In an effort to be consistent, here's another inconsistent thread.
Why do I always write on this for a week straight and then fade away into the busy, complicated night?

Since we last left off, Johnny Boy suspended his campaign in order to make way for a clearer path to party unity. Yep, that sure worked.... Super Tuesday results have left the DNC presidential snapshot almost as muddled as the day that Edwards threw his hat out of the ring. Now we get to listen to analysts and commentators argue the relative focus of the GOP in the midst of an approaching heavyweight showdown at the Denver convention.

Here's the problem... both of the DNC heavyweights are rather similar in their policy stances and committment to corporate donors. Sure, Hillary and Obama will vocally clash over health care projections (I actually have to side with Clinton on that argument) and initial Iraq war foresight (Obama wins that contest), but they really aren't that grand. In the year of the inevitable Democratic presidential succession, we have successfully shoved our inevitability down the garbage disposal (insert groaning chug of grinding disposal motor.)

Now, I do apologize for my resentment levels and many of my close politically active friends are quick to remind me that Edwards was not selected by enough primary voters to deserve a shot at representing our party in the general election...BUT I can't seem to get past the fact that this is probably how Kucinich, Dean, Dodd, Gravel, and Biden supporters feel on a regular basis. It's just a rude awakening that our primary electorate has been so swayed by non-traditional messengers in this primary match-up. And I personally feel saddened that so many local and national unions ran to the direct aid of Clinton and Obama when Edwards was, and still will be, the true voice of socioeconomic justice for working families in America.

Side notes:

*The Cleveland Browns have sent 6 players to the Pro Bowl in Honolulu, Hawaii, this weekend. For their glory and your reading adventure, here are their names and positions.... Please make a habit of looking for them on the field. They will be the ones doing awesome things with their respective talents (and wearing Orange helmets for the AFC roster, if that helps.)

QB Derek Anderson
WR Braylon Edwards
TE Kellen Winslow, Jr.
OT Joe Thomas
KR Josh Cribbs
LS Brian Pontbriand (LS stands for Long Snapper = Sweet.)

*Fmr. Gov. Mitt Romney (R-Massachusetts) suspended his race for the White House yesterday in an effort to allow the true conservative voice of the GOP to unify around Sen. John McCain. I looked at the numbers last night before bed, and even if Romney were to stay in the race and win every single contest from now until the convention--McCain would still have enough delegates to take the nomination (as long as he faired between 25-35% of the vote in each primary.) This slow chug to the finish line for McCain would do nothing for Romney so he actually benefits now from repairing a political image of unity and humility. Don't fret though; he still managed to insult Clinton and Obama as surrender artists in the face of global terrorism... jab jab sucker punch! If I were Clinton and Obama, I would respond if asked to comment on his remarks with, "Mitt Romney? I don't even think Republican conservatives know that guy."

*Finally, a very Happy Lent to all of my Catholic friends and Lent-observing non-Catholics... does that even happen? I went to Ash Wednesday for the first time in a few years and have made a committment to try Lent out again in my efforts to reconnect to the spiritual side of life. Awhile ago, I decided that faith was more of a personal part of my life than other social aspects. I would have no problem praying or contemplating spiritual issues, but without some type of social interaction, dialogue, or mutual discussion regarding related spiritual issues.... this idea of individual, quiet meditation and spiritual practice did dissipate to mere personal laziness, in my opinion. I'm sure others can stay on track of things a bit better than I with this approach, but I think that I really do need a youth group, Bible study, or worship service element in my life to keep me on-the-ball and thinking toward my own spiritual conclusions. So I am happy to admit that I've been to multiple faith-related events and activities just over the past 7-10 days and am looking forward to more in the future. Happy 1st Lenten Friday... put down that hamburger!