Dennis Hopper was a well-established charcter actor before EASY RIDER. He had roles in TRUE GRIT, THE SONS OF KATIE ELDER, and GUNFIGHT AT THE OK CORRAL for example. He's continued working, usually playing the whacko, for forty years. I have no idea of his politics, but something is missing from this story.
My old man drank alot of beer with Dennis Hopper during a film shoot in his hometown.
He thought he was a regular guy.
This story is missing way too much to make ANY judgments about anything at all.
I wish I had a nickel for every kneejerk reaction on this thread...