Members of Congress who refuse to raise the debt ceiling even to pay for expenses they themselves have approved are threatening a world economic crisis if the US defaults. But they personally pay no price and keep their job as long as their constituents continue to support their extremism. Meanwhile many of their districts take in more federal dollars than they pay in taxes. President Obama should immediately instruct the Treasury that if Congress prevents the US from raising the debt ceiling, the first debts not paid should be those to the districts of members of either party who voted against raising the debt ceiling. That should free up enough money to pay expenses in other districts and interest on the national debt and avoid default. Let those responsible be the first to experience the results of their destructive strategy. Only constituents in those districts can pressure their Congress members to change their vote. If Congress members think this is unfair or illegal, let them hold hearings or even sue the President, but in the meantime the US economy will be saved from default.

We believe a constitutional amendment is vital to stop the unlimited flow of corrupting money into our elections.

I'm sick of the Congress continually thwarting the will of the people and serving the rich and the corporations at the peoples' expense.

For three years, a group of multinational corporations and trade associations have been quietly negotiating a trade pact IN SECRET that could void American laws that protect workers, jobs, health, and the environment. During negotiations here last summer, news leaked of some of the provisions U.S. trade officials were prepared to approve, and a public outcry derailed the talks. Trade Representative Ron Kirk resigned. Newly confirmed US Trade Rep Michael Froman is pushing to renew "fast track" authority so President Obama can sign the agreement first, and then force a quick vote in Congress without any public scrutiny, floor debate, or revisions. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, one of just four U.S. Senators who voted against Froman's confirmation, said of TPP, “I have heard the argument that transparency would undermine the Trade Representative’s policy to complete the trade agreement because public opposition would be significant.” Warren explained, “In other words, if people knew what was going on, they would stop it. This argument is exactly backwards. If transparency would lead to widespread public opposition to a trade agreement, then that trade agreement should not be the policy of the United States.” The only TPP language made public was leaked in 2012 and shared by Public Citizen. Since then trade officials have kept a tight lid on the negotiations, only recently allowing members of Congress to view (but not copy) the text, which remains "classified." Among the most disturbing revelations in last year's leaked TPP language, that seems to be mirrored in the Atlantic Trade Agreement as well: Foreign companies would have "preferred status" – granting them greater rights within our borders than our own companies enjoy. U.S. companies would have more incentives to offshore jobs, and foreign companies would not be bound by the minimum wage and could sue the U.S. if our health, safety, or environmental regulations interfered with their profits. Jurisdiction over such suits would rest not in the hands of elected officials or judges, but with an international business tribunal. Their decisions, which would be binding upon all member nations, would supersede our own laws – including our Constitution. This is JUST WRONG!

The Republicans in Congress have by their actions degenerated into political lunacy, and are no longer functioning for the beneficial interests of the American People. When congressional action redounds to the harm of the People, appropriate measures must be taken to stop it. As of 9/30/13, a government shutdown, led by Republican Tea Party extremists, is inevitable. No matter which side of the issue you are on, here is just some of what will happen to the economy as the shutdown extends from days to weeks: 1. Hundreds of thousands of federal employees will go without a paycheck, having an extremely deleterious effect on families. 2. Food imports will not be monitored for quality. 3. Federal housing loans will not be processed. 4. Tourism will be very badly affected, as national parks, museums (e.g. the Smithsonian), the Library of Congress all will close for lack of funds. 5. The ripple effect from that means that hotels and restaurants will lose great amounts of money for lack of tourists. 6. Although active military will still be funded, disabled vets will lose *their* funding and benefits. But the Tea Party extremists don't care one whit. All this because the Tea Party extremists — funded by the Koch Brothers — want the "Top 1%" to hold all the political cards and power, never mind the real-world consequences. These extremists are holding the country prisoner. Some people even believe that they want to replace democracy with an oligarchy. But the main reason for doing this is because of "Obamacare." They know that once it is implemented — which it surely will be — that it will be of great benefit to the American people, and that it will be ensconced in a position of importance equal to Medicare and Social Security (and will generate more Democratic/liberal voters). A few super-rich are spending millions to prevent this because parity for the middle and lower classes will take away from their power. That's why I say that extremist action that hobbles the government and wreaks havoc on the People should be included as acts of domestic terrorism. PLEASE — SIGN THE PETITION and FORWARD IT ON to all of your friends WHO CARE about such things. We need government by GROWNUPS, not extremist lunatics.

The public has lost faith in Gov. Nathan Deal. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that the governor’s appointee to the state ethics commission actively covered up, removed and destroyed evidence in an open investigation into Gov. Deal’s campaign activities. Gov. Deal’s office failed to disclose $1 million in contributions to a PAC for nearly two years. And Gov. Deal is leasing land to a company that owes the state $74 million in back taxes. It’s time to appoint an independent investigator to restore the public trust.

Robert Lloyd, a qualified former police officer, applied for an open County Constable position and was one of five to be interviewed. After a few opening questions, the Commissioners began to ask questions prohibited by the Texas Constitution concerning his personal beliefs related his religion, how he has voted, his attitudes toward abortion and sexual orientation. Subsequently, he has joined with the Texas Civil Rights Project in filing a lawsuit against the Commissioners Court. In defense, the Court has engaged a New York law firm funded at taxpayers expense. Please sign this taxpayer petition to pressure the Court to negotiate a settlement and stop funding the defense.

Congress is comfortable to let over 30 Million Americans go without health insurance. They Have been a Do Nothing Congress for more than 5 years. It is time to let Congress know who they work for! Defund Congress's Health Care and Pension Now!

Governor Brown may be deciding any day now whether to sign SB 3, the first part of the Sunshine in Campaigns Act to pass the legislature. SB 3 is a key step in replacing California's antiquated website for tracking campaign contributions and lobbyists. As the Los Angeles Times says, it is currently "an embarrassing relic of the early Internet era." Knowing who pays for political campaigns and lobbyists is crucial for our democracy -- which is why SB 3 is so important. It is sponsored by California Common Cause and the League of Women Voters of California, and supported by the California Clean Money Campaign, Progressives United, CALPIRG, AFSCME, and others. TELL GOVERNOR BROWN TO SIGN SB 3 so Californians have a modern website that shows who's paying for lobbyists and political campaigns!

This Senator has betrayed all American citizens, by implementing PRISM, extended the Monsanto Protection Act, she voted 'no' on the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (S 397)--which would protect gun manufacturers, retailers and suppliers from being sued for crimes or accidents involving their products--and more! She no longer represents the people. She has outlived her usefulness.

Congress has 5 days scheduled before the Sep. 30 budget deadline to avoid a government shutdown. But some Republicans won't even negotiate unless Obamacare is defunded — and they're using the deadline to gain leverage. We need Rep. John Shimkus to prioritize expanding the middle class during the budget debate. Unless we act quickly, he may join with Republicans like Rep. Paul Ryan and support more cuts to education, healthcare, and other vital services.

Congress has 5 days scheduled before the Sep. 30 budget deadline to avoid a government shutdown. But some Republicans won't even negotiate unless Obamacare is defunded — and they're using the deadline to gain leverage. We need Rep. Aaron Schock to prioritize expanding the middle class during the budget debate. Unless we act quickly, he may join with Republicans like Rep. Paul Ryan and support more cuts to education, healthcare, and other vital services.