Few comedians crossed the line more artfully, and with more political savvy, than George Carlin. From his passionate advocacy of free speech in his 70’s-era “Seven Words (You Can’t Say On Television)” routine to his clear-eyed condemnation of the Bush Administration’s assault on liberty, Carlin’s humor challenged accepted wisdom and celebrated critical thinking. Following his passing on Sunday at age 71, John Nichols laments the loss of “America’s most consistently savage social commentator.” Read Nichols’ tribute here.

–Will Di Novi

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