All public servants, including local, state and federal congressmen and women, should have Social Security as a retirement plan. There is no reason for Congress to have a different plan than the one that it votes for the rest of the country.

Why is Congress in gridlock? Because lobbyist Grover Norquist holds promises signed by 279 Republican Senators and Representatives that they will not ever vote for anything that would raise taxes. [CBS 60 Minutes, 11/20/2011] That’s why a Congressional majority votes as a solid block against many different kinds of bills—debt and deficit reduction, equal pay for women, clean air…anything, if they think it might raise taxes. When compromise is essential, they can’t do it because of Norquist’s pledge. Why did a majority of our Congress sign that pledge in the first place? Because Norquist uses his organization’s funding power not only to help elect candidates who sign it. He also blocks the re-election of any incumbent who breaks or doesn’t sign his pledge. How? Buy funding an opponent in the primary. That exactly how independent-minded Republican Richard Luger lost his Senate seat, even though he was admired on both sides of the aisle. Wrong as it is, more than half of our national representatives—279 out of 536—have nevertheless sold their votes to get that campaign money or avoid that threat. We never elected Norquist to anything. He has no right to control our Congress. We can break Norquist’s lock on how our Congress functions, because we voters have far more power than he does. Sign this petition to outlaw all such pledges.

With his recent multiple change of stance on the casino issue, Mayor Alex Morse has severely damaged his credibility with the residents of Holyoke and thereby significantly reduced his effectiveness as a leader. His inability to make a decision and his ultimate repeated change of position, bowing to internal and external forces has left our city economically disadvantaged as we believe it will now be near impossible to attract any major development or developer who will be willing to negotiate with his honor for any project. Mayor Morse has not been transparent in the process of the casino issue and the recent needle exchange program. He has repeatedly mischaracterized his positions publicly, while privately made back room deals that have significant appearance of conflict of interests. We no longer have faith in his stewardship and seek to immediately have him replaced.

The filibusters are boring and it would help organize their arguments.

There is only one opportunity for the Senate to change its rules concerning filibusters and that is on the first day of the next session. Senator Reid needs to hear from everyone about how important it is that one Senator not be allowed to shut off voting just by saying "I object."

I am concerned by the extent of control and power exerted by Grover Norquist on our politicians who have signed his anti tax pledge over the last twenty years.

The Electoral College is an antiquated system that should be abolished; it is no longer relevant and limits the power of each vote.

The only way congress can remain fresh and effective is to have a constant infusion of new blood every few years. Incumbents have too much of a campaign advantage and become entrenched and out of touch with regular people. They spend all their time trying to get re-elected rather than legislating.

Senators and congressmen enjoy the best medical coverage in the country, at a significant cost to tax payers. The conservatives in this country seem to want to cut social services to help reduce the debt, so how about they start by dropping their medical coverage which is a life long expense, extending well past their time in office.

My grandchildren have thousands of dollars to repay on their student loans. How is it fair that children of Congress do not!! Doesn't Congress get enough perks!

Ambassador Susan Rice is the most qualified candidate for Secretary of State. But Republicans are obstructing her nomination, and now she has removed herself for consideration. We need a talented diplomat like Rice to stay in the fight to become the next Secretary of State.

People in government who make decisions where exclusive loyalty to the US is required.I'm particularly concerned about members of congress who retain their dual citizenship with Israel, while voting on foreign aid and military and diplomatic support. One cannot have loyalty to more than one country at a time.