Why I am Fidel Duke

I thought I should briefly explain why I picked the name Fidel Duke as my alter ego. The obvious answer is Hunter S Thompson. It’s not as simple as that, but I do admire the man.

I do not condone the drug and alcohol use and it would not work for me anyway as I have more alcoholics and addicts in my family, and thus the gene, than most people. But I do admire the disregard for authority, especially during that period in our history when it seemed that authority was leading down a misguided path. A similar time as we find ourselves in today, when our government not only brought us to war without being attacked, but then could not manage the war and the reconstruction. A time when the elected officials at the highest levels of our government have lied to us.

The tie between Hunter, and Woody Creek is important. I love the place. I love the irreverence that exists there, and part of Fidel is irreverent.

Hunter picked the name Raul Duke because Raul is Fidel Castro’s brother. The Duke came from John Wayne. Raul Jesus Gomaz was my fathers best friend’s alter ego. My mother was engaged to the Cuban Ambassador to the US’s son. I like John Wayne. I especially like the simple ethic he stood for. You know God, mother, and apple pie; in a simpler day. Finally, I thought there might come a day when I write something that is more Fidel Duke than that other guy…