George Carlin's The Paradox of Our Time-Fiction!

The Paradox of Our Time--George Carlin's Tribute to His Late Wife- Fiction!

Summary of the eRumor: A message said to have come from George Carlin on the occasion of his wife's death and his commentary on the nation after the Attack on America on September 11, 2001. It has also circulated as having been written by a surviving student of the Columbine high school massacre in Colorado.

The Truth: This has been circulating on the Internet for quite a while...long before September 11, and is not from George Carlin. Those who know George Carlin's views would immediately know that the comments in "The Paradox of Our Time" do not match those of Carlin. On his website at www.georgecarlin.com he denies authorship and criticizes the piece. The rumor that these words were spoken on the occasion of the death of his wife are a recent addition to the eRumor, which began circulating about 1999. There are many websites that quote from this now classic eRumor and identify it as having been written by Jeff Dickson in 1998. Thanks to a tip from one of our readers, we have found the original author, however. It is minister, author, and former pastor of Overlake Christian Church in Redmond, Washington. In a response to an inquiry by TruthOrFiction.com, Dr. Moorehead said he wrote it in 1990. It was later published in 1995 in his book WORDS APTLY SPOKEN. (Our thanks to the Office of Communications of the Overlake Christian Church for his help on this story.) Last updated 6/9/03
A real example of the eRumor as it has appeared on the Internet:
AFTER THE DEATH OF HIS WIFE! GEORGE CARLIN POST 9-11 (His wife had recently died...) Isn't it amazing that the George Carlin - gross and mouthy comedian of the 70's and 80's - could write something so very eloquent.... and so very appropriate post 9-11. A wonderful Message by George Carlin: The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less; we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness. We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom. We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often. We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things. We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less. These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete. Remember; spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever. Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side. Remember to give a warm hug to the one next to you because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent. Remember, to say, "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you. Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again. Give time to love, give time to speak and give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.