More on Gonzo (and "the songs of the doomed")

In Tony Norman's Post-Gazette column, Thompson is welcomed to limbo by Tricky Dick, himself:

"Are you telling me that even a lying piece of humanity such as yourself can be redeemed?" Thompson asked with a snort. "Could anyone with a scintilla of integrity take seriously a heaven that would have you as a member?"

"Maybe your failure of imagination is why you blew your head off," Nixon said. "For decades I've been your infernal shadow, just as the Kennedys were mine. At a certain point, you have to let it all go or deal with a burning worm in your gut that never dies."

Later, Nixon cautions as follows regarding the fate of the current administration:

"They're as rabid a bunch as I've ever seen, but they're disciplined. While your side succumbs to suicidal despair, they consolidate power. With your death, the songs of the doomed may have only gotten louder."

And with that, an iffy conceit executed with middling skill turns poignant and effective. A worthy read.