Mere days ago, Jimmy Kimmel delivered his heartfelt, nostalgic monologue to honor his dear friend and saxophonist / house band leader, Cleto Escobedo III. They had become fast friends, during their junior high school experience; progressing onward; for the nearly quarter century, which ABC TV network execs had elevated them both to late night, chat show stardom.

Several times, Jimmy’s fought back tears; his broken voice could amply verify every syllable of my lead paragraph’s praise. Also noteworthy is how this already emotionally tough task, had become even more so, upon factoring in the element of Cleto passing away whilst being only 59-years-young. Yet, our comedic hero could still awaken amusing anecdotes; moments of genuine levity.

My having eulogized my mom back in 2003, I did grow to know how possible it is to offer up a strong public face; to even crack a joke under such circumstances; thereby further proving the co-existence of comedy and tragedy. And, even tho my audience had been vastly smaller than Kimmel’s, this doth not diminish such facts of life and death in the least.

As for the deeper implications, i cannot help but shudder at the very thought of Kimmel’s earlier, fortunately brief suspension / cancellation; namely, how his fate had rested within the hands of THAT small handed, stone-headed, stone-hearted, swaggering, flaccid, husk of a man; i.e.THAT parasite, who had done his damnedest to silence the speaking truth to power host.

Had such a horrific plot been seen to fruition, this could’ve easily precluded our witnessing the Escobedo eulogy; i.e., one of those rare moments of soulful, exemplary, quality TV programming.

And to think kingy still hath the audacity to use… correction… abuse the “power” of his round office; to round up; maybe even detain / deport comedians; just because mister thin-skin cannot take a joke (to, perhaps, learn how to be a better human being).

This true tale also provides ample proof that every meaningful friendship must embrace Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; all of which did serve both Cleto and Jimmy well. Yes, indeed, this is just one of life’s lessons, which so desperately needs to be learnt by everyone; especially, all who have ever been hoodwinked by THAT fake leader / real hoodlum.

Beyond that, he has a lotta damned gall to find fault with humane being Kimmel, et al.

Other certainties still remain in play. too. Kingy shall never harbor, let alone, be able to kindle such warm human(e) feelings.

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Be kind to humankind! Keep in mind that whether vaxxed or unvaxxed, we can still shed and spread the batcrap crazy contagious coronavirus. If we ever hope to end this damned pandemic, once and for all, we’ll need to stay publicly and properly masked.

-30-

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