They didn't know each other at the time, but they were both bused in from the same place, and shared an experience that although turned into a bloody nightmare, was a special time in America.

So intense was the1968 DNC mess that there seems to be a nostalgia that surrounds it, and makes those of us who were not alive or around at the time almost envy it. The group in charge of today's protest even call themselves "recreate 68. ".

I listened to Jerri and Lynn talk about their experiences, who are now both successful women who remember that era of American history. It was indeed fascinating to hear their stories of 1968 not just from Hunter over the years, but now with Lynn and Jerri, while surrounded with DNC press gift bags sponsored by Qwest, AT&T and other mega brands. Even the protest group has branded the 1968 Democratic Convention, and long for those days when people at least seemed to be listened to.

As I watch the journalist bloggers and photographers, protesters, even tourists in Denver this weekend, it already makes me think of one of Hunter's passages:

There is probably some long-standing "rule" among writers, journalists, and other word-mongers that says: "When  you start stealing from your own work, you're in bad trouble." And it may be true. I am growing extremely weary of writing constantly about politics. My brain has become a steam-vat; my body is turning to wax and bad flab; impotence looms; my fingernails are growing at a fantastic rate of speed - they are turning into claws...People are beginning to notice, I think, but fuck them. I am beginning to notice some of their  problems too...

-- Hunter S. Thompson Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail '72.

Your friend,

Anita Thompson