I didn't expect to go to bed distraught, frustrated, and disappointed on December 30th, 2007. I usually reserve those emotions for the actual New Years Eve celebration most years. Last night; however, was a tough pill to swallow.

In retrospect, I really shouldn't be too upset. I was getting greedy.... The Indians in the ALCS, the Cavaliers in the NBA Finals..... The Browns making the Divisional Wild-Card Round after posting a rather average 10-6 record.... Yes, I wanted to be allowed to be greedy for once. The Cleveland Browns haven't had a similar record against opponents since I was 13 years ago! I think it was only natural for me to want to be greedy and selfish, along with a couple million other loyal Brownies fans. Well, at least I can hear somewhat positive talk radio now... of course the "wait till next year's" and "it's really a learning curve's" presented by callers and would-be self-annointed hero drive-time jocks will be in some vain---- going 10-6 rewards the Browns with an awkward draft status AND sets the team up for a reasonably difficult schedule for the 2008 campaign. Grrr.... you mean we can't play the 49ers, Rams, and Raiders every year? SHIT.

On the topic of 2008 campaigns, the countdown edges closer and closer to the Iowa showdown in 4 days. I am anxious to see the results, and I honestly think that the Edwards ground game can turn out some serious support at the local caucaus sites. Johnny Boy hasn't actually stopped campaigning in Iowa since 2004, and is probably going to give Hillary and Obama a run for their money. Aside from getting the primary season underway, I enjoy Iowa and New Hampshire because it gives the American people an opportunity to tell some candidates that they aren't worth a spit in the wind (Fred Thompson, Bill Richardson, Dennis Kucinich, etc.) when it comes to major electoral politics. Of course I have to hear from the super ideologues that groan that "America is dying when the smallest of candidates don't receive equal representation in the media or access to matching funding," but their groaning usually dies down when they realize that candidates' ideal candidates usually have ridiculously crazy plans about running the government when they're in office as president (Ron Paul)--NOTE: These people can't see the light at the end of the tunnel because they have similar plans that block their progress as well. You may be able to recognize some of these winners by their comments that hover around abolishing the IRS tax system, eliminating specific constitutional amendments, building large walls to physically separate the United States from Mexico, or nominating animals for higher office.

I guess that's what we get when we live in a democracy, right?

Wrong. We live in a republic. If there is one thing I teach my students someday; it will be that ultimate truth. I'm tired of hearing the "democracy wheel" from candidates. If we were so "democratic," I would be laying down the laws to affect my own life.

Wow, I'm all over the place this morning.

Happy New Year 2008! 2007, you sure were awkward. Leave that to teenagers.