After every election, we always manage to hear the winning side say that they have a mandate from the American people.  The people have spoken, and they want their plan over their opponent's plan.  And there is no doubt that after the presidential election in November, whoever comes out on top will be declaring the same thing.  But is there really anything to it?  Can any side really claim a mandate just because they win the election?

All of us are aware that of the tragedy that struck Aurora, CO last Thursday night as James Holmes barged into the midnight premiere of Dark Night Rises and shot 70 people. The story coming out today revolves around Christian Bale visiting victims of the shooting in the hospital today.

The horrific event has been politicized by gun-rights and gun-control advocates as they scrap to stay in the spotlight or trade blows on the issue. The discussion around the event has been off-point and disrespectful to the victims, their friends, and their families.

A few current California news items making the rounds this week:

President John Evans Atta Mills of Ghana died today. He was 68. He reportedly suffered from throat cancer and was rumored to have visited the United States recently for medical care. The president assumed office in 2009 and planned on running for reelection this year.

The presidential office released the following statement today:

Astrological Sign: Pisces

Term of Presidency: 1829-1837

Party: Democratic

Age Upon Taking Office: 61

Vice President: John C. Calhoun (first term); Martin Van Buren (second term)

The Congressional Budget Office just released two reports, one on the estimated cost of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) also known as "Obamacare", and one on the estimated cost of repealing the ACA.

This election cycle marks the 100 year anniversary of the historic election of 1912 presidential election. But wait a second, why does this election stand out so much? Well it wasn't your typical two-way race between the Democrats and Republicans. This time around it was a three-way race between the incumbent and Republican William H. Taft, the Democratic nominee Woodrow Wilson, and Teddy Roosevelt of the Bull Moose party.

In the growing age of technology, voters are increasingly turning to the Internet to research, connect, and share political news as the 2012 election progresses.