The most recent lapse in federal appropriations (2018–2019) shut down certain non-essential government services and forced some federal employees (e.g., airport security screeners) to report to work without pay. According to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO), the partial shutdown also irreparably damaged the US economy, reducing growth by an estimated $8 billion in the first quarter of 2019 (https://www.cbo.gov/publication/54937).

When multiple presidencies are won in less than a score of years by one party, the same party which has a long history of setting up gerrymandering situations in numerous states, by notably less than the majority of US voters, the system cries for change. There is no valid reason why 6 million votes should be ignored by an arbitrary entity, (literally) giving the election to a person who would not even campaign in every state. If the President is to represent ALL of the United States, then it is incumbent upon him/her to speak to ALL of the population and adhere to the popular will of the people. The Electoral College, by design, precludes that in many cases. Because it can do so, it should no longer be considered viable and should be eliminated.

Many of the American people are uncomfortable with a president who's primary responsibility to protect the people of the United States. We believe the president has crossed the line. Many good Americans feel unsafe and threaten when any elected official makes such blantent threats to its own citizens the good American people. The president, who's sworn to serve and protect the people against all enemies foreign and domestic has left us confused. We The People, would like Congress to investigate who are these police officers and military tough guys? We know the overwhelming majority of public services empolyees are American hero's and we thank them for their sacrifices to keep us safe. Again thanks to our dedicated service people. Our police officers and military are also public servants, people whos taken an oath to serve and protect, paid by the people. We The People demand that those responsible for running all divisions of law enforcement and various military branches answer to the Congress. We need to be assured theres no cells, subsets that may be working independently of their oath and obligation to the people? We want to be assured there's no known groups working to support of anyone whos agenda for possible civil unrest. We want to be assured there are no subgroups within these groups that have organized to acting outside of the interest of the common good of the people; to assure the American people that public servants and not the tough muscle working against Americans because of different idiolgies whos legally and within their constitutional rights disagree with leadership. We want to be assured our Congress and the good people of the USA can disagree with no fear of violence or the threat of violence from very tough people as described by the president of the United States.

Due to increased wildfire risk, many homeowners are being faced with Homeowner policy cancellation. This is putting individuals at risk of losing their homes and belongings and ending up in financial ruin.

I am a medical cannabis patient who uses it for a lower back injury which has messed up my nerves and effects both of my legs and feet, and now I cannot do what I had been able to do and it takes me longer to do things now. With being able to use cannabis medically, my health has gotten better and my tests have improved and my body has been rebuilding itself, and still have the systems to release the pain to the point I can move better. Cannabis has benefits to it. There have been many studies on it in different countries and also ours that can prove there are beneficial benefits for the body. There are only four medical schools in our country that study the endocannabinoid systems in our bodies. There are food and plants that have cannabinoids in them, but not enough to keep the body efficient and that regulate our body systems in good health. If it was legalized, we could have the right to choose what will help our bodies and live better and healthier when doctors cannot find the right medications that are causing more harm and death. It would save money from the lawsuits' payout to put into better studies.

It’s a nightmare each year having to switch over to daylight savings time when we can easily keep standard time all year. Switching over means losing a whole hour of sleep, and I get up very early in the morning to go swimming. Daylight savings time does not save energy; nowadays, more and more people are getting up and leaving early in the morning for work.

During our country's continuing seasons of political divisiveness and polarization our political leaders can set an example for all of us to respect each others' differences. Dear Senators Kamala Harris, Amy Klobuchar and Elizabeth Warren;* Similar to what Rabbi Posner has recently mailed and emailed you, I am asking you to sign on to this petition, not because you don't exemplify the values of the above pledge; to the contrary, you apparently like and respect each other and could be role models for the other 2020 Democratic candidates. I/we also believe such a pledge would be good both pragmatically and idealistically for us progressives. Once the three of you with the other Presidential candidates sign on to it, the Democratic National Committee, and other progressive organizations can urge all Americans to:TAKE THE PLEDGE, thus helping to mitigate the polarization that is so rampant in today's America, which is fed in large part by the divisive behavior of President Donald Trump. So, Kamala, Amy and Elizabeth if you agree with Rabbi Posner's proposed pledge, please contact him, [email protected], with your support, and suggestions. Thank You for your courage, intelligence, enthusiasm, style and desire to be our first woman President of the United States, in the pursuit of a better, kinder more compassionate America. * Petition senders, if you like the idea of this PLEDGE proposal, I encourage you to revise it appropriately and also send it your favorite Democratic Presidential candidate (s). Thank you. Philip M. Posner

This is a defining moment for true progressives who believe in justice and fairness for all, no exceptions. Smearing those who try to bring up critical issues of national importance is designed to muzzle and stifle open debate. It's positively unAmerican! Besides, Omar being a hijab-wearing Muslim American is an easy target for Islamophobes (I know, I and my family live this reality on a daily basis) in the guise of "patriotism", "antisemitism", etc. This is a new era in our nation. We shall no longer tolerate such bigotry and will resist it no matter the perpetrators, Trump or Democrats or whoever!

We need an amendment to remove the corrupting influence of money in politics from corporate interests and superPACs. We need to return Democracy to the voice of the people. Congress will not propose an amendment that isn't in their best interests; the States must. We CANNOT move forward with real change to HEALTHCARE, the ENVIRONMENT, SOCIAL & CRIMINAL JUSTICE, while corporate money and special interest groups continue to block progress in order to serve their own agenda - making even more money! We need to move the conversation forward. I urge you to support AJR 5.

Senate President Ruggerio's undemocratic rule change (bill S0250A) allows the Senate president to kick senators off their favorite committee with a weak excuse, and bans Rhode Islanders from holding signs at Senate hearings. These alone are enough reason to oppose Ruggerio's proposal, and it has been condemned by Common Cause and Rhode Islanders for Reform. The bill undermines democracy in other ways too. (As I read it, it seems to rewrite debate rules so top senators get the lion's share of debate time while other senators' speaking time is limited, and it also lets reporters be barred from recording pictures of what happens in hearings, if the chair decides the pictures are a "distraction".) We don't need Rhode Island's government to become even more dominated by powerful insiders, which would allow more corrupt laws and projects to be rammed through. If our senators vote for this shady proposal in return for favors, they will leave a legacy of corruption that may last for decades. https://upriseri.com/rhode-islanders-for-reform-senate-rules-changes-are-not-acceptable/ http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText19/Proposed19/S0250A.pdf

This bill would discourage healthy habits, discourage commuting alternatives, and put a burden on the underserved populations. In addition, the money collected would not be used for biking infrastructure to offer safe dedicated bike lanes.

The Attorney General of the United States is the highest legal official in our land. To have a person occupying that office who does not support one of the core principles of the 1st amendment goes against the very nature of American justice and democracy and thus should not be allowed to serve in such a capacity.