I read with interest today's Neosho Daily News article on the arraignment of self-proclaimed bigot and perennial candidate Martin Lindstedt on statutory sodomy charges.
John Ford's well-written article notes that the Southern Poverty Law Center notes that Lindstedt advocated death for "corrupt politicians and lawyers." I can also recall during that campaign that Lindstedt made threats against elected officials, threats that were reported in only one source at that time, a Carthage Press article that I wrote.
Because of his many lawsuits and ludicrous behavior, it is easy to think of Martin Lindstedt as being just a joke. And while that description fits him, the most recent charge, coupled with his bigotry and threats make him far more than just an annoyance.
I can remember at that time, receiving a couple of phone calls from politicians who were disturbed that I was publicizing Lindstedt's ravings. Perhaps if some others had jumped on the bandwagon at that time and Lindstedt's actions had been thoroughly examined, maybe the incident or incidents that sparked this arrest may never have occurred.
The Daily News also mentions the lawsuit Lindstedt filed against Missouri Governor Matt Blunt last year. That lawsuit has been dismissed with prejudice as of two days ago. Ford's article has the most complete rundown of Lindstedt's various lawsuits that I have seen.