Letters from the Inside, Michael Swango, #73

Dear Kelly,

You have so many different stationery/envelope combinations plus stickers. Received your letter written on the stationary with the Latin phrase. Sounds as though you have bounced out of your end-of-the-year funk, which was totally reasonable given your "holidays horrubus" (with apologies to The Queen!)

I was able to see the quite well-done "HOUSE" episode last night with the female sociopath as a patient. The stuff about the PET scan imaging is by no means proven/and they wimped out on the ending...but still, you rarely see the subject of sociopathy treated scientifically in any television venue. Worth seeing.

I will wait until I know if you've seen it (or are going to see it) before making comments and discussing. The actress who plays the patient is perfect.

Now to your fascinating letter...much to discuss: Sounds like you have very positive karma these days--another contest win! By all means do the yoga. Its effects on the body are well-known--but it's really your mind that reaps the benefits. Do tell me how it works out. I will try to avoid thinking any verboten sexual thoughts/comments in re yoga and the lovely female body.

[Ed.: I am omitting some discussion of movies, particularly Fish Tank.]

You raise a very interesting point: Is being "very empathetic" the opposite of a sociopath? I'm not so sure. Remember, a sociopath is not necessary immoral or actively evil or criminal. Amorality is far more common---and remember the quote (who originator I cannot recall):

"All that is required for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."

Obviously, a subject for discussion. You have clearly done a lot of reading on the topic--what do the experts say?

If the Chihuahua [Ed.: He is referring to my commentary on a recent episode of Keeping up with the Kardashians, in which Kim finds a tiny chihuahua and brings it home. Later she takes it to the vet and they realize the dog is dying. I wrote about how said this episode made me.] makes you want to self-defenestrate *(So rarely get to use that word! See the start of the Thirty Years War in 1618.) then those Sarah McLaughlin commercials for abused animals must really be devastating. By the way, her song, "Angel" that plays during those spots is riveting and heartbreaking at the same time.

Ah yes, the ever-inventive & improvisational Dr. Engleman. His crimes & trials were in the days before 24/7 cable and Court TV, etc. But the person who told m e about the case said that the media coverage in St. Louis at the time was quite extensive. [Ed.: He is referring to a sociopathic dentist who was a serial killer for hire.]

You surely know by now that there is absolutely no feelings of "fame" or anything like that. [Ed.: I asked him about how he feels about his murders.] These were terrible acts that cost lives and caused untold suffering extending far beyond...That person, that mindset, no longer exists.

Thank you for sharing your short outline of the amazing story about the man you loved and still seem to, who was involved in the group the Congregation for the Light. I am somewhat familiar with Theosophy. And I am also sorry it ended as it did. Sounds as though you two had a powerful & visceral connection mentally & physically [Ed.: Just to reiterate, I NEVER write of anything even remotely sexual, so there is no reason for him to assume anything about physical connections.] --as it should be.

KK--how can I say this any more clearly? Reading that brief paragraph--consider it a book proposal--I wanted to know much much more about the man, your relationship with him, the Congregation for the Light, its members, its leaders, the conflict, etc. etc.

God forbid you would have to write about sex or sexuality...OMG! I bet you actually have a very positive sensual take on the subject, as do I.

The first rule of writing is to write what you know. Clearly this qualifies.

Second rule: Writing is work--every day work. Kelly you are ALREADY writing every day!!!

Just tell the story from the beginning. As you tell so many stories.

Remember I do read a lot--for obvious reasons. This is a subject and story that should and would be published. My God, you are a minor celebrity of your own already and you do know people. DO IT!

I must say one more thing: You might listen to me more, and we might have a closer & more sharing relationship, if you would think of me as a person with all of the complexities & historical past of anyone else--as opposed to a person fully defined by incarceration and the lurid prose of the net, etc. Not even close, Kelly.

Trust me--we could learn much more about each other via that understanding. I just don't know if you are able to do so. Think about it--because I will be thinking about you...

Great news that you will be seeing "White Ribbon". Very curious to hear your comments. Probably too much hope you'll see Lars von Trier's ANTICHRIST!

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A few items enclosed--your comments and reactions please:

>GREAT ESSAY on the eve of the final season of LOST. I think Joshua Alston is spot-on with what he says. By the way--since seeing that scene from the Season V finale )(the one shown in the article enclosed), I have had Flannery O'Connor on my "must read" list. She was a Southern writer who died quite young (1925-1964) at age 39. She wrote the book in the photo still with that astonishing title: Everything that Rises Must Converge. She also wrote Wise Blood. (1952)

Yes, you guessed it--Could you do a Google or Wiki search & educate us both about Ms. O'Connor, that book and her other works? Thank you!

By the way, Kelly: You and I haven't even begun to discuss the Season V finale of Lost.

>The Starlite Lounge in Brooklyn. Ever been there? I know you are one of those elitist Manhattanites who look at the outer boroughs like a third world country. Only kidding! Seems like an interesting place. (Article sent to me courtesy of my self-described "radical lesbian feminist.)

>Story I believe we discussed a few months ago--the woman (Kristen Parker) who exposed hundreds to Hep C in Colorado. She also worked briefly at a New York clinic. Not looking good. (Article sent to me courtesy of my doctor/internist friend.)

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Must get this in the mail. You take care and keep entering those contests! The Universe demands it! Stay warm & stay safe. Thinking of you.

Yours,

Michael