...and say flat out, that comedy is about risk, is about transgression, that comedians are licensed to go where other people don't, and we'd have a deadened and rigid society of that wasn't the case.

More Minnessotans watch the Family Guy than ever voted for Norm Coleman, i'm willing to bet. Rape jokes? I think the country which gave the world south park and andrew dice clay can cope with it

"Rape jokes? I think the country which gave the world south park and andrew dice clay can cope with it".

Yeah, but we don't "cope" by electing Andrew Dice Clay or Mike Judge to be a US Senator. Other than having a smart, glib mouth, and being a knee-jerk liberal, Franken has no Senatorial credentials whatsoever. Neither does Rush Limbaugh, for that matter, but at least he has the good grace not to pretend otherwise.

Franken's comedy career is dead. He is an old people's comedian. He is fundamentally unserious and sarcastic. He is unemployed and needs a job. So what? Why on earth (other than the fact that he will vote straight liberal party line) would anyone want him for their Senator?

I always thought that Carlin is just a poor, pathetic, hate-filled person who could never enjoy himself. Just like Franken. But, they are right about comedians. It's sad that with political correctness gone amok, comedy is the only way to discuss the issues of the day. BTW--South Park is so much better than Family Guy, and I like both!

Gbonkers992@hotmail.com:

I always thought that Carlin is just a poor, pathetic, hate-filled person who could never enjoy himself. Just like Franken. But, they are right about comedians. It's sad that with political correctness gone amok, comedy is the only way to discuss the issues of the day. BTW--South Park is so much better than Family Guy, and I like both!

I have to disagree with this whole statement. Carlin was just pissed-off about the hypocrisy of society and voiced his opinion. I'd bet he was a real happy guy; he did what he loved for a living--a damn good living at that.

Also, Family Guy is much funnier than South Park.

Gbonkers992@hotmail.com:

I always thought that Carlin is just a poor, pathetic, hate-filled person who could never enjoy himself... It's sad that with political correctness gone amok, comedy is the only way to discuss the issues of the day.

You can reconcile these two statements to yourself? Apparently Carlin's brand of political incorrectness ruffled a conservative feather or two in you.

Carlin's perceived bitterness comes from maintaining his principals in the face of a nation that always compromises theirs for profit. He's a "Greatest Generation" guy who identified with the counter-culture of the Baby Boomers, only to see both groups pervert their own ideals.

So yeah, his act was quite bitter. Timeless comedy doesn't come from talking about airline food and New York vs. LA. Lenny Bruce, Bill Hicks, and Richard Pryor come to mind instantly.