Doug Stanhope: Spewing Truth with a Vengeance
“I love to laugh.” That’s either a tired internet dating cliche or, read in the very best light, a statement of the obvious. Like: “I breathe to live.” Stanhope has tapped into this well of speaking truth to darkness. It takes balls, intelligence, alcoholism, and getting out of bed. The first two of those I have in spades but those last two are accomplishments I admire because I’ve often tried to achieve both but can’t seem to do so. Alcoholism would be a workable life strategy but I’ve got a kid and prioritize being an attentive and responsible Dad so I can’t (or won’t). Getting out of bed is +/- sometimes, you know, to do productive things. Recently, I solved the lattermost problem by getting paid preposterously generous sums for the privilege of deeply serving and caring for people in a distant county up North from the comfort of my home, through the magic of computer telemedicine, without having to experience the tragic beauty of LA traffic and commutes. I’m consciously aware that may sound like a boast but I truly don’t write it in that spirit. I just drew a lucky card on that front in the poker game of life. What’s that? You want my cards.? I promise you: there are cards in my hand that you wouldn’t trade me for if I begged you AND gave you a million tax-free dollars. Besides, I’m absolutely certain that it is all either dumb luck or destiny or neither of those. Anyway, Doug Stanhope gets out of bed, appears to be an alcoholic, and changes the world for the better (despite his self-deprecating rants about how he doesn’t). Bringing laughter into a room is a more valuable contribution to our species than curing cancer. And before you reflexively think that might be too glib, I’ve had cancer and pissed blood and puked for 3 months because of it so I can say whatever the fuck I want about it. It’s indeed true: I’d rather laugh for a night (solid, mysterious belly laughs) and die tomorrow than be condemned to live to 90 in a humorless realm. So I love this clip and now I am posting it on this website (which is mine as long as I pay Squarespace like $50 a. year). Go away and stay away if anything above bugs you and you’ll never be bothered by such perspectives again. Cheers.