Before the birth of America and the movement of independent politics, there was another use for the term "independent." In England, during their first civil war, the Puritans had decent control of their Long Parliament, but they were split into two factions- the Independents and the Presbyterians. The split was caused by religious differences and differing opinions on the conduct of war. While they help some political beliefs they were not political parties but rather religious sects. They split politically on whether to pursue war or peace in the english civil war.

Surely you didn't think we would get through today without incredibly classless behavior?

https://twitter.com/celebboutique/status/226369632154570752

And here are some reactions:

https://twitter.com/andylevy/status/226378302313619456

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https://twitter.com/BlitznBeans/status/226384430997073920

https://twitter.com/LachlanMarkay/status/226380353391194112

California, with the highest unemployment rate in the United States, posted an impressive net gain of over 32,000 jobs last month according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.   Over the past year, California has added almost 280,000 jobs.  With California job growth on a positive path, will the state be in a position to lead the country out of this economic stagnation?

View the complete jobs report.

The University of California Board of Regents met this week to vote on several issues with large impact on university campuses statewide. UC leaders approved a resolution endorsing Governor Jerry Brown's tax measure, otherwise known as Prop 30, while promising not to increase tuition rates for undergrads- unless Brown's tax measure fails in November.

It's no secret that California's fiscal house has long been out of order, and it's become especially apparent this past year when the Governor and Legislature pushed through a series of deep cuts as a last-ditch effort to balance the budget. The austerity measures didn't stop at cuts to state programs- most state workers will also be facing a pay cut starting this fiscal year.

Humor has an odd way of bringing to light the absurdity of the things said by Mitt Romney, and once again Stephen Colbert has nailed him for one of his disconnected statements. During a $50k per plate campaign fundraising dinner in Mississippi, Romney pointed out that the middle class "isn’t having a good year." While addressing the audience Mitt said: