A nation's greatness is reflected not just in its laws and customs, but in the how it cares for and upholds its heroes. This year the number of soldier suicides exceeded the number of casualties in the War in Afghanistan. The plight of our battle-weary soldiers must be addressed, and it is imperative that we strive to honor those who put their lives on the line in defense of our country.

The management at Tacoma General Hospital should negotiate fair, competitive, and respectful wages, working conditions, and benefits for the registered nurses who work there.

This is necessary because of the evils of guns are defended by this outdated piece of the Constitution of the United States.

Across America, people suffer from unexplained ailments. Fatigue, weight gain, unexplained pain, gastric issues, acne, ADHD, Neurological problems etc. Many of these problems could be eliminated if the FDA would do what they are supposed to do. Keep our foods and beverages safe for consumption.

Selecting Marisa DeFranco as the interim Senator to fill John Kerry’s seat until an election can be held would be a most courageous, wise and appropriate appointment for the people of Massachusetts. .Marisa DeFranco, an attorney with 17+ years of experience, is an expert in immigration law, an issue that President Obama has made a top priority. To meet Marisa is to know immediately that not only will she bring a rare energy and much needed breath of fresh air to the Senate but also an expert voice to the immigration discussion.

Shall there be an amendment to the Maryland constitution concerning marijuana, and, in connection therewith, providing for the regulation of marijuana; permitting a person twenty-one years of age or older to consume or possess limited amounts of marijuana; providing for the licensing of cultivation facilities, product manufacturing facilities, testing facilities, and retail stores; permitting local governments to regulate or prohibit such facilities; requiring the general assembly to enact an excise tax to be levied upon wholesale sales of marijuana; requiring that the first $40 million in revenue raised annually by such tax be credited to the public school capital construction assistance fund; and requiring the general assembly to enact legislation governing the cultivation, processing, and sale of industrial hemp?

It is time for common sense, reason, and compassion to prevail. Time to re-interpret the second amendment. Time for guns NOT to be "American as apple pie" This issue will NOT be swept unde the rug anymore!

We have seen the labor movement starved by neglect from the White House over the last 12 years. No representative came to Madison, Wisconsin to support the worker/farmer struggles there 2 years ago. With only 8% of workers unionized, the middle class is losing its only tool for democracy in the workplace and the nation. Former Secretary of Labor and Professor of Public Policy Robert Reich believes in the rights of the 99% to have family wage jobs and to fight austerity.

It is going to cost a lot of money to put into practice any gun control measures, and the cost should be placed directly onto the people who want to acquire these weapons and any related purchases.

Colin Powell is one of the most sane personality the republican party is having right now, and in lot of people opinion, he does not belong to this "party of No" anymore, this obstructionist party of the right wing. Let' encourage him to get out of this "insanity" and change party either independant or democrat, so he can keep his legacy intact.

I'm a gun collector, (including AR-15), a 15yr carry-permit holder, and 200 acre wildlife habitat/ hunting land manager. In addition to 100% background/ registration requirement and enhanced security and mental health provisions, I support, as an immediate STEP ONE: BAN HIGH-CAPACITY MAGAZINES - Not Guns. No haggling over gun possession/ design*.. or 2nd Amendment**. Simply Outlaw Possession of any magazine/ clip (or other device) capable of feeding more than 10 bullets; (similar to silencer/ suppressor ban). 30 Days to turn in or destroy, after which federal/ felony; $10,000 fine, prison time, loss of gun ownership right. Results: 1. 40% to 75% fewer bullets fired per incident.. and numerous 'reload breaks' (Tucson) 2. Hundreds to thousands fewer gun deaths, injuries annually. 3. Over $1/2 Billion less cost to economy from gunshot deaths each year. * Semi-automatic hunting rifles, pistols and assault carbines have the same RPM (rounds per minute) firing rate if fed from high-capacity magazine; all are semi-automatic, auto-loading weapons. Auto feed drums of 6-50 rounds for shotguns also have no functional purpose other than mass-murder. ** 2nd Amendment permits individuals to possess a muzzle-loaded, single-shot, flintlock fired weapon. Revolvers didn't even exist until 44 years after the amendment; magazine/ clips, 100 years later. http://www.phillyburbs.com/my_town/warrington/second-amendment-written-with-flintlock-in-mind/article_e020f84b-2f47-52ac-8a2b-023cdcf95906.html

There is no reason not to enact meaningful federal gun legislation. If all members of congress would vow to reject contributions from the gun lobby they would be free to truly vote their conscience.