So despite all of the dialogue, forums, campaign promises, speeches, and political theater, most issues (like the federal budget, the debt ceiling, tax reform, union benefits, health care, jobs creation, climate management, and education) are either stalemated by fundamental disagreements or pushed forward by the power of majority votes.

FORBES: Four Steps for Bridging the Partisan Divide

There is still trader and investor nervousness on the European Union sovereign debt front and on the U.S. debt-ceiling debate.

FORBES: Comex Gold Hits a New High Above $1,600.00, Silver Above $40.00, on Safe-Haven Demand

There is still keen trader and investor nervousness on the European Union sovereign debt front and on the U.S. debt-ceiling debate.

FORBES: Comex Gold Hits New Record High above $1,600.00; Silver Pushes Above $40.00

Safe-haven investment demand was again featured amid the European Union sovereign debt crisis and the U.S. government wrangling over its debt ceiling.

FORBES: Comex Gold Hits Another Record High amid European, U.S. Debt Concerns

And it gave some credence to the remarks of the Irish Cricket Union's chief executive Warren Deutrom, who has complained of the "glass ceiling" that prevents associate members of the ICC from gaining Test status.

BBC: Ireland advance to Super Eights