Who’s to Say What’s Obscene

Fans of *The Daily Show* and *The Onion* will appreciate this timely collection of satirical essays by counterculture icon Paul Krassner. With irreverence and an often X-rated wit, Krassner writes with a unique perspective on comedy and obscenity in politics and culture, from "Bong Hits 4 Jesus" banners to scenes cut out of recent movies, including *Borat* and *Milk*. In his essay "Don Imus Meets Michael Richards," Krassner examines racism in comdey, from Lenny Bruce to Dave Chapelle, on *The Sarah Silverman Snow* and *Curb Your Enthusiasm*, and in controversial comic strips like *The Bookdocks*. In his piece "The Great Muhammad Cartoon Controversy," he looks at free speech and self-censorship in the face of threats–real and perceived–from religious fundamentalists. Throughout, Krassner riffs about busted public figures, counterculture, free speech, late-night talk shows, censorship, sex, and the current state of satire.