Fear and Loathing.
This seems particularly poignant right now as I watch the dismantling of democracy - well at least democracy of the until just recently American variety.
TODAY:
Polarization & Dysfunction – Gridlock in Congress, government shutdowns, and an inability to pass meaningful legislation.
Executive Overreach – Presidents expanding their power through executive orders and emergency powers, bypassing Congress.
Judicial Manipulation – The Supreme Court making decisions that shift power away from regulatory agencies or undermine long-standing legal precedents.
Defunding & Deregulation – Shrinking government agencies (EPA, FDA, etc.), making them less effective.
Privatization – Turning public functions (like prisons, education, or even parts of the military) into private businesses, reducing government control.
Erosion of Norms – Leaders ignoring traditions that keep institutions stable, like peaceful transfers of power or respecting the rule of law.
I am not going to start spouting what about-isms or what I think should happen. I will leave it to the great counter culturalist Hunter S Thompson to take care of it for me.
Hunter S. Thompson was a larger-than-life journalist, writer, and cultural icon known for his wild lifestyle, sharp political commentary, and creation of Gonzo journalism. a style where the writer becomes part of the story. His work blended fact and fiction, often fueled by drugs, alcohol, and a deep disdain for authority.
Hunter S. Thompson was fiercely anti-authoritarian, deeply cynical about politics, and had an intense hatred for corruption and dishonesty in government. He famously despised Richard Nixon, whom he saw as the embodiment of political evil, and was a strong advocate for personal freedoms, civil rights, and transparency.
He leaned toward progressive and libertarian ideals—favoring drug decriminalization, anti-war policies, and freedom of the press—while also having a gun-loving, anarchic streak that didn’t fit neatly into any party. He would be a hero in this regard today. He supported George McGovern in 1972, calling Nixon "a beast" and "a menace to everything decent," and later backed Bill Clinton in the '90s, despite not being too sure about Democrats. (Too anti-gun)
If he were alive today, I believe Thompson would likely be disillusioned with both major parties, but he would almost certainly vote against authoritarianism and dishonesty. He would probably support a progressive candidate who champions civil liberties and opposes corporate influence. The opposite of what we have now in other words.
The video seems to be what he saw…maybe…but the description of Gonzo journalism is pretty good.
Death and legacy:
In 2005, Thompson took his own life at age 67. His funeral, funded by Johnny Depp, involved shooting his ashes out of a cannon while fireworks exploded, as per his wishes.
His impact? Still massive. His fearless journalism, rebellious spirit, and larger-than-life persona continue to inspire writers, journalists, and countercultural figures.
We are desperately in need of a Hunter S Thompson today.
His writing was as he lived, pretty much all over the place. He wrote several books as well as for Rolling Stone magazine.
Thompson pioneered Gonzo journalism, where objectivity is abandoned, and the journalist becomes a central character in the story. His writing was immersive, reckless, and brutally honest, often (always?) involving heavy drug use and surreal experiences.