To the man who brought me laughter in the not so humorous-post-9/11 world of northern New Jersey, I salute you, Mr. Colbert.

Happy birthday to one of the most brilliant satirists I’ve ever had the pleasure of listening to. Not to mention our one day apart Taurean birthdays!

You taught me what good satire was, and helped me see that I have a fond appreciation for this rare art form.

Things weren’t so funny for me in late 2001 and into 2002. I witnessed 9/11 from across the Hudson River, and that day changed something for me. It sparked a desire in me to know and understand the world I lived in. In this quest for understanding, I found Jon Stewart and “The Daily Show,” which I quickly came to love, especially the short segments featuring you, Mr. Colbert.

Later, when you broke off for “The Colbert Report,” I was ecstatic and I grew to depend on the back-to-back hour of brilliant comedic relief in the face of the “what the f*ck” political scene of 2001 and beyond provided by “The Colbert Report” and “The Daily Show.” It was through you that I learned to understand (and despise) the Super PACs, the Electoral Collage, Dick Cheney, and Bill O’Reilly.

And while I still appreciate your brilliance on “The Tonight Show,” “The Colbert Report” will always have a special place in my heart.

You have been the voice of reason for me as I watched in a sort of horrific awe as the absurdity of our political figures became more and more apparent. As I watched the news channels morph into sensationalist 24 hour networks spreading mass paranoia, I would wonder if anyone else saw what was going on.

All of a sudden, a couple of sarcastic comedians became my source for a more realistic version of the news than any mainstream channel.

You gave words to what I was seeing in the most brilliant, eloquent, hilarious, and satirical way ever, and I love you for it. There is no medicine like laughter, especially in the face of chaos, and you’ve never let us down in that department.

If you are reading this and know not the charms of Stephan Colbert, I hope you will enjoy this collection of my personal favorite moments from across his career, especially when he refers to Texas Senator and half-melted G.I. Joe, Ted Cruz during the compilations of his best roasts.

1. The Emmy Takedown:

2. The Best Roasts of The Late Show:

3. Gang of Eight:

4. Texan’s Truck:

5. The Word—Same to You Pal:

6. The Final Sign Off:

7. Who’s Not Honoring Me Now:

8. The Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear:

9. ThreatDown the All Bear Edition:

10. Tip of the Hat, Wag of the Finger: Ted Cruz & Led Zeppelin:

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No one does it like you, sir! Happy birthday, my fellow Taurus!

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Author: Lindsay Carricarte
Image: Wikimedia
Editor: Travis May