Randy Cassingham's Blog

"You've caused a notable effect on cultural consciousness." -- that's what one of True's readers said, one of hundreds and hundreds of you who wrote to say that Mike Peters' popular Mother Goose & Grimm comic strip featured a "Get Out of Hell Free" card.

True: my GOOHF cards are getting enough circulation now that the concept is getting pretty mainstream. They're even figuring in TV shows now and then. I've dropped Mike Peters a note asking if he'd like some cards, but I never heard back from him. Here's the strip:

Debra in Virginia was one who wrote about card appearing in the comic strip: "Sunday afternoon I was at an early Halloween party, and the conversation was rambling around the room when one person mentioned how funny he found the idea of a GOOHF card. And someone else said something along the lines of 'Wouldn't it be fun to have something like that?' Hah! I immediately jumped up, said I should have some with me! What?!?!?!? They really exist?!?!?!? Well, after a few minutes of me saying things like I can't believe I have two lipsticks and no GOOHF cards I found my stash of them. And I was able to present each and every person at that party with their own card! For this, I was called an amazing woman and also very scary! But I was delighted to initiate the uninitiated."

Brian, who didn't say where he's located, writes: "I've always loved your GOOHF cards, but it was visiting your website that gave me a pleasant moment of insight. I've always said that I 'hated' evangelists, fundamentalists, etc., but reading some of your comments made me realize that I don't -- and I've been guilty of stereotyping them. What I hate is stupidity, and those who try to force their personal beliefs on others. Not all radical religionists do that -- just the obnoxious ones. I should have realized this earlier, because the perpetual fuss over religious displays in public places has made me very aware that atheists can be just as stupid and obnoxious as any fundamentalist. Anyway, thanks for the great writing and thinking."

I'm glad my writing caused you to think about your prejudices, Brian.

John in Colorado: "After reading some incidents with the GOOHF cards, I thought I might share mine with you. On a recent morning driving to Boulder, I didn't keep my lead foot in check and a sheriff's deputy pulled me over for going slightly over the speed limit (73 in a 55). He gave me a verbal warning when he saw that orange card stuck on my dash, and even cracked a smile. However, when he ran me through his computer, it came back with a warrant for my arrest. Thankfully, I didn't fit the description (I'm older and have a lot less hair). It turns out that there is another with my name, or using it, breaking all kinds of major traffic laws. I'll bet the impostor doesn't have a GOOHF card but will need it soon." Next time, John, don't wait -- hand him a card! :-)

In November 2007, the TV show "Reaper" featured a Get Out of Hell Free card. Every time that episode re-runs, I get a few dozen e-mails from readers who spotted it.