cross, from his Let America Laugh photo shoot

Rarely do we just repeat stories for the sake of doing so, but as a fan of stand-up comedy, I thought this was a fun one to address. Did you all hear about David Cross' latest adversary? Larry the Cable Guy. First of all, how stupid do you have to be to go up against David Cross? The guy's funny, sure, but he's also so smart, and often articulate, that there's no way to win that battle. Sure, Larry the Cable Guy is raking in the dough now, but at what cost?

Apparently, months and months ago, David Cross mentioned the lack of intelligence on the part of Blue Collar Comedy fans and Larry took it personal. Did you know his name's not Larry? It's Dan Whitney. Interesting, huh? Well anyway, Larry-Dan goes and gets interviewed by Rolling Stone and then writes a book. He goes and says Cross is a "politically correct white" person. That's David Cross, everybody. He's one-half of Mr. Show, the incredibly politically incorrect HBO sketch comedy show. So based on one statement, Larry goes and makes a series of sweeping accusations about Cross.

In his book, GIT-R-DONE, Larry says, "...according to Cross and the politically correct police, any white comedians who mention the word 'black' or say something humorous but faintly negative about any race are racists." This is hilarious if you've ever heard the comedy of David Cross. Of course, I respect the fact that Cross was as oblivious as I would have been. He didn't even know the book had a word about him in it until a crew member on Wonder Showzen told him. At that junction, I would declare Cross the winner, simply because he didn't obsess over Larry the Cable Guy, following his career, waiting for his rebuttal. Of course, the outspoken Cross did feel the need to strike back.

The Open Letter to Larry the Cable Guy (at bobanddavid.com*) was a great read for anyone who doesn't understand why Larry the Cable Guy is funny. The guy gets up there as an exaggeration of the cliche redneck, and when he gets off stage, he doesn't follow through. Rather, he isn't the character he plays, and therefore he is a hypocrite. Yes, I realize Tom Hanks isn't really Forrest Gump, but he doesn't go around dressing and acting like him at all times. The last person who had this complex was Pee Wee Herman-- and he's trying to come back!

So David Cross' letter was hilarious, and it was posted on his and Bob Odenkirk's website. Basically, fans of Mr. Show would read it. Then came Last Laugh '05 on Comedy Central, where Cross came out yelling "Git-r-done!" It was truly priceless. It was a way to have a grand inside joke for all the fans, and I appreciated it.

Cross won't follow the situation past poking fun here and there. He's got bigger things to worry about, and more important matters at hand. He's becoming a partner at a new bar in the city, he's working on several shows, probably recording a new CD, and all the while, touring and writing new material. He will continue to poke at authority and hold them responsible for their words and actions. Larry will also continue to do his act, perpetuating stereotypes and adding to the decline of the nation. Cross is like lemon juice on a leg wound-- it makes you pipe up and take care of it because it hurts so much. Larry's like a saw slowly cutting the leg off. You may not notice it because it's so slow and easy, but one day you'll look down and you leg will be gone.

*Once you click outside this site, I'm not responsible for what you read.