Letters from the Inside, Michael Swango, #72

Ed.: I find this letter very interesting. Now that Swango knows I'm interested in sociopathy he is consistently sending me things that relate to it. In this letter he admits he has (or "had") sociopathic traits. There is no cure for sociopathy, so it is pretty apparent if he is admitting he was a sociopath, he IS a sociopath. Further, this letter is a prime example of the manipulation tactics of the sociopath and the sexually obsessive nature of them. He even speaks about a female sociopath he had a relationship with and pointed out her charm and sexual obsessiveness. He could easily be speaking about himself and I believe on some level he is. I also find it interesting that he told me to watch the latest HOUSE episode about a female sociopath who poisons a co-worker.

Dear Kelly,

Much to get to, and not as soon as I had hoped. Before your letters, two comments to make on one of your favorite fascinations:

>Not sure if you ever watch "HOUSE". I'm a latecomer to the show--the personal storylines are intriguing. The medical storylines a bit farfetched. The only reason I mention it is that on Mon 25 JAN the episode will involve the treatment of a female sociopath with pain of unknown origin. Apparently she completely charms the male staff, the females not so much. This letter will arrive too late for prior notice--but I know the show is available on-line for your viewing pleasure. If I see it, I will definitely let you know what I think.

>As you well know, the diagnosis or "degrees" of sociopathic personality/behavior can be subjective but the most obvious cases. I must tell you that female sociopaths, or females with sociopathic tendencies, can be absolutely fascinating people. And dangerous of course. Romantic and/or sexual involvement with them can be the ride of one's life, or worse. Again, it is subjective, but in the past I have been deeply involved with one woman who I am sure was a sociopath, and another who--if she wasn't--was damn close.

Should we ever be able to take our correspondence (I dare not say "relationship" or even "understanding"...) to the "next level", I am sure my recounting and our discussion of intense relationships would be most interesting and illuminating.

KK-You know that you keep a "therapeutic" distance---must like a therapist and patient---far more than anyone who has ever written to me...

And yes: since as we've already discussed I had some of those very traits/behaviors myself--I saw what they were and still could not resist... You do not allow discussion of details but I will tell you (no surprise) that women of that kind are extremely passionate and willing sexually, and know how to use their willingness to engage in all sex acts to further their own agendas... But again, it is their emotional & personal manipulations & uncanny abilities to persuade that you would find even more fascinating.

I know you said you have had dealings with such a person, but can' t discuss now. We can wait...

***

Must ask if you can send an article from "New York" magazine--one I know you either subscribe to or read regularly.

It's an article by John Heilemann in either (I think) they 11 JAN or 18 JAN issue of New York magazine.

It's an excerpt from the book he co-authored: GAME CHANGE about the 08 campaign - about the Edwards campaign. Thank you as always.

OK now to your letters:

Congrats on your contest win. Very succinct, very clever. You are a wordsmith- something I respect a lot.

Your complex life- despite your protestations to the contrary-never ceases to amaze me!

Miles to go---secrets to keep--stories to tell---before you sleep.... You have so many fans of your blog and have so much to look forward to, KK.

Thank you for the info about The Kindly Ones and Wetlands. Odd that they are both out in paperback on the same day, 31 JAN.

It really is interesting to me that as a straight woman who has lived in New York forever---who bears some similarities to the "New York" woman made famous and/or popularized, in "Sex and the City" and about a thousand romantic comedies set in that city---that you don't have many gay men or friends.

AND that you have no ideas why gay men & straight women do share--at times--an intense bond??

And that you really don't seem to care.

"Do elaborate as long as your commentary doesn't get too creepy." Now that hurts :). I'll think about it...what is it you don't want me to say?

**Your story of Ronald Tackmann was quite entertaining; however, Kelly---probably not the best idea to send any similar stories or anything on that topic in general. If you just think for a minute, you will, I'm sure, understand why completely. Thanks!

[Ed.: I sent him an article about an artistic escapee. Ronald Tackmann has escaped in NY and is a savant. He is also an amazing artist, sculpting things out of toilet paper and using paint made from food in prison.]

Now to your second letter, a rare handwritten missive on one of your vintage cards: As I said before, I hope Ms. Knox has the personal & emotional reserves to handle what is to come. She has been totally trashed in the Italian media for several years now. Not sure if you heard the news that the black drifter's sentence was reduced on appeal almost in half-from 25 years to 14 years. This is apparently quite common within the Italian justice system. So--encouraging for the Knox family I am sure.

Not surprised you did not like "Revolutionary Road" the film. I'm starting to detect a pattern! The book by Richard Yates, written in 1961 , is now considered a classic of post-war ennui and how the rigid "Mad Men" society of the times discouraged differences and dreams.

Yes: that Don Draper vs. Tony Soprano companion deserves to be fleshed out in a much longer piece. You would be the perfect person to do it, too.

SEINFELD Reference: "Summer of George" episode: catfights - Raquel Welch, etc.

"Lake Bell is really unattractive and I find her to be highly annoying."

MEOW REEEARRR!!! Catfight! :)

I can probably guess what you think about Brittany Murphy's eyes...and probably the impressive (to me) young actresses Amber Tamblyn & Brittany Snow.

Do tell me about the Polish film, "REVERSE". Have not heard anything about it.

Glad to hear about your new client and possibly a second one as well. Has your business -- in general--weathered the worst of the downturn?

I think I mentioned seeing "No Country for Old Men" and "Gone Baby Gone." Both dark & bleak & brilliant. By now you know totally my kind of film.

However, I am quite eclectic. Also saw your actress Amy Adams in her brilliant performance in "Julie & Julia". I was actually thinking I would not like it, but hers and Meryl Streep's performance won me over.

I also learned a lot/as I know next to nothing about how Julia Childs came to be and her enormous impact on American cuisine & cooking.

Astonishing to find out that in 1949, there was no English language book of French cooking!

And for a pretty good cook & "foodie" like yourself, KK--I'm sure that film was like the product cooked up in "Breaking Bad..."

Must get this in the mail. Delay caused by no stamps/cash flow/c'est la vie...

Stay warm, Kelly---spring will get here...sometime. Take care of your lovely self and write soon.

Yours,

Michael