An Interview with Standup Comedian Pat Condell.

As a peruser of the Internet I have seen many things on the Internet and Pat Condell is a rarity. For those of you who have never heard of this 57 year old from London, England, he is a politically incorrect standup comedian. He has had over a half a million people view his video monologues ranging from his rantings against American and Great Britain foreign policy, to taking aim at organized religion in particular, Christianity. His atheistic views have already gotten him some notoriety, in particular a video diatribe he made against the religion of Islam.

While I don't agree with some of Condell's opinions on religion. I respect his right to speak his mind and in a world where censorship still exists, the Internet may be the true last bastion of free speech.

And to the enemies of free speech, Pat Condell may very well be the most dangerous man on the Internet.

1) How long have you been doing comedy?

Since 1985. I worked as a stand-up on the UK circuit
for about ten years, then I started writing for other
people. I got back into performing recently because I
wanted to talk about religion, but there was no way I
could do it in the British media because the level of
censorship on the subject is ridiculous.

2) What made you decide to give up being a Catholic
and become an Atheist?

I was always an atheist. From an early age I felt my
intelligence being insulted whenever I went to church.

3) Are you surprised by the reaction you have recieved
from your videos on Youtube?

I didn't have an expectation of how many people would
watch the videos. Of course I'm very happy that so many
people seem to like them. Also, it's great to be able
to speak my mind without somebody else deciding what
I'm allowed to say. God bless the internet, if you'll
pardon the expression.

4) What political situations in the world today would
you like to see solved?

The middle east, but I don't know what the answer is,
short of bulldozing Jerusalem, pushing all the rubble
into the sea and sowing salt in the ground so that
nothing will grow there for a thousand years. Actually,
that might work. It's worth a try.

5) Do you have any unusual hobbies?

I grow my own vegetables, but I don't consider that
unusual or a hobby, so I guess I shouldn't have
mentioned it. Too late now.

6) Politically do you view yourself as a liberal or a
conservative?

I'm liberal, but I don't like being taken advantage of.
I despise cultural relativism and political
correctness. Fiscally, I think a lot of public money is
wasted, but I'd be happy to pay more tax for universal
health care that actually delivered, and for a public
transport system that was efficient, safe, and clean.
However, I live in Britain so I might as well be
wishing on a star.

7) Would you ever consider running for political
office?

Are you kidding? I'd rather rub my face against the
wall until it bleeds.

8) Is there anything interesting about Pat Condell
that the public should know?

I'm a vegetarian, and I fully support animal rights. I
don't think we can call ourselves civilised until we
treat animals as the sentient beings they are.