Sponsored by IVN and hosted by the University of San Diego School of Law Independent Voter Club, yesterday marked our first Independent Forum, where independents from across California gathered to explain the importance of the new open primary system in California.

To kick off the press conference, IVN president Chad Peace welcomed the guests, reminding the audience that this year, because of the open primary system, independent voters will now have the opportunity to vote in the June 5th primary for any candidate, regardless of party affiliation.

The United States has experienced profound demographic, economic and social changes, most apparently when examining the Census data from 1940 to the last national Census in 2010. Population has exploded, diversity and education levels have changed and living conditions are much different. Take a look for yourself at the ways America has changed since 1940. Does any of the figures surprise you? Did you expect anything to turn out different? How has America changed most significantly in your lifetime?

We are a very polarized nation when it comes to environmental issues. These days, it seems as if Democrats MUST embrace any environmental cause, no matter how small, and that Republicans MUST eschew any environmental issue, regardless of its merits. It is hard to convince people that once upon a time, Republicans and Democrats worked together on environmental issues. In fact, one could argue that Teddy Roosevelt and Richard Nixon did more for the environment than any Democratic Administrations.

Everyone is watching the prices at the pump closely. One of the most interesting findings in this infographic is that 2012 is projected to be the worst year in oil prices, ever.