In the late 1960s and early ’70s, the groundbreaking duo the “Smothers Brothers” changed the direction of TV comedy by combining music, anti-war, pro-women, anti-discrimination sentiments into a comedic whole. We’ve never seen their likeness before or since. They were at the top of the ratings when CBS (succumbing to pressure) canceled their show. They sued and won a large settlement, but we all lost. Would they were around today to skewer today’s wannabes. A limerick tribute is right up their alley:
“In Memoriam”
Alas, Tommy Smothers is dead.
His truths were so far ahead.
To the powerful his satire spelled trouble.
With Dick, they burst many a bubble.
Today, we have sycophants instead.
Orlando Delogu
Portland
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