END OF 2007

BUY ME?

“AN OLD MAN ON THE ST. JAMES WAY” recounts the pilgrimage across Northern Spain by this 75-year-old man. Author: Linden Swift. Available locally at Uncommon Corner in downtown Plainfield, IN or Secondhand Stories on Raceway road. Also online:

http://stores.ebay.com/secondhand-stories

www.alibris.com/bookstore/secondha


HELP WANTED

It appears that in the last general election there were no Republican candidates in 39 districts scattered across 15 states. These positions offer much more than just good pay. Some of these districts are listed below in State, District and general location sequence. Please help find a Republican candidate in these districts.

Alabama 5 Huntsville
Alabama 7 Birmingham

Florida 2 Tallahassee
Florida 3 Jacksonville
Florida 17 North Miami
Florida 19 Boca Raton
Florida 20 Pembroke Pines
Florida 23 Fort Lauderdale

In recent ratings, the Council for Citizens Against Government Waste considered 32 of the present officeholders (democrats) to be hostile, 6 unfriendly, and 1 lukewarm to taxpayers. The National Taxpayers Union granted a grade of “F” to 36 of this group while 3 of them rose to a “D”.

2007

This is the time of year when many comparative lists are generated. Even though Linden is not much interested in what is popular with other people, he thought he would look at some of those which were presented and report to you.

TOP TV SHOWS

1. American Idol - Heard of it, never watched it.

2. Dancing With Stars - Same

3. Deal Or No Deal - May have heard of it - never watched it.

4. The View - Same as 1 and 2.

5. Hannah Montana - Same as 3.

6. Days Of Our Lives - Same as 1, 2, and 4.

7. Lost - Same as 1, 2, 4, and 6.

8. Big Brother 8 - Never heard of it.

9. Gray's Anatomy - Same as 1, 2, 4, 6, and 7. Gray's is a very good local cafeteria!

10. The Soprano's - Same as 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, and 9. Like most music.

TOP CELEBRITY

1. Britney Spears - She seems more than a little trampy. Pleased to report that she does not remind me of my daughter of grandaughter.

Linden is not much interested in celebrities. Never heard of 3 of the top 10. Those heard of are not very impressive.

TOP MUSICIAN

1. Chris Brown - Don't remember hearing of him, or her, as the case may be. Had heard of 6 of the top 10: Wouldn't recognize any of them.

TOP NEWS (HEARD)

1. Chris Benoit - Nope.

2. Phentermine - Nope.

3. Pet Food Recall - Maybe.

4. Global Warming _ Yep, Don't believe it.

5. Virginia Tech - Yes.

6. Iraq - Yes.

7. Juanita Bynum - Nope.

8. Iran - Yes.

9. Immigration - Yes.

10. Don Imus - Yes. Unfortunately

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PRO FORMA SENATE

Linden is very much in favor of the Senate and the House being on vacation (as they are now - for about a month) a much larger percentage of the time than they presently are. They could probably accomplish as much if the job were half time only. Naturally, coupled with this favored approach would be a drastic reduction in pay and benefits.

As an additional insult to taxpayers this year, they are, instead of adjourning, opening their sessions in pro forma mode only - which takes almost no time - before recessing until their next sham meeting. Linden has much difficulty hoping that they will enjoy their frequent frolicking.

It is not bad enough that their leadership refuses to work - the purpose of these pro forma sessions is to ensure that the President can not do the work for them. I WANT TO PUKE!
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GLOBAL WARMING/COOLING

Hat tip to Katia.

Job 37:10 The breath of God produces ice, and the broad waters become frozen.
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THE ELECTION, WAR AND IMMIGRATION

Unless a person has a death wish (we call them "nut cases") they must be concerned about a furtive enemy who has no concern for life - except possibly, in regard to their leaders, their own lives. That being said, our number one concern, as a nation, must be the war we are presently engaged in. This means that no straight thinking person will support the candidacy of a leader who is weak in this regard.

Weak enforcement of our immigration and naturalization laws results in an open invitation to those who wish us harm to establish a beachhead in our country. In a side note, I doubt the legality of automatically granting citizenship to the children of illegal immigrants who came here with one of their purposes being to secure such citizenship.

Now, to the point of this posting: Apparently candidate Fred Thompson has stated that, if elected, "sanctuary cities" would have federal funds withheld. MAKES SENSE TO ME.
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GIFTS

What gift, blessing, or opportunity can one receive that surpasses the gift of God through his son, Jesus Christ? I thank God daily for my Bible believing church, its leaders and members.

Other than that above, what greater gift and obligation to improve surpasses that of living in the United States of America? I should thank God daily for those who provided the governmental framework and for those who, even today, protect our interests. Likewise, I should work to rid the existing government of those who do not share this view.

Other than those above, what gift surpasses that of a loving family? I thank God Daily for the gift of my children, Brian and Julie.

Other than those above, what gift surpasses that of friendship? I should thank God daily for my great friends.

Other than those above, what gift surpasses those of relatively good health and peace of mind? I should thank God daily for these gifts.

Some other gifts I have received in 2007: The ministry exposure received through TCM in Austria and Indianapolis. This includes friendship with Dimi and Katia.

Exposure to the writings and friendship of Sharon and her blog http://sherbitter.livejournal.com/ and the writings of Kyle-Anne Shiver in The American Thinker.

A great week with other Christians at Johnson Bible College in Knoxville.

Christmas "goody bags" and invitations from a number of friends who are aware of my "sweet tooth" and overall love for food.

Numerous other blessings have I received but I must stop for a snack!

Thank you God.
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FANNY J. CROSBY 1820-1915

As we approach the day that most Christians celebrate as the birthday of Jesus Christ, it seems that I should write a few lines about a person I believe to have had a major influence for good on mankind and most particularly those of the Christian faith. This is probably due to one of my favorite hymns being sung in my church recently.

Fanny J. Crosby is the hymn writer and "Tell me the story of Jesus" is the hymn mentioned: "Tell me the story of Jesus, Write on my heart every word. Tell me the story most precious, Sweetest that ever was heard." As one who has attempted to compose, I am staggered by her ability to pack so much thought into 23 words. Our hymnal contains 16 of her works from among the thousands she wrote. Since I struggle for musical inspiration, I also can not imagine being such a prolific composer.

Some of her better known compositions are: Blessed Assurance; Close To Thee; I Am Thine, O Lord; Jesus Is Tenderly Calling You Home; Near The Cross; Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior; Praise Him, Praise Him; Redeemed, How I Love To Proclaim It; Rescue The Perishing; and To God Be The Glory.

When our group of "Senior Saints" stayed at Johnson Bible College in Knoxville, TN last June, it was our good fortune to witness a "living drama" presentation on the life of Fanny Crosby given by Betty Gray. The audience of probably 400 persons sat there, mesmerized and teary eyed as she brought the great hymn writer to life before our eyes. We were blest.

It has been said that Fanny Crosby composed over 8,000 hymns and, in order not to have her name listed too many times in the same hymnal, used over 100 pseudonyms. It should be mentioned that she was blind and that she was actively involved in spreading the faith.

Have a blessed Christmas.
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PLANNING 2008

One week ago, following the regular Men's Prayer Breakfast, my posting referred to "Planning 2007." Then, I was nearing the end of a year that had been fraught with health concerns. Now, some health concerns persist but not nearly to the extent of one year ago. In August, after driving to and from Northeast Ohio, I decided that long drives were no longer for me. I wish that I had the strength and stamina that I had at age seventy five.

LOOSELY PLANNED 2008 ACTIVITIES

Write and cause to be published at least one more book.

Complete CD production and market some.

Complete board game development and market some.

Continue blog posting effort.

Market a book or CD in each of the 50 States.

Market a book or CD in each of Indiana's 92 Counties.

EVEN MORE LOOSELY PLANNED TRAVEL

Note: You will note that there is no mention of golf trips or climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro. This is called "buckling to pressure."

Another trip to TCM in Austria.

See Julie & Kenneth in Chicago.

See Brian & Sheri in Ohio.

Johnson Bible College in Knoxville, TN in June.

Maybe Ireland, Maine and Florida.
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Politically related messages and references to how to order my books will resume after Christmas.
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THURSDAY 12-20

Linden may not possess the management skill necesary to result in, at the end of the day, this day being considered an overwall winner. This is despite some pleasant moments within the day.

It started with being wide awake shortly before 5:00 a.m. - the alarm was set for 7:00, a bit later than he usually arises. After checking email, reading some of the blogs and news sources he regularly refers to, he went back to bed around 6:00. After hitting the snooze alarm numberous times, he awakened sufficiently to realize that he had twenty minutes to make it to his regularly scheduled 8:00 meeting. Naturally, he was late.

Bill, Chuck, Paul and Jack are an unforgiving bunch and I may say that some of their words were hurtful. I think they were concerned about it being Linden's turn to give the prayer before breakfast and to do the lesson selection and reading after eating. The prayer resulted in not a person saying "well done" and the reading was selected just moments before its delivery. Rough bunch.

Wanda, who had been our primary waitress for years, had decided to resign her position without seeking our approval: It would not have been granted. They were nice enough to furnish us with her phone number. We called and some of us will deliver our normal Christmas card to her in the late afternoon. We will miss our fun filled interactions with her.

Maybe Linden should not have gone to the grocery and post office. For whatever reason, he later found himself facing a 45 minute drive to meet former co-workers Greg, Jeanne and Thuc for lunch and he was due to meet them in 30 minutes. Perhaps a different clock will help. We had a nice visit and an acceptable lunch. As usual, Thuc had gifts for me. There is no way to control him.

Back home, I had a message that the bible I had left in Dan and Diana's car had been left for me at my church. I picked it up and now see that it is less than two hours before I meet the guys to go see Wanda. It is obvious that it will be nightime before I return to the management task started last night.

Document management must be a learned skill that is simply above my ability to comprehend and to contemplate it is irritating. I am convinced that some evil spirit invades my home and removes items from my carefully arranged files. This spirit must come when I am sleeping and this is why my recent sleep has been fitful, at best. So, as we come to the close of this writing, I will not insert my usual addendums about books or previous writings. I will stop right here and return to shuffling papers.
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SMALL TALK

I would prefer to post something today that addresses a recent worthwhile accomplishment by Congress: I am at a total loss as to what the title of such a posting could honestly be. Would it be the bloated budget bill that is an attempt to cover up the negligence involved in addressing the required appropriation bills? Would it be about the requirement that cars must get better gas mileage? I want to puke!

Should I write about the Time Magazine person of the year (or some such title)? If I am correct, the finalists were Al Gore, Hu Jintao, David Petraeus, Vladimir Putin and J. K. Rowling. Certainly not Gore, never heard of Hu, Petraeus would be a good choice, not Putin and I think Rowling is a popular writer. Time chose Putin, thereby, in my eyes, keeping their record perfect in the area of getting things wrong.

Guess I'll write about my day, at least up until this point. Met with my elementary school 'Study Buddy" and had a good session. Had lunch with the blog lady, Laura. without her, you would not be reading this. Good lunch, good visit. What I remember, other than a lot of nonsense, is the waitress, in helping me to order, said I didn't look like a 'fry guy." And Laura, when I said that I will not sound as bad as I feared on my upcoming CD, saying that maybe aging is affecting my hearing. That ends what I will share with you today.
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HELP WANTED: To see listing of those Congressional Districts that had no Republican office seeker in the last election, see my postings made last week. GOOD PAY, GREAT BENEFITS, LARGE STAFF, THINK ABOUT IT.
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Also see those postings to view information about ordering one or more of my books.
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GUTLESS WONDERS

Linden has rarely made excuses for Congress: He believes that this body has always been comprised of individuals who have far greater regard and concern for their personal wellbeing as opposed to what may be best for the Nation. Today, he read an Associated Press piece in the Indianapolis Star (please do not consider this writing to be an endorsement of either of those) that further validates his belief.

President Bush, at least at one point, encouraged Congress to consider ways to make Social Security operate in a more responsible manner. Part of his recommended approach was to allow a portion of the monies paid into the system to be invested outside of the system. Seemed reasonable to many, but not to the majority of those in Congress or media. Is it any wonder that polls indicate he is less unpopular than those, as a group, in Congress?

In the above referenced article the lead paragraph, "The government is promising $45 trillion more than it can deliver on Social Security, Medicare and other benefit programs." Do you or your representative in Congress have any idea how much only one trillion dollars is? I didn't think so! Are those of you who voted for change in the form of this liberal democrat led Congress happy with your choice? The polls say NO!
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HELP WANTED: To see listings of those Congressional Districts that had no Republican office seeker in the last election, see my postings made last week. GOOD PAY, GREAT BENEFITS, LARGE STAFF, THINK ABOUT IT.
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Also see those postings to view information about ordering one or more of my books.
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GLOBAL COOLING

Sometimes our view of the world can stretch across oceans and continents. Sometimes our view of the world is restricted to our immediate area.

Yesterday, the latter was true for me: I was leaving plenty early enough to arrive at Church well before the appointed time. Then, attempting to open any one of the doors to my car was a frustrating endeavor: Each door was frozen solidly shut. By the time I gained entry and made it through the deep snow in the lane, I was too late to attend my preferred service. Attending a later service paid real dividends for me: I joined another couple and went to have lunch at the home of another couple. Great lunch! Great visit! I am blest!

In regard to the global cooling on a larger scale than I experienced yesterday, I predict that it is coming. From the information in this area that I digest, it seems that those who preach global warming and contend that the science is settled do not want to scientifically examine their belief when confronted with those who do not agree. I've heard that some ice fields are expanding, that some "true believers" have encountered much more cold than they expected when exploring and that there is an active effort to drown out those voices who disagree.

So, I am unconvinced and by titling this posting as I did, I may possibly be considered for a future Nobel Prize.
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HELP WANTED: To see listings of those Congressional Districts that had no Republican office seeker in the last election, see my postings made last week. Good Pay - Great Benefits - Large Staff - Think About It.
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Also see those posting to view information about ordering one or more of my books.
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PLANNING 2007

Perhaps it was Men's Prayer Breakfast early this morning or maybe it is just the season but, I'm just not in the mood to talk politics. So, we will look at a little write up I did about a year ago regarding possible activities and travel.

ACTIVITIES
Write and publish at least one book: Did not get this done.
Write a play: Essentially completed my first effort.
Complete music and produce a CD: Nearing completion.
Develop a board game: Completed definitions and am now on break.
Develop a blog: You are looking at it.
Sell a book in each State and Indiana County: Not even close.

POSSIBLE TRAVEL
Go to Maine re music: Went over Thanksgiving holiday.
In May go to Michigan or Florida for golf: Nope.
Mission trip to Pinehaven Childrens Ranch in Montana: Not selected.
Johnson Bible College in Tennessee in June.
Climb Kilimanjaro in the fall: Nope.
Go to Ireland in the fall: Nope.

COMMENTS
After being diagnosed with a problem heart in 2006, it was a blessing that I wasn't selected for the Montana trip: Hard work at high elevation. I would have not done well. My children were not in favor of me mountain climbing in Africa or anywhere else (major understatement.) So, when in January I was offered the chance to serve at a ministry training mission in Austria in March/April, they thought that would be acceptable if I "didn't climb any mountains or do anything crazy." ALTHOUGH THE WORK WAS HARD AND THE HOURS LONG, I HAVE NEVER DONE ANYTHING ELSE THAT I THOUGHT WAS SO WORTHWHILE.
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HOPE and PRAYER are not synonomous but are slightly related: In this vein, you should note that Linden hopes that the Republicans will field a candidate in the districts listed below.Shown in State, district and current officeholder sequence.

New York: 5 Ackerman; 6 Meeks; 9 Weiner; 22 Hinchey.

Pennsylvania: 1 Brady; 14 Doyle.

Rhode Island: 2 Langevin.

Texas: 9 Green; 16 Reyes; 20 Gonzalez; 28 Cuellar.

Virginia: 3 Scott.
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To date, Linden has written and/or published six books. To view sales related info, go to one of the following sites and enter Linden Swift in the author name area.

http://stores.ebay.com/secondhand-stories

www.alibris.com/bookstore/secondha
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FRIENDS AND FOLLIES

For a long period of time, Thursday has been the day that three guys and I get together for breakfast at a local restaurant We eat, study a little, pray a little, have serious discussions and laugh a lot.

Today, Bill and Barbara hosted the meeting at their home and, I believe we would all agree, it may have been our all-time best meeting. They, Chuck and Mary Ann, Paul and Judy, Jack and Helen, and I had our usual share of laughs and comradeship and the food was just outstanding. I had never before sampled (large sample) grits fixed with green chiles and tabasco. I would very much like to try that again. And again. And again. If the ladies would add this much to our regular meetings, I would vote to make them full members of the group.

Now, to the follies: It appears that Pierre Atlas did not read my yesterday's posting entitled "National Intelligence Fact." His column, which appeared in today's Indianapolis Star, left the distinct impression with me that he not only believed that the Estimate was factual but that he also encouraged his college students to believe likewise. Will the Star's editorial pages never return to their previous luster?

Indiana test results indicate that students continue to do poorly. Maybe we should raise taxes to improve their education???

If over half of Americans question the survivorability of The Social Security system, why is Fred Thompson the only presidential candidate who dares to address the issue????

Is the approval rate of Congress really as high as 22%?? Surely not. President Bush has every right to look down, from his higher rating, on many in that group. Particularly "leadership."
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HOPE and PRAYER are not synonomous but are slightly related: In this vein, you should note that Linden hopes that the Republicans will field a candidate in the districts listed below. Shown in State, District and current officeholder sequence.

Michigan: 13 Kilpatrick; 15 Dingell.

New Jersey: 1 Ackerman; 6 Meeks; 9 Weiner; 22 Hinchey.

North Carolina: 1 Butterfield.
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To date, Linden has written and/or published six books. To view sales related info, go to one of the following sites and enter Linden Swift in the author name area.

http://stores.ebay.com/secondhand-stories

www.alibris.com/bookstore/secondha
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NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE FACT

First, since it is responsible for this posting, a few words should be devoted to The National Intelligence Estimate (NIE).This estimate, which was so warmly received by liberals and their close relatives, the "let's lose the war" crowd, presented the written belief that Iran presents no nuclear danger to the U.S.. There are at least two reasons why this estimate was worded as it is. Since Linden is not responsible for your education, he will not outline these reasons. Keep in mind that an estimate is an approximation or a, perhaps educated, GUESS.

The National Intelligence Fact is this: There is an extremely large number of people in this world who would think no more of torturing and killing you than you would think of swatting a fly. Those of us who prefer to continue living and, perhaps, have some regard or love for others, desperately want our Country to be led by a person who puts the well being of the U.S. first on the list of important responsibilities.
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HOPE and PRAYER are not synonomous but are slightly related: In this vein, you should note that Linden hopes that the Republicans will field a candidate in the districts listed below. Shown in State, District and current officeholder sequence.

Massachusetts: 1 Olver; 2 Neal; 3 McGovern; 4 Frank; 5 Tsongas; 7 Markey; 8 Capuano.
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To date, Linden has written and/or published six books. To view sales related info, go to one of the following sites and enter Linden Swift in the author name area.

http://stores.ebay.com/secondhand-stories

www.alibris.com/bookstore/secondha
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YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOU

I, of course, am responsible for me. This may be a strange way to start writing about the sub-prime mortgage situation but, I think it lays out my ground rules. As one who, in the last few years, has adopted a rather careless approach to stock market investing, perhaps I should start with a confession. Here it is: Only a few years ago, I bought stock that was directly involved in making sub-prime mortgages. The stock increased in value very nicely and, of course, I quit watching it. Only recently did I notice that it is selling at less that half of what I could have sold it for a few months ago. Should the Government (taxpayers) be forced to ensure that I can now sell this stock for more than twice its present worth? NO, NO, NO! My carelessness is my responsibility.

There are doubtlessly other shareholders who are in exactly the same position as I in regard to this stock. Should the Government (taxpayers) bail them out? NO, NO, NO! Their carelessness is their responsibility.

There are many homebuyers who have lost the equity (if any) they had in their homes. Although this is a sad situation, the question remains: Should the Government (taxpayers) bail them out? NO, NO, NO! Their failure to understand the possible effect sub-prime borrowing could have on their well being is their responsibility.

There are many lending institutions who engaged in this type of lending and they have had to write down asset value. Should the Government (taxpayers) bail them out? NO, NO, NO! The failure is their responsibility. I may add that the responsibility of the management and Board of these lenders may well be a legal matter.

Should the Congress, who has had time to consider many efforts to undermine the efforts of our armed forces, but little if any time to address the appropriation bills that are their responsibility, now address sub-prime lending? NO, NO, NO! THE MEMBERS OF THE MAJORITY PARTY SHOULD RESIGN EN MASSE!
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HOPE and PRAYER are not synonomous but are slightly related: In this vein, you should note that Linden hopes that the Republicans will field a candidate in the districts listed below. Shown in State, District and current officeholder sequence.

California: 20 Costa; 31 Becerra; 33 Watson.

Georgia: 5 Lewis.

Illinois: 12 Costello.

Maryland: 5 Hoyer; 7 Cummings.
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To date, Linden has written and/or published six books. To view sales related info, go to one of the following sites and enter Linden Swift in the author name area.

http://stores.ebay.com/secondhand-stories

www.alibris.com/bookstore/secondha
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WORDS

The "C" word: It was a hastily arranged coffee shop meeting. Over coffee and cinnamon bagels, we got caught up on recent happenings; for it had been several weeks since we last vistited. Sometimes everything in such a meeting just falls into place: This was just such a meeting. Much talking and laughing . The "C" word was dropped into the conversation and, after laughing until my sides hurt, I promised to never do more than acknowledge the existence of this word. FUNNY!

The "F" words: It seems that these words remain unacceptable for newsprint but are a much to often heard part of the "conversation" in television, movies, personal interactions and within some homes. Good taste dictates that these words will not be uttered. JUVENILE AND DISGUSTING!

The "M" word: This may well be the most dangerous word to use of the four words we will study today. Recent news stories have reported that usage of this word in conjunction with, I'm not kidding, a teddy bear, resulted in crowds of crazies calling for the death of the person considered to be guilty of this horrible deed. MENTAL ILLNESS IS ALIVE AND WELL!

The "N" word: Usually shown as N.....: The focus on this word (I think I know what it is) Is, I believe, an illustration of the politically correct mental illness which is so pervasive within our society and noticable among those who specialize in getting their feelings hurt. SICKENING! When a word is not directed directly at yourself, consider the speaker and ignore it. No, I am not now,in fact, I believe that I have never named myself as a gifted researcher. But, I have searched my dictionary from nab through nystagmus and found nothing that I believe should be considered negative toward any one specific person. Think "POOR ME."
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HOPE and PRAYER are not synonomous but are slightly related: In this vein, you should note that Linden hopes that the Republicans will field a candidate in the districts listed below. Shown in State, District and current officeholder sequence.

Alabama: 5 Cramer; 7 Davis

Florida: 2 Boyd; 3 Brown; 17 Meek; 19 Wexler; 20 Wasserman-Schultz and 23 Hastings.
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To date, Linden has written and/or published six books. To view sales related info, go to one of the following sites and enter Linden Swift in the author name area.

http://stores.ebay.com/secondhand-stories

www.alibris.com/bookstore/secondha
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I AM SICK

My sickness is not so much physical as it is a sickness of the heart. Come to think of it, that area is part of my physical frailty as well.

I am sick of hearing or reading about people who are so low life that they will stoop to torturing and killing their own children. You must explain "mothers love" to me again. A recent case in Indianapolis focused on such a case where a biological mother and her live-in "boyfriend" did in her three year old daughter.

I am sick of reading where a person, often with "Rev." preceding their name, casting aspersions at others. These others are most often Republicans. It appears that just that happened at the funeral of the three year old mentioned above. Have these "Rev.'s" never looked inward? Have they never looked at what "The Great Society" programs have given us as a result of this social experiment?

I am sick that young girls often have no idea of what kind of life they may reasonably expect if they engage in sexual activity to the point that they bring a helpless child into this world. Do they not understand the great difference between "sex" and "love"?

I am sick of television in general and laugh tracks in particular.

I am sick of advertisements showing showing suggestive posing or those where one or more men are trying to look tough or threatening.

I am sick of a "me first" society. What a shame that so many do not know the blessings associated with service to others.

This is not the end of my "I am Sick" list: It is just the end of this listing.
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Perhaps soon there will be an "I Am Blessed" posting.
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HOPE and PRAYER are not synonomous but are slightly related: In this vein, you should note that Linden hopes that the Republicans will field a candidate in the districts listed below. Shown in District, State and current officeholder sequence.

1 North Carolina Butterfield

1 Pennsylvania Brady
14 Pennsylvania Doyle

2 Rhode Island Langevin

9 Texas Green
16 Texas Reyes
20 Texas Gonzalez
28 Texas Cuellar

3 Virginia Scott

Even if these Districts can reasonably be considered "lost causes," the affected taxpayers need to have a choice.
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COMMUNICATING CLEARLY

Perhaps I feel drained after three days of posting ratings or some other equally good reason. But, I thought at our breakfast meeting today that I'm really not ready to do my daily posting. After reviewing two writings and listening to a bit of Rush Limbaugh, I'm ready again.

The writing of Kyle-Anne Shiver entitled "Death Before Burkas" should be on the editorial (or front) page of every American newspaper.
http://www.americanthinker.com/

The writing of Sharon Herbitter entitled "The Mormon Question" is also right on the money. http://sherbitter.livejournal.com/

It was on the Limbaugh program that I heard excerpts from the speech by Mitt Romney regarding his faith. Although not currently my favorite Republican candidate, I was very favorably impressed with his words and delivery. It will be interesting to see how his words will be interpreted in newspaper coverage.
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HOPE and PRAYER are not synonomous but are slightly related: In this vein, you should note that Linden hopes that the Republicans will field a candidate in the districts listed below. Shown in District, State and current officeholder sequence.

13 Michigan Kilpatrick
15 Michigan Dingell

1 New Jersey Andrews
10 New Jersey Payne

5 New York Ackerman
6 New York Meeks
9 New York Weiner
22 New York Hinchey

Even if these Districts can reasonably be considered "lost causes," the affected taxpayers need to have a choice.
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PRESIDENT RATINGS

Only those who have served within Linden's memory are rated and the ratings are his and are not the result of any poll. Sequence is position, score out of an apportioned 100, name and comments.

1. 24 Reagan Rescued the Country from the malaise of the Carter years, resolved the cold war situation, cut taxes and created a booming economy.

2. 15 Ford Pulled the Country together after the Nixon unrest and vetoed 66 bills. Many bills coming out of Congress warrant the veto.

3. 13 G. W. Bush Despite wrongheaded approach to immigration and failure to veto more bills, his accomplishments are many. See Nov. 30 Test posting.

4. 11 Truman Adequately led the nation. Was responsible for dropping the atomic bombs on Japan and entered the Korean war.

5. 10 Eisenhower Generally conservative, adequately addressed the problems associated with the Korean war, desegragation, and discrimination.

6. 9 G. H. W. Bush Entered Gulf war and Panama invasion. Unfortunately raised taxes.

7. 7 Kennedy Allowed Bay of Pigs fiasco, resolved Cuban missle crisis, early Viet Nam involvement. Reputed to "sleep around."

8. 5 Nixon Ended Viet Nam war, imposed wage and price controls and was removed from office for lying about an almost meaningless campaign issue.

9. 3 Clinton We may never know the true cost to this country for his China deals. Disgraced the office.

10. 2 Roosevelt His agreement to grant "Uncle Joe" Stalin control of Eastern Europe resulted in untold suffering for millions of innocent people.

11. 1 Johnson His "War on Poverty" resulted in effectively wrecking the average black family and creating millions of fatherless children. Strangely, many of the black clergy seem to think this is just fine.

12. 0 Carter His incompetence is only exceeded by his lack of class as a former officeholder.
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HOPE and PRAYER are not synonomous but are slightly related: In this vein, you should note that Linden hopes that the Republicans will field a candidate in the districts listed below. Shown in District, State and current officeholder sequence.

1 Mass. Olver
2 Mass. Neal
3 Mass. McGovern
4 Mass. Frank
5 Mass. Tsongas
7 Mass. Markey
8 Mass. Capuano

Even if these Districts can be reasonably be considered "lost causes," the affected taxpayers need to have a choice.
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CANDIDATE RATING (d)

Ratings of these democrat presidential candidates are Linden's and do not represent the results of any poll. Sequence is position, score out of an apportioned 100, candidate name and comments. Preliminary comments will precede the two groupings.

In order to not report ties, those within each group were put in alphabetic order and scores apportioned accordingly in order to arrive at 100.

Surely this is the least impressive list of presidential candidates of all time. I say again, a name chosen at random from a list of taxpayers may well be preferable to any of these.

1. 22 Biden I've seen on TV. How did he ever get elected to any office?

2. 21 Dodd I've seen on TV. How did he ever get elected to any office?

3. 19 Gravel I've been spared from knowing anything about him. One is
known by the company they keep.

4. 18 Richardson A mixture of above thoughts.


Would you rather be bitten or nipped by a rabid weasel, rat, parakeet, or bat?

5. 7 Clinton - weasel

6. 6 Edwards - rat

7. 4 Kucinich - parakeet

8. 3 Obama - bat
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HOPE and PRAYER are not synonomous but are slightly related: In this vein, you should note that Linden hopes that the Republicans will field a candidate in the districts listed below. Shown in District, State and current officeholder sequence.

19 Florida Wexler
20 Florida Wasserman-Schultz
23 Florida Hastings

5 Georgia Lewis

12 Illinois Costello

5 Maryland Hoyer
7 Maryland Cummings

Even if these Districts can reasonably be considered "lost causes," the affected taxpayers need to have a choice.
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CANDIDATE RATING (R)

Ratings of these Republican Presidential Candidates are Linden's and do not represent the results of any poll. Sequence is position, score out of an apportioned 100, candidate name, and comments.

Thanks to Julie, IL for suggesting, weeks ago, that the October ratings should be more comprehensive.

1. 32 Fred Thompson his positions on America first, immigration and
taxes make him Linden's clear favorite.

2. 15 Duncan Hunter his conservative background is considered good.

3. 14 Rudy Giuliani good problem resolution record.

4. 13 Mitt Romney any Republican who has won in Massachusetts is ok.

5. 8 Tom Tancredo somebody has to be rated 5th.

6. 7 John McCain his approach to campaign finance chilled Linden.

7. 6 Mike Huckabee speaks well.

8. 5 Ron Paul his large loyal following can not be all wrong.

It should be noted that all of the above and possibly a name chosen at random from a list of taxpayers may well be preferable to any of the announced candidates from the other side of the aisle.
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HOPE and PRAYER are not synonomous but are slightly related: In this vein, you should note that Linden hopes that the Republicans will field a candidate in the districts listed below. Shown in District, State and current officeholder sequence.

5 Alabama Cramer
7 Alabama Davis

20 California Costa
31 California Becerra
33 California Watson

2 Florida Boyd
3 Florida Brown
17 Florida Meek

Even if these Districts can reasonably be considered "lost causes," the affected taxpayers need to have a choice.
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