I've edited some mp3 files that are a low quality (128kbps). If I save these files as 128 mp3s am I compressing the file all over again? Kinda of like burning a cd of mp3s and then ripping it at the same bit rate. If so, is there a way to avoid this?

With most audio editors, yes. There are non-destructive mp3 editors that can do some simple editing without having to re-encode the file. See the FAQ for a discussion of such editors (the link is near the bottom of the mp3 section) (or use search...).

The one I use and can recommend is mp3DirectCut.

Okay, So I have been using the equalization filters in Adobe and then using iZotpe Ozone 3 to bring up the volume of these tracks. Is there no way to do the same thing and save the mp3s without losing quality? If I saved them as wavs, I'm guessing (from the FAQ link) that I wouldn't be losing any quality. But is that the only way if I want to do the same things to these tracks that I've been doing. After I edit them I run them through MP3Gain as well, and I can't do that with a WAV.

It took me forever to get familiar enough with these programs before I was able to do what I wanted to to them. Just when I thought I had it I find out that I'm losing quality with Audition. Is this all a lost (quality) cause now?

Change volume, yes. Run thru EQ filters, no.
Basically correct.
Just as good: WaveGain (working download link + wavegain frontend)

Sweet. Thanks!

If you're only removing beginning and ending silence (gaps) an easy solution is mpTrim, although the free functionality version is rather limited and has allot of options disabled. If you're only changing the volume there's no need to transcode them, instead use MP3Gain.

Allot of so-called editing (fade-outs, etc.,) can be done when you are making an audio CD from the decoded mp3's without actually messing with the original mp3 and the resulting transcoding.

After I use iZotope Ozone to pump up the volme some there's usually clipping. But, when I run the files through MP3Gain (to get rid of clipping) the tracks are at the desired volume. I start out with the tracks already at the highest volume they can be without clipping and I wouldn't want to just pump the volume up because then they'd be clipping.