Coincidentally I just read the Lester Bangs' essay "Of Pop and Pies and Fun," in which the author argued (in no less than 6,000 words) that Iggy Pop was a superior musician because he didn't give fuck what the crowd thought. Not only that, but his performance and delivery negated any bullshit that a member of the audience might dish out. Whereas an artist like Alice Cooper was getting pies thrown in his face, nobody questioned Iggy's authority. I suppose that's why Hicks was often called a rock star comedian. If someone mistook him for an invertebrate fool, he unleashed his wrath upon the offender without hesitation.

Personally I feel that Hicks' philosophy and life work were both left incomplete. That's not to say that he didn't live up to his potential. What I mean is, had he lived to the present time, I can only imagine the things he would have accomplished. I think his message would have continued to get more and more positive, while an even greater number of people would have realized the validity of his arguments. His premature death really only slows down this process. In fact, the most widespread use of his voice since Tool's Aenima was in the independent documentaries Zeitgeist (2007) and Zeitgeist: Addendum (2008). They have been viewed by thousands of people worldwide, thanks to free downloads, live streaming, and multiple translations. (This brings up a related point, which requires extensive exploration on its own -- in brief, that the Internet will be another force that accelerates human evolution).

The quote used in those films was what Hicks' himself called the point of his ranting and raving. It went like this (once again, slightly abridged):

Hicks said that the path of love is to recognize that human beings are all one. Then he'd suggest that all money spent of war and weapons would be more than enough to feed and shelter every human being on earth. It seems like even brushing the surface of these issues arouses criticism for being idealistic. But on the other hand, perhaps we've spent too much time mindlessly accepting what we take for granted to be reality, when most of that "reality" actually consists of human constructions. When the veil is lifted even a little bit, anyone who can sense the problem innately will usually fight to keep lifting that veil up. Most quit before it's been raised at all, and everyone dies before the job is done. But we can all plant seeds, because even the childlike wisdom behind the Johnny Appleseed myth tells us that most planted seeds will not be dug up. Many will take root and sprout into saplings, and some will even make it to adult trees. The trouble then is to prevent Satan-worshipping Fascist rednecks from cutting down the tree, building a fire with the lumber, and burning Johnny Appleseed alive.

That never happened to Hicks. In fact, just to know that he was never arrested for his comedy routine says something spectacular about freedom of expression in America. Lenny Bruce was arrested on obscenity charges in the 1950s for saying much less offensive things during his comedy act. Our country has come a long way in its interpretation of free speech. That's something to be proud of, but at the same time, it's something to safeguard with all our power. While in office, Bush and his devil-horned pal Cheney took every measure possible to nullify the contents of the First Amendment. And I know very well that the Internet is scanned for "suspicious" activities and "dangerous" individuals.

Will we give up? Fuck no! At least, there will always be a steadily growing contingent of individuals who are willing to fight for the truth. Because that's what Bill Hicks stood for -- the truth. Every word that came out of his mouth contained at least a sliver of truth. Most disparagements he ever let fly were meant to oppose the spreading of lies or the masking of truth. Obviously this kind of devoted lifestyle grinds against the flow of the world, and it's bound to produce pessimism and bitter hatred in the enlightened minority. When that happens, the bitterness must occasionally be purged, if only for psychic relief and mental balance.

The real enlightenment is to accept that, while our actions are honorable and worthwhile, we cannot achieve our goal. This is partly because our goal is vague and indefinable. But we know the right direction, thanks to leaders like Hicks. There were others before him, and many will come in turn. He died too soon, but now Bill Hicks stands forever, poised to assist mankind until they no longer need the help, with his arm pointing the way like a laser beam cutting through time into eternity.

We owe it to him to follow his lead. It's time to see the ride for what it's worth. "It's only a choice." Let's make it now.

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