By signing this petition, you are helping us show support for the Count on Us to Certify Pledge, so we can ensure our election officials commit to a peaceful and transparent certification process that respects election workers, guarantees every vote is counted and ensures the will of the people prevails. You can get the pledge here. 

Reject Xcel Energy's 20-year extension request for the Monticello nuclear power plant. • The plant is 53 years old, making it one of the three oldest in the US. • The 2022 leak of 829,000 gallons of radioactive tritium and other carcinogens poses a threat to: • The Mississippi River, a drinking water source for 20 million people. • The environment and wildlife. • The food chain through irrigation of crops. • Tritium exposure, especially during pregnancy, is linked to: • Cancers in newborns. • Pregnancy loss. • Birth abnormalities. We say NO! NO to the deadly radioactivity harming our children, environment, drinking water, and food! NO to the extension request! We demand the safe shutdown of the Monticello plant!

Every Missouri citizen should be gravely concerned by Governor Parson's disregard for the "innocent until proven guilty" principle enshrined in the U.S. Constitution. His actions signal a troubling pattern of poor leadership, racial bias, and a lack of compassion, raising serious doubts about his ability to serve the people of Missouri with fairness and integrity. If such disregard for justice continues, it will inevitably result in further disappointment and harm to the citizens he is entrusted to represent.

1. Misuse of Public Funds for Private Interests ● Argument: The use of public funds to defend Corporation Counsel in a case where their self-interests and the interests of private developers are at stake constitutes a violation of the public trust. Public funds are intended to serve the interests of the community, not to protect a select few County attorneys whose actions, as documented, have harmed the County financially and legally. ● Elaboration: The Corporation Counsel’s role is to provide legal guidance in the best interest of the County and its citizens, not to shield itself or private developers from liability. By allocating taxpayer resources to defend against claims of fraud and malfeasance, the Corporation Counsel undermines public confidence and violates its fiduciary duties. 2. Conflict of Interest Compounded by Use of External Counsel ● Argument: The hiring of the law firm Kobayashi, Sugita, and Goda (KSG) without proper conflict review amplifies the appearance of impropriety, as it further solidifies the conflict of interest inherent in the Corporation Counsel’s role. ● Elaboration: The retention of KSG to represent both the Corporation Counsel and the County Auditor, who is meant to be independently auditing the Corporation Counsel, creates an irreparable conflict. The same law firm representing adverse and conflicting parties raises questions about the objectivity and fairness of the legal proceedings. 3. Failure to Safeguard Public Interest by the County Auditor ● Argument: The County Auditor’s failure to complete the audit and report fraud and misdealings demonstrates a failure to uphold the public interest, violating the ethical responsibilities defined under the Maui County Charter and Government Auditing Standards. ● Elaboration: The suspension of the audit, without appropriate reasoning or recourse, allows the alleged fraudulent activities to remain unaddressed. This inaction not only deprives the County of rightful restitution but also gives the Corporation Counsel and developers an unfair advantage by delaying accountability. The fact that the Auditor did not report the irregularities to proper authorities exacerbates this failure and further erodes trust in government institutions. 4. Attorney-Client Privilege Abuse ● Argument: The use of attorney-client privilege by the Corporation Counsel to withhold key records and communications from the audit process is an abuse of privilege intended to shield malfeasance, rather than to protect legitimate legal strategy. ● Elaboration: Attorney-client privilege is intended to protect the integrity of legal communications, not to obstruct transparency in government actions. In this case, the privilege is being used to prevent the disclosure of records that are crucial to assessing whether fraudulent deferral agreements were executed by Corporation Counsel. The abuse of this privilege reinforces the need for independent counsel to investigate and audit the claims without interference or influence. 5. Potential Violation of State and Federal Law ● Argument: The Corporation Counsel’s alleged actions, in concert with private developers, may also violate State and Federal laws regarding fraud and misuse of public funds. ● Elaboration: Beyond the violation of local ordinances and ethical standards, the documented fraud involving deferral agreements may also breach broader laws, including federal anti-corruption statutes or state laws prohibiting fraudulent financial dealings with public entities. By refusing to disclose the related documents, the Corporation Counsel could be complicit in these violations, necessitating a deeper investigation at both the State and Federal levels. 6. Public Transparency and Accountability ● Argument: Public officials and departments, including the Corporation Counsel and the County Auditor, have an ethical and legal responsibility to maintain transparency, particularly in matters of public finance and development. ● Elaboration: The concealment of information about the deferral agreements and the suspension of the audit undermine public transparency. The Board of Ethics must consider whether the involved officials have breached the trust of the public by failing to be forthcoming with critical information. The lack of transparency prevents the public from understanding the full extent of the financial losses incurred by the County and the degree of improper influence by private developers. Conclusion: Public resources are being used improperly to protect individuals and entities with conflicts of interest, which violates ethical obligations to the public. Addressing these conflicts is essential to restoring public trust, ensuring accountability, and upholding the integrity of established County checks and balances.

This is for everyone involved in a near miss due to people running red lights. This is for people angry and frustrated that their safety isn't a priority on the roads. This is for those who want justice for victims of collisions involving unlicensed and uninsured drivers. This is for those who want accountability and consequences for law breakers. Above all, this is for our lives. 

By sharing this message, you are standing in solidarity with the Haitian community. You are demanding that Donald Trump and JD Vance apologize for their hurtful words, and that all elected leaders recognize the value and humanity of Haitian immigrants. Together, we can stand against hate. Together, we can build a future where all our children feel safe, where our contributions are honored, and where our voices are heard. 

I live in a country where anyone over the age of 18 can purchase a gun from a licensed dealer. I also live in a country where there is no age requirement for a third party seller of said gun. And, I also live in a country where easy access to weapons in homes in normal.  Whenever my sons decide to have a sleepover or go to a friend’s house, I have to ask the parents if there are guns in the home. If they have guns, then I make sure to ask if they have them locked away and the keys are also hidden in a place where the children won’t find them. I don’t have to ask if there are guns in the house. I get looked at funny when I ask if they have guns in the house.  I want to make sure my children aren’t in a home where there are easily accessible guns. Because, once a child knows there is a gun in the home, then they know there is a gun in the home.  This nation is riddled with mass shootings. If there is a way, any small feat, to get people away from the idea that the their names and faces would be blasted all over social media, and the news, then that’s a win for everyone.  Senators, Congress, and  people with any sway in my opinion, please consider taking the names and faces away from the public eye so that people don’t have to see the awful face of the human who decided to ruin an entire community’s life with a terrible decision to give themselves fame and glory.

The issue of sending drug addicts to prison is not just a personal problem; it’s a societal one that affects us all. Imprisoning individuals struggling with addiction doesn't address the root cause of their behavior—it perpetuates a harmful cycle of addiction, incarceration, and relapse. The prison system is not equipped to treat addiction, and as a result, these individuals often reoffend, creating a revolving door that impacts families, communities, and taxpayers. By prioritizing treatment and rehabilitation over prison sentences, we can help break this cycle. Studies show that treatment programs lead to lower recidivism rates, saving taxpayers money and improving public safety. Incarceration isolates individuals from the support networks they need for recovery, while treatment provides the tools to overcome addiction, rebuild lives, and contribute to society. We cannot solve the addiction crisis by simply punishing those who suffer from it. Instead, we must offer compassion and effective solutions that provide individuals the chance to recover and lead healthy, productive lives. This campaign is not just about reforming the justice system; it's about building stronger, healthier communities. Everyone knows someone affected by addiction, whether directly or indirectly. This issue transcends socioeconomic lines and impacts families, workplaces, and neighborhoods. By joining this campaign, you can help advocate for real change that addresses the root cause of addiction and offers a more effective, humane alternative to imprisonment. Together, we can create a society that doesn’t punish individuals for their struggles but helps them heal. By standing up for treatment over incarceration, you are helping to create a system that works for everyone—one that reduces crime, strengthens families, and promotes public health. Addiction is a public health issue, not a criminal one. Let’s work together to shift the focus from punishment to healing and ensure that individuals receive the help they need rather than being condemned to a life of imprisonment. Join us in demanding better solutions that benefit our entire community.

During his first term, President Trump left in place for nearly two years most of the Obama opening with Cuba.  A key actor in creating maximum pressure against Cuba and Venezuela was the now hostile and alienated former National Security Advisor John Bolton.**   For more than sixty years US and Cuban national interests and human well-being have been paralyzed by a conflict over sovereignty, self-determination and freedom with two centuries old roots.***   The historic transformation begun by Barack Obama and Raul Castro was virtually destroyed by Donald Trump in the second half of his first term and only partially rebuilt by Joe Biden. By President Biden restoring mutual engagement, he can rebuild trust and open the door for the second Trump Administration to act positively.  Ending all travel restrictions (including on normal tourism), dismantling the UN condemned unilateral embargo and returning the Guantanamo base and prison that was obtained as a condition for independence, the US can give Cuba space and resources to find more creative national solutions to economic, social and political problems.  It can also create the possibility of US and Cuban cooperation with efforts by Brazil, Colombia and Mexico to find a peaceful solution to the political conflict in Venezuela. Resources: * Trump's Venezuela and Cuba policy in focus in Bolton speech in Florida By Roberta Rampton, Reuters   October 31, 2018    https://www.yahoo.com/news/trumps-venezuela-cuba-policy-focus-bolton-speech-florida-155235539.html Current economic problems in Cuba https://cubapeopletopeople.blogspot.com/2024/08/analysis-of-economy-government-reversal.html ** Then Ambassador to the UN Samantha Power announces US abstention on the embargo resolution https://cubapeopletopeople.blogspot.com/2021/05/ambassador-samantha-powers-address-to.html *** The underlying historical problem between the US and Cuba https://cubapeopletopeople.blogspot.com/2019/05/louis-perez-cuba-as-obsessive.html Links between Irish and Cuban nationalism in 19th century New York   tinyurl.com/CubaIrelandNY   

As residents of Baltimore City, we all deserve to live in a community where safety and justice are upheld. Unfortunately, the alarming rise in brutal assaults committed by juveniles threatens the well-being of our neighborhoods and the peace of mind of our families. These violent crimes leave lasting physical and mental scars on victims and their loved ones, creating a climate of fear and insecurity that no one should have to endure. By signing this petition, you are standing up for the rights of assault victims who have been left to fend for themselves. You are demanding that juvenile offenders be held accountable for the serious harm they inflict on our fellow residents, OUR FAMILIES! It is not enough to offer rehabilitation without justice—victims deserve to see those responsible for their suffering face appropriate criminal charges that reflect the severity of their actions. Moreover, this petition calls for a stronger, more visible police presence in our communities. The current lack of officers on our streets means that many crimes go unanswered, leaving victims isolated and vulnerable. We need a city where our police force is adequately staffed and equipped to protect us, where we can rely on timely responses when our safety is threatened. Joining this petition is more than just adding your name to a list; it is a powerful statement that we, as a community, will not tolerate violence, especially when it targets our most vulnerable. It is a call for a safer, more just Baltimore—a city where we can all live without fear. Together, we can make our voices heard and demand the change that our city so desperately needs. Join me in supporting this petition to ensure that all residents of Baltimore are protected and that victims receive the justice they deserve.

The amount of animals in the streets, the conditions of the animals, the amount of abuse, the daily dumping of dogs by backyard breeders, the lack of animal welfare education, the lack of affordable pet care, the lack of law enforcement and laws for helping the animal crisis, and the exponential growth of the stray populations are issues that fall to the responsibility of the government of Puerto Rico. The killing contracts that Puerto Rico has engaged in for decades have provided inadequate solutions and have promoted Puerto Rico world-wide as an inhumane place. The more that people who are not numb to the situation come to the island and see the crisis, the more the reputation of Puerto Rico will harm tourism and the economy. Puerto Rico is also known for the corruption that exists at every level of government and in the majority of cases, government officials commit crimes of corruption when granting contracts, including contracts for killing. Unfortunately, as the public records and news stories show, municipalities do not monitor, inspect, or oversee contractors involved with animals and those contractors, being driven by money, abuse and neglect the animals and break laws.

**Join Us in Demanding Justice for Senior Airman Robert Fortson** We are calling on concerned citizens to support our petition demanding formal charges against former Okaloosa County Deputy Eddie Duran. On May 3, 2024, Deputy Duran unjustifiably took the life of United States Air Force Senior Airman Robert Fortson, a dedicated service member. This tragic event has shaken our community and highlighted the need for accountability within our law enforcement system. By signing this petition, you are standing up for justice and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable. Your voice matters in this crucial effort to uphold the rule of law and honor the memory of SrA Fortson. Together, we can make sure that justice prevails. Thank you for your support.