motherfucker, and tits.

FYI

ysbaddaden's picture

Imagine if the Christofascists put as much energy into helping the poor as they do obsessing over fictional characters.

I mean in the Harry Potter books, not the Bible.

proud atheist's picture

ysbaddaden @ 18:

Imagine if the Christofascists put as much energy into helping the poor as they do obsessing over fictional characters.

I mean in the Harry Potter books, not the Bible.

Although you could have easily meant both :)

amgriffin's picture

It's wonderful to see Carlin looking so healthy and robust, he has a brilliant mind and I admire him greatly.

Shadowgm's picture

"Professional Christians."

ROFLMAO!

ysbaddaden's picture

Y'all remember when Carlin was the voice of God in an awful TV cartoon, God, The Devil and Bob?

I keep hoping they'll bring it back with writers from Married with Children, and with actors Ed O'Neal, Katy Segal as Bob and his wife. For the Devil and God I'd want Pee Wee Herman and Tommy Chong.

Annoyed Canuck's picture

Seems like only yesterday since Carlin was a nutty hippie. Now he's a grizzled, wise sage.

Moral Compass's picture

“Professional Christians” indeed.

John Wison's picture

"all my Stuff" can't wait to get my hands on this.

Carlin, Pryor, Bruce - the greatest standups ever. Bob & Ray is the greatest duo.imho.

Dr. Matt @ 13:

Would the reich-wingers care about Dumbledore if he had a wide stance, was propositioning underage male pages, or scoring meth from a male hooker? Perhaps Rowling should add one or more of those traits to Dumbledore as to placate the reich-wing.

Dr Matt - now that is a brilliant idea.

konchster's picture

Doing Dumbledore is a Larry Craig masturbation fantasy The "compassionate conservative's" have lost their minds

Annoyed Canuck's picture

OT, but worth a look:

Fareed Zakaria in Newsweek:

" The American discussion about Iran has lost all connection to reality. Norman Podhoretz, the neoconservative ideologist whom Bush has consulted on this topic, has written that Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is "like Hitler … a revolutionary whose objective is to overturn the going international system and to replace it in the fullness of time with a new order dominated by Iran and ruled by the religio-political culture of Islamofascism." For this staggering proposition Podhoretz provides not a scintilla of evidence.

Here is the reality. Iran has an economy the size of Finland's and an annual defense budget of around $4.8 billion. It has not invaded a country since the late 18th century. The United States has a GDP that is 68 times larger and defense expenditures that are 110 times greater. Israel and every Arab country (except Syria and Iraq) are quietly or actively allied against Iran. And yet we are to believe that Tehran is about to overturn the international system and replace it with an Islamo-fascist order? What planet are we on?"

http://www.newsweek.com/id/57346

And the response from David Frum (policy advisor to Rudy Giuliani) on NRO:

"If a non-nuclear Iran is really so weak, that suggests two conclusions:

A) It is really, really important to prevent Iran from going nuclear. Given the vicious record of the Iranian regime, we should prefer that they stay as weak as they are.

B) If they are so weak, then the US has comparatively little to fear from Iranian retaliation for a strike against Iranian nuclear facilities."

In other words, they're not a threat, so let's blow them to shit just to make sure.
http://frum.nationalreview.com/

Shadowgm's picture

Dr. Matt @ 13:

Would the reich-wingers care about Dumbledore if he had a wide stance, was propositioning underage male pages, or scoring meth from a male hooker? Perhaps Rowling should add one or more of those traits to Dumbledore as to placate the reich-wing.

Well, she did put the entrance to the "Chamber of Secrets" in the loo. (Okay, so it was the girl's lavatory.)

ysbaddaden's picture

WC Fields

Last Comic Sloshing.

And you can't say his initials in England.

ysbaddaden's picture

konchster @ 27:

Doing Dumbledore is a Larry Craig masturbation fantasy The "compassionate conservative's" have lost their minds

Didn't they use to tell kids that if they didn't stop masturbating they'd become addlepated?

liberalNmoderation's picture

ysbaddaden @ 30:

WC Fields

Last Comic Sloshing.

And you can't say his initials in England.

Whaaaa? 'splain thees to me please!

GOD's picture

googly69: Carlin is not GOD, I AM!!

ysbaddaden's picture

Annoyed Canuck @ 23:

Seems like only yesterday since Carlin was a nutty hippie. Now he's a grizzled, wise sage.

That's short-term memory loss for ya.

Ruthless People's picture

Carlin on BushCo: "I like moving in and hurting them. I don't like being cute and clever. I like smashing them. It's the only way to deal with them."

Speaker of the House George Carlin! He knows how to deal with the America destroying self serving criminal thugs of the reich wing.

ysbaddaden's picture

liberalNmoderation @ 32:

ysbaddaden @ 30:

WC Fields

Last Comic Sloshing.

And you can't say his initials in England.

Whaaaa? 'splain thees to me please!

WC was at least one time used to mean Water Closet, another term for toilet or commode.

I seem to recall that at least one American comedian was banned from a comedy show here for making a joke refering to WC's during a broadcast.

Of course I think broadcast is a funny word. It sounds like an Olympic sport of female throwing.

Shadowgm's picture

liberalNmoderation @ 32:

ysbaddaden @ 30:

WC Fields

Last Comic Sloshing.

And you can't say his initials in England.

Whaaaa? 'splain thees to me please!

WC = Water Closet. Old term for 'toilet.'

Yellow Elephant Safari's picture

I'm holding out for a cell phone that makes waffles. Maybe it could be called the iHopPhone.

Weaseldog's picture

Jerry Falwell is smiling? In hell? Is hell as bad as Christians preach?

Yellow Elephant Safari's picture

And yes, the term "professional christian" has become a permanent part of my vocabulary.

Thank you George Carlin.

Colbert's Echo's picture

George Carlin is an hack. He really is a liberal wingnut who wishes this country great harm for his amusement.

Christy Hannity's picture

Carlin proves there is life after cocaine.

Crow's picture

Loved George on Countdown. There's an awesome clip of him from Youtube telling it like it is. There's some explicit language no it's NSFW but it is the truth.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KVTfcAyYGg
Oh and "Colbert's Echo"? You do realize that Colbert is making fun of conservatives.

RockmanEnough's picture

bobbie @ 11:

I'm not so sure it is the 'cell phone that makes pancakes' that keeps Americans cowed. I think its the longer worker week, the job insecurity, and maybe the fear someone in the family will get sick beyond the Insurance Company's willingness to pay. Everyone I talk to is tired. Yeah, I can see the disgust for people who would rather watch American Idol than engage themselves with something that matters. I also understand the feeling that there isn't anything anyone can do to make things better. America is in such deep shit and has been ever since the Republicans managed to make a blow job an impeachable offense. What can we do? Electing Democrats sure hasn't helped.

I read some comments here on C & L yesterday and I learned that ALL the aid given to the fire refugees is given by private people. The organisers are receiving more food than they need. So yes, there are things people can do, and they are being done.

If people in general see this, and transfer it to everyday life, then changes will happen.

liberalNmoderation's picture

Shadowgm @ 37:

liberalNmoderation @ 32:

ysbaddaden @ 30:

WC Fields

Last Comic Sloshing.

And you can't say his initials in England.

Whaaaa? 'splain thees to me please!

WC = Water Closet. Old term for 'toilet.'

Ah thanks!

liberalNmoderation's picture

Crow @ 43:

Loved George on Countdown. There's an awesome clip of him from Youtube telling it like it is. There's some explicit language no it's NSFW but it is the truth.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KVTfcAyYGg
Oh and "Colbert's Echo"? You do realize that Colbert is making fun of conservatives.

Shhhhhh!!! Don't spoil the joke!!!!

tyree's picture

now this is a comedian , not some jerk like mahers, hes got something to say and you dont have to kiss his ass while hes saying it, to bad hes not given mahers show,

Joementum's picture

The best part was when he said he doesn't do a lot of political humor -- cause what he'd really like to do is smash the wingnuts.

He's right. Leno and Letterman will take some shots at the admin., but in the end, all they've done is further trivialize Bush's crimes.

donkey's picture

love you

George Carlin

you're the best man

heh...

konchster's picture

Yellow Elephant Safari @ 38:

I'm holding out for a cell phone that makes waffles. Maybe it could be called the iHopPhone.

No that would be the one that makes pancakes

Andrew's picture

The old boy's still got it!

RockmanEnough's picture

Colbert's Echo @ 41:

George Carlin is an hack. He really is a liberal wingnut who wishes this country great harm for his amusement.

George Carlin and Keith Olberman are part of a minority of public figures that have never been anaesthetized by the media. They say it the way it is, not caring if apologists like you engage in name calling. I consider them both heroes equivalent to Paul Revere and George Washington.

ysbaddaden's picture

Christy Hannity @ 43:

Carlin proves there is life after cocaine.

But is there life with out?

Weaseldog's picture

RockmanEnough @ 45:

bobbie @ 11:

I'm not so sure it is the 'cell phone that makes pancakes' that keeps Americans cowed. I think its the longer worker week, the job insecurity, and maybe the fear someone in the family will get sick beyond the Insurance Company's willingness to pay. Everyone I talk to is tired. Yeah, I can see the disgust for people who would rather watch American Idol than engage themselves with something that matters. I also understand the feeling that there isn't anything anyone can do to make things better. America is in such deep shit and has been ever since the Republicans managed to make a blow job an impeachable offense. What can we do? Electing Democrats sure hasn't helped.

I read some comments here on C & L yesterday and I learned that ALL the aid given to the fire refugees is given by private people. The organisers are receiving more food than they need. So yes, there are things people can do, and they are being done.

If people in general see this, and transfer it to everyday life, then changes will happen.

Yes, we need to give half of our money to the government, and the other half to each other. The plan Bush has in mind is local communist or socialist safety net, overseen by the Federal Government. I'm sure Congress will want to pass laws that describe how our goods are apportioned among the needy.

ysbaddaden's picture

53 RockmanEnough

This Paul Revere?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DsMQbedCZj0

Straight Shooter's picture

Bwahaha, his DVD set is called "All My Stuff." I remember that comedy routine from when I was a kid. Now, whenever I want to buy something that maybe I just don't really need, I think of his spiel about having to buy a bigger house to hold your "stuff," with another garage for more "stuff," and storage units to put even more "stuff."

George Carlin has kept my spending in line more often than he would believe :)

Limp-Dick Blimpaugh's picture

"Countdown" always beats out the low rated Faux Noise and propaganda lies, by a mile.

mike's picture

f this douchebag. he sat on Leno's couch next to that scumbag Coulter who had just blasted the 9/11 widows and SAID NOTHING. Why? He had a Disney movie to sell. COWARD!

Limp-Dick Blimpaugh's picture

George Bush is an incompetent hack. He really is a true Reslug Wing-NutO who wishes and loves doing this country great harm for his amusement.

Ruthless People's picture

Christy Hannity @ 43:

Carlin proves there is life after cocaine.

Bush proves there is death and destruction after cocaine. Bush should have stayed coked up and drunk under the table, a lot less people would have suffered in his case.

tyree's picture

liberalNmoderation @ 47:

Crow @ 43:

Loved George on Countdown. There's an awesome clip of him from Youtube telling it like it is. There's some explicit language no it's NSFW but it is the truth.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KVTfcAyYGg
Oh and "Colbert's Echo"? You do realize that Colbert is making fun of conservatives.

Shhhhhh!!! Don't spoil the joke!!!!

this says it all like carlin says they dont give a shit about youuuuuuu! the politicians only want your votes the rich want your tax money so they can wear thier silk panties crap in them because thier to lazy to go to the shitter then go out and by two dozen more for the next two weeks of bowel movements, they dont give a shit about youuuuuuu! but some how i get a feeling that a guy like kucinich does, hes been where a lot of us have , poor wearing hand me downs been made fun of by it from the pricks that are the have mores, had to live out of a car with his family when things were bad , hes got my vote if they dont run him hes still got my vote , im not voteing for trash like hillery or the rest of the corporate whores who will sell you down the river!

RockmanEnough's picture

ysbaddaden @ 54:

Christy Hannity @ 43:

Carlin proves there is life after cocaine.

But is there life with out?

Ask Dubya.

gumpyoldvet's picture

George was always a wild man....used to play stickball with him......was asked to leave the high school because he just wouldn't co-operate...tho some of the Christian Brothers did think he was funny......management didn't think so.......

Turk Meister's picture

What proof does Carlin have that Bush was legally elected as governor of Texas?

Ed's picture

I love his past commenteries on this country especially in the 80's. He chimed in an ever so relevent way on the flag burning issue when he said,"Flags and anthems are symbols and they are for the symbol-minded." And in the 80's when govenor bush's father was president, "look at some of these names dick cheney, Colon powell it should come as no surprise that we are all getting fucked up the ass. And lastly on political correctness,"you can not call a manhole a manhole anymore it is a personhole what's next you will have to refer to your friends not as a man's man but a person's person.

Albatross's picture

Is Carlin okay? He looks so puffy that I wonder if he's on chemo?

An Average Joe's picture

Carlin is a genius as a social observer. He possesses great acumen into our society and has the ability to transfer it to us in the medium of humor. I mean, wouldn't you rather learn someting about yourself while laughing?

God bless you, George!

anon's picture

As an old guy, I believed Carlin to be all the things he is known to be ... I was wrong. This is the guy that sat idly by while Coulter dribbled fascism and hate out the corners of her mouth on Leno.

This is an entertainer ... not a pundit.

JeffS's picture

He's just about my favorite American.

jwrjr's picture

Don't insult Carlin by comparing him with pundits. He is more like a modern Will Rogers ("I don't know comedy. I just observe Congress and report what I see." ) The quote is probably not exact. Carlin does much the same, but not limiting himself to Congress.

tyree's picture

anon @ 69:

As an old guy, I believed Carlin to be all the things he is known to be ... I was wrong. This is the guy that sat idly by while Coulter dribbled fascism and hate out the corners of her mouth on Leno.

[deleted - no violence, you know that.]

Charles's picture

Joementum @ 49:

The best part was when he said he doesn't do a lot of political humor -- cause what he'd really like to do is smash the wingnuts.

He's right. Leno and Letterman will take some shots at the admin., but in the end, all they've done is further trivialize Bush's crimes.

Yes, Bush stopped being funny long ago.

jr's picture

Kudos to Carlin for always speaking truth to power

earl's picture

Larry King's interviewing technique (courtesy Bob and Ray):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjeVrIFhcf0

wasaperson's picture

googly69 @ 7:

Carlin is GOD.

Is any analysis of history the prewreckwisit for creation or intelligent design...-..GOD would be/should be dissappointed.

DSS's picture

I like Keith and all, but the Blogs 4 Brownback website is satirical in nature a la The Colbert Report. I couldn't tell at first since right-wing blogs can be so loony, but their Cafepress store seals the deal. As such, it's not fair for Keith to use them as an example of ridiculous things said by right-wing bloggers because the crazy stuff that gets posted there isn't actually sincere. It's a parody of right-wing blogs. Perhaps the Countdown producers didn't realize this.

Dr. Know's picture

I always thought Carlin was always an astute social observer. A bit profane, however, especially for the 60's. I did not realize, however, that he would/did appear on Countdown prior to my reference to his "stuff" routine in yesterday's CA fire thread. Sorry to have missed KO, and Carlin's appearance - even if he was hawking a DVD set...

right on!'s picture

George is right... smash them! Don't be nice or cutesy or smug... just say the truth and smash those lying greedy republican$ with the words.

Erroll's picture

mike @ 59:

f this douchebag. he sat on Leno's couch next to that scumbag Coulter who had just blasted the 9/11 widows and SAID NOTHING. Why? He had a Disney movie to sell. COWARD!

I agree. I remember when this alleged confrontation was built up on NBC leading up to Carlin and Coulter being on Leno's show. When Coulter attacked the Jersey Girls, i.e. the 9/11 widows, Carlin, my idol who never hesitated to criticize blowhards and hypocrites, astonishingly just sat there mute when Coulter was ripping into the Jersey Girls. That night will forever be a stain regarding Carlin's reputation as a liberal who is unafraid to speak his mind.

crowdpleaser's picture

Albatross #67 - I saw Carlin live in NY last December and he unfortunately should have spent more time recuperating from what he was then hospitalized for. He was easily winded and read from his notes. His newer material was not funny and his delivery was choppy. This performance, if you would call it that, was not worth my hard earned money.

While I'm critical of this performance I still like him as a social commentator/comedian and my 21 year old son adores him. Attending the live performance was a birthday gift to him. I'm just sorry he was not up to his usual snuff (no pun intended).

bshock's picture

This segment was much too brief.

swarmofkillermonkeys's picture

anon @ 69:

As an old guy, I believed Carlin to be all the things he is known to be ... I was wrong. This is the guy that sat idly by while Coulter dribbled fascism and hate out the corners of her mouth on Leno.

This is an entertainer ... not a pundit.

Of course he isn't a pundit. The man has a brain and is worth far more than a pile of dog feces. Pundit. Why would being a pudit be anything good. And what would you prefer? That he go "beat her up" on camera? Really? His response is in his words. You know, those things that change minds and resolve conflicts. I'd rather tell the truth and be entertaining than be a lying sycophant that bores the piss out of people. You know who's a pundit? Robert Novak. You really think we need more of 'em?

Christy Hannity @ 43:

Carlin proves there is life after cocaine.

Of course there is. Ritalin (which we've given to millions of children) acts EXACTLY like cocaine on the brain. I don't even need to link. Google it -- it will probably blow the minds of the sheltered. Ritalin is legal cocaine. In some schools, mandatory, even. "ADHD epidemic, remember". Welcome to America.

What I can't figure out is now that Carlin has proven himself to be a brilliant entertainer, capable of rebuilding himself as a sharper, even more incisive commenter and critic of modern society after personal tragedy, a fair portion of people bitch that he doesn't do some tire, stale hippy shuffle that isn't relevant in the least. "But dance monkey dance!", they shout. "Lie to us to make us feel better!" Wow, you really don't get what he is doing. Those seeking warm fuzzies comforting you against REALITY need not apply.

I think he is at his peak. Some hate this show, but I flipped past the beginning and was sucked into the whole thing with my jaw open. Wow. I'd say the Life is Worth Losing HBO standup is with the best of anyone else... Pryor, whoever. A sample (but it is only half as interesting without his delivery):

Human beings will do anything, anything. I am convinced. That's why when all those beheadings started in Iraq it didn't bother me. A lot of people here were horrified, "Whaaaa, beheadings!" What, are you fucking surprised? Just one more form of extreme human behaviour. Besides, who cares about some mercenary civilian contractor from Oklahoma who gets his head cut off? Fuck 'em. Hey Jack, you don't want to get your head cut off? Stay the fuck in Oklahoma. They aint cuttin' of heads in Oklahoma, far as I know. But I do know this: you strap on a gun and go struttin' around some other mens country you better be ready for some action Jack. People are touchy about that sort of thing. And let me ask you this... this is a morale question, not retorical, I am looking for the answer: what is the morale difference between cuttin' of one guys head, or two, or three, of five or ten - and dropping a big bomb on a hospital and killing a whole bunch of sick kids? Has anybody in authority given you an explanation of the difference? Now, in case you're wondering why I have a certain interest, or fascination lets call it, with torture and beheadings and all of those things I have mentioned, is because each of these items reminds me in life over and over again what beasts we human beings really are. When you get right down to it human beings are nothing more than ordinary jungle beasts. Savages. No different from the Cro Magnon people who lived twenty five thousand years ago. No different. Our DNA hasn't changed substantially in a houndred thousand years. We're still operating out of the lower brain. The reptilian brain.Fight of flight. Kill or be killed. We like to think we've evolved and advanced because we can build a computer, fly an airplane, travel underwater, we can write a sonet, paint a painting, compose an opera. But you know something? We're barely out of the jungle on this planet. Barely out of the fucking jungle. What we are, is semi-civilized beasts, with baseball caps and automatic weapons.

It isn't supposed to be comfortable; doesn't mean it isn't true. I hope he sticks around.

Kevin Good's picture

George Carlin's humor has always been based on wisdom.

"When you're driving down the highway did you ever notice that everyone in front of you is an idiot and everyone behind you is an asshole?"

BRB_TheFireball's picture

As usual, George Carlin is absolutely correct about everything he said in that segment.

And, in calling "Countdown" the best news show on TV, he has good taste, too!

swarmofkillermonkeys's picture

Oh, the quote was from a performance in 2004, if I remember correctly (to much gnashing of teeth in the press). Perhaps NOW people can see that the point he makes is essentially true.

solid's picture

Che's Lounge @ 18:

Shit, piss, fuck, cunt, cocksucker, motherfucker, and tits.

FYI

For what it's worth, I agree with Carlin that tits shouldn't even be on the list. Sounds like a Nabisco snack or something.

ronnyg's picture

bobbie @ 11:

I'm not so sure it is the 'cell phone that makes pancakes' that keeps Americans cowed. I think its the longer worker week, the job insecurity, and maybe the fear someone in the family will get sick beyond the Insurance Company's willingness to pay. Everyone I talk to is tired. Yeah, I can see the disgust for people who would rather watch American Idol than engage themselves with something that matters. I also understand the feeling that there isn't anything anyone can do to make things better. America is in such deep shit and has been ever since the Republicans managed to make a blow job an impeachable offense. What can we do? Electing Democrats sure hasn't helped.

It's the fear, fear and fear...the middle class, though doing worse than they've been, is still doing reasonably well, and they're afraid of it getting even worse.

ronnyg's picture

anon @ 69:

As an old guy, I believed Carlin to be all the things he is known to be ... I was wrong. This is the guy that sat idly by while Coulter dribbled fascism and hate out the corners of her mouth on Leno.

This is an entertainer ... not a pundit.

I respectfully disagree. I AM absolutely disappointed, like you, that George didn't let her have it, whatever his reasoning...but that hardly discounts all of the truth and wisdom he has shared with us all. Don't you think?

Jericho's picture

Carlin/Olbermann for president! Get off those lazy seats and get the doomed troops out of Iraq, people! My deepest love to both modern men!

OliverDreams's picture

George Carlin was telling it like it was during the Vietnam War and he has ever since. I'm glad he gave Keith the plug he deserves. It IS the best news program on television.

OliverDreams's picture

Jericho @ 89:

Carlin/Olbermann for president! Get off those lazy seats and get the doomed troops out of Iraq, people! My deepest love to both modern men!

They aren't running, but there is a candidate that would get us out of Iraq.

Kucinich 08

Erroll's picture

#91-OliverDreams

Well said.

MCMetal's picture

Christy Hannity @ 43:

Carlin proves there is life after cocaine.

And what did he get sober in time for ?

The Chimpy administration ?

Talk about it not being worth it..........

ysbaddaden's picture

bshock @ 82:

This segment was much too brief.

Coulda been a thong.

Jack Damage's picture

Well, if nothing else, Carlins got the right idea on how to deal with republicans...
no cutsie cutsie... Get out the battleaxe and bludgeon their asses...rhetorically speaking of course...ahem (cough)........................JD

ootpoot's picture

I agree with Steve Douchey from this morning's Fox & Friends.... this is definitely the work of Al Qaeda!
They said in that four-year-old news report that F&F highlighted, that they would start forest fires in four US states. They did not mention California, but that is just an Islamofascistcommienaziwelfarefoodstamp trick to try to fool us.

Now that Al Qaeda has hit the USA in the Homeland, it proves that our President Commander in Chief was right: oceans no longer protect us! The terrorists are hitting us here, so we don't have to fight them over there.

Steve Douchey's news reporting cannot be refuted -- we need the troops back home right now!

VitriolAndAngst's picture

Annoyed Canuck @ 24:

Seems like only yesterday since Carlin was a nutty hippie. Now he's a grizzled, wise sage.

Only proving that the Hippies were right.

VitriolAndAngst's picture

Charles @ 73:

Joementum @ 49:

The best part was when he said he doesn't do a lot of political humor -- cause what he'd really like to do is smash the wingnuts.

He's right. Leno and Letterman will take some shots at the admin., but in the end, all they've done is further trivialize Bush's crimes.

Yes, Bush stopped being funny long ago.

Agreed. People think Bush is an idiot -- and that is beside the point. The people who run things, with this spokes-fool, are not making too many mistakes. Passing Contractor abuses and profiteering off as accidents -- I'm sure they are all laughing on the way to the bank. Bush will have the last laugh if we can't get some oversight back.

Has anyone really gotten in trouble yet after all the crimes and abuses?

Big Dan's picture

Maybe my 2 favorite people of all time: George Carlin and John Lennon.

Big Dan's picture

Albatross @ 67:

Is Carlin okay? He looks so puffy that I wonder if he's on chemo?

He's just filled with "puffy goodness"...is all...

swarmofkillermonkeys's picture

ronnyg @ 87:

bobbie @ 11:

I'm not so sure it is the 'cell phone that makes pancakes' that keeps Americans cowed. I think its the longer worker week, the job insecurity, and maybe the fear someone in the family will get sick beyond the Insurance Company's willingness to pay. Everyone I talk to is tired. Yeah, I can see the disgust for people who would rather watch American Idol than engage themselves with something that matters. I also understand the feeling that there isn't anything anyone can do to make things better. America is in such deep shit and has been ever since the Republicans managed to make a blow job an impeachable offense. What can we do? Electing Democrats sure hasn't helped.

It's the fear, fear and fear...the middle class, though doing worse than they've been, is still doing reasonably well, and they're afraid of it getting even worse.

I think (although it's hard to take my own advice): "First of all things, never let the bastards get you down." Don't let them make you fear. Don't let the make you tired. Yes, there are risks, yes people worry about real, present dangers. But when you are too worried or too tired to laugh often -- every day -- with your kids... or when you aren't able to laugh at the absurdity of 'political leadership', you are conceding defeat to the Neocon plan and those like them. Face it, if you get hit by a bus tomorrow, so what? Live life now as you think everyone should. Kind of a "act locally, think global" thing. I mean, isn't that REALLY the only thing that has changed society? A bunch of people living an example to others?

I'm not sure if Denis Leary, Lewis Black, or George Carlin would agree with me on that one, but I sure like their work.

RMack's picture

So Carlin gives Keith an unbelievably HUGE endorsement/compliments on the show and George gets only a 6 minute segment? Geez.....give the guy 10 at least, but I propose a whole lot longer. Carlin is a legend and immensely entertaining. Smart and hilarious, why not skip the same 'ole crap about O'Really and Dumbya and let this guy tell it like it is. At any rate, love George Carlin. Will be buying the DVD at first sight.....hope to see and hear him more in the future.

Perhaps it's the old show bidness adage of "Leave 'em wanting more".......well, it worked! Again.

raker's picture

I've loved George Carlin since he wore slicked-down hair and skinny ties on Ed Sullivan. In Olbermann's taped segment, Brownback condemned the "gay homosexuals." What's the deal with Catholics, a flock being led by thousands of gay shepherds, hating and fearing homos? Maybe it means Brownback has a wide stance.

liberalbiasboy's picture

Che's Lounge @ 18:

Shit, piss, fuck, cunt, cocksucker, motherfucker, and tits.

FYI

Tits sounds like a snack! Bet you can't eat just one!

swarmofkillermonkeys's picture

raker @ 104:

I've loved George Carlin since he wore slicked-down hair and skinny ties on Ed Sullivan. In Olbermann's taped segment, Brownback condemned the "gay homosexuals." What's the deal with Catholics, a flock being led by thousands of gay shepherds, hating and fearing homos? Maybe it means Brownback has a wide stance.

Well, at least he isn't hating on the regular homosexuals.

BTW, what ARE "gay homosexuals"?

liberalbiasboy's picture

#105 "awaiting moderation" indeed! Carlin would be appalled!

CruzBustamove's picture

In the clip Keith mentioned the old comedy team 'Bob and Ray' (Bob Elliott and Ray Goulding). Goofy actor Chris Elliott, who's appeared in several movie and TV comedies and used to be a regular on Letterman, is Bob's son.

I, too, was surprised when Carlin sat silently as Coulter stirred her cauldron.

Cartoon Coyote's picture

I don't think there was any ulterior motive for George in not speaking up when he was next to Coulter on Leno. Contrarian that he is, he did the opposite of what people expected. Either that, or he figured that what she says is so fuckin' ridiculous in the first place that he'd never be able to top it.

Preacher Boob's picture

George Carlin has a LOT of 'GOOD STUFF', has always had it, and fortunately has a damned BIG HOUSE in which to store it.

The same goes for Keith Olberman.

Hey! CARLIN/OLBERMAN (or vice/versa).

THAT'S THE TICKET!

Wouldn't THAT get out the vote!

tyree's picture

tyree @ 72:

anon @ 69:

As an old guy, I believed Carlin to be all the things he is known to be ... I was wrong. This is the guy that sat idly by while Coulter dribbled fascism and hate out the corners of her mouth on Leno.

[deleted - no violence, you know that.]

guess id of had to draw you a picture, i was only being snarky with the above posters comment!

Andy K's picture

DSS @ 77:

I like Keith and all, but the Blogs 4 Brownback website is satirical in nature a la The Colbert Report. I couldn't tell at first since right-wing blogs can be so loony, but their Cafepress store seals the deal. As such, it's not fair for Keith to use them as an example of ridiculous things said by right-wing bloggers because the crazy stuff that gets posted there isn't actually sincere. It's a parody of right-wing blogs. Perhaps the Countdown producers didn't realize this.

Good call, DSS.

Psycheout is a regular commenter at Balloon Juice. They were talkin' about this there last night.

swarmofkillermonkeys's picture

Cartoon Coyote @ 109:

I don't think there was any ulterior motive for George in not speaking up when he was next to Coulter on Leno. Contrarian that he is, he did the opposite of what people expected. Either that, or he figured that what she says is so fuckin' ridiculous in the first place that he'd never be able to top it.

Exactly. What are you going to TALK her out of being batshit crazy? Ain't going to happen, that's permanent damage with Coulter.

If someone comes up to you and shouts, "I'm the CRAZIEST mofo that ever lived!! I'm gonna eat 2 pounds of dog crap and wash it down with gasoline while rolling around naked on broken glass! Anyone going to top that?!"

Why would Carlin talk to her. Just shrug, sit back and enjoy the show. There's no point in competing with that... thing...

Ray Gates's picture

Did anyone notice that in Carlin's praise of Olbermann and the show that he noted that for at least the first 35 minutes of the show, it was the best news show? Was this a reference to the celebrity crap that typically occupies the latter part of the show? LMK.......

ski's picture

Che's Lounge @ 18:

Shit, piss, fuck, cunt, cocksucker, motherfucker, and tits.

FYI

Those are the seven words that you can NEVER say on television.

Seriously, it's great to see Carlin do Keith's program - joining the ranks of Jason Bateman.

Shawnmeat's picture

bobbie @ 11:

I'm not so sure it is the 'cell phone that makes pancakes' that keeps Americans cowed. I think its the longer worker week, the job insecurity, and maybe the fear someone in the family will get sick beyond the Insurance Company's willingness to pay. Everyone I talk to is tired. Yeah, I can see the disgust for people who would rather watch American Idol than engage themselves with something that matters. I also understand the feeling that there isn't anything anyone can do to make things better. America is in such deep shit and has been ever since the Republicans managed to make a blow job an impeachable offense. What can we do? Electing Democrats sure hasn't helped.

What's more depressing is how self-defeating it all is. In most industrialised first world nations, citizens work fewer hours and take more vacations. But the kicker? They accomplish more.

Working longer hours and weekends and getting a week or two of vacation time a year doesn't remotely imply that you're going to be more productive.

I don't agree with the resignation, though; there are people out there right now who are fighting. Heck, you're posting in an open forum maintained by those who want to make a positive difference, regardless of how small.

People feel ineffectual because they've made themselves ineffectual. But in fact, citizens heavily outweigh government officials! Remember the Million Man March? The Fall of the Berlin Wall? These were accomplishments by human beings for human beings. People who didn't want to tolerate their children being subjected to the shitty world they did nothing to help prevent. (But at least they'll know who won Americal Idol every year running!)

Zenrage's picture

Thank God for Atheists like George Carlin.

Ginger Lee's picture

Count me in on the mindless Americans- I just hit Amazon to buy his DVD set. I really wish we could get a biography of Carlin, everything: his career, wife, daughter, even some new humor. It would top Bill Clinton's "My Life" for sure.

ysbaddaden's picture

swarmofkillermonkeys @ 106:

raker @ 104:

I've loved George Carlin since he wore slicked-down hair and skinny ties on Ed Sullivan. In Olbermann's taped segment, Brownback condemned the "gay homosexuals." What's the deal with Catholics, a flock being led by thousands of gay shepherds, hating and fearing homos? Maybe it means Brownback has a wide stance.

Well, at least he isn't hating on the regular homosexuals.

BTW, what ARE "gay homosexuals"?

The opposite of self-loathing closeted homosexuals i.e. the Republican Committee.

Human's picture

Christianity, as well as nearly all religion, is simply plaguerism of Horus, Egypt's god depicting the sun. Horus dates back to over 5000 years ago.
Look into the story of Horus if you don't believe me.
The story of Jesus is based purely on the sun, and astrology. The attempts to historicize Christianity, began in Roman politics. IT WAS A PURELY POLITICAL CREATION.
Why do YOU THINK Christian organisations constantly request money, from which, the Vatican takes in billions of dollars each year; money which is not taxed? They probably could have solved Sudan's genocide by now with the type of money they have. They generate the type of profit which could, at least, end American starvation.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5547481422995115331

JohnnyBravo's picture

I love Carlin. If you've seen his shows, you know he knows what he's talking about.

ysbaddaden's picture

Human @ 120:

Christianity, as well as nearly all religion, is simply plaguerism of Horus, Egypt's god depicting the sun. Horus dates back to over 5000 years ago.
Look into the story of Horus if you don't believe me.
The story of Jesus is based purely on the sun, and astrology. The attempts to historicize Christianity, began in Roman politics. IT WAS A PURELY POLITICAL CREATION.
Why do YOU THINK Christian organisations constantly request money, from which, the Vatican takes in billions of dollars each year; money which is not taxed? They probably could have solved Sudan's genocide by now with the type of money they have. They generate the type of profit which could, at least, end American starvation.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5547481422995115331

While what you say is true, one shouldn't overlook the cult of Tammuz. Supposedly that was found in Jerusalem, and in one passage of the Old Testament refer to the foolish women wailing outside the temple in a ritual yearly mourning for the dead Tammuz, lover of the Goddess Ishtar. He died in the spring and was brought back to life from the otherworld by Ishtar, who had to degrade herself before her chthonic sister Ereshkigal.

Additionally Saul/Paul came from Tarsus, and important cult symbol of the half man/half god, born of a virgin god Hercules.

I like your term plaguerizm for plagiarism. It implies both the plagues of Egypt, and implies an opinion on the effects of religion on the world.

Praise Bob!

ysbaddaden's picture

Tarsus was a cult site, not symbol.

bbl's picture

Colbert's book has been kidnapped!!!

cupid1d's picture

"Of course I think broadcast is a funny word. It sounds like an Olympic sport of female throwing"

Now That's funny!

I always thought Ticketmaster sounded like an arch villian from Dick Tracy..a name that is also hilarious in a cross dressing sort of way.

"Cock is in the Bible"
George Carlin

Cathy's picture

Annoyed Canuck @ 29:

OT, but worth a look:

Fareed Zakaria in Newsweek:

" The American discussion about Iran has lost all connection to reality. Norman Podhoretz, the neoconservative ideologist whom Bush has consulted on this topic, has written that Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is "like Hitler … a revolutionary whose objective is to overturn the going international system and to replace it in the fullness of time with a new order dominated by Iran and ruled by the religio-political culture of Islamofascism." For this staggering proposition Podhoretz provides not a scintilla of evidence.

Here is the reality. Iran has an economy the size of Finland's and an annual defense budget of around $4.8 billion. It has not invaded a country since the late 18th century. The United States has a GDP that is 68 times larger and defense expenditures that are 110 times greater. Israel and every Arab country (except Syria and Iraq) are quietly or actively allied against Iran. And yet we are to believe that Tehran is about to overturn the international system and replace it with an Islamo-fascist order? What planet are we on?"

http://www.newsweek.com/id/57346

And the response from David Frum (policy advisor to Rudy Giuliani) on NRO:

"If a non-nuclear Iran is really so weak, that suggests two conclusions:

A) It is really, really important to prevent Iran from going nuclear. Given the vicious record of the Iranian regime, we should prefer that they stay as weak as they are.

B) If they are so weak, then the US has comparatively little to fear from Iranian retaliation for a strike against Iranian nuclear facilities."

In other words, they're not a threat, so let's blow them to shit just to make sure.
http://frum.nationalreview.com/

I do not believe that Iran is a threat to the US. Why doesn't the f-ing US stay the heck out of everyone's business? God, Russia had a lot more firepower and money, and we didn't attack them because we "thought" they were a threat. I grew up worrying about Russia and the nuclear bomb being dropped. We even planned on going to our basement if that happened. What a waste of time and worry. I pick up people from Russia (I'm a cab driver in Vegas), and they are cool people--people just like us. Duh......Go Ron Paul!

Rockrocky77's picture

what was he doing on Glenn Beck today? thursday.

esmith's picture

Carlin is great. I remember watching his comedy specials on tv as a kid.

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