Most independent doctor practices are small businesses. In total, small businesses create about 65% of the nation's net new jobs. [1] In every industry, competition is an important check against higher prices, diminished quality, and loss of consumer choice. In the medical field, the presence of independent doctors is an important factor in our nation’s ability to sustain affordable and high quality care, and preserve patient choice. In this regard, the trends are not encouraging. According to a research firm, the number of independent doctors as a percentage of total doctors has declined from 57% in 2000, to a projected 36% in 2013. [2] More than 100,000 independent doctors have exited the practice or become hospital-employed. [3] This may be the steepest decline for small business, in any American industry. During the same period, there has been a surge in hospital-employed doctors. Today, very large hospitals have a much larger market share, and less competition, than they did 10 years ago. This dynamic – in which big hospitals have become bigger, and independent practices have declined -- has coincided with another unfortunate trend: During the past 10 years, health care costs per family of four, have more than doubled, and in 2012 exceeded $20,000 per year for the first time. [4] Recent press reports indicate often substantially higher rates charged by hospitals than by independent practices -- for the same or similar procedures. [5] When competition is diminished, all Americans pay a price. For these reasons, we support legislative efforts to ensure the continuing viability of independent doctor practices -- to preserve competition, and promote affordable and high quality health care for patients. If you agree with us, we would greatly appreciate your support, by you agreeing to the following statement/petition. While we will not disclose your identity concerning this petition, we would like to disclose the number of citizens collectively who have signed this petition. We believe this would be helpful in achieving our legislative objectives. _________________________________________________ [1] See http://web.sba.gov/faqs/faqIndexAll.cfm?areaid=24 and http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203914304576630973840478808.html [2] See http://www.accenture.com/SiteCollectionDocuments/PDF/Accenture-Clinical-Transformation-New-Business-Models-for-a-New-Era-in-Healthcare.pdf [3] Id. (Statistic for the period 2000-2013.) [4] See http://www.forbes.com/sites/danmunro/2012/12/30/2012-the-year-in-healthcare-charts/ [5] See Wall Street Journal article dated 8/26/2012, Same Doctor Visit, Double the Cost – Insurers say Rates Can Surge After Hospitals Buy Private Practices; Medicare Spending Rises, too. Available at: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10000872396390443713704577601113671007448.html. See also http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2013-04-03/health/os-doctors-unite-20130403_1_orlando-health-doctor-partners-independent-doctors-independent-doctors

Lakota descendents of Wounded Knee should be given back the Massacre Site land that is now up for sale by a non-Indian. Return the two 40-acre Wounded Knee tracts of land on public sale beginning May 1st for an unaffordable $4.9 million (worth $14.000) for commercial and tourist development. Call South Dakota Governor, 605-773-3212 to stop this sale for the sake of Wounded Knee descendents. Appeal to President Barack Obama at www.whitehouse.gov to reach out to the Lakota people and work on helping them regain their original native land of the Wounded Knee Massacre Site. The voices of the Lakota descendants need to be heard in honoring their 300 beloved grandfathers, grandmothers and tribal family members murdered by US Cavalry soldiers in the 1890 Wounded Knee massacre. Don’t hesitate to give your words, spoken and written, to prevent its commercialization. The public sale has begun. Sign this petition, contact Lakota spokesman on this sale, Nathan Blindman, at [email protected] or call him at 605-867-5690, write letters to the editor, reach out to polititions, do something now in support of returning Wounded Knee to the Lakota People!

We believe that Dartmouth is not perfect, but we also love all that is good about The College on a Hill. We believe that Dartmouth needs real reform in order to improve and continue to excel at undergraduate education. We would like Dartmouth to change for the better - which requires true dialogue with listening on both sides, careful consideration and prolonged thought. Here are several articles on the situation from campus news sources: http://dartreview.com/dartlog/2013/4/20/inside-the-dimensions-debacle.html http://thedartmouth.com/2013/04/29/opinion/vox http://dartreview.com/dartlog/2013/4/23/why-canceling-classes-tomorrow-matters.html http://thedartmouth.com/2013/04/24/opinion/verbum http://dartreview.com/dartlog/2013/4/28/dear-protesters-its-time-to-stop-the-hijacking.html http://thedartmouth.com/2013/04/26/opinion/vox

The Regala Park Gymnasium is a facility meant to be used by our community--our kids to partake in sporting events and community activies. However, in order to use the facility, one must pay $300/hour. We need to have our Parish President, Natalie Robottom, along with our elected officials remove this fee and make this gym accessible to ALL of us--FREE of charge!

I would like for The State of Florida to ban the usage of cell phone while driving, unless it is with a hands free device. There are too many accidents as a result of careless driving because people are talking and/or texting on their cell phones.

We are sick of threats the Cubs will leave Chicago. Chicago would be better off with a minor league or independent team playing in Wrigley Field. It would probably be one of the tops teams in its league.

On April 19th, a group of students entered the Dartmouth Dimensions show for prospective students in order to protest against sexual violence and prejudice at the school. They subsequently received threats of violence from other students, in response to which the administration canceled classes. Students and alumni have called for the protesters to be punished, but the problems that gave rise to the protest remain unaddressed. They need our support. This incident has been covered by the national media: http://edition.cnn.com/2013/04/24/us/dartmouth-cancels-classes-protest/index.html http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/04/27/dartmouth-sexual-assault-protest-cancels-classes/2117159/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+usatoday-NewsTopStories+(News+-+Top+Stories) Editorial from the Valley News: http://www.vnews.com/home/5844336-95/editorial-dartmouth-dimensions-a-teachable-moment-for-the-college

MARC trains only allow folding bicycles, which are typically heavier and more expensive than regular bikes, and bikes are one of the best ways of making public transportation practical, by helping people make up for gaps and problems in that transportation system. Especially in this tough economy, allowing regular bicycles would enable more people to adapt to available public transportation, rather than waiting for transportation to adapt to them. In other words, this would allow Maryland to get the most bang for its transportation bucks.

When Jason Collins became the first openly gay player in the NBA, he emphasized the importance of his Christian faith in accepting himself and deciding to come out. But within hours, ESPN sportscaster Chris Broussard characterized coming out as "openly living in unrepentant sin" and attacked Collins, saying "I would not characterize that person as a Christian because I don't think the Bible would characterize them as a Christian." Shockingly, so far ESPN is standing by Broussard, describing his tirade as "a respectful discussion of personal viewpoints." ESPN needs to hear immediately that it's unacceptable to turn Christian faith into a weapon of anti-gay hatred.

This bill would close down legitimate small local businesses that help employ people and pump money into the local economy. There are other issues more pressing. Cut unemployment and foster local business! Doing the opposite is what House Bill 3518 would do.

Santa Clara Valley Water District AUDIO VIDEO BOOKS, TOOLS, CASES AND MANY OTHER PERSONAL ITEMS AT THE WATER DISTRICT, USED FOR PRODUCTION. i HAVE BEEN OUT ON SICK LEAVE, THEN PUSHED OUT THE DOOR, AND NEVER GIVEN MY THINGS BACK, NOW, EVEN AFTER PEOPLE SAY THERE WERE TOLD TO TRASH ITEMS, THEY DON'T WANT TO PROVIDE SURPLUS LIST, OR ADMIT MISTAKES.

Concerned citizens oppose the proposal by DESPP to utilize 30 acres of State Forest in Glastonbury, CT to construct 55,000 sq ft Firearms Training Facility with multiple firing ranges and 125 parking spaces. The following are some conservation and public safety concerns: • The proposal will impinge on the Meshomasic State Forest and the Shenipsit Trail, a cherished 41 mile Blue-Blazed Hiking Trail managed by the CT Forest & Park Association (CFPA) and used by the public for hiking, running, mountain biking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. • The area is full of wildlife including the eastern timber rattlesnake, an endangered species under General Statutes § 26-306 and § 26-306-4 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies. • The existing town gun range has limited hours and only small firearms are permitted, whereas, the scope of this project is very broad and involves multiple new large open shotgun and rifle ranges. • An increase in the amount of traffic for this statewide facility is a safety concern for the area's winding roads that are utilized by many bike enthusiasts and runners. • Noise pollution and traffic will disrupt this quiet residential area filled with young children and used by many for peaceful outdoor enjoyment.