the experiment continues

Super Tuesday is upon us. Polls are about to close in Georgia, with the second wave coming about an hour later, and I'll be glued to the various media delivery devices at my disposal watching the results. I voted for the fine Senator from Illinois, although despite the rather contentious divisions that have developed between the Obama and Clinton supporters, I'll support either in November. Certainly I could muster more enthusiasm for Clinton than I could for Kerry last year. Honestly, though, I believe Barack Obama would make the best President of any of the candidates.

I always think its important, on election days, to take a moment to appreciate our country's 230+ years of bloodless transfer of executive power every four or eight years. Free elections, and peaceful transitions between opposing political parties are all America has ever known. We forget, when we set out to "spread democracy", that this concept is completely foreign to a great many people. While we've certainly been slow in expanding suffrage rights, and our electoral system has room for improvement, the mere fact that on January 20, 2009 there will be (again) a peaceful transfer of power in the highest office in the land.

And for so many reasons, that is worth celebrating.

Also....happy Mardi Gras! Be sure to get 40 days worth of sinning in tonight.