DIAL-UP & DIE DOWN

An interesting aspect of dial up service recently surfaced: When a lawn mower chops the telephone line into bite sized pieces, neither the telephone or the computer appreciate it a bit. Linden was out of service for a time. That is the "dial-up" part.

The die down part consists of the great probability that there will be no further Linden posts until June 9. Feel free to look at old posting or read the following. Blessings to you.
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THE BILL CLINTON LEGACY

Posted Wednesday morning.

When one has had as many unsavory connections as Bill Clinton, It is difficult to judge which association, connection or enterprise is the most worthy of relegating him to the dumpster of shame.

Should it be his impeachment, him coverups, his forcing his attention on various women, his issuance of numerous pardons, the secreting of personal FBI files, his suspect fundraising, his lackidaisical approach to national security, or another of his real or imagined shortcomings?

Considering the truly negative effect it is having on a major portion of the population and the likewise negative effect it has had on the U.S. dollar, Linden believes his legacy should be tied to his 1995 veto of the bill to authorize drilling in Anwar. If the price of the pump is adversely affecting your lifestyle, you may wish to re-evaluate your opinion of Bill. There is still time for some of his failures to overshadow this particular shortcoming. While you are at it, there are several members of congress who strongly support making your life more difficult. You may wish to actively oppose them.
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LINDEN'S LIFE
On Tuesday, after posting blog, met Bob and Ron for coffee and went on to play nine holes of golf: Poorly but not as bad as last week. Made one par and hit three trees dead on. Two were from close enough range that the ball came close to hitting poor old Linden as it rebounded. Had a surprise visit from Madonna and Judy: Madonna is back from Arizona to see her twin five week old grandbabies. "Million Dollar Baby" is a great, sad movie about female boxers that Brian brought me when he came. It brought back equally sad thoughts of my inauspicious short boxing effort. My high school had a boxing team and I, as a flyweight (112 pounds) sophomore tried out for the team. I won my first two or three elimination matches and started thinking I was pretty tough. Then, I just got my brains beat out. It has been over 60 years and I don't believe old Linden has put the gloves on since. This was not the only time ability was overestimated!
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Linden’s first CD “Songs A Poor Old Police Department Retiree Might Write While Waiting For His Meager Pension Check” is now ready for purchase as are the six books he has written and/or published. Plainfield area sales at The Uncommon Corner bookstore in downtown Plainfield or at Secondhand Stories in the strip mall at Raceway & Rockville roads. Online, go to addresses below and inquire on “Linden Swift”.

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LINDEN'S HOLIDAY WEEKEND

Posted Tuesday Morning. On Friday, after posting the blog, Linden, as usual, attended Men's Prayer Breakfast and followed that with grocery shopping, paper reading and a nap. Then did a load of wash and started cleaning the really messy house. Received a package for Julie and Kenneth (I suppose for Jade) from Jim and Audrey: Julie said to hang on to it as she may visit reasonably soon.

Saturday was continuation of the cleaning endeavor, had a call from Larry, an old friend from State Police days: He, as usual, is in town for the race and thought we might meet- we usually do. Since I thought Brian might come over, I decided to stay home. Called Raymond, my old brother-in-law, for a nice visit and in the afternoon, listened to Rossini's "The Barber of Seville."

Brian came by in the early evening and took me to dinner at a local Irish pub. Good food and a great visit. He had told me that he wanted to find a business card from his days in California about 20 years ago and I had found a folder I hadn't seen in maybe 15 years that was just full of cards. Two were his and he was elated. Maybe cleaning the place a bit does have some merit. Worked some on the next book: It appears that it will not go as smoothly as I had thought.

Sunday brought Church, Sunday School, a nice note from my friend in Austria, and, later, Brian came by with Jake and Alison. We went shopping and found Ali a pair of flip-flops.

Monday was a memorable Memorial Day: I posted the blog with a sonnet I had started months ago and finished just a day or two ago (it was something else that turned up while I was cleaning.) I turned the mattress on my bed and washed the bed clothes. I'm becoming just the little homemaker. Brian called before he left Plainfield and again when he arrived home in Ohio. This was a good weekend for Linden.

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Linden’s first CD “Songs A Poor Old Police Department Retiree Might Write While Waiting For His Meager Pension Check” is now ready for purchase as are the six books he has written and/or published. Plainfield area sales at The Uncommon Corner bookstore in downtown Plainfield or at Secondhand Stories in the strip mall at Raceway & Rockville roads. Online, go to addresses below and inquire on “Linden Swift”.

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MEMORIAL DAY

Many were called and most of us went
Having no choice as to where we were sent
Marching and training all the long day
Doing it all for minimal pay
Graduation came with its showy parade
Assignments were coming and most were afraid
Will I be sent to the front lines to serve -
When called to kill will I lack the nerve?

Those who returned were torn and tattered
Wondering how much their sacrifice mattered
Those appeasers in the party politic
I must admit just make me sick
And I find I want to shout
Help me throw the bastards out!

copyright 2008 by Linden H. Swift

HOPE

FAITH without works is dead. James 2:26
CHANGE unidentified may hold danger. L. Swift 2008
HOPE without definition is meaningless. L. Swift 2008
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HOPE
For the last several months Linden has, on occasion, started his posting with the FAITH, CHANGE and HOPE message. His reason for doing so was simply to call attention to how little substance there is when these words are uttered without further definition by some of the presidential candidates and/or their supporters.

On Thursday, a very real and definable hope came to Linden's attention by virtue of two different radio broadcasts: The hope that suit has been filed in Florida against the DNC to force them to count the results of the Florida primary election. This should not be necessary agains an organization that has on countless occasions mouthed the words that every vote must be counted. Probably as many times they have said (wrongly) that the 2000 election was stolen. How could one be proud of such an organization!

If this Florida suit is real and is actually pursued, can the same type of action in Michigan be far behind? One can only hope!
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LINDEN'S LIFE
After doing the blog posting routine, Linden headed for the usual very pleasant breakfast with some of his friends. Present were Bill, Chuck, Jack and Linden: We had expected Paul to attend but he failed to do so. Linden then did the necessary errands, straightened up the storage area under the stairs and in the process may have uncovered some old papers that Brian had only recently asked about. Doing three loads of wash completed Linden's housekeeping day.
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Linden’s first CD “Songs A Poor Old Police Department Retiree Might Write While Waiting For His Meager Pension Check” is now ready for purchase as are the six books he has written and/or published. Plainfield area sales at The Uncommon Corner bookstore in downtown Plainfield or at Secondhand Stories in the strip mall at Raceway & Rockville roads. Online, go to addresses below and inquire on “Linden Swift”.

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DONATIONS to support postings, are appreciated but not necessary, may be made to Linden Swift, Box 203, Plainfield, IN 46168

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OIL

OIL

Linden was in complete agreement with the Wednesday monologue delivered by Rush Limbaugh. In it, he said that each presidential candidate, member of congress and journalist should be asked "why do we need more oil?" The logical answer should then be, "more oil will reduce prices." He also mentioned a House bill that was passed by a large majority on Tuesday. It would authorize the filing of suit against OPEC. No wonder these clowns have an approval rating lower than that of the President!

Apparently the bill passed by a 324 to 84 margin. Perhaps it is because Linden is not adept at finding information or because of his dial-up connection, but he was unable to find the voting breakdown on this bill. He also saw no mention of it in his daily paper. He would expect that practically every democrat voted for it and that they were joined by a large number of feckless republicans. Further, he would expect the 84 to be almost entirely Conservative Republicans.

While this large group of irresponsible, yet well paid, disgraces are pointing fingers at OPEC, the oil companies or the President, they themselves are the problem.

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LINDEN'S LIFE

Little worthy of mention happened to Linden on Monday or Tuesday: Certainly the nine holes of golf he played should never be mentioned. Wednesday brought the last Study Buddy session of the year and Linden was sent home with a plate of delicious chocolate chip cookies and a very nice note from the teacher, Krissy Robbins. For lunch, he met a former credit union associate and had some really delicious cheese soup and a pot roast sandwich. The evening brought a good dinner at Church and a following interesting program. Within the day, Linden received several appreciated email messages. He can think of not one thing (other than congress and the presidential candidates) to complain about.

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ADVERTISING
Linden’s first CD “Songs A Poor Old Police Department Retiree Might Write While Waiting For His Meager Pension Check” is now ready for purchase as are the six books he has written and/or published. Plainfield area sales at The Uncommon Corner bookstore in downtown Plainfield or at Secondhand Stories in the strip mall at Raceway & Rockville roads. Online, go to addresses below and inquire on “Linden Swift”.

http://stores.ebay.com/secondhand-stories
www.alibris.com/bookstore/secondha

DONATIONS to support postings, are appreciated but not necessary, may be made to Linden Swift, Box 203, Plainfield, IN 46168

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THE FIRST LADY

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Linden’s first CD “Songs A Poor Old Police Department Retiree Might Write While Waiting For His Meager Pension Check” is now ready for purchase as are the six books he has written and/or published. Plainfield area sales at The Uncommon Corner bookstore in downtown Plainfield or at Secondhand Stories in the strip mall at Raceway & Rockville roads. Online, go to addresses below and inquire on “Linden Swift”.

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DONATIONS to support postings, are appreciated but not necessary, may be made to Linden Swift, Box 203, Plainfield, IN 46168

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THE FIRST LADY

Linden's admiration of our current First Lady, Laura Bush, knows no bounds. She has been ladylike yet down-to-earth in every situation which has come to his attention. Her efforts in the field of education have received widespread praise and her efforts in regard to health matters are equally well regarded.

It seems reasonable to suggest that our next First Lady should be worthy of the same type of regard and affection as has been earned by Laura Bush.

In an effort to further this cause, Linden will now present a thumbnail sketch of our three potential First Ladies and requests that you consider this important element as we move forward in the selection of our next President.

1. Bill Clinton: One would have to be slightly daft to imagine him swishing around the White House in a fancy dress: So, we will not go that way and will, instead, suggest that we call him something other than First Lady. First Gentleman does not seem to fit. His record in the areas of moral conduct, honesty, national security and strangely amassed great personal wealth require no comment at this time.

2. Cindy McCain: This potential First Lady has a good, even classy, appearance, is leader of a FOR PROFIT business enterprise, is involved with a mine clearing effort and is much involved with various children's and health interests.

3. Michelle Obama: Although hardly a victim, she appears to lack pride in our country. She has been granted opportunities that most citizens can only dream of obtaining. These have led to her and her husband amassing great personal wealth.
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ARE YOU CAPABLE OF RATIONAL THOUGHT?

ARE YOU CAPABLE OF RATIONAL THOUGHT

For the purpose of this posting, Linden will assume that you are a taxpaying U. S. citizen, favor the candidacy of Barack Obama, can read and have some regard for those who will follow you down life's pathway. At the conclusion of this posting, please digest the available information relative to H.R. 1302 and S2433.

The Global Poverty Act of 2007 was introduced in the House by Adam Smith (D-WA) and had 84 co-sponsors. To Linden's sorrow, 4 or 5 of them were republicans - one of which was listed as being Christopher Shays (CT): Linden has long considered him to be ripe for replacement. We should expect a "rob the taxpayer" bill of this type to be largely supported by democrats. But, not by Republicans. Barack Obama (your presidential candidate) introduced the bill in the Senate: Of the 14 co-sponsors, three were republicans. Perhaps it is time for Richard Lugar (IN), Gordon Smith (OR) and Olympia Snowe (ME) to fall on their swords.

In a nutshell, it appears that these supporters want every man, woman and child in the U.S. to be charged about an additional $40.00 per week for years to support a U.N. initiative that would lessen the interests of the U.S. The thought is that developed countries whould provide .7% of their GNP to aid the less developed nations. This cost is not based on need. Naturally, this is strongly supported by the U.N. and thereby, for Linden, provides another reason to get us out of this worse than worthless organization.

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THIRD MAY WEEKEND

Due to the problem with the Friday posting, Linden will restrict this posting to self centered reporting on his personal activities and will include few, if any, political comments.

Thursday, after posting the blog, Linden joined Bill, Chuck, Jack and Paul for our scheduled breakfast meeting. This is almost always a laugh filled fun time. In the afternoon, there was a Brentwood Elementary School recognition of those involved in their "Study Buddy" student assistance effort. It lasted about 40 minutes and included the students and adults. We had what may have been the best banana split ever put together. Linden also returned home with a mix that is supposed to end up as banana bread: He may yet become a competent cook.

Linden had been troubled for a few days with a "floater" in his right (good) eye. It appeared as a fairly long, thin string that moved from left to right across his field of vision. While preparing to get ready for bed, he glanced down and saw a large spider moving across his chest - he struck it a blow which would have staggered a rhinocerous (or stopped a heart) ... only to discover that the floater had changed form.

Friday, Linden thought he had posted this blog (he apparently failed) before going on to Men's Prayer Breakfast. In the evening, a group of probably 30 men, all dressed in white shirts and red bow ties, served dinner to a crowd of about 275 women at our church. Good dinner, the men also ate, in a different area, after the ladies were served. Linden was quite pleased that he made no major serving errors.

Saturday brought an early breakfast meeting at Kingsway Christian Church and, later, a meeting of The Avon Writers Group. A lazy afternoon followed: Linden had awakened not too long after midnight so, naturally, he dozed while listening to race qualifications and, then, watched the Preakness Stakes horse race.

Sunday included Church, Sunday School, brunch as part of a group of 11 and non strenuous afternoon and evening activities
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BAD FRIDAY POST

Some things are just downright puzzling. On Thursday night, Linden had completed a post in draft mode and then published it early Friday morning. I believe he even checked to ensure that it had published correctly. During the course of the day he received a message checking on him because no posting had been done. He checked and, sure enough, there is no posting (prior to this) for May 16. Unfortunately, his notes have been sent to the dumpster so he can not recreate his brilliant writing. Sorry. Actually, puzzled and sorry.
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SUNSHINE TOMORROW?

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Linden’s first CD “Songs A Poor Old Police Department Retiree Might Write While Waiting For His Meager Pension Check” is now ready for purchase as are the six books he has written and/or published. Plainfield area sales at The Uncommon Corner bookstore in downtown Plainfield or at Secondhand Stories in the strip mall at Raceway & Rockville roads. Online, go to addresses below and inquire on “Linden Swift”.

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DONATIONS to support postings, are appreciated but not necessary, may be made to Linden Swift, Box 203, Plainfield, IN 46168

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SUNSHINE TOMORROW?

Yes, it is raining again in Linden's area as he starts to rough out his next posting. In spite of many cheerful moments in his personal life, it is difficult to be overly optimistic about the future of our country when the news is generally bad and the weather is blah. A quick scan of The Indianapolis Star and exposure to the Glenn Beck and Greg Garrison talk radio shows provided the starting point for much of these writings.

Polar bears are now considered to be an endangered species! If Linden correctly remembers a Glenn Beck segment, the polar bear population is near an all time high. This came about as part of the "global warming" propaganda effort and is designed to put another roadblock in front of any oil drilling effort. Linden says again, "the earth is now in a long term cooling trend."

At a time when any straight thinking person would prefer to have Conservative Republicans in congress, the Republicans are losing seats. Is part of the reason their departure from conservative principles? The correct answer is YES!

Another bloated farm bill passes the House. This should not hurt a thing - after all, it is just your tax dollars.

Probably the favorite politically related words of the day were uttered by Greg Garrison when he referred to one of his earlier campaign recommendations: "Close The Border, Cut Taxes, Win The War, Vote Republican."

As the presidential campaigns trickle along, Linden becomes increasingly fearful.

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LINDEN'S LIFE

A fun breakfast meeting with Bill, Chuck, Jack and Paul was near the start of the day. Later, a Study Buddy Celebration was held at Brentwood elementary school to honor those volunteers who have worked with students over the course of the year. Linden had perhaps his all time best banana split and brought home a recipe and the ingredients to fix banana bread. Maybe he will progress beyond instant oatmeal. He went by a book store, exchanged emails with his daughter and talked to his son. If it were not for growing politically related concerns, he would be totally happy.

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WHEN THE FAT LADY SINGS

WHEN THE FAT LADY SINGS

Tuesday brought a big win for Hillary Clinton in the West Virginia primary election. This win was followed by many "news items" calling for her to abandon her campaign, reports that she could not possibly win and calls for her to 'unite the party" by doing the honorable thing.

You may be one of those who believe that she is basically dishonest, in not nearly as intelligent as she is reputed to be and that she possesses numerous other flaws. You may be correct but that has nothing at all to do with her campaign.

It is a long time until the last primary and longer still until the democrat convention. There is time for the wishes of the voters in Florida and Michigan to be honored. There is time for delegates, both super and not so super, to do a reversal and, lastly, what if Obama should die? Deaths almost as equally strange have occurred.

Linden is not sure of the origin of "it's not over until the fat lady sings" but, in this case, he believes the vocal exercises have not yet begun.

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LINDEN'S LIFE

Performed an early blog posting and followed that with a 7:30 campaign related breakfast meeting. Then, on to do a Study Buddy session at 8:45. Later, had a bit of work performed on the car and followed that with dinner and study at Church. It seems that the hours fly by and he has much to accomplish.

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ADVERTISING
Linden’s first CD “Songs A Poor Old Police Department Retiree Might Write While Waiting For His Meager Pension Check” is now ready for purchase as are the six books he has written and/or published. Plainfield area sales at The Uncommon Corner bookstore in downtown Plainfield or at Secondhand Stories in the strip mall at Raceway & Rockville roads. Online, go to addresses below and inquire on “Linden Swift”.

http://stores.ebay.com/secondhand-stories
www.alibris.com/bookstore/secondha

DONATIONS to support postings, are appreciated but not necessary, may be made to Linden Swift, Box 203, Plainfield, IN 46168

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MOSTLY COMPLAINTS

ADVERTISING
Linden’s first CD “Songs A Poor Old Police Department Retiree Might Write While Waiting For His Meager Pension Check” is now ready for purchase as are the six books he has written and/or published. Plainfield area sales at The Uncommon Corner bookstore in downtown Plainfield or at Secondhand Stories in the strip mall at Raceway & Rockville roads. Online, go to addresses below and inquire on “Linden Swift”.

http://stores.ebay.com/secondhand-stories
www.alibris.com/bookstore/secondha

DONATIONS to support postings, are appreciated but not necessary, may be made to Linden Swift, Box 203, Plainfield, IN 46168

COMMENTS: Only those sent to LWDcomment@aol.com are received.
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MOSTLY COMPLAINTS

The Indianapolis Star has a daily column called "Let It Out": Readers submit items for possible publication. Very little of real substance appears. Roads, taxes, gas prices, political candidates, TV programs and sports are some of the subjects. In this posting, Linden has revised and edited some of the original submissions and now presents them to you in item and his response format.



I. Is it necessary for a senator to perform official duties?

R. Obviously not.



I. Thanks to congress I can now afford neither gas or food.

R. Well said! Just wait until they address healthcare.



I. Being a Republican is too expensive.

R. Since the democrats are the party of the rich, now what?



I. If the democrats were not opposed to U.S. oil, it would be much cheaper.

R. Very true! Why is this not a constant news item?



I. Fight them there or fight them here is nonsense.

R. Prove it.



I. Hillary is addicted to Bill and Obama to Wright.

R. Never hire an addict.

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LINDEN'S LIFE

Attended an early morning Republican Roundtable breakfast meeting. Followed that with 9 holes of golf: One par and eight rotten holes. Played with Paul, Dewey, and Dennis. Since Monday night was not a good night for sleeping, a nap was in order. Little else of consequence. The West Virginia primary will probably be mentioned in the following posting.

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IMMIGRATION

IMMIGRATION
It was a last minute decision to make immigration the subject of this posting and it is doubtful that it will be one of Linden's better efforts. He was just visiting a few of the sites he frequents and happened upon "Numbers USA". After just a few minutes he decided to post on the subject while hoping better writers and more thorough researchers will adopt the subject as a cause.
Items Linden believes he grasped while at Numbers USA include Border Patrol agents Ramos and Campeon were given long prison terms for shooting an illegal alien drug smuggler who was escaping from them. It seems these agents deserved better treatment: Perhaps a bonus.
On October 29, 2007, Indiana Senators (actually mostly D.C. residents) Bayh and Lugar were reported to have voted for what was described as an amnesty bill.
Rep. Heath Shuler (D. - N.C.) introduced the Save Act to address at least one part of the immigration problem. So far, 10 Democrats and 178 Republicans have signed a discharge petition to force Nancy Pelosi to act. Linden believes that 30 more signatures will force action. Should Rep. Shuler be a Republican?
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ADVERTISING
Linden’s first CD “Songs A Poor Old Police Department Retiree Might Write While Waiting For His Meager Pension Check” is now ready for purchase as are the six books he has written and/or published. Plainfield area sales at The Uncommon Corner bookstore in downtown Plainfield or at Secondhand Stories in the strip mall at Raceway & Rockville roads. Online, go to addresses below and inquire on “Linden Swift”.

http://stores.ebay.com/secondhand-stories
www.alibris.com/bookstore/secondha

DONATIONS to support postings, are appreciated but not necessary, may be made to Linden Swift, Box 203, Plainfield, IN 46168

COMMENTS: Only those sent to LWDcomment@aol.com are received.
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LINDEN'S LIFE
Lots of running around. Little accomplishment. Both Brian and Julie called - That always makes it a good day!.
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CHANGE & HOPE

ADVERTISING
Linden’s first CD “Songs A Poor Old Police Department Retiree Might Write While Waiting For His Meager Pension Check” is now ready for purchase as are the six books he has written and/or published. Plainfield area sales at The Uncommon Corner bookstore in downtown Plainfield or at Secondhand Stories in the strip mall at Raceway & Rockville roads. Online, go to addresses below and inquire on “Linden Swift”.

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

www.alibris.com/bookstore/secondha

DONATIONS to support postings, are appreciated but not necessary, may be made to Linden Swift, Box 203, Plainfield, IN 46168

COMMENTS: Only those sent to LWDcomment@aol.com are received.
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CHANGE & HOPE
In several of his recent postings Linden would lead with a few words addressing change and hope. The focus was on how meaningless these words are if there is no identification beyond the mere words themselves. Of course, this attention to the words was triggered by their frequent use by the democrat presidential candidates. One must wonder about the various hopes for change when, in the time of Moses God called down plagues on the Egyptians.

First, all water was turned into blood. This was followed by frogs, gnats, flies, death of livestock, boils, hail, locusts and darkness. Finally, the life of the firstborn of all Egyptian people and their animals was taken. During this time there was much unrealized hope for change.
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POLITICS
At the national level, the Clinton-Obama standoff continues with little promise of quick resolution. Obama is reported to now be leading in the superdelegate count: This could change. The Republicans in Indiana, in most cases, did not have closely contested primary races. So, thousands switched to vote as Democrats in order to affect the presidential primary outcome. This not only led to strange results in some Republican races but also fueled speculation that Indiana is becoming a "liberal" state. Locally, in Hendricks County there were many more absentee ballots to be counted but our Voter Registration group once again performed admirably.
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LINDEN'S LIFE
Returning to normal activities and catching up on the things let go during the time of the failed election effort has been the primary focus. The Men's Prayer Breakfast was the top activity on Friday Saturday was a work around the house day and Sunday was headlined by Church and Sunday School.
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MAY 6 ELECTION NOTES

NATIONAL
Clinton won a close one in Indiana and Obama had an easier time in North Carolina. Are his supporters more racist than hers are gender driven? Are they all mentally deficient? You need not answer and Linden may not share his opinion with you.

These two contests did little to change the situation: There are still some thought challenged ones who are calling for Clinton to abandon ship. Fat chance! Since it appears that it will go to convention in a virtual tie situation, Linden is offering his services to that party and seeking super delegate support. Although he would hate to abandon the GOP, flawed as it presently is, America badly needs the democrat party to be jerked, kicking and screaming, to the right.

INDIANA
The Republican and democrat candidates for Governor have been selected as has the congressional representatives. The June 2 Republican State Convention, which Linden expected to attend for the 14th time, should be very interesting with probably three top State office candidates being selected at that time. Locally, Linden lost his bid for a seat on the Hendricks County Council: Considering the effect a recent State law change will have on local governments, this may have been a blessing in disguise.
Linden had some great help but it is just barely possible that crossover voting for the democrats may have hurt the effort.

LINDEN'S LIFE
Thursday brought the usual breakfast with friends. Bill had returned from The Ukraine and Austria safely and it was, as usual, a good meeting. Lunch was a great potato bar affair at Church. Judge Mark Smith was a great lunchtime speaker and his wife, Barbra, preceded his remarks with comments on the pre-school program at our church: She is the director of that effort. This surely was one of the best "Golden Glow" lunchtime affairs.
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ALMOST INSIGNIFICANT

Linden's Wednesday was a day of so little accomplishment or rational thought that it warrants the title of this posting. Biscuits and gravy at Chick-fil-A was probably the crowning achievement of the morning hours. Later, he talked to both Julie and Brian, went to the credit union and called several of those who had represented him on election day. The evening brought a good dinner at Church followed by Justin leading a good presentation. Justin is Steve's son and Steve just happens to be the best church leader that Linden has ever listened to. Justin will be another Steve.

At the time of this writing, Linden is thinking that he is not snapping back from the rigors of election day nearly as fast as he would have when he was only 75. Oh, to be young again! Linden has often mentioned the thoughtful posting by Kyle-Anne Shiver on American Thinker. She has returned, apparently completely refreshed after vacation, with three American Thinker columns. The two that you should absolutely not miss are "My Female Pride in Hillary Is Emerging" of May 8 and "It's Obama's Character, Stupid" of May 2. The mention of her columns make this posting worthwhile.

Tomorrow, the final posting of the week, will probably see the Tuesday election rehashed and next Monday the plan is to return to a format more in line with that which was presented before Linden got caught up in presenting aspects of his own life.
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SWEET & SOUR ?

Linden had a very enjoyable breakfast with Joyce Brinkman on Monday. We have been friends for over 20 years when daughter, Julie, recommended her for political support. she went on to be a great State Representative and, Later, State Treasurer.
Now, she is the outgoing Indiana Poet Laureate and is delving into becoming a sculptor. Great visit: she will represent Linden at one of the polling places on election day.

While returning to Plainfield from Indianapolis, Linden listened, for the first time, to Tammy Bruce who was subbing on the Laura Ingraham show. She played a clip of Tom Hanks (a nut case?) eulogizing Barack Obama and, most interesting, mentioned that President Roosevelt, in his January 1941 State of the Union address had advocated disarming our country. Less than 12 months later our country was attacked. Our armaments were so inadequate that it defies logic to speak of disarming. Linden had never heard this particular reference before: it illustrates the long term error in advocating a weak America.

Later in the day, Linden performed some last minute political tasks and viewed some emailed pictures of little Jade Kensington Hobby. One picture included Julie. Pretty nice!

Election day was a long, long hard day. Up at 5:00, started greeting voters at 6:00 and continued with that (took two short breaks) until the pollis closed at 6:00. Then, Kent and Linden met Lloyd in Danville to see how the contests we were interested in resulted. Usually the results are complete by 8:00: They were still incomplete at 10:30 so Kent and I headed back to Plainfield. At the time we left, it appeared that Linden would finish 6th in the race for a County Council seat: 3rd or 4th had been expected. Three were to be elected. And, most surprising and disappointing was the vote totals for the democrats: Hendricks County has long been a Republican stronghold. It appears many Republicans became temporary (hopefully) democrats in an effort to influence their race for the presidency.

It was disappointing from the standpoint of time, effort and resources expended but, most particularly because of those who had spent hours speaking for Linden and having their efforts come to naught. How does one manage without good friends? Linden is truly blessed. There had been no election such as this in the history of Indiana: Absolutely unusual and disappointing. It is possible that tomorrow's posting will refer to it in greater detail.
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FIRST MAY WEEKEND

Without a doubt the most important happening worldwide in May 2008 is the birth of Julie's daughter, Jade Kensington Hobby. Kenneth, Julie and Jade are doing fine. Pictures indicate that Jade, like her Grandfather Linden, is absolutely flawless.

Friday started with the usual Men's Prayer Breakfast followed by some political and book signing preparation. Linden introduces his new CD to the world tomorrow at signings at two bookstores. There was an extremely nice piece in The Hendricks County Flyer regarding this effort and Linden in general.

Saturday started with a men's meeting at a church in Avon: Linden attends that twice a month. Then the two book signing events. It appears that it will be some time before an adoring crowd clamors for Linden's signature but they were satisfactory events. In the evening, when Linden arrived home, there was little movement until bedtime.

Sunday brought Church, Sunday School, paper reading, a nap, a few politically related visits. Had several telephone visits with old friends in the evening. Julie called just about bedtime to tell me Jade's name.

For the second time since these postings began, there will be no posting tomorrow: It is election day in Hendricks County and that will get Linden's attention. His race is important and he has heard it mentioned that there is a somewhat interesting presidential contest also. As he understands it, they are lower class candidates.
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ONLY ONE TOPIC

Within the last few days Linden at least strongly implied that some things are more important than political matters. Don't remember the exact wording. One of those more important things is the topic today.
On Thursday, shortly after returning home from the breakfast meeting, Linden received a call from his son-in-law, Kenneth. Julie had been given medication to cause her to start contractions, they came so quickly that they decided to deliver by caeserean section. All went well, the mother and baby are doing fine and so is Kenneth. Linden spoke a few words to Julie but it is doubtful that she knew it. News about the name of the baby girl should be posted soon. Great news!
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LAST APRIL DAY

Yeah, it was a busy day for Linden:
6:00 posted blog
7:30 campaign meeting
8:45 Study Buddy session
1:30 Saturday bookstore event meeting
5:00 Dinner at Church
6:30 Study session at Church
8:00 prep for Saturday bookstore event.

Note: The wonderful Sharon www.sherbitter.livejournal.com had a much appreciated blurb in her posting regarding me. It follows:

I got a lovely surprise in the mail yesterday. My friend Linden is quite something. He has his own publishing empire, he's running for local office, and now he has come out with his first cd. The name is not exactly going to roll right off your tongue...but it fits him perfectly. "Songs a Poor Old Police Department Retiree Might Write...While Waiting for His Meager Pension Check" is a collection of thirteen different songs. Many are tragic: "Yes sing me a sad song / It's the least you can do / And when you're done singin' / I'm gonna get even with you"; "I was born alone, I'll die alone, alone I'll always be / No one can ever hope to know my lonesome misery"; "I want to go home and see Mary but Mary don't live there no more / I want to go home and hold Mary but she couldn't stand bein' poor." To be honest, the sadder Linden sings, the more I like it. A couple songs reflect on the relationship between God and a lowly sinner: "I am a sinner calling on you / I need your guidance in all that I do / Thank you dear Savior who died on the tree / To carry the sin load of those such as me"; "Holy Spirit Holy Spirit I am counting on thee / Holy Spirit Holy Spirit raise my prayers for me." I can't really decide which is my favorite, although "Frog Pond" is in the running: "I'm smiling, I'm happy, I'm laughing out loud / With my home in the country I feel so proud / With a mail box in front and a frog pond in back / My heaven on earth is my tumble down shack." I had to sing along with the chorus of "It's a Sometimes World": "For it's a sometimes world sometimes sometimes / It's a sometimes world sometimes sometimes / It's a sometimes world sometimes sometimes / It's a sometimes world sometimes sometimes." Linden's voice isn't going to cause Placido Domingo to retire in discouragement, but you know -- it's just exactly right for these songs. If you haven't done it lately, you might check out his blog:

In closing, Linden would like to mention a piece that appears in American Thinker: It holds the democrats responsible for the current high gas prices. Read it and tell Linden, if you agree and are a democrat, are you partially responsible for high gas prices by voting for those inept clowns?
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