This morning I accidentally strayed over to 106.6FM and caught Russ Cassell expounding on the evils of the late George Carlin. Cassell said he knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that Carlin went to hell after he died. First of all I can’t believe God is speaking to Russ about who’s getting into heaven these days and secondly I wondered what Carlin had ever done to deserve burning in hell for all eternity?

I admired his way with words, the longevity and vitality of his career in comedy and his evolution as a writer and a man. Comedian Jerry Seinfeld wrote an editorial in today’s NY Times in which he said, “You could certainly say that George downright invented modern American stand-up comedy in many ways. Every comedian does a little George.” Seinfeld paid tribute to Carlin’s work ethic, “He worked over an idea like a diamond cutter with facets and angles and refractions of light. He made you sorry you ever thought you wanted to be a comedian. He was like a train hobo with a chicken bone. When he was done there was nothing left for anybody.” Ironically in light of Cassell’s comments, Seinfeld even reflected on the matters of heaven or hell, “I know George didn’t believe in heaven or hell. Like death, they were just more comedy premises. And it just makes me even sadder to think that when I reach my own end, whatever tumbling cataclysmic vortex of existence I’m spinning through, in that moment I will still have to think, “Carlin already did it.”

For further reflection on a truly original character, check out this interview with George Carlin by Mother Jones http://www.motherjones.com/arts/qa/1997/03/outspoken.html

George Carlin on the 10 Commandments

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SyWEBbFwU1o&feature=related