[unbalanced but fair]

If you can name one redeeming quality of HST that I should admire other than his support of the 2nd amendment, fine. But even Neo-Nazis support the 2nd amendment. HST was a drug addict, an alcoholic, a second rate writer, and an old man who couldn't leave the 60's. He was bitter and unforgiving. He was no better than Ward Churchill. I am from his generation and am ashamed that he, Ken Kesey, Timothy Leary, and Jack Kerouac are what people have to remember us. I'm sorry when any one dies, but I don't have to admire them. And that is not being hypocritical.

[discostu]

Well he was nicer to dead people than you.

[Eric in the Ozarks]

Same reaction I had when Susan Sontag died. What a waste of talent. What a twisted mind.

[CaptSkip]

HST was a drug addict, an alcoholic, a second rate writer...

I disagree on his writing skills. His first-person "gonzo" style was to me like quicksand. Once I started reading one of his LONG Rolling Stone articles, I was sucked in. Forget the politics. You were along for the ride on many hilarious adventures. Great fun. Hate the sin, love and forgive the sinner my Mom always says.