I did a bunch more digging and found a workaround on the Bodhi Linux forum. Here's the pertinent info:
I found a way using script.
open leafpad, paste following lines
#!/bin/bash
xmodmap -e "pointer = 3 2 1";
save it in your home folder as left_handed_mouse.sh
now open terminal, run followind command
chmod +x ./left_handed_mouse.sh
test it by running in terminal
./left_handed_mouse.sh
if it swap your mouse, you're good
if you want it, you can add this script at startup.
If you want to return it to right handed, change
#!/bin/bash
xmodmap -e "pointer = 3 2 1";
to
#!/bin/bash
xmodmap -e "pointer = 1 2 3";
I saved the bash file in my home folder for my e17 user. I then made a desktop entry (or whatever you call the desktop app icons) and pointed to the file I just saved in the "Application" box. Double-clicking on the desktop icon swaps the mouse, but it must be done every time you restart or log in. You could make one for right and one for left and switch at will.
I then made it autostart by going to Settings>Settings Panel>Apps>New Application, and made a new application for that desktop icon; then added it to Startup Applications.
There is probably an easier way to do it, but this does work for me. Thanks to the Bodhi forum folks!!
