HOME / the breakfast table: An e-mail conversation about the news of the day.

Beam and Howard

Some Laughing Gas, Please

Posted Thursday, Sept. 10, 1998, at 6:06 PM ET

Oh Beam,

I gotta tell you, this national psychodrama is starting to get to me. I admit that, until recently, I viewed it all as entertainment. I was probably being a media slut, like many others, who thought the more news the merrier. But it is starting to sicken me. I voted for him, twice, and have even met him. I voted for him knowing of "the difficulty," but thinking it was trouble in a minor key. Now I see he is so wildly out of control that the country is at risk. Damn him.

I was so upset I went into Harvard Square to try and walk it off. I was feeling so low I bought a Snickers bar. Then I ate it. That's the kind of comfort food you might as well pat on your thighs as eat. And it didn't even help. I am still feeling frazzled and sad.

As for your news about the Globe not permitting italics, I could never work for them for that reason alone. I mean, how would one show emphasis? As for your VCR emeritus, I suppose you're one of the people who just lets it flash 12:00 all the time...I, however, am one of the few women in my circle who knows how to tape a show when I'm out.

Re: Rex Reagan arfing his last and your worrying about Buddy (maybe someone in Florida, maybe the dog) I meant to tell you about the current message on my answering machine. It says if I am out, I am walking Buddy the dog: he's come to live with me because somebody's living in his house. Would you believe that a few people who've called actually thought I got a dog? As I said, I am feeling new and intense distress about the manqué in the White House. Maybe I'll try mashed potatoes...then tapioca.

In sadness, but xx anyway, Margo

Some Laughing Gas, Please

Posted Thursday, Sept. 10, 1998, at 6:06 PM ET
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Margo Howard is Slate's advice columnist. Alex Beam is a columnist for the Boston Globe.
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