There are now more advocacy and interest groups than ever, and each speak louder when they can turn a celebrity into a poster-child for their own causes. Unfortunately, it is these groups that will fight to martyr those who have or will die as icons because of their contributions and/or vices. In the eyes of these groups, immortality can only come from one's mortality. And in that, the vision gets lost.
Hunter will go and be publically remembered the way he lived - with a bang. From the top of the Gonzo cannon, his ashes will be blown out on to his Woody Creek Ranch. The invitees will see and hear Hunter's final escapade; his following will remember him on that day.
But what of Peter Jennings, the person beneath the suit and tie that symbolizes so much of American culture? The journalist brothers and sisters said their tributes the days immediately following his death. Now, he's become the angry voice and shaking finger of a nation-wide anti-wide smoking campaign blaiming the Marlboro Man for his untimely death. He was a victim, but he was also the voice we all needed to hear during 9-11. And on that day, when we turned to him for journalistic compassion and emotional support; when he needed a cigarette more than anyone has ever needed a cigarette in the history of the addiction, he sat there for 48 hours and told us to call our children.
On August 20th, when Hunter's ashes are being blown out from atop the Gonzo tower, remember when you think about Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas that the angry midget yelling at Hunter (Depp) after leaving the Flamingo Lounge without paying for lunch will be toasting Hunter. The Hell's Angels will be toasting Hunter alongside everyone at Rolling Stone as well all the friends and enemies Hunter made throughout his entire career of telling the story as he saw it and to hell with everyone else. But, Hunter could not have been so loud without Peter Jennings anchoring the other end of the spectrum. So, remember Peter as well. Both, I trust will enjoy the entire scene together smoking cigarettes and thankful that someone else has to cover the story. Me, I'll drink to the good Doctor, smoke to the future of journalism, and thank my father for putting on the coat and tie so I could have the opportunity to be a part of that future.
Pub:NB
Article comments
1 - Adam
Hey, great story... nice tribute. It's important to remember the other side of that Pendulum sometimes. Hunter represented the side that may be glorified by you and I, but I think you nailed it. He could not have accomplished what he did without someone "tending to the light at the other end of the tunnel" I will have a drink tonight and think of the good doctor. I may even smoke a dunhill out of a filter, even though I don't smoke. Nice work again, salud!
2 - jack
Today's headline in the Aspen Free Press:
'Hunter S. Thompson Friends say Hollywood Hijacked Funeral."
3 - Eric Olsen
super job EE, very well written and evocative. I am pretty burnt out on HT after our prolonged testimonial war when he died, but yours is a worthy contribution to the literature.
And lay off the butts.
4 - Jim Gregg
Hunter's method of death made me mad. Talking to his wife while taking his life was cheap.