regulation! But I hope it is just a necessary phase, when the growing
body needs mostly starch and sugar. I dunno.
What are you doing in Washington?* I have reluctantly rejected the
fancy that Ike sent for you saying: "This coronary business, Reich, is
upsetting. I need you to stand by to take my place for a bit." That would
be attributing to Ike more sense than he has.
How are you? I have no news, only rumours ... that you were alone
with a dog and Tom Ross at Orgn., that you were madder than ever ...
after trying to understand your orgone writings I think that they are
probably right, that you are mad, for if a madman is a guy that ordinary
folks don't understand, then, sure, you are one! But men like you make
it awfully dull for us so-called sane people ... oh how dull we can be
especially at educational conferences.
Dunno what Ritter is doing. He wants me to write a preface to his
book on Self-Regn.; I said I would read the ms. and write one only if I
thought the book had any value. He won't accept my view that you can't
preach a prophet's words as long as he is alive. Best to wait till he is
dead and then corrupt his message a la the Freudians.
Life goes on in a rut really here, the same daily round with too many
dull visitors who take all the time and have nothing to give.
•••[Telegram]
JAN 18, 1956
LT. t ALEXANDER NEILL
ANY HELP RENDERED BY YOU TO PAUL RITTER WILL GRAVELY DAMAGE
MY WORK AND REPUTATION. P R MOST LIKELY VICTIM-HOST OF RED
FASCIST EMOTIONAL TAPEWORM. LETTER FOLLOWS •
- • •
* Reich lived in Washington during the winters of 1956 and 1957.
t Reich considered himself to be at war and regarded Neill as one of his
lieutenants.