In Hunter S. Thompson's book "Hey Rube," the author reflects on the disturbing shift in American values, particularly regarding the military's actions and motivations, which he suggests are driven by greed for oil. Thompson argues that this mindset indicates a profound transformation in the national conscience, suggesting that the willingness to kill indiscriminately highlights a moral decay within society.

Moreover, Thompson critiques the role of professional sports, implying that they serve as mere distractions from the grim realities of this moral erosion. He views sports as a superficial entertainment that masks the seriousness of the issues at hand, thus symbolizing the death of the American dream in the face of such violence and ambition.