In the dark and cold of this past winter's gloom, I completely missed the news of the passing of Weekly World News Editor-In-Chief and Lord High Prankster Eddie Clontz, known and loved by millions as Ed Anger. I found out just an hour ago, and share the sad news with you now, a tribute to the man who blew the cover on the Elvis death hoax, and exposed alien body-snatchers running free in the House and Senate, and discovered our beloved Batboy.
As seen Feb 19th 2004 in The Economist on-line and print editions.
Eddie Clontz, master of tabloid journalism, died on January 26th, aged 56
... His own politics were mysterious. Under the pseudonym “Ed Anger”, he wrote a News column so vitriolically right-wing that it possibly came from the left. Anger hated foreigners, yoga, whales, speed limits and pineapple on pizza; he liked flogging, electrocutions and beer. No, Mr Clontz would say, he had no idea who Anger really was. But he was “about as close to him as any human being.” ...
Read.
Weep.
Mourn for the irretrievable loss of a carefree world when America was a dewy-eyed, optimistic young thing in love with Liberty, awe-struck by the infinite possibilities of an ever-brightening Future, and able to get laid on two hours' notice.
Pray, too, for the mortal soul of the dear departed Mr. Clontz. And save, if you will, a few pounds of bug-zapper leavings for the Batboy's lunch.
--bkl