So many words of wisdom from my favorite comedian. Please go to link to read the entire interview. Here are some quotes:

On 9/11 and the Patriot Act:

The events in downtown Manhattan created this Patriot Act, which was rushed through and puts the Bill of Rights in further shreds — beyond what had already been done to it. And there is a faction of the “ownership class” in this country that would like to restrict all of our liberties. They need to make us free enough to go to the mall and buy their garbage. But pin us down and lock us down enough so that we are controllable. Fascism always does that. The excuse is that there is an enemy that we all have to line up against. Terrorism has created this climate. The psychological atmosphere around is permeated with these fears and quick solutions.

On criminals in high places and freedom of speech:

The right-wing Republican religious criminals — these religious and business criminals who run and own this country have an interest in restricting the liberties of people. And speech is a part of that. Eventually, you will be told what you can say and can’t say — this is just beginning. Speech is nothing more than a way of expressing ideas. They are on the march.

On the apathetic populace:

People don’t believe that because everybody wants a jet ski. It’s all about the pursuit of goods and acquisition. This country has become a nation of people selling each other cheeseburgers and sneakers. It’s an appalling degradation. They call it the American Dream. Why? Because you have to be asleep to believe in it.

On freedom of choice:

Yes, you can change presidents, but you don’t get much choice in this country about important things. They have all the guns. They have all the tools. They have all the power. We call it freedom of choice. There is an illusion of choice. Americans are led to feel free through the exercise of meaningless choices. There are only two political parties. There is a reduction of the number of media companies. Banking has been reduced to only a handful of banks. Oil companies. These are important, and you’re given very little choice.

Oh, but the flavor of jellybeans? The flavor of muffins? A bagel? You can get a Pina Colada bagel. We’re given the illusion of choice by the meaningless of choices of trivial things. You know what your freedom of choice in America is? Paper or plastic, buddy? That’s it. After you’ve said cash or charge, maybe it’s Pepsi or Coke? Window or Aisle? Smoking or No?. Everything else you’re kinda guided towards by focus groups and marketing research.