My brother died of cancer at the age of 42. Whenever I see Carlin I think of those days. He's not longer as funny, he just seems bitter. I think it had something to do with his own wife's death. About eight years ago I remember seeing him get a comedy award and his speech was all about his wife, how she stood by him all those lean years. She was alive then, and she was beautiful. I think he's just a very sad man now trying to cover up his pain.
If nothing else, it's something most of us can relate to.
I think you're right. I read an in-depth profile on him recently in an L.A. Times I found in a fast food restaurant. He admitted to being totally disillusioned, alienated, faithless and cynical. I fear that's a fate that awaits many in our increasingly secular society. I tried existentialism and alienation once -- didn't like them.
I believe you're right. Carlin went sour when his wife got sick, and he became more of a withering doctrinaire atheist and socialist as well. It was sad to watch. I hope for his recovery--physical and spiritual--and that he can return to brilliance. Just think what it could mean for Our Side to have him saying things that even Dennis Miller can't say! That's the role I see him playing. Could happen; pray it does.