When economies sour and budgets fail, people look for answers.  And as California's financial misery continues, some are looking to identify the guilty party, but perhaps the system itself is the real culprit. 

In addition to the Democrats and Republicans, there are four other ballot-qualified political parties in California, and over a dozen smaller political bodies which are formally attempting to gain ballot access ahead of the 2012 presidential election.  At least one of the latter is already well on its way. 

As the nation continues to wrestle with high unemployment and other economic concerns, USA Today's analysis of voter sentiment indicates that President Obama's brand of hope and change appears insufficient to carry him through to a second term at this point.

This week, the Global Commission on Drug Policy released a 24-page paper arguing that the "global war on drugs has failed, with devastating consequences for individuals and societies around the world."