George Carlin and Tim Russert, Two Social Commentators Paralleled

“I recently went to a new doctor and noticed he was located in something called the Professional Building. I felt better right away.” ~ George Carlin

This week we’ve been talking about heart health and saying a fond farewell to great men of our time in history, who’ve made a difference in our lives. Adding to our tribute is legendary comedian George Carlin, who struggled with a heart condition since the 1970's, and, died of heart failure at the age of 71. Immediately I thought of the closeness in time between Tim Russert and George Carlin’s deaths--so alike in their cause of death, similar in other ways, too-- both being social commentators…Yet each so different in personality, decorum and philosophy.

Like his Mentor Lenny Bruce, Carlin is known for his irreverence, but still he had incredible insight into the human condition. His approach was without pretense or embellishments. He told it like he saw it and he was ever consistent. Carlin is best known for his spiel on the 7 words you can’t say on television, although his comedic routine on “stuff” was one of my favorites. George Carlin was a left-of-center spokesperson for Everyman. He was a tad twisted and quite irreverent, but maybe that’s why America adored him—for speaking out with great shock factor, fearlessly. He was featured on The Tonight Show 130 times. Seems we couldn’t ever get enough of him.

In contrast, Tim Russert had a vast following, as well, but Carlin wasn’t exactly the same style of communicator as Russert. Not in the least. George was cleverly unique. He not only made people laugh, but he made people think about what he might've meant. He was usually p.o.’ed about something, and I suppose in a lot of ways, his rants were a purge of human frustration and gave his fans a sense of comic relief.

As I think of his memory and I smile at all he’s ever said, I’m reminded of one of his humorous quotes about heaven, which seems so appropriate now… “Cloud nine gets all the publicity, but cloud eight actually is cheaper, less crowded, and has a better view.”

Let’s hope that Carlin is on Cloud 8, having a meaningful conversation with Tim Russert.

Ralph E. Jordan
President & CEO
Trident Health Resources, Inc.