The United States stands at a pivotal intersection, and the election of 2012 will determine whether it chooses the right or wrong path to travel down. Voters must decide whether to support a selfish philosophy or one that seeks to help the less fortunate. The superrich, fundamentalists, and closed-minded are battling those who rely on science, history, and compassion. This extended essay explores major issues that are at stake in the 2012 election. The superrich and their closed-minded colluders want public to forget about what happened before 2008, when the United States slipped into recession. They want to run amok again, and if society allows them to do so, the consequences will be worse than ever. With the stakes so high, it's imperative that everyone takes time to understand the issues involved in The 2012 Election and Beyond, and vote accordingly. If that doesn't happen, then dark days lie ahead.