I am once again re-reading Hunter S. Thompson's "Fear and Loathing On the Campaign Trail '72" and remain amazed at how little has changed in the years between 1972 (when I was but a youngster of seven going on eight years and not all that interested in politics) and 2005 (when politics both interests and infuriates me quite a bit, thank you very much). I am going to post some of Thompson's keener insights here from time to time and, in some cases, provide updated references to current political figures.

"There is no way to grasp what a shallow, contemptible, and hopelessly dishonest old hack Hubert Humphrey really is until you've followed him around for a while on the campaign trail." (p. 209)

And from page 135: "Hubert Humphrey is a treacherous, gutless old ward-heeler who should be put in a goddamn bottle and sent out with the Japanese Current. ...He was a swine in '68 and he's worse now. If the Democratic Party nominates Humphrey again in '72, the party will get exactly what it deserves."

Thompson's comments about Humphrey apply quite well to many of today's useless, sold out Democratic Party leaders who expect progressives to continue voting for them as they move further and further to the right. Al Gore, John Kerry, and Michigan governor Jennifer Granholm being just a few latter-day Hubert Humphreys who come readily to mind.

More Political Wisdom from Doctor Gonzo to come, so stay tuned!