We don't require our representatives to have a specific background, sometimes to our detriment. All we ask is that they have the desire to serve their constituents honestly and to work for the public good. Recently 2 potential candidates, Kim Weaver (Iowa) and Michael Treiman (New York) received threats of violence against their families and themselves if they continued to run for office. As a result, both dropped out of their respective races, leaving their opponents to run unopposed. This is a direct attack on our democracy. This is not and should not be a partisan issue. Anyone who attempts to subvert our democracy by threatening potential candidates with threats of violence and/or death endangers the very foundation of our government and should face imprisonment and heavy fines.

The United States government has a history of refusing to recognize leaders of foreign countries who obtain their positions through illegitimate means. In a country founded on the principle of the people as sovereign, our responsibility as citizens requires us to apply the same expectations to ourselves as to our neighbors in the world. An emerging body of evidence strongly suggests that a hostile foreign power colluded with influential members of the Trump campaign to undermine the integrity of our electoral system and install a puppet administration. We reject this undermining of our democratic traditions.

Billions of our dollars are being wasted on futile, endless wars, while serious problems here at home go neglected. The climate catastrophe and nuclear weapons threaten the existence of all of us.

After becoming disabled, I had to dissolve my debts through bankruptcy and became destitute, not being able to hold a job or even rent an apartment because of many property managers' requirements of credit checks of their potential occupants. My case is not unique. A study has shown the majority of US workers are less than two paychecks away from being homeless. Let's not let the disabled and destitute have to live in tent cities to survive.

The Senate should not vote on an FBI Director until the Russian investigation is over.

Because he completely deserves to be thanked by the American people.

Washington State has used mail-in paper ballots for years. No problems with electronic hacking. Why not share it with the rest of the country?

Coats and Rogers have an obligation to taxpayers and the public to answer the Senate Intelligence Committee questions that call for non-classified, non-privileged answers, period, regardless of whether the answers involve conversations with the President.

The congressional majority and president have made their priorities very clear, seizing tax money and turning it over to corporations, financiers, war profiteers and the very rich. These are not our priorities. The single act of slashing the budget for war will make our priorities clear and free our tax money to support what we really value, the well-being of human life and the life of the planet. I am 77 years old, suffering from a progressive neurological disorder that limits my activity. I cannot guide this petition in the usual ways, but only offer it, hoping that one or more of you would be willing to shepherd it on.

In these trying and sometimes uncertain times it is more and more crucial to treat one another with kindness and respect. We want to to live in a world that reflects these values. In that spirit, We are asking that you proclaim October 1st, 2017 Peace and Joy Day in The United States of America. We are honored to say Mayor Sylvester Turner has already proclaimed Peace and Joy Day for the 8th consecutive year In Houston, Texas. Peace and Joy Day is intended to be a non-denominational, non- political celebration to promote conscious compassion, awareness and peace and joy FOR ALL. We hope this vision of peace can be realized someday and with your help we believe it can. Thank you.

Because we voted for medical marijuana to be legalized, and the state government has taken apart what we voted for and created something completely different out of it. It will unavailable and unaffordable for most people who need it. Also, Florida as a state will benefit economically by full legalization. It will provide jobs, create a money flow that can aid schools and other necessary programs, and will cut down on illegal and unsafe drug activity in our state.

All entities in the State of Illinois who are supposed to receive state funds are being neglected because the state has had no budget for 2+ years! This includes schools, higher education, the sick, the poor, retirees, any disadvantaged. The legislators have tried but the governor just makes demands without negotiating.