2012, a year of dramatic change.

[Lucifericrucifix]

As some (or many, this is critical thinking anyways..) of you know, 2012 is predicted by many to be a year that will certainly go noticed more than any other for various reasons, primarily speculation but many with slightly conclusive information to back their assumptions and predictions as well.
Quite a few people believe this will be the year of change, so to speak, a year which wields what is commonly referred to as "The Apocalypse" based off of the Mayan Calendar. The 21st of December, and the 26th are the two dates I've heard most about where "something" is to occur, though, once again, it's theory not inevitable fact.

Common beliefs seem to be..
Immense natural disasters in correlation with Polarity Shifts and the 13th cycle of the zodiac.
Some object from space coming and colliding with Earth.
A change more on a scientific level dealing with the atmosphere of the earth (ozone, magnetics, polarity, etc.)
And a bit more out there, Aliens apparently coming back to earth with hostile intentions rather than the helpful one's enthusiasts believed they had (well, those who believed they built ancient structures, pyramids, things of that nature, very interesting stuff to read up on.)
The second coming of Christ.

In short (For those that are too lazy to read, though I hope you would considering this is CT):
Commonly predicted by many, 2012 will be the year of change, be it physical, or mental, something is to come about Earth and we will be graced by something important.

I really just want to start a discussion on this so everyone can share their thoughts as the best questions will probably come from others, but I suppose we all have a few to raise, no?

A few that I raise are,
Does anyone believe such is inevitably going to happen and if so, why?
Is history truly accurate in this depiction with the Mayan calendar and the correlation it has between science and theory?
Assuming these are "natural" disasters, if we are able to predict what and where, do you feel we have enough time to prepare for something so sporadic?
What political changes do you feel might take place from here up until 2012?
What are your religious thoughts on the matter?

There is a lot that can be said about the topic and I'm surprised to not see one, but feel free to discuss, I'm very curious on everyones thoughts.

And...For those that are really, really, lazy..Here. Unsurprisingly, there is a Wiki-entry on it, somewhat.
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2012