Tackdriver
Big Hairy Gun Nut
Reged: Jan 31 2001
Posts: 2394
Loc: Phoenix, AZ
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Well one of the fellas in the chapter was talking about the Red and White. Since that club was something I didnt know much about, and since I was kinda low on reading material, I went to the recession version of Barnes and Noble aka the Phoenix Public Library.
Now I knew Thompson had lived with the Angels for a year and had made a book of it. I also knew JH thought highly of Thompson and the books he wrote. Now Ive never read a thing by him, so this was a first.
So I checked it out and its actually not a bad read. I had largely given up on "true crime" books as a genre. Mostly because they are written by some ex cop or some ex con who blatently exaggerates facts and in some cases creates outright fiction, casting themselves as the lead hero/villian. I didnt get that feel with this book.
It may be a spoiler but the real message of this book was to show how dangerous our dependence on the regualar media is. (Time and Life magazine in the era of this writing). Through the lens of a motorcycle club, it chronicles how media can create a reality in the minds of the masses; even if that reality is based upon distortions and exaggerations of fact. This alternate reality is generated for profit, be it financial or political. Oddly, people will often times chage behavior patterns to fit the altered reality.
Now one thing Thompson did very well was fit quotes from others into the writing in such a manner that they flow.
Here is my favorite.
"A man that should call everything by its right name would hardly pass the streets without being knocked down as a Common Enemy."----Lord Halifax.
I think I am going to get "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" next.
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I never saw a wild thing feel sorry for itself.--DH Lawerence
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John-Henry
King Hell Dictator
Reged: Sep 25 2000
Posts: 4522
Loc: McNeal, AZ
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Now you're talking, Jump'in Joe, although "Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail '72" is arguably a better book; in that one you'll get Hunter's take on Nixon, Muskie and ibogaine, Eagleton and electroshock therapy, and the "mojo wire," but as a motorcycle fan you'll find out all about the Vincent Black Shadow in "Fear and Loathing," which is worth the price of admission all by itself.
And who knows? You're liable to end up driving some contemporary version of The Great Red Shark across the desert with a Samoan attorney and a trunk full of drugs (and ether) yourself; you wouldn't be the first person to be influenced in that direction by Hunter's work.
They don't make writers like that these days, I can tell you that; Gonzo journalism is no more, to the detriment of our culture and society, and Hunter and Edward Abbey are both dead, to the detriment of us all.
I envy you in some ways, Joseph; I read lots of stuff that you haven't run across yet when I was in my teens, and there are few experiences (including really good sex) that are on par with your first encounter with a great book.
I remember how shocked I was a few years ago when I heard that Hunter had shot himself; no one here gets out alive, but that was a hell of a jolt when it happened, although when I learned a little more about the circumstances I understood it a lot better.
You're gonna have some fun with Hunter, I can tell you that for sure.
John-Henry
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Tin andra, tin eroa, tina theon?
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Mike Harter
Avenging Angel
Reged: Nov 05 2000
Posts: 2655
Loc: Fresno, CA, USA
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Quote:
He is also known for his use of psychedelics, alcohol, firearms, and his iconoclastic contempt for authority.
Not too surprising that you would find him attractive. 
Quote:
when I learned a little more about the circumstances I understood it a lot better.
So what did you learn that made this otherwise completely self-serving act more understandable?
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"If you need a pistol, you need a REAL pistol. The finest available 9mm serves best as a badge of office." ..... Col. J. Cooper
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NASA
Dervish
Reged: Jan 04 2002
Posts: 62
Loc: CO
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Quote:
So what did you learn that made this otherwise completely self-serving act more understandable?
You say that like his life ending decision was a BAD thing.
self-serv·ing (sělf'sūr'vĭng)
adj.
Serving one's own interests, especially without concern for the needs or interests of others.
Just who was Thompson obligated to stick around and serve?
His publishers? His doctors? Surely not his "friends", because they knew him, and would understand.
It's not like he had a (dependent) wife and 4 rug rats to support. He was his own man, and didn't answer to anyone.
Now pass the hash pipe and don't be such a bogart.
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Typical White Person
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Mike Harter
Avenging Angel
Reged: Nov 05 2000
Posts: 2655
Loc: Fresno, CA, USA
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Quote:
Just who was Thompson obligated to stick around and serve?
Absolutely nobody. And taking one's own life is absolutely in the realm of personal choice; his life; his decision.
It's been awhile since I read up on it, and I doubtless have the facts wrong, but my understanding was that he waited until he had the family gathered around at some sort of reunion with all in attendance, before he did the deed. Thus leaving all who cared about him to discover the mess, clean it up, and wonder for the rest of their lives why they didn't see it coming and try to help him.
Were I in his position and suffering with an incurable illness, I might well make the same choice. But I'd be a damn sight tidier about it, and those who were close to me would not be surprised or feel in any way responsible.
I have three good friends who lost family members/children to suicide. What it has done to their lives is nearly impossible to comprehend. I wonder if the deceased meant to punish those who loved them in this manner? I understand how it can happen, but I still think it is a totally self serving act, often accomplished with no regard for the feelings of others. That said, it's a personal choice, and I wouldn't debate it with anyone.
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"If you need a pistol, you need a REAL pistol. The finest available 9mm serves best as a badge of office." ..... Col. J. Cooper
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NASA
Dervish
Reged: Jan 04 2002
Posts: 62
Loc: CO
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His suicide note.
FOOTBALL SEASON IS OVER
No More Games.
No More Bombs.
No More Walking.
No More Fun.
No More Swimming.
67.
That is 17 years past 50. 17 more than I needed or wanted.
Boring.
I am always bitchy.
No Fun -- for anybody. 67.
You are getting Greedy.
Act your old age.
Relax -- This won't hurt.
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Typical White Person
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clemthegem
Dervish
Reged: Feb 15 2005
Posts: 463
Loc: Laurieton,NSW, Australia
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A deckhand I had briefly about 10 years ago put me onto Hunter Thompson . I read Hells Angels and Fear & Loathing , and my wife bought me The Great Shark Hunt. Great books, what a character Thompson was.
CLEM
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DanS
Crown Killer
Reged: Sep 14 2003
Posts: 2465
Loc: St. Louis, MO
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Clem....
Where have you been?
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clemthegem
Dervish
Reged: Feb 15 2005
Posts: 463
Loc: Laurieton,NSW, Australia
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Hi Dan , I've just been distracted for a while . After reading a few posts , im reminded what a good bunch there are here . Good to hear from you.
CLEM
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