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I try desperately to keep the stink of politics off my blog. There are thousands of websites for one to dip their political toe into welcoming waters, and I'm sure I'm not adding much to the "discussion" with my post here....

....however....

...on rare occasion, an individual will emerge to shine so brightly - so perfectly - the event warrants note, and in my case, gushing praise.

I don't know how one couldn't know of Stephen Colbert, host of Comedy Central's "The Colbert Report" as the show is eclipsing "The Daily Show with John Stewart" as the searing suture needle of truthiness. I was surprised to learn of Colbert's appearance as a keynote speaker at the White House Press Dinner...maybe the press hasn't figured out that they are the butt of Colbert's charicature (it's only MOSTLY based on Bill O'Reilly).

My personal mystification notwithstanding, it would appear that only Colbert is capable of pointing out (with varying degrees of humor) the intensely hypocritical behavior of both the press and the government they presume to hold in check. Perhaps it speaks to the sad state our union that only the cultural equivalent of a court-jester can speak truth to power/public without fear of decapitation.

And perhaps this too is another sign that we've slouched toward some kind of aristocratic-monarchy - people slipping comfortably into well-rehearsed historical roles...the leaders and the led. The jester, arguably allowed the greatest latitude in topic and commentary, still cannot speak truths in the most literal sense of the word, but he *can* speak to truths that are evident among the audience.

For example, Colbert's video clip shows reporter Helen Thomas berating the White House on their Iraq War....well, lies. Colbert's reaction is to run. Colbert himself doesn't say "The White House lied about Iraq" instead chosing to frame the obvious by replaying Thomas' questioning and playing up the fact that no answer has ever really been given (Thomas' question: "What was the real reason you invaded Iraq?")

Political convictions aside, you have to admire an individual with the gravitas....no, the BALLS to pull off that routine to that crowd.

Thank You, Stephen Colbert.