One of the many problems with the American left has been its image as something rather too solemn, mirthless, herbivorous, dull, monochrome, righteous, and boring.

There are also people who say it's God's curse on me that I should have it near my throat because that was the organ of blasphemy which I used for so many years. I've used many other organs to blaspheme as well if it comes to that.

I have often thought that when I do die it will be of sheer boredom.

A rule of thumb with humor; if you worry that you might be going too far, you have already not gone far enough. If everybody laughs, you have failed.

My chief consolation in this year of living dyingly has been the presence of friends.

Trust is not the same as faith. A friend is someone you trust. Putting faith in anyone is a mistake.

There can be no progress without head-on confrontation.