Failure Quote by Hunter S. Thompson
““The New York power failure was not the first time the Hell's Angels have confounded the forces of decency and got off scot-free. They are incredibly devious. Law enforcement officials have compared their guile to that of the snipe, a wily beast that many have seen but few have ever trapped. This is because the snipe has the ability to transform himself, when facing capture, into something entirely different. The only other animals capable of this are the werewolf and the Hell's Angel, which have many traits in common. The physical resemblance is obvious, but far more important is the transmogrification factor, the strange ability to alter their own physical structure, and hence "disappear." The Hell's Angels are very close-mouthed about this, but it is a well-known fact among public officials. ... About halfway through our talk I got a strong whiff of the transmogrification factor, but I was hardly prepared for the mayor's special fillip on it. There were plenty of Hell's Angels at the riot, "but they escaped, " he explained, "behind a wall of fire." While he elaborated on this I checked my calendar to make sure I hadn't lost track of the days. If it was Sunday, perhaps he had just come back from church in a high, biblical state of mind. At any moment I expected to hear that the Angels had driven their motorcycles straight into the sea, which had rolled back to let them pass. But no, it wasn't like that. The mayor was not loath to give details of the escape; he wanted law enforcement agencies everywhere to be warned of the Angels' methods. Knowledge is power, he opined.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: Gonzo Journalism, “The Hell’s Angels and the New York Power Failure”, 1971
Thompson portrays the Hell’s Angels as shapeshifters evading law, likening them to mythical creatures that disappear when pursued.
In simple terms: He describes the gang as elusive, likening them to magical beasts.
Recognize that some threats adapt and hide.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- police investigations
- urban crime
- media coverage
- legal strategy
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What real tactics can authorities use against adaptable groups?
- How does mythic framing affect public perception?
Overemphasis on myth can obscure practical solutions.