The Aspen public also got a big piece of the first annual Gonzo Symposium. The event resumed that evening with another panel discussion, but this one was open to the public. Evening moderator Walter Isaacson, president of the Aspen Institute, sat with writers Douglas Brinkley and Carl Bernstein on couches in front of a bouquet of peacock feathers.

Isaacson attempted to keep the men on task, referring to Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail once, but tangents came on quickly. Criticisms of the present day corporate “media-whores” dissolved into intimate reflections about Thompson.

“Hunter took us on the journey. We wanted to experience it with him. We bought the ticket and took the ride,” Bernstein said.

It was as if the audience was eavesdropping on old friends gathered in the dawn of a wake. Nostalgic and animated, members of Thompson’s close-knit entourage passed the microphones amongst themselves in the front row, reminiscing about bourbon binges and strange encounters with Nixon’s spiritual Rabbi, Baruch Korff.

Filmmaker Wayne Ewing, whose documentaries include “Breakfast with Hunter” and “When I Die,” suggested placing microphones throughout the entire audience in order to encourage a more well-rounded dialogue. Ewing taped both panels; edited versions will be available to the public soon.

Unedited proofs of The Gonzo Way (written by Thompson’s widow, Anita) and distilled liquid peyote circulated at the parties and in the day following the symposium.

Any profits from this year’s event will go toward the next symposium. Both the Aspen Institute and the city of San Francisco were mentioned as possible hosts for next year’s event. As for the next uprising, word among fans and friends is that GonzoFest 2008, a grass-roots rally to encourage the youth vote, will organize. In addition, a party will kick off immediately after the polls close on Election Day.

– Katie Clancy