Self Fulfilling Prophecies
I agree with you that the Mayan calendar doesn't end but begins the next long cycle. The problem is that people do get caught up with vague prophecies and either intentionally or unconsciusly make those prophecies come true. There is some comfort in knowing that things will end when life is miserable, but tough times will pass and better times will follow (and tough times will follow better times as well). Last year was the predicted rapture on May 21 which did not happen, the prediction changed to October 21 and also did not happen. It would be interesting to look back at this year from the near future to see what actually happened vs what was feared to happen.
