I'm Not a Political Comedian But I Still Have Opinions

I don't consider myself a political comedian by any means but that definitely doesn't mean I don't have opinions about certain things that happen in the world. In a blog that I wrote almost two years ago after a shooting took place in Orlando, Florida, I said that I generally try to avoid the news because most of the news is bad.

As a comedian though and someone who uses social media to network with other comedians, there is no real way for me to avoid the news. So here we are again, another shooting massacre took place. This time at a high school in Florida. A 19 year old has killed 17 students.

Shootings like this are becoming so commonplace now that I barely read about it online or heard about it on the news. It is like the world is saying "What else is new?"

Exactly nothing. Shootings happen then people tweet about all their thoughts and prayers (including our President) but that doesn't solve anything at all. The President also tweeted that this particular shooter was mentally disturbed and people knew that and it is their fault for not reporting it to the authorities. Oh okay, blame everyone else. That's real cool.

I'm not saying it will be the solution to every shooting ever, but how about we finally put a ban on guns? What?!?! Yeah, I said it. Listen, the same discussion happens after every fucking shooting lately, but nothing is ever done. Sure, let's blame other people, let's blame the parenting, let's blame the educators. I get that it isn't the gun that shoots people and it is the person that is shooting the gun. It may be an automatic rifle but it isn't that automatic. And you are exactly right, I get what you're saying.

We've now gone through enough of these I think, where we can't rely on people to change, but we need to enforce a change.

Please spare me the argument about the 2nd Amendment stating we have the right to bear arms. That was written in 1791. Get yourself out of the  past. Guns are way more powerful now than they were back then. So argue for the 2nd amendment all you want. But things change. Your mom may still say she is 21 years old but we all know that she really is not. (I'm sorry, mom)

So again, life is precious. Tell those you love that you love them and cherish every moment. I understand the world seems like a scary place right now, but don't let fear get the best of you. Live your life because it is the only one you have.

If you're in the need of good laugh now (shameless plug time) then you can come see me at Red Rock Coffee in Mountain View on Saturday, February 17th at 8:30pm. The show is produced by Kevin Wong. It is a free show but it will be a full house so get there early.

It is Funny but I'm Tired of The Joke

I recently experienced something that rarely happens with my comedy bits. I had a bit that was still relatively new, that was getting laughs, but I got tired of telling the joke rather quickly.

At first, I decided, that since it was still getting laughs that I should still proceed with doing the bit. However, I felt like I was lying to myself when I did. Why should I do something that I don't want to do?

Finally, for the first time this last Thursday at a show at Matching Half Cafe in San Francisco, I dropped the bit from my routine. It felt amazing! The joke I told instead ended up bombing, but I didn't care. I felt relieved.

Tomorrow, comedy returns to 88 Keys Cafe in Morgan Hill. This is the monthly showcase that I produce. We skipped January because it would have been closed to the New Year's holiday. I have a great lineup of comedians scheduled to perform so it should be a great night.