9:00 AM - Got up early before observation hours and went on the bike. Ended up doing an hour and read my review book for my huge test next week for 45 minutes, and then last 15 minutes read from Team of Rivals. The start of Chapter 5 was particularly interesting. From page 140,
"The America of 1850 was a largely rural nation of about 23 million people in which politics and public issues - at every level of government - were of consuming interest. Citizen participation in public life far exceeded that of later years. Nearly three fourths of those eligibile to vote participated in the two presidential elections of the decade."
Reading Goodwin's work, it makes me wonder about where our country evolved from and where it is headed. The history books are filled with stories like she recounts here of radicalism, energy, and raw desire. It just seems like a lot of what was once important has been cast aside. Instead of taking a direct stance in deciding how and who should run this country, it is almost as if people don't care aside from complaining when politicians that turn out to be 'bad eggs' are elected. e.g. When Bush was not only elected, but reelected, many Democrats and Liberals/Independents were quick to bash Republicans for electing such a moron to office. But while I voted for Kerry in 2004 and for Obama in 2008, I feel like there are a lot of people that are all talk and no bite. What happened to the fervent energy that surrounded Vietnam and the oil crisis of the 70s? It's as if the potency of Americans' political voice has been lost in an age of technology and fashion. It is almost sickening to see at work how many of today's young generation feels as if the hottest trends for clothes and hairstyles and/or the next edition of the iPod or MacBook is of higher concern than the poltical, economic, and social issues that are bringing the country to the brink of failure. I am a Liberal and I guess I cannot criticize too harshly, but I find that the more I read, and the more I learn, the more I begin to take a conservative approach to some ideas. I feel there needs to be blanket reforms in health care, education, and social justice, and yet I feel alone. As my peers spend the nights boozing it away and dancing to riskay music at night clubs and texting their "BFFs", I feel like I more closely identify with the 30 and 40 something crowds. Am I just growing up too fast? Are my fears coming true? I only hope that in the near future steps are taken so that we can remember the founding ideals of this nation and we can better embrace the multiculutural gifts that being American entails. As much as I hate to say it the American public seems to be "dumbing down" and has lost the gutsy doggedness that characterized our forefathers.
Total Time: 1:00:34 Total Distance: 20 miles
3:00 PM - Cloudy, wind of 12-15 mph. Brisk and cold. Temperature around 40 degrees. Wanted to get another ride in for my higher mileage day since I work late until 5 or 5:30 tomorrow and Saturday and won't have a chance for a long ride. Headed out on the back roads. Was surprised to see I was biking pedal to the metal and averaging only about 15 mph! Oh well. It was still fun. Good to get out on the roads. Just like in running, you have to be prepared for anything, so it was probably good to get another ride in less than favorable conditions because it will help me in the long run when I get ready to do the century ride. My toes were frozen by the end of the ride!!
Total Time: 1:23:00 Total Distance: 21.25 miles Average Speed: 15.4 mph | 
