The Death of The Hunter.

Famed writer Hunter S. Thompson apparently took his own life on Sunday, February 20th, 2005. He was, is, and always will be a journalistic icon. Known for his trademark "Gonzo" style journalism, he will be mourned by truth seekers and naysayers throughout the world.

Best know for his works "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" and "Hell's Angels", he was more than a drugged out alcoholic on an insanity binge. He was by most accounts one of the greatest political writers in history. Of his political writing there was "Fear and Loathing: On the Campaign Trail '72" and "The Great Shark Hunt". He knew that truth was not black or white, but was found in the grey area in-between. As a journalist he didn't settle for writing the story from the outside looking in or from the inside looking out. Instead he managed to keep a certain distance while still immersing himself in the subject. It was in this middle grey area where he found his voice and those truths which were often overlooked by the by-the-book writers that were covering the very same events.

There are many great things that could be said about this man. In addition to which there are probably just as many bad things that could be said as well, but the words "Shill" and "Hack" would not be found in that list. His unorthodox style and often profane verse did more to lend credibility to the concept of journalistic integrity than what is being fed to the people by so called professionals such as Robert Novack, James Guckert-AKA Jeff Gannon, in addition to the Fox News lineup which seems to merely be a mouthpiece of the current presidential administration.

As to why Thompson took his own life, I'd like to believe that it was to ensure he didn't go to Heaven but instead would get a free pass to Hell, where he'll be sure to add the names of those deserving to the list of expected arrivals. I just hope he brought a fresh typewriter ribbon with him, because I'm sure he's got a lot of politicians and so-called journalists to add to that list.