Well, I’m back. Yes, I know I’ve retired – twice. First because of failing eyesight and most recently because at 80, I’m just tired of chasing leads, some of which turn out, most of which ultimately don’t
There can be any number of reasons that might explain my decision to return to the keyboard.
There’s the analogy of the old fire station horse who still tries to answer the call or the over-the-hill boxer who responds to the bell. Or maybe it’s just the senility that allows me to forget that I’m supposed to be sitting in the sun room drooling with a lap blanket and shoulder shawl draped over my frail body.
There are those (maybe most) who would choose the latter. But the truth is, the level of corruption in Louisiana is such that it’s virtually impossible to walk away if you have a scintilla of love for this state. And if the first months are any indication, the next few years under Jeff Landry will be a challenge that will make the Jindal years pale by comparison.
So it is that I have opted to keep pounding away at those who would put personal gain before the interests of the state and her citizens.
Which brings me to the unpleasant task of renewing our twice-a-year fund raisers in order to keep the lights on.
Heretofore, we held fundraisers in April and October but since April is gone, we are coming to you with hat in hand during the month of May. I humbly ask that you support our efforts in any amount you’re comfortable with – $5, $10, or whatever. I’ll be traveling the state (believe it or not, south Louisiana doesn’t hold franchise rights to corruption; there’re stories that need exposure way up in north Louisiana. I also anticipate a few roadblocks to future requests for public records which will necessitate legal action, all of which take money.
Anyone contributing $50 or more will receive his choice of one of my (signed) books. Here are your choices of non-fiction:
Louisiana’s Rogue Sheriffs: A Culture of Corruption
America’s Rogue Sheriffs: A Culture of Corruption (each state is profiled)
Murder on the Teche: A True Story of Money and a Flawed Investigation
For fiction, there are these:
It’s All Theirs (a story about one man’s fight against the IRS)
Bordello on the Bayou (a high-end prostitute is murdered in Baton Rouge)
Vieux Carré Vengeance (a ghost story set in New Orleans)
If you order a book, be sure to provide a mailing address.
So, please, as the preacher said in the movie Oh, God, please “dig DEEP into your pockets to support this min’-istry.” Seriously, click on the yellow DONATE button to the upper right to contribute by credit card or you may send a check to me, Tom Aswell, at 107 North College West, Denham Springs, LA. 70726.
As usual, I deeply appreciate all the support I’ve received in the past.
Louisiana Voice 