My question/comment is this though – after listening to this, I researched a bit on biography.com and it states President Pierce was sober during his presidency and that the death of Benny was due to the train “decoupling” at a stop where they got off to stretch their legs. There seems to be some inconsistencies in this story. Where do you obtain your information? I also realize with the re-telling of stories, that details change (ever so slighlty) or others interpret facts and opinions differently. So, I ask purely as curiosity and not in any way criticizing.

Thanks!

Alcoholism and clinical depression are certainly serious issues that are no laughing matter. But there is also an art and intelligence in humor, satire, and caraciture. Would you tell Dickens, Twain, Wilde, and Vonnegut that they are immature and insensitive? (Maybe you would!)

Besides, life is too heavy. We need this sort of lightness to make it through before we turn to dust and ash like both the “President” and “Ms. Pierce!” Ce n’est pas vrai?

Noted!