Tuesday, February 22, 2005
The Thing Speaks for Itself
A few of my thoughts on the late Hunter S. Thompson.
A man who turns a .45 on himself is serious about his suicide.
It's not a cry for attention or for help. It's not acting out the utter hopelessness we all felt when we realized that our family and neighbors had reelected W for another tour. There are pills and exacto knives for that. A .45 cal in the kitchen is a statement. Basically, "I'm all through folks, see you on the flipside." I think Hunter wanted it done on his terms and on his timeline. The man was nothing if not decisive.
Sixty-seven isn't old age by any stretch, but I think it's asking a lot of any mere body to withstand the cumulative onslaught of chemical abuse his got. CNN was reporting tonight that he had to use a wheelchair at times, and his poor body was failing him. Local papers interviewed close friends who hadn't seen him much lately, but said that he had been in good spirits. Good spirits like someone who had reached a difficult decision and had made some peace with it.
All the attempts I've read trying to summarize, explain, or put into context what Hunter was or did fall pretty flat. I think staff writers are getting a bonus for using the terms "Gonzo" and "Fear and Loathing." What I'm loathing is how hollow it all sounds. But, who am I to judge--I don't have the chops or the heart to attempt it either. This article, sent by Anonymous Reader X has something worthwhile to say.
An Appreciation: The Thompson Style: A Sense of Self, and Outrage
somewhere in Hell's smoking section, my guess is that he's got a quiet booth in the back and right know he's bitch-slapping Richard Nixon. When I get there, I'm going to buy him a drink. And then I'm going to take him by the arm, and we'll go see what Marilyn Monroe is doing.
Let the good times roll.
--OZ
A man who turns a .45 on himself is serious about his suicide.
It's not a cry for attention or for help. It's not acting out the utter hopelessness we all felt when we realized that our family and neighbors had reelected W for another tour. There are pills and exacto knives for that. A .45 cal in the kitchen is a statement. Basically, "I'm all through folks, see you on the flipside." I think Hunter wanted it done on his terms and on his timeline. The man was nothing if not decisive.
Sixty-seven isn't old age by any stretch, but I think it's asking a lot of any mere body to withstand the cumulative onslaught of chemical abuse his got. CNN was reporting tonight that he had to use a wheelchair at times, and his poor body was failing him. Local papers interviewed close friends who hadn't seen him much lately, but said that he had been in good spirits. Good spirits like someone who had reached a difficult decision and had made some peace with it.
All the attempts I've read trying to summarize, explain, or put into context what Hunter was or did fall pretty flat. I think staff writers are getting a bonus for using the terms "Gonzo" and "Fear and Loathing." What I'm loathing is how hollow it all sounds. But, who am I to judge--I don't have the chops or the heart to attempt it either. This article, sent by Anonymous Reader X has something worthwhile to say.
An Appreciation: The Thompson Style: A Sense of Self, and Outrage
somewhere in Hell's smoking section, my guess is that he's got a quiet booth in the back and right know he's bitch-slapping Richard Nixon. When I get there, I'm going to buy him a drink. And then I'm going to take him by the arm, and we'll go see what Marilyn Monroe is doing.
Let the good times roll.
--OZ
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Sorry, I'm grieving here. I forgot we were using code names. Did you hear that everyone... we're using CODE NAMES. Hootie hoo! Hootie hoo! (Astute readers will recognize the homage to both Raising Arizona and Barney Fife in the same comment thank you verrrry much). Sorry for using your real name--Rusty Shackleford, Doh! King of the Hill! Three in one comment, that's gotta be like a record or something.
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