RIP George Carlin

Comedian and actor George Carlin died of heart failure on Sunday. He was 71.

Carlin may have been a comedian by trade, but to me he was a voice of reason in a world far too willing to blindly accept whatever bullshit it’s fed. Known for his foul mouth, love of language, and outraged persona, I saw him as someone who was completely unafraid to call people out when they’re doing something stupid.

Never was this more apparent than when he was arrested for performing his “Seven Words You Can’t Say on Television” routine in Milwaukee. He fought back, taking his case all the way to the Supreme Court. Ultimately the court ruled that the routine was indecent, and that the FCC had the power to decide what is indecent. So he lost, but at least he fought.

I could go on for a long time about the things Carlin did that inspired me, made me think, or just made me laugh. But instead I’ll just let some of them speak for themselves.

“The Seven Words You Can’t Say on Television”

“Baseball and Football”

George Carlin - There Is No God

George Carlin - Airline Announcements

I still think of this almost every time I fly. “They tell me to return my seatback and tray table to their original upright positions. Fine. Who’s going to restore this guy in the Grateful Dead shirt and the “Fuck You” hat to his original upright position?”

George Carlin - The Plug

This just seems appropriate today.

We’ll miss you George.