Hi Moshe -

I am a mom of a Miami University student, and I was present in the audience when you were on stage for parents' weekend. I love to laugh, and I can laugh at anything intelligent.

I myself appeared on Bill Maher's "Politically Incorrect" show some 20 times over the years. I know what I'm talking about.

Moshe, you weren't funny.

Perhaps you have heard from other parents who were uncomfortable with your routine. They may not have felt forewarned that virtually the entire act would be centered around comments like, "your grandmother sucked on your grandfather's d#@k get over it" and watching you simulate masturbation, as they sat next to their children and grandchildren who now had something to think about all evening.

But what struck me most is that you simply were not making people truly laugh. Anybody can stand on stage, simulate masturbation, and probably get a nervous giggle. "Potty humor" is popular in some circles I suppose. Usually those circles are in the third grade, but so it goes.

What is hard to do is make people laugh by being intelligent, nuanced, subtle, thoughtful and insightful.

I saw Bob Hope, as a child. I'm STILL laughing over his routine. No one is going to say that about yours 40 years from now.

I've seen Jerry Seinfeld live more than once, a true comedic genius, and I laughed so hard I couldn't breath. Not even a four-letter word passed his lips. He didn't need it. The audience was simply holding their sides because he touched us where we live - and that takes talent.

Other comedians from Bob Newhart to Ellen have had that gift. I'm not even suggesting it always has to be "positive." The late great Joan Rivers could perform verbal vivisection on others, but it worked not just because one always had the sense she was making fun of herself more than anyone -- but because she was creative and brilliant.

Moshe what bothered me most about your performance wasn't that it was vile, immature, and totally inappropriate for the audience. In some ways that's more Miami University's fault than yours and it's my understanding from them that countless parents have responded negatively to the choice of entertainment this year. No, my biggest regret is that your act used up precious time I had with my daughter - and it didn't even make me laugh.

I wanted you to know.

Sincerely,

Betsy Hart

Miami University Mom