When I lived in Berkeley, CA, in the mid 1970's, I discovered a sidewalk performer/comic/philosopher who called himself Swami-X (Or Ex-Swami-X..."I used to be Swami X, but I quit...)
He was extremely funny in a biting sort of way, giving well deserved shit to politicians, religion, and "normal" life in America in general, along with some really old jokes probably from the burlesque theater era, combined with more than a touch of Lenny Bruce. He attracted crowds every day he was there, played for change and donations, then packed up and left on a bus going where ever he went.
He played his routine in Berkeley and later in Venice, CA, where he evidently retired in the late 1980's...He once got into a shouting match with a guy dressed in a red white and blue striped shirt, black tight pants and boots...who I learned years later was Jim Jones, of Jonestown and murder by Koolaide notoriety...
Here's an article on Swami-X that I just found..For some reason, he crossed my mind today, and I wondered if there was mention of him online.
http://en.wikipedia.org/...
He gave a lot of people a break from the problems of life for a while, and Swami, where ever you may be, you were great...thanks for the fine work, even after nearly 40 years, I still smile with you.
"You can't say asshole or motherfucker on TV, but you can put them in the White House..." Swami X.
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