Microsoft Network, promoting its new search engine, recently featured a demo search of “angry Americans.”

It caught my attention, because history has shown that times of economic uncertainty — as we’re currently experiencing while bogged down in two wars in the aftermath of 9/11 — can be a fertile breeding ground for extremist ideologies, as we saw in Germany during the Great Depression following a humiliating defeat in World War I.

Following are the search results.

Search: Angry Americans

Whether you blame it on unemployment, lost homes, health care scares or other issues: America’s psyche is showing signs of wear:

Signs of the times: A key measure of people’s confidence surprised experts by falling. And more Americans are calling these hotlines for help.

The recession: It has led to increased violence worldwide, a study found. Some Americans, meanwhile, have become riled up over issues, including:

Washington

• Gun rights: Sales have surged since President Barack Obama took office. (What’s behind that?)
• The latest topic of debate: Obama’s Nobel Peace Prize win.

Health care

• Town halls: Meetings to discuss proposed health care reform turned hostile, with a bloody incident, an out-of-control crowd and weapons.
• Congress: Rep. Joe Wilson’s shout-out during President Barack Obama’s speech incited a backlash, but his outburst had a silver lining. Politician Rob Miller benefitted also.

The economy

• Housing: Foreclosures, triggered in part by the subprime mortgage crisis, turned homeowners into protesters.
• Bailouts: Companies’ billion-dollar bailouts, courtesy of the American taxpayer, also led to protests. Some executives took bonuses, earning them a public scolding.
• Coping: Two emotions usually precede anger. Feeling immobilized and unable to make decisions are warning signs. Having panic attacks? Here’s some advice.

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FROM THE ARCHIVES: One Year Ago — October 31, 2008

Write-in Campaign: Day 13

One year ago today, on the 13th day of my write-in campaign against U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann in Minnesota’s 6th Congressional District, I reported that I had launched a ground assault, with campaign ads running in 25 newspapers with a combined circulation of approximately 150,000.