Letters from the Inside, Michael Swango, #19

Hi KK---

A bit late getting my next letter to you finished (That will be a long one, to be sure!)--should be able to mail it out to you tomorrow. In the meantime several articles from this past week that I thought you might find interesting:

>Thought of you immediately when I saw this essay by David McCullough on a proposed large building near the Brooklyn Bridge. Having seen that incredible view myself from a multitude of angles, I must agree that it sounds like a remarkably ill-conceived and bad idea. The photo tells the story.

[KK: Somewhat interesting story on the reverse: "Generation Me" --although it pretty well describes the obvious.]

>Dahlia Lithwick: "Women: Truly The Fairer Sex"--on a potential female Supreme Court Justice to replace Souter.

>Brief but poignant story on the death of Marilyn Chambers...

>The last column is another one by Dahlia Lithwick-but I include it mainly to tell you a bit more about me, so you can know me a little more deeply. As will be much more discussed in my next letter [your questions about "sociopaths," etc.] and letters to follow. I have done some terrible things. But I am viscerally and violently opposed to torture or mistreatment of anyone "in custody" or under someone's control at any time, anywhere. This is not just a philosophical opinion--I literally turn away when Jack Bauer pulls out his bag of tricks on "24". Remember the first season of "Lost", when Sayid tortures Sawyer? Very hard to forget... Those photos from Abu Ghraib referenced in Lithwick's article...truly angers me.

I tell you this, first, for the reason above, but also to let you know that I am well aware of the contradiction with past conduct. I'm not that person anymore. Again-more on all this to follow; but it's important to me that you know I will say & write as deeply and intensely as you allow-so you can know me: inside and out, the light side and the dark (that we have in common!)...

Regarding the actual story--I don't believe there will be any serious investigation. Everyone in power & recently out of power just want it to go away.

Let me get these articles in the mail. Long(er) letter to follow. Take care, KK, and hope to hear from you soon.

Yours,

Michael

P.S. Over the weekend, I saw a repeat of that amazing Season IV "LOST" episode entitled [THE CONSTANT]. Comments to follow...

[Ed.: All the articles he mentioned were enclosed along with this letter. As he does with his letters, he also underlines certain things in the clippings. One underlining in the story about how we are raising a nation of narcissists is particularly interesting: "Ever read the original ending to Cinderella? The evil stepsisters get their eyes plucked out by pigeons and end up beggars."]