Yep, it has happened before (economic crisis and mass unrest). I think the curious factor though is the fact that 2012 has been recklessly amped up within the media so that it kind of casts a subconscious pall on the year. Throughout the year, I've had people, often times strangers, state that "this was it" as I believe I mentioned in the 1 out of 7 thread a bit back. I think that all of what you state, plus this media propelled rubbish, has put some into a critical mass mode. Toss in that if you think something is wrong, you're going to look for what is wrong in the world. Odds are, one is going to find something wrong. Adds to the crisis feeling.

Sorry about the tardy response. I've been heavily researching something.

In every man there is something wherein I may learn of him, and in that I am his pupil.--Ralph Waldo Emerson