.jpg)
If you've ever wondered just how out of touch university faculty can get, look no further than the behavior of the University of New Hampshire's faculty union during its recent contract talks.
After shunning the Dalai Lama in September, President Obama must have shocked the Red Chinese when he spoke firmly for human rights.
More Editorials >>>
- > How about spending? An elephant forgets (10)
- > Tobacco shakedown: It's not 'for the children' (19)
- > Social blunders: Our President the yokel (69)
- > Board benefits: Nix health coverage (8)
- > The KSM trial: War? What war? (51)
- > Owned: You belong to Nancy Pelosi (70)
- > Paying for officers: Gatsas gets it right (16)
- > No guarantees: Eagle Times subsidy is wrong (34)
- > Abortion extremism: Shaheen falls on the far left (48)
- > Culture clash: Old NH meets new NH (4)
- > Dump Hackett Hill: It's a public money pit (4)
- > Unsung citizens: They say 'thanks' for us all (8)
- > A new right: Access to abortion funds (55)
- > Default or pay? Arena rock and a hard place (16)
- > To our veterans: A sincere thank you (15)
Andrew Cline has been editorial page editor of the New Hampshire Union Leader since October of 2001. His writing has appeared in more than 100 newspapers and magazines, including The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and National Review.Cosby is cool: Clean, funny and fine
Print
Email
Mobile
Reader commentsThe Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, given by the Kennedy Center in Washington, went this year to Bill Cosby. PBS broadcast an edited, 90-minute version of the show last week. It didn't have to be edited for taste or language.
In fact, Cosby had twice before declined the honor to protest the vulgar language that typified the work of the late Richard Pryor, who was the first Twain recipient. Cosby has since said that, in certain circumstances and contexts, the foul language of some comics is acceptable; but we think he was just being nice.
That niceness is one of the qualities that have made Bill Cosby such a standout entertainer, role model and American. He didn't need expletives or raunchy humor to succeed.
He had, and still has, wit, intelligence, an amazing work ethic, and a genius for seeing humor in the human condition.
Jerry Seinfeld and Chris Rock, who introduced the PBS program, noted that they had once gone to the Apollo Theater in Harlem to see a live Cosby show. They left, they said kiddingly, two of the most dejected people in the country.
Why? Because Cosby had performed original, fresh and witty material for two solid hours, including ad-libbing with the audience. Seinfeld and Rock were humbled by his performance. Anyone who has seen Cosby in person -- he has performed several times at the University of New Hampshire -- can attest to this.
Cosby has used his talents and his fame and influence unselfishly. He has spoken sternly and sincerely to young black men in an effort to steer them away from gangs and crime and profligate fathering of illegitimate children. He didn't have to do this. He could sit back on his millions and enjoy himself and his lovely family.
The nation is lucky that Bill Cosby has chosen instead to continue to contribute and to speak out and set an example for what is good and decent in America. It is very much needed.
All trademarks and copyrights on this page are owned by their respective owners. © 1997-2009.
YOUR COMMENTS
Aside from the marrital infedelity Cosby has pretty much been a class act his whole life.
It's a sahme more young people look up to Kanye West than the Cos.
- Dana, Candia, NH
Cosby is a brilliant entertainer but on occasion during the late shows he does use some profanity. Regardless he is brilliant but so was Carlins seven words you can’t say on TV. To each his own I think Carlin, Eddie Izzard, Christopher Titus, Larry Miller, Tim Allen, Eddie Murphy, John Lequizamo, and yes Richard Pryor have all enriched our lives through laughter. There are so many more out there worth hearing if you have an open mind. Lighten up it’s all just a joke people. Congratulations Mr. Cosby.
- Jim, Raymond NH
So Bill Cosby has problems with profanity, but no problems with infidelity? A look at past winners of the Twain Award show only two comics that was well known for using a lot of profanity: Richard Pryor and George Carlin, both of whom used profanity, not to shock, but to show humor in real world situations and the hypocrisy of those like Cosby who wants everyone to work clean while cheating on their wives. Considering that Chris Rock, one of the most profane comics working today, was a host at the event presumably with Cosby's blessing shows me that Cosby's past refusal was more about jealousy that Pryor, not he, was the first recipient of the Twain award than it was about the use of dirty words.
- Bill, New Boston
Clean wit is the hallmark of true genius--as well as class and integrity. It's refreshing to see a noble prize awarded to a deserving individual. This op-ed is a beautiful tribute to a man who has been a shining exemplar for us all.
Kevin--good point. Although Twain's "Huckleberry Finn" is an integral part of our literary canon, it has been widely criticized for its immorality, profanity, and racism.
- Susie, Horseshoe Bay, TX (NH native)
I second the salute for Bill Cosby, but I can't help but point out the sad irony that Mark Twain is more heavily censored today than many celebrated modern comics who use the same words.
- Kevin, Lancaster
NOTE: If you have visited this page before, newer comments may be hidden. Press F5, or hold down the Ctrl key while reloading or refreshing the page. (Another option for Firefox users is the Clear Cache add-on.)