Syrians should not be forced to die by violence, for lack of shelter, or because we believe we are not called to extend mercy and care. We are called, and we must listen.

We cannot let fear keep us from doing what is right. These refugees need our help. There has to be a better way then a total halt on accepting refugees, such as stricter restrictions or a more thorough approval processes--instead of a blanket "no." These people, these humans, are not our enemy.

UPDATE: Governor Fallin has released a statement urging President Obama to suspend the resettlement of Syrian refugees in the U.S. She has not made a clear statement about whether she will join other governors in attempting to deny all refugee entry into Oklahoma. Legally, governors are not allowed to make this decision but that does not mean they won't try. Keep spreading this petition and let her know that Oklahomans want to welcome the suffering with open arms and help them in the best way that we can. Syrian refugees are fleeing for their lives and the lives of their children. This country is a symbol of freedom and hope to those who are suffering, and refusing those who need protection is signing their death warrant. Rather than refuse to accept refugees, Governor Fallin and other state governors should be working with the federal government to create efficient and effective screening processes so that our state can welcome those who are suffering. The protection of ALL human life should be our top priority.

Presidential candidate Senator Ted Cruz jut said, in the wake of last week's attacks, that the United States should admit Christian, but not Muslim, refugees. The idea of placing religious requirements on people fleeing war and persecution is downright ridiculous, and President Obama has already called out the idea as such. Join us in telling Sen. Cruz that his behavior is un-presidential, and un-American and demand he cease pandering to Islamophobes with his offensive rhetoric.

The devastating terrorist attacks in Paris are tragic and heartbreaking. Therefore, we resist the urge to respond by with more terror and tragedy. and move to respond, instead, with mercy and compassion. Refugees in Paris fled their homeland to escape this very violence. Closing the borders will not harm terrorists, only those fleeing from terrorists. Civilians in Syria and elsewhere are suffering under ISIS. Bombing innocent civilians is exactly the act causing this outrage in the first place. Violence, oppression and exploitation started this mess. War will not get us out. Instead, let's launch ground troops of compassion and launch a campaign to destroy poverty.

We are seeing a repeat of Hitler and not doing enough to make a difference.

France has been subjected to horrific terrorist attacks, apparently by ISIS, on the eve of international meetings to increase cooperation against ISIS in Syria. [1] Some people seem to think that ISIS terrorism is really terrible only when it hurts people they consider their “friends.” When ISIS killed civilians in Beirut, some people minimized it because the civilians were killed in a predominantly Shia neighborhood. [2] When ISIS apparently brought down a Russian civilian plane in Egypt, some people minimized it because the passengers were predominantly Russian tourists. [3] Urge President Obama and Congress to support cooperation with all countries that are the victim of ISIS terrorism by signing our petition. References: 1. http://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/15/world/europe/attacks-in-paris-add-urgency-to-talks-on-ending-syria-war.html 2. http://fair.org/home/media-turn-civilian-isis-victims-in-beirut-into-hezbollah-human-shields/ 3. http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/nov/10/syria-world-putin-bombing-russian-jet; http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/comment/egypt-plane-crash-this-attack-shows-that-russia-is-hurting-isis-a6725566.html

New Mexico Democratic Senator Tom Udall is right about the Syria war when he says, “escalating American involvement in a complex ethnic and religious civil war by deploying ground troops is a mistake that will lead to further chaos and risk more American lives and taxpayer funds in yet another Middle Eastern war.” He is also right to assert that “U.S. boots on the ground put the United States on shaky legal ground under both the War Powers [Resolution] and international law. Congress has not provided an authorization for the use of military force in Syria, and we have not been invited by Syria, as we have in Iraq, to provide support for groups opposed to ISIL.” [1] Senator Udall, backed by Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy and Republican Sen. Mike Lee, has introduced legislation which would block US military expenditure in Syria except for non-lethal humanitarian aid and intelligence gathering until and unless Congress explicitly approves such expenditures. [2] Urge your Senators and Representative to support Sen. Udall’s bill by signing our petition. References: 1. http://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2015/11/10/syria-boots-on-the-ground-sen-tom-udall-editorials-debates/75536568/ 2. https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/senate-bill/2239

The majority of Democrats sympathize with Palestinian as well as Israeli political aspirations. [1] But you wouldn’t know this from following the news from Washington, where Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who opposes Palestinian political aspirations, expects to get a warm welcome from Democrats without being challenged to change his policies towards the Palestinians. Representatives Keith Ellison, John Yarmuth, and Debbie Dingell are trying to do something about that. They’re circulating a letter among their colleagues, asking them to stand up for a political resolution to the Israel-Palestine conflict, to stand up equally for Palestinian and Israeli aspirations and humanity. [2] Urge Representatives to sign the Ellison-Yarmuth-Dingell letter by signing our petition. References: 1. http://www.gallup.com/poll/181682/americans-closely-split-palestinian-statehood.aspx 2. http://www.justforeignpolicy.org/letters/ellison-yarmuth-dingell-letter-israel-palestine-peace

I am a U.S. Citizen living in America and or Puerto Rico who is concerned with the future of Puerto Rico and its people. 45% of Puerto Ricans on the island live in poverty. Puerto Rico has almost double the unemployment rate of the United States. It is predicted that Puerto Rico will run out of money by the end of the year. The government of Puerto Rico has had to close schools and lay off teachers and government officials. Puerto Rico will not have enough money to ensure vital public services to its residents if it continues in the downward economic spiral that it is in. The dire financial circumstances of Puerto Rico is contributing to high rates of crime and violence on the island. Many Puerto Ricans have left the island fearing for their livelihood. Puerto Rico is a Commonwealth of the United States who has benefitted for many years from the resources it has reaped from the island. As such it is our responsibility to ensure the welfare of our citizens in Puerto Rico.

The Trans-Pacific Partnership has been negotiated in secret with representatives of megacorporations among those who have read the text as it develops and who have been among the designers of its terms. Leaked portions indicate that this agreement will turn over massive amounts of power to big corporations to the detriment of anyone who takes medications or who want to be able to use governmental power to protect the environment, advance working conditions and public health, to name a few. The fact that we know so little about the TPP is a clear indication of how undemocratic the whole process has been whereby it has been created.

Peace will only be possible with direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians. Demonizing Israel and murdering Jews will not lead to peace.