We have suffered wage stagnation too long - we've exhausted ourselves working long hours & multiple jobs. We've allowed too many of our jobs to be sent to other lower wage economies. we are beyond the limits of human possibility. Workers ought to have a say in EVERY business in our country - it's not socialism - it's common sense and the Christian thing to do - "all are equal in the eyes of God".

Emergency Founding should always be available; we have to make sure the Insurance Industry pays there share as well.

Federal spending is a big problem. It causes the economy to fail and jobs to be lost do to over taxing the rich.

Mitt Romney is running false advertisements in Ohio alleging that Chrysler is planning to move its Jeep plant to China. Radio and TV stations in Ohio need to stop playing Mitt Romney's factually incorrect advertisements.

Provide the benefits the unemployed need, while the unemployed provide services the government needs.

Co-operative enterprises historically have been very successful in the United States. For example, the TVA, rural electric companies, grain elevators all throughout the Midwest, and a steel rolling mill in Arkansas. All employees share in the profits.

There are just too many people struggling to get back into the working world. They need a break. My family, my siblings, and children of my relatives, have been greatly affected by the loss of their job, and those trying to get their first job. Some have managed with jobs that are paying them below minimum wage, and naturally are only able to survive by cutting back (not driving their vehicle, riding a bike to work, much less food, grooming needs, etc) barely able to pay the bills and getting charged late fees on top of it all. I'm on Soc.Sec.Disability, due to my spinal trouble; and therefore am able to survive, but no extra from month to month; until I can claim my small pension. Which leaves me helpless to offer assistance to my adult-children. It's sad to watch so many people who want to be responsible, but cannot find anyone to give them a chance. In this difficult time, we need to keep the hiring process simple; the college requirment should be dropped for at least a year, to help people get back on their feet again.

social security tax reform

We see them every day. The people who tally up our groceries. But we don't see their quiet suffering. In Europe, these people can tally up groceries and sit or stand as they wish. For some reason, here in America, we insist they stand for many hours on end. Let's start to notice them and campaign for this simple humane and human right.

In a state with one of the highest rates of unemployment in the U.S., I have seen family, friends and neighbors struggle since 2008, enduring lowered wages, lost benefits, housing foreclosures, and too often losing hope for the future. People who have suffered the most from the excesses of the Bush years deserve a break and some basic fairness - we have no more left to give, and it is time for those at the top of our economy to share the burden

I have worked for tips as a bartender for 10 years. While the cost of living continues to rise in Tennessee, the amount people tip is steadily declining. Tipped minimum wage was set at $2.13 per hour in 1991 and has been frozen since. In 2009, federal minimum wage was increased, yet tipped wages remained the same. Since states can choose to adopt their own tipped wage, I would like to see Tennessee raise the tipped wage to $3.63 so these workers have a fair shot at making a comfortable living wage. The raise to $3.63 is based on tipped wage being half of current minimum wage.

This formula would give low and middle income people more to spend on products and services which would increase employment and more taxpayors to reduce the deficit and less dependence on welfare. Eliminate all tax loopholes and deductions except contributions to legitimate charities up to 10% of income and medical expenses exceeding $5,000. Then take the remaining balance, subtract $50,000, then all should pay 25% in taxes. Those with million dollar incomes would have to pay their fair share instead of paying less than 20%, such as Romney who stated he pays 13% and Warren Buffet who pays 17%. The average for this group is 15%, while middle income people pay at a 28% rate.