How strange does Newsweek get on the subject of religion? See this week’s appreciation of the late George Carlin by director Kevin Smith (who cast the obscenity-laced comedian as a ridiculous Catholic bishop in "Dogma"). Smith concluded: "He was, and will likely remain, the smartest person I've ever met. But really, he was much more than just a person. Without a hint of hyperbole, I can say he was a god, a god who cussed." That was Newsweek’s headline: "Remembering a God. A God Who Cussed." (Online, it was simply "‘A God Who Cussed’.")
Stranger than that was Smith’s anecdote right before that ending. As his film "Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back" wrapped, Carlin responded to Smith’s thank-yous by saying:
"Just do me a favor: Write me my dream role one day."
When I inquired what that'd be, he offered, "I wanna play a priest who strangles children."
It was a classic Carlin thing to say: a little naughty and a lot honest. I always figured there'd be time to give George what he asked for. Unfortunately, he left too soon.
Perhaps it’s not as surprising, with all the cleric-bashing, that Smith announced he’d abandoned the religion of his youth for Carlin Worship:
I spent years turning friends on to the Cult of Carlin, the World According to George, and even made pilgrimages to see him perform live (the first occasion being a gig at Farleigh Dickinson University in 1988). Carlin influenced my speech and my writing. Carlin replaced Catholicism as my religion.
Does Newsweek find any of this testimony odd?
—Tim Graham is Director of Media Analysis at the Media Research Center.
Editor at Large
Comments Policy
Carlin gets what he wanted
June 30, 2008 - 22:25 ET by MaximusBraveheartGuess he is with his god now. Someone who appears to hate God and Christ is likely not having a good day now; no longer in control. We all make our own choice here. The Devil's sin was wanting to be god; we all need to be careful of that. God does not run the world like we would like.
First Kennedy's Tumor, then
June 30, 2008 - 22:35 ET by air conservativeFirst Kennedy's Tumor, then Tim Russert, then Carlin. It's been a bad time to be a liberal! I recently had a watercooler discussion about how people die in three's. We were trying to guess which lib would be #3. My money's on Carter or Larry Flynt.
I thought that was for planes only?
July 1, 2008 - 20:08 ET by FrogdaddyI thought planes crashed in 3's ?
I expect exactly nothing
June 30, 2008 - 22:34 ET by bigtimerI expect exactly nothing else from Newsweek and their headline.
Does anyone else?
"Never murder your opponent when he is committing suicide." ~ W. Wilson
A fact is a fact....
June 30, 2008 - 22:58 ET by FrogdaddyI found him humorous on some things.
Did you notice mourning him died out in a day though?
But a man like Tim Russert they're still looking for a replacement and still mourning.
What's that tell you?
Frogdaddy...Of course I
June 30, 2008 - 23:20 ET by bigtimerFrogdaddy...
Of course I noticed...
I have posted numerous comments on my feelings about Carlin plus some links...
I grew up with him, he made me mad at times, sad at times..but did fill me with laughter many times over many years....
I posted two nights ago somewhere the hypocrisy of all of this compared to Russert.
Oh well... It is what it is...
Btw...Nice to know you here...haven't seen you before...enjoy!
"Never murder your opponent when he is committing suicide." ~ W. Wilson
George Carlin stopped being
July 1, 2008 - 10:15 ET by misterbee241George Carlin stopped being funny a long time ago. He reminded me of a burned-out crack-head who was just PO'd. That stuff gets old - fast.
There is none so blind as they that won’t see.
Jonathan Swift 1667-1745
in his comic
July 1, 2008 - 15:50 ET by red_dragon311in his comic act he turned into the grumpy old guy who swears alot.
i mentioned once before
Stewardss " you can gte on the plane now"
70's Carlin "no no no, phuck you i'm getting IN the plane" (stressed the IN instead of ON the plane)
90-00's carlin "PHUCK YOU, i'm getting in the plane" (the swear word is stressed to get a laugh) not funny
A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have.
-Gerald Ford
I think it's safe to
July 1, 2008 - 10:49 ET by TruthMongerI think it's safe to assume that Olbermann's weekly copy of Newsweek has pages that stick together...
Predictable
July 1, 2008 - 00:23 ET by rammingspeedThe testimony of these rummies from Newsweek and elsewhere is predictable as well as odd. They are in the tall grass (in more ways than one) and foul balls like George Carlin led them there. Worshiping the bad boy is one of the most common mistakes that immature people make. Newsweek has lost all credibility and its diving sales and readership reflect that.
Carlin was last funny...
July 1, 2008 - 05:36 ET by Joe C.about 35 years ago.
From Kevin Smith, this doesn't surprise me
July 1, 2008 - 06:11 ET by ScoopPC11I'm a big fan of Smith's work. He often has an "odd" way of looking at things sometimes. If you watch any of his "Evening With Kevin Smith" DVDs or read his interviews, he still proclaims himself a Catholic, and his family still goes to church. On one of the DVDs, he's asked if he believes in God and why. His response, "Yes, because I have a career."
NB is being ruined by bible thumpers...
July 1, 2008 - 06:41 ET by Melodic_MetalI used to visit this site on a DAILY BASIS. That has changed do to bible passages being constantly recited here. I there was a post form the mastheads some time ago that stated religious postings would be at a minimum.
It's George Carlin, and Kevin Smith for crying out loud. They are the poster children for communism. This is no surprise. Oh and newsweek is almost irrelevant anyway. Aren't they coming with a pocket edition? :-)
"To beat Violence, You must ignore the focus groups. You must send in the Mossad, turn off the BBC, CNN, and don't look back."
Bible Thumpers
July 1, 2008 - 06:48 ET by Cool Arrow"That has changed [sic] do to bible passages being constantly recited here."
In this thread? I couldn't find any.
LYDSEXICS UNTIE
sorry it took me so long:(
July 1, 2008 - 12:26 ET by TruthMongerhttp://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john+3:16
Are you saying that you are
July 1, 2008 - 08:52 ET by msh1973Are you saying that you are offended by the bible passages?
I am sorry, I didn't see any of them used in this blog. Please explain yourself more fully.
they offend the hell out of
July 1, 2008 - 12:30 ET by TruthMongerthey offend the hell out of me
that's basically what makes me a devout Christian fundie
being offended is good for the soul:)
18 weeks eh?
July 1, 2008 - 09:03 ET by dvdaughtryYou got 18 weeks under your belt and you think NB is being ruined?
Like it or not, the Christian Worldview is as real of a Worldview as any other and is underfire EVERYDAY by the rest of them.
Don't like it? Sh!t or get off the pot.
You trying to say Jesus Christ can't hit a curveball?
I get his message -
July 1, 2008 - 12:27 ET by TruthMongerI get his message - Christians are not welcome in the American public forum...
I'll be over in the fundie ghetto - if anyone cares:(
(sniffle)
Well you know,
July 1, 2008 - 10:14 ET by Hero SquadWell you know, if someone slaps you on the cheek, just turn and offer him the other.
*****
"People only insist that a debate stop when they are afraid of what might be learned if it continues." - George Will
absolutely - and two more
July 1, 2008 - 12:28 ET by TruthMongerabsolutely - and two more cheeks on your face as well:)!
rimshot
I can be a tad
July 1, 2008 - 14:56 ET by Hero SquadI can be a tad cheeky.
*****
"People only insist that a debate stop when they are afraid of what might be learned if it continues." - George Will
Carlin as Cranky the Crane....
July 1, 2008 - 20:19 ET by FrogdaddyThat reminds me when my kids were younger. It was either Alec Baldwin or George Carlin doing the narration for Thomas the Tank Engine. I was afraid any moment Carlin would go off.
I wonder what long lasting effects to my kids psych will occur after hearing them? Or they may end up a little Celiberal.
It was either that or having Jerry Fallwell pissed at me because I let them watch Lala and Po carry a red bag and funny hat eating toast on teletubbies. No wonder they mumble at me now and then.
What was I thinking. I guess Ernie and Bert wasn't too bad. Or maybe they were.
Cheeky.
Wonderful wit!
July 1, 2008 - 15:05 ET by SyriusTM,
Thanks for the humor! Keep up the good work!
Syrius
"...the dire consequences to society when people begin to believe that by
renaming someone to erase their humanity opens the door to the
devaluation of everyone's life..."-dscott
I'm gonna have to disagree
July 1, 2008 - 09:13 ET by marpelI'm gonna have to disagree with some of you regarding Carlin. While his work in recent years had gotten a little out of control for my tastes, I still think he was one of the funniest men ever. There are just some things I will never forget about him, like "Sister Mary Elephant". Many of us kids growing up in Catholic school appreciated the humor of that routine. And we have to understand, Carlin was all about routines. His "Seven Filthy Words", his monologue about flying; all priceless. But, he became a little dark in recent years, got a little too far left for me to appreciate and enjoy those routines. The early Carlin, i.e., "The Hippy Dippy Weatherman", is still laugh-out-loud funny to this day.
So, go ahead, slam me for loving Carlin...I can take it. And P.S., I think Kevin Smith, who's way too liberal politically, is truly talented. Yikes! I'm ducking as I'm writing this....LOL.
I thought "Sister Mary
July 1, 2008 - 10:20 ET by Hero SquadI thought "Sister Mary Elephant" was Cheech and Chong.
Yes, I'm pretty sure it was.
Class? Class? Cla-ass. Shut up!!!!! Thank you.
I like Carlin. Saw him live back in '86. Perfectly cast as Fillmore in Cars, and narrating Thomas the Tank Engine videos that I've watched countless times with my son.
Just watched the premiere episode of SNL that he hosted, which they aired last Saturday on NBC. Historically interesting, but horribly unfunny. Even Carlin was off. If there is need for any proof that Carlin is not God, it was that episode. No way would God do something that awful.
*****
"People only insist that a debate stop when they are afraid of what might be learned if it continues." - George Will
You know what, Hero? You're
July 1, 2008 - 10:27 ET by marpelYou know what, Hero? You're absolutely right. Got my irreverent comedians mixed up... :o) I stand corrected. But, there was a routine Carlin did about being in Catholic grade school and some boy sitting next to him passed an entire cheese sandwich through his nose. I think that's where I got mixed up. There was a nun involved in that one too... I stand corrected. :o)
his politics and religious
July 1, 2008 - 12:33 ET by TruthMongerhis politics and religious disrespect was deplorable
but aside from that I thought he was funny
so he fries in hell for eternity - he had a good few decades!
If he's in hell, I'm in good company!
July 1, 2008 - 18:03 ET by SyriusTM,
The old saying...You go to heaven for the atmosphere, you go to hell for the company! With that piece of logic, I know all my friends will be there! Cold beers in a hot place! I can taste 'em now!
Syrius
"...the dire consequences to society when people begin to believe that by
renaming someone to erase their humanity opens the door to the
devaluation of everyone's life..."-dscott
We can just bring it up
July 1, 2008 - 14:58 ET by Hero SquadWe can just bring it up again when Cheech and/or Chong take that last bong hit up in the sky.
My money's on Chong.
*****
"People only insist that a debate stop when they are afraid of what might be learned if it continues." - George Will
yea he passed the sandwich
July 1, 2008 - 15:58 ET by red_dragon311yea he passed the sandwich and the nun thought it was a miracal so he got sent to the office " and don't talk to the other childeren, you can't talk to any one after somthing like that"
thats from, Class Clown, one of the best Carlin albums.
A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have.
-Gerald Ford
Hang on
July 1, 2008 - 09:31 ET by cvgbuckeyeHang right on to that disdain for all things Biblical, "metal". It will serve you well; right to the end.
Blasphemy!!! Burn in hell!!!
July 1, 2008 - 10:08 ET by SyriusWho cares?
George died, that's it. You can think he's burning in hell and slowly roasting or he's making God laugh at you or nothing. I'll stick with the nothing aspect. So, he made fun of your pathetic beliefs in an imaginary being. Cry me a river. If you haven't started to hate all the people around you, given up all your worldly possessions, you are no closer to Christ than anyone else. Read your bibles for the truth. You need to start hating & giving up your stuff before you can follow JC. I don't care if you believe me, I think it's all a power play on controlling you anyway...give up your money to the preachers for your salvation. Ha!
In God's name,
Syrius
Nice
July 1, 2008 - 13:25 ET by cvgbuckeyeNice temper tantrum little boy. Did you kick your feet out from under you and hold your breath to get the attention that you want from Christians?
I always notice the lip quivering, body trembling passion that you so-called atheists display whenever Jesus Christ comes up. Whats that all about anyway? What happened to you as a child?
Get some help for your hate.
I was born with sin, supposedly.
July 1, 2008 - 13:52 ET by Syriuscvg,
Passion displayed by atheists up against bible thumping Jesus freaks who look forward to the next war as the next step to the Rapture or the islamofascists getting ready for the orgy with their virgins? I don't want to be a part of your religious ideas of how to get closer to God. You wonder why people get upset with the likes of the lunatic fringe who listen to the lunatic pastors and clerics? My God, you all get upset with Obama and his crazy pastor. Hagee and the rest are okay to listen to though? Pray by yourself that's what Jesus said anyway...
Syrius
"...the dire consequences to society when people begin to believe that by
renaming someone to erase their humanity opens the door to the
devaluation of everyone's life..."-dscott
Carlin was a hypocrite
July 1, 2008 - 11:57 ET by Jonah JohansenNote: It is sad that Carlin died he created some wonderful humor, but I
think some of the recent adulation is leftist self-congratulations.
Carlin primary claim to fame was his preachy self righteous
denunciation of "censorship" , his legacy and that of
his fellow preachers can be experienced every day on the liberal blogs.
He helped create the smug attitude of moral superiority surrounding
the use of vulgarity in public discussion.
Yet he was a hypocrite and a fraud when it came to censorship.
I remember him writing an "open letter" to Andrew Dice Clay when
Mr. Clay was at the peak of his popularity, denouncing him for his use of
anti-woman, anti-gay, anti-black remarks and stereotypes in his act. In the course of that letter attacking Clay.
Carlin used an argument that I find amusing/amazing, he said to the effect that
"..as a Jew.." that Andrew Dice Clay should be sensitive to/
appreciate the harm such remarks and stereotypes can cause" I should be noted that Andrew Dice Clay was essentially 'blacklisted' by Hollywood soon after this.
Mr. Carlin was not necessarily the leader of the lynch mob; but he certainly was in the mob that destroyed another comedians career.
Essentially Mr. Carlin was fine with offending people,
with vulgarity and mocking as long as he and his fellow leftists got to pick
the acceptable targets.
What he should've said in
July 1, 2008 - 15:00 ET by Hero SquadWhat he should've said in his letter was, "Be more funny."
*****
"People only insist that a debate stop when they are afraid of what might be learned if it continues." - George Will
More on Carlin
July 1, 2008 - 15:24 ET by BradzillaI'm pretty much in agreement with most of you've said there (and with your first response, for that matter). The whole fawning smooch-fest of the media over the death of someone as hate-filled and foul-mouthed as Carlin is puzzling. I hope that most of the conservatives (especially religious ones) here realize that Carlin would have little but contempt for you. He stopped being funny to me a long time ago. Like a lot of immature folk, he could poke fun and insult most anything or anyone, but I never heard anything constructive come from him.
It's good to know if I
July 1, 2008 - 20:35 ET by FrogdaddyIt's good to know if I don't like it I don't have to watch it or listen to it. I want that choice and don't want it decided for me. I shrill thinking of some type of censorship. Look at the Supreme Court last week regarding gun control 5-4. Meaning, 4 dissenters think we shouldn't decide for ourselves if we should own a gun. I don't own one but it's good to know I still can.
Sorry for rant.