NOV. 30 TEST

Correct answer follows each question.

1. Does a recent discovery indicate that President Bush was justified in vetoing embryonic stem cell research legislation? (yes)

2. Does this mean that his opponents (mostly democrats) were wrong? (yes)

3. Did most of you, in your media influenced ignorance, believe that he was opposed to all stem cell research? (yes)

4. Would you say that Oprah Winfrey's support of Barack Obama has just a hint of racism? (maybe)

5. Does granting rights to illegal immigrants discriminate against those immigrants who are attempting to gain citizenship legally? (yes)

6. Should the Immigration & Naturalization Service be abolished? (yes)

7. Do the European nations seem friendlier to the U.S. than they have in years? (yes)

8. Could this be because the Bush Iraq policy is now seen as the correct policy in regard to the war on terrorism? (yes)

9. Was President Bush correct in asking Congress to address the Social Security funding problems? (yes)

10. Was the failure of Congress to act an indication of general democrat Congressional leadership ineptitude? (yes)

11. Do you approve of democrat plans to raise your taxes? (no)

12. Is the inclusion of billions of dollars worth of "earmarks" in spending bills an indication of democrat Congressional leadership failure? (yes)

13. Does this mean that the promises made by this leadership early in 2007 were lies? (yes)

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DEATH TYPES

Child abuse related death was and is, the subject of much of the local news. In Indianapolis, a three year old girl was recently tortured to death by her mother and her live-in boyfriend.

In Indiana, In the previous three year period an average of slightly over fifty children per year died as a result of child abuse or neglect. A quick search failed to produce statistics for the nation as a whole. If we assume that this death toll is the average for each of the fifty states we will arrive at a nationwide average of 2500 deaths per year through child abuse or neglect.

The death of children, or children to be, by means of an abortion procedure is said to reach into the millions each year. The thought is too depressing for this writer to search for anything resembling accurate statistics.

After six years of the current war, U.S. military deaths total less than 4,000: Roughly 25% of the death rate for child abuse and neglect and a miniscule percentage of those lives lost through abortion.

Why are the heroes who serve recipients of a disproportionate share of media and congressional attention? The heroes volunteered, those in the other two categories did not.
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THANKSGIVING REVISITED

In my most recent posting I listed a few of the blessings that accrue to me not only at Thanksgiving time but, many of them, every day of the year. Then, I proceeded to spend a few days with old friends, Peter and Lisa Smith in Portland, Maine. I arrived there in the late afternoon of Thanksgiving day but still in time for the dinner. I believe there were about 20 people there, some of whom I had previously met. Wonderful meal!

I was there for six most enjoyable days. I just joined in what is their normal daily activities and we sampled the wares of several restaurants. My favorite was probably a Spanish restaurant where Lisa and I enjoyed several foods that were well prepared. I, probably thanks to Lisa, got an idea for a short story which I started roughing out on the flight back from Portland to Detroit.

Undoubtedly, for me, the most memorable time was those hours we spent in Peter's recording studio. Peter is a great musician and I had always felt that my singing voice was one of the worst in the world. I had composed 13 songs that I wished to leave as the major portion of the inheritance of my children. My singing was not as bad as I feared it would be and the end result is that this CD may be a part of the LINDENWOULD marketing effort - maybe as early as January.

The return home plane was delayed for quite a while in Detroit but the pilot made up some of the time and we arrived in Indy less than an hour later than expected. Friend Jack picked me up (friend Bill had taken me to the airport as the trip started) and in a short time, I was home.

The house was freezing cold - apparently the heating apparatus had gone south for the winter - so, I found a couple of electric heaters, turned on the oven and opened the oven door, found a heavy blanket and slept good enough in my downstairs recliner. Awakened just in time to get ready to go work with my Study Buddy at the elementary school.

I remain thankful.
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THANKSGIVING PICTURE

I had no intention of posting anything while being in Maine but this picture of Peter, myself, and Lisa during one of the moments in the recording studio needs to be shared with the rest of the world. Lisa will probably include it as part of the CD brochure when that musical monument is released.

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THANKSGIVING

NOTE: This is probably the last posting until Nov.28. At that time Linden will probably return to politically oriented comment. Yoou may wish to visit the October archives.

I am thankful that God loves me enough to offer his son to carry my sin load for me.

I am thankful that I live in this country and had the opportunity to serve it.

I am thankful for my oldest child, my son, he has been a blessing to me beyond my ability to articulate.

I am thankful for my youngest child, my daughter, she has been a blessing to me beyond my ability to articulate.

I am thankful for my daughter-in-law and my son-in-law.

I am thankful for my grandchildren.

I am thankful for my friends.

I am thankful for the parents I had.

I am thankful for the siblings and extended family I have or had.

I am thankful for the church I attend and for those who serve in it.

I am thankful for TCM in Austria and for all those who serve in the mission field.

This list is incomplete. I AM BLEST.

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HOLIDAYS

In a departure from his primary focus on political matters, Linden decided to post on other matters in the days immediately before Thanksgiving. If you wish to check some of his views in the political realm, go to his October archives.

Linden does not often get overly excited over any holiday. Of course, every day is a holiday when you are retired. There is no doubt, Christmas and Easter have the most meaning to him, not only because they seem to be a happy time for most people but because of their religious significance. His rating of holidays follows:

1. Christmas. Christ had to come to earth as he did before he could die for us.
2. Easter. Provided our possible access to a glorioous eternal life.
3. His Birthday. Because it is important to his children.
4. Father's Day. Same reason as for his birthday.
5. Independence Day. We have a great country.
6. Thanksgiving. It is never a bad idea to be thankful.

Memorial and Veterans's Days are no longer what they were originally. It does seem well to acknowledge those who have served in the military. Linden is one of those. Washington and Lincoln were essential to our country. Linden sees little need for Columbus or Labor Days and is inclined to feel about the same about New Year's Day.

Halloween has, just recently, been elevated to a position possibly as high as number 7. This is true because Linden loves chocolate. He bought a great many of those little candy packages containing maybe eight or ten bars for the purpose of treating those children who may come to his door on this holiday. On the Wednesday they were expected, my church had its usual dinner and study program coupled with treats and attention for the children. After he arrived home, not a single caller came: He has had chocolate every day since: Sometimes three or four bars. GREAT HOLIDAY!

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SUNDAY

Sunday was good! Starting with having adequate time to return home to get my glasses before the start of services to the message which was delivered by Steve White. It was, as usual, very good and had the benefit of making me more aware of some of my personal failings. John Lee, also as usual, presented a very well prepared Sunday School lesson. This was followed by an enjoyable brunch with friends, a Sunday newspaper which did not provide it's usual level of irritation and a Colts football game that ended well. Far and away the peak experience of the day was attending, along with hundreds of others, the service dedicated to the memory of Gene Dulin. Would that I should ever warrant such an outpouring of love.

Linden's posting of Nov. 14 entitled A WORTHY MODEL sang the praises of this recently deceased Christian man. These praises were pitiful indeed compared to the words of speakers at the Celebration of His Life Service.

The speaker from Poland obviously considered Gene to be a family member. The President of TCM and the speaker from Estonia had almost the same degree of closeness. All three recounted tales of their travel in Eastern Europe with Gene. The former Student Intern, now living in California, spoke lovingly of Gene as she recounted her experiences at Haus Edelweiss. Two members of the Sunday School class he taught spoke glowingly of his influence, the singing was great as were the words of Steve White. Coffee, desserts and conversation followed this wonderful service. It was a GREAT day. See James 2:20 and John 14:6.
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GAS PUMP BLUES

Perhaps it was because it was relatively early morning, it felt like the coldest day of the year, and Linden had chosen to wear his very lightest summer jacket. Maybe it was because his gloveless hands felt like they were freezing to the nozzle, or his belief that it is desirable (listen Congress) to not spend more than your income, or, possibly, that $3.00 for a gallon of gas constitutes price gouging. Whatever his mostly weather and pricing related decision, he decided to research the matter a bit before complaining long and loud about obscene oil company profits.

Having already formed some opinions he thought to be well founded, he restricted his research to few sources. These sources include American Petroleum Institute and the National Center for Policy Analysis. He did not consider his exposure to the Energy Advancement and Investment Act of 2007 to be research: Any person who is able to explain that monstrosity is clearly gifted indeed.

Items of interest include: (1) U.S. refining capacity is less now than it was 25 years ago. (2) No new refinery has been built in the U.S. in over 30 years. (3) There are, due to EPA standards, over 50 different fuel blends required to meet standards across the U.S. (4) Due to fluctuating market price which provides a relatively small profit margin, a wrong estimate of future market prices can result in major per contract losses.

Digesting all of the above, Linden decided that a Congress that has for years appeared to be more concerned about their individual careers than they are about the well being of their country. Were this not true, there would presently be extensive drilling in Alaska and the Gulf of America by U.S. companies. I understand that Mexico, China, and possibly Russia and Cuba are currently drilling in the Gulf.

Please read the Congress related postings in the October archives.
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A recently received note regarding U.S servicemen may be found at www.letssaythanks.com

MY STUDY BUDDIES

There is an ongoing effort within the Plainfield school system to provide one on one learning assistance, through a volunteer, to those elementary students who may benefit from this specialized instruction. This is Linden's second year to be involved in this effort. The first year he worked with a third grade boy and it was both enjoyable and well received. This year, he is working with those in the first grade and finding it to be even more enjoyable. Perhaps this is because the teacher is so impressive.

At the conclusion of the session this week, Linden thought of the effect of current legislation on both himself and the student(s). He, anything but a rich man, was a beneficiary of the much maligned tax cut accredited to President Bush. Linden thinks his taxes are still too high and is concerned about moves to return them to previous levels or move them even higher.

It is not surprising to find that it is quite difficult to unearth accurate information when searching for evidence of Congressional waste. The recently enacted (over the veto of President Bush) Water Resources Development Act of 2007 is illustrative of both the aforementioned difficulty and the waste involved. The following is based upon limited research and comments made by some more knowledgeable than this writer.

This Act is said to contain over TWENTY BILLION DOLLARS of "earmark" money: Call that PORK. This amount of waste, if it may be called that, will require the taxes of almost THREE THOUSAND TAXPAYERS, such as Linden, to pay for this pitiful legislative effort. I fully expect that my study buddies will pay for part of this unconscionable waste. Has it only been one year since "CULTURE OF CORRUPTION" was a campaign theme?
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A WORTHY MODEL

This was not originally planned to be the subject of today's posting. Before daylight, while scanning the morning paper, I read the not unexpected obituary of Gene Dulin. My command of the English language will not allow me to express my respect for this Worthy Model. First, I will repeat a portion of a letter I sent Gene in April of this year.

"Had it not been for your God given vision, ability and determination fifty or more years ago, I would not have recently completed a seventeen day mission trip to Haus Edelweiss in Austria. I am sure that the other seven members of the contingent representing Plainfield Christian Church, the eight members from Greenwood Christian Church and the lone lady from Arizona would heartily echo my thanks to you.

I believe it was the most memorable happening and worthwhile involvement of my life. As one of the group of Short Term Workers, I can safely say that never before in any such time period have I laughed more, shed more tears or worked harder than I did on this mission trip. To say that I loved it would be a major understatement.

The fifty seven students from ten different countries were well served by staff, Long Term Workers, translators, and our group of Short Term Workers. Their appreciation of the food they were served was apparent. Three different students told me that it was like paradise and another expressed it as a little slice of Heaven. The prayers and singing in the different languages were great to listen to and we much enjoyed the Sunday services."

Gene occupied his recent years leading a very large Sunday School class, continuing his involvement with TCM in Austria and other locations, serving as a most knowledgeable resource in other areas involved with propagation of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and loving others.

You may rest assured that few others, and certainly not this writer, will leave a mark so worthy of emulation. God bless you Gene, you have blessed us.
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LIMITED ABILITY

The intended title of this posting was Hollywood Writers and the brilliantly written text was to illustrate for you just how little Linden cares if those writers go on strike. Alas, it was not to be.

The Nov. 12 Kyle-Anne Shiver column in American Thinker is so vastly superior to anything Linden could compose on that subject that it illustrates why this posting title was chosen. Thanks to Kyle-Anne and American Thinker.

Thanks also to Indianapolis talk show host Greg Garrison for making his listening audience aware of a tremendous column in The Joplin Globe.

The Nov.13 Guest Column, written by Richard LaNear, I believe, and entitled "Iraq IS war on terror" is well worth reading. www.joplinglobe.com

Now, to Linden: Click on October archives.

At the bottom of the Linden Mission Statement posting, after you have finished admiring the pictures, read the line about providing support.

Scroll down to Help Wanted in the U.S. Congress. Read it carefully: It is the primary focus of this entire effort.

Scroll down to Linden's Books. It is possible that you could find a unique gift there or something you would enjoy yourself. Make Linden smile.
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VETERANS DAY

Today, as many within the employ of the government celebrate yeserday's Veterans Day, Linden, himself a Korean conflict veteran, is especially thankful for those other veterans who have helped or are helping to keep America strong. This is not a one day a year period of thankfulness for him.

In the over 200 years of our existence as a country, we have been involved in at least 12 wars or conflicts. The difference between war and conflict is of little significance. So, Linden will call them wars.

Of these 12 wars, World War II was the most deadly - with over one quarter million paying the supreme sacrifice and more than twice that many wounded. Each of the other wars brought much pain to those involved and to those who loved them.

To visualize just how many one quarter million is and the real meaning of a death total of this magnitude, imagine a metropolitan area of this size near you and that each person within it has perished. It is a dangerous world, Thank God we live in America.

In regard to our current war - expected to continue for years, the total U.S. loss of life is less than one fourth of those who were murdered in the U.S. in 2005.

In closing, God bless those who serve and those who have served and, as a less than perfect Christian, a pox on those in congress who, for political purposes, sell out those who serve.

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EMERGING MEDIA GIANT

First, some housekeeping matters. As you know, I solicit comment and assistance from you readers. One matter of guidance I received was that it is customary to give a "hat tip" to those who have contributed in some form or another. It seems like a worthwhile custom. Therefore, Hat Tips to Bill IN, Chuck IN, Sharon AL, Lisa ME, Laura IN and Julie IL. There are probably others who should be listed but, as you may come to know, there are some who are more efficient than I am. Now, on to those matters relative to the title of this posting.

As this is the end of my first week of daily postings (no weekends,) I have to admit that I am pleased with the effort to this point. The first postings were almost one month ago. The first posting was initially read by one person. I believe that, at this time, there are probably 35 readers: A gain of 3500%!!!!

Recently, a friend notified me that the daily circulation of The Indianapolis Star (the paper I reluctantly subscribe to) had dropped 2.1%. I assume this is over a one year period of time.

Based upon this growth rate (or lack therof in the case of The Star,) I with great confidence predict that at the end of the first six months of posting, the readers of linden-would will have increased to over FIFTY TWO MILLION!!!! During this same period it appears that the readership of The Star will have dipped to BELOW ONE QUARTER MILLION. I do not rejoice at this latter statement: I would only suggest that they change their "news" and editorial coverage and position. "Liberal Rag" is beginning to fit.

This unheard of increase in readership of these postings will necessairily result in the need to employ one or more persons to process comments and probably a research assistant for the postings. It has been stated in one or more previous postings that Linden is a POOR OLD MAN. HE WILL NEED YOUR ASSISTANCE TO PROVIDE MUCH OF THE FUNDING NECESSARY FOR THIS FORTHCOMING EXPANSION.
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ROMANTIC REVIEW

Blessings accruing to Linden within his lifetime include three significant loving involvements. Two ended in divorce and the last with a loving handclasp as the lovely lady drew her last breath. This results in the conclusion that Linden has one such experience, on average, every twenty six years. Most of the next twenty six year cycle remains available but it is probably desirable to always be alert.

In this vein, it was his pleasure to spend considerable time with his son and his family some months ago. While there, he (Linden) and his grandson spent considerable time watching the lovely Giada De Laurentiis perform on her cooking show. Linden strongly felt that her smiles and general attitude were directed at him alone. He, being strongly influenced by his heart and his stomach, became convinced that their meeting would happen at exactly the right time.

More recently, through the American Thinker, Linden became aware of the writings of Kyle-Anne Shiver: It was love at first reading. She writes as Linden would love to write. Her Oct. 19 "Congress needs an intervention"; Oct. 30 "Republican Women Too Smart to Fall for Hillary's Ruse"; and Oct. 31 "If Congress Truly Wants to Help Children" were masterfully written. I now awaited either of two potential loves to find me.

How quickly we return to reality! On Nov. 7, I read that Giada is with child and shortly after, while reading "Long Live Sarkozy" which was written Nov.2, Kyle-Anne refers to her husband. At this, an old man returned to his humdrum existence.

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HOPE BUTTRESSED

Today, for the first time in a long, long, long, long time, I did not ask myself why I continue to subscribe to The Indianapolis Star. Oh yeah, I love the cartoon work of Gary Varvel, I enjoy working the Sudoku puzzle, but the "news" and editorial pages are, in my view, the meat and potatoes of a first class newspaper. The headline today, in very large print, screamed "BALLARD STUNS PETERSON".

I believe it was on the Greg Garrison radio show where I heard that six months ago Greg Ballard had $10,000.00 and virtually no name recognition. His opponent, at that time had millions in his campaign warchest and widespread name recognition. It is said that their final funding was approximately $300,000.00 to $3,000,000.00 respectively. This upset in a population area of roughly twice the size of a Congressional District provides hope and support for Linden's posting of October 14 entitled "Help Wanted In The U.S. Congress".

The election of Greg Ballard could and should propel the powers that be in the 15 States and 39 Congressional Districts mentioned in the "Help Wanted" posting with adequate reason to FIND A CANDIDATE.

Linden feels encouraged today!

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CLUELESS CHILDREN

Linden awakened with every intention of playing golf, possibly for the last time this year. The temperature was in the low thirties. Before tee time, he stopped for coffee and conversation with a small group of friends. Political conversation revolved around our agreement that poor representation by a few Republicans ultimately led to the wasting of the golden political opportunity presented by the congressional sweep of 1994. It was also suggested that, in most cases, a weak Republican is better for America than an above average democrat.

After spilling the remainder of his coffee (not hot enough to file suit) in his lap, Linden decided that walking the course with a wet lap was not his idea of fun. All further thought of golf was canceled and he proceeded to Chick-fil-A for biscuits and gravy and more coffee. After eating and working the daily Sudoku puzzle, he returned home. Now, on to the subject of this posting.

Yesterday, while awaiting the arrival of a luncheon companion, Linden leafed through a free newspaper and found a moderately interesting poll of 20 youngish (by Linden's standards) participants.The question: "Who is your favorite famous female and why?"

Not surprisingly, since I watch little television and am not much into hero worship type writings, I had never heard of the famous person mentioned by 8 of those polled. The others provided names of persons such as scientists, an actress, a singer, a couple of killers and so on.

It has been said that persons are liberal through their school and early work years and they become more conservative as they mature. I submit to you the possibility that many remain children for far too long after they should have reached the age of reason. Two of those polled (Those responsible for the name of this posting) listed, with weak reasoning, Hillary Clinton. Perhaps they will mature.
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PLEASE, NO PULITZER

As a new, very new, entrant into the exciting arena of blog posting, it seems prudent to provide you, gentle reader, with guidelines as to what award(s) I will not accept. By so doing, I may save you the embarrassment of having your award declined and myself from the swell-headed feeling one could get in such a circumstance.

I became reacquainted with an old friend recently (although we never actually met.) Maybe thirty years ago, my son worked at a print shop which produced The American Spectator. Occasionally he would provide me with a copy to read. In fact, I believe that touching that publication from time to time may have caused him to develop into the wonderful man he is today.

R. Emmett Tyrrel, Jr., in his 11-1-07 Spectator piece entitled Missing Scandals, reviewed several instances of what I consider to be dishonest journalistic endeavor. Strangely, some of these writers were, or became, winners of a Pulitzer Prize. For me, this reduced that award to the status of a Nobel Peace Prize. No, thanks - I will accept neither.