Another Super Tuesday

I woke up early today and convinced my neighbor, a young chap, to carry my hybrid bicycle down four flights of stairs to street level. Spring was coming. The air has been warm and breezy, although it looks like it is going to pour buckets later on today. As my neighbor brought my bike downstairs, I loaded myself with oil cans, polish, torn wash clothes no longer useful to the human body, and a tire pump to clean the dust that had accumulated on my bicycle during the long winter months. I haven’t ridden my bike in over a year. Balance is still a problem for me. The last time I tried riding a bicycle was in Aruba and I ran into a vehicle instead.

I used to be an avid cyclist, often riding along the Erie Canal for miles in Upstate New York. Riding 40 to 50 miles a week was not unusual until dystonia hit me. Cycling soon evaporated as symptoms progressed. I used to be a true cycling junkie! Now I’ve become a political news junkie!

As the morning went by, the polish came out and I began attacking the dust on my bike – one of my treasured prizes, second only to my Turkish carpet. Slowly, my neighbors began accumulating on the steps as I scrubbed. And soon, talk about today's  Texas and Ohio primary races erupted, leading to our own lively sidewalk debate. I was becoming confused by the entire Electoral race, not really sure who the right candidate should or even if the Democratic race would be decided by tonight -- March 4, 2008. Super delegates, allegations, and other issues were discussed. Essentially I was an “undecided,” not knowing which issue was of more importance – national security, the economy, or healthcare?

Laughter was mixed with the verbal exchanges with each resident having his or her own opinion. How divided the country truly is… One of my neighbors pumped up my tires for me. I climbed aboard to the applause of my neighbors -- all knew that I had dystonia, a movement disorder. They had seen me in the media spotlight, most recently on Dr. Oz's Oprah and Friends Radio Show.

However, riding a bike proved to be a feat and a challenge still, just like Super Tuesday. Perhaps I’d better go back to debating! Any thoughts on the primary process or the candidates?