The War on the Working Class has begun. House Social Security Subcommittee Chairman Sam Johnson (R-TX) has introduced legislation that would slash earned Social Security benefits. His Social Security Reform Act would irreparably harm the nearly 60 million Americans who currently depend on Social Security as well as future beneficiaries. He intends to re-introduce this legislation in January. Johnson’s bill: Cuts Social Security benefits by one third. Raises the retirement age from 67 to 69. Changes the benefit-computation formula in a way that cuts benefit amounts. Cuts Cost of Living Adjustments (COLAs) The resulting benefit cuts will affect Americans of all ages, at all income levels, including the middle class and those with very low incomes.

We are horrified and dismayed by the fact that a foreign power was able to interfere and influence the result of our presidential election. We cannot simply "move on" from this outrageous state of affairs as it is ILLEGAL AND UNJUSTIFIABLE!

There is a movie directed in India called Roadside Romeo. It is in Hindi. There is no English dub, but there are english subtitles.

This is a distress signal. We the American People are terrified. Since November eighth, we have done everything in our power to prevent Donald Trump from taking office as the President of the United States, but to no avail, and we now fear for our national security. Donald Trump runs on a platform of fascism. Not only has he proposed policies for ethnic and religious minorities that bear an unnerving resemblance to the first steps of other ethnic cleansing campaigns throughout history (to the point that survivors of those ethnic cleansing campaigns find these policies alarming), but he and his campaign adviser, Kellyanne Conway, have repeatedly made public statements implying that he aspires to make opposing his regime a criminal offense. We are aware that the other branches of the American government are structured to ensure that a president such as Trump would not be able to erode our constitutional liberties, but we no longer have faith in our other elected officials to uphold their duty of maintaining a system of checks and balances. The electoral college failed in doing exactly this, this election has been filled with examples of prominent Republican politicians failing to stand up against Trump's fascist platform, and the Republican party now controls the Senate, controls the House, and (presuming Trump will nominate the next justice) unofficially controls the Supreme Court. Donald Trump's ascension to office ought to be treated as a concern of the United Nations because there's strong evidence that it's the product of Russia attempting to invade us. When Russian President, Vladimir Putin, seized control of the Crimean Peninsula, the invasion did not begin with military force. Instead, the Kremlin spent upwards of $100 million feeding the population of the area propaganda and otherwise attempting to interfere with the nation's elections. The FBI has already confirmed that Russia worked directly with the Trump campaign to influence the outcome of the election with propaganda, and both political and computer experts claim a high likelihood that electronic voting machines were directly tampered with. The events of the 2016 United States election fit a narrative in which Putin exploited the cultural upheaval within America to seize control of our government alarmingly well. If this is true, then we are at great risk for military invasion. Our country is rapidly destabilizing. Construction sites of the Dakota Access Pipeline have become battlegrounds with peace at the sites guaranteed to last at most only as long as President Obama's remaining days in office. Hoards of vigilante Trump supporters, many of which are self-identified Nazis, intimidate and sometimes threaten to kill racial and ethnic minorities. The United States military has a larger budget than the next eight largest militaries combined, and protesters are already regularly brutalized by a militarized domestic police force; if President Trump were to begin targeting our constitutional rights, if Russia were to invade the United States, the American people would have no realistic recourse to overcome this hypothetical fascist regime. We the people still have hope that there will be a pathway to protecting the presidential office from Trump that is in line with our constitution, but for the above reason, we cannot wait for all reasonable avenues against totalitarianism to dry up before declaring our country in a state of emergency. Vladimir Putin has his eye on global control, and he just succeeded in installing an unstable puppet as the leader of a country with nuclear weapons; nuclear weapons Trump has demonstrated a nonchalance with the idea of using. The outcome of the 2016 election will pose a threat to the rest of the world sooner or later, and we urge the leaders of America's allied nations to start planning for a worst case scenario. This is not a petition in the traditional sense. There is no clear course of action that we are asking the UN to take. The American people are just terrified right now. Sources: http://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2016-election/trump-says-he-would-certainly-implement-muslim-database-n466716 https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/in-the-age-of-trump-grim-warnings-from-holocaust-survivors/2016/01/27/c65ea38c-c549-11e5-8965-0607e0e265ce_story.html?utm_term=.dc9cb9824d67 http://shareblue.com/kellyanne-conway-alarmingly-advocates-consequences-for-criticizing-trump/ http://www.cnn.com/2016/11/29/politics/donald-trump-flag-burning-penalty-proposal/ http://www.newyorker.com/news/john-cassidy/mitt-romneys-humiliating-trump-reversal http://www.motherjones.com/media/2016/05/putin-russia-baltic-states-master-plan https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/clinton-blames-putins-personal-grudge-against-her-for-election-interference/2016/12/16/12f36250-c3be-11e6-8422-eac61c0ef74d_story.html?utm_term=.38a22017571f http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2016/11/activists-urge-hillary-clinton-to-challenge-election-results.html http://www.patheos.com/blogs/reasonadvocates/2016/11/30/getting-story-standing-rock/ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/anti-muslim-hate-trump-supporters_us_57fbcd79e4b0e655eab66379 http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/Adam-Yauch-Park-Defaced-With-Swastikas-Pro-Trump-Graffiti-in-Brooklyn-Heights-402041675.html http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2016/12/07/video-masked-men-threaten-standing-rock-people-hotel/95110108/ http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/what-does-donald-trump-really-think-about-using-nuclear-weapons-n655536

The election of the chair for the Florida Democratic Party is a wholly undemocratic process, as the weighted vote is purposely designed to concentrate power in a few individuals in large Democratic counties. This has inevitably led to a tainted process in selecting of a chair which has been characterized by backroom deals and empowerment of the power brokers. This system also leaves the majority of the conversation about the future of our party a closed conversation between elite power players. A candidate for chair has to manipulate the system in order to win, playing factions against each other and picking sides. This has lead to a breakdown of trust on all levels and has created deep divides within our own party. The time has come to acknowledge that this system has failed. Overall, the design is inherently destructive and counterproductive. Not only has this process failed to yield any positive results, but it has also undermined trust and confidence in the Florida Democratic Party. Donors withhold money because of warring factions, grassroots activists fail to fully engage because of mistrust of the party leaders, and candidates are often torn between embattled factions of our own party rather than challenging Republicans and advancing our values. Without trust among the members of the party, we will continue to fail cycle after cycle. The ideals that hold us together as Democrats have historically been set aside in order to preserve power of a few in the race for chair. These power plays do not reflect the best of us, nor the depth of our talent and ability. It is time for an inclusive, open conversation about the future of our party and that begins with a commitment to change how a chair is selected. There is never going to be a greater opportunity to advance this essential reform; we need those with power to either on their own or through pressure of the people use their power to give power back. This demonstration of our values, by those elected to represent us and lead our party, to distribute power to a more diverse body of leaders that can more effectively lead this party to a successful future built on real trust is the action we must see to deliver unity of our members. This can only happen if our next chair is a vocal champion for this reform before they are elected. They need to say they will deliver a one person, one vote based system. This can’t be something said quietly one on one, it must be shouted from every stage the candidates appear on between now and the election. After the election, reform activists will likely be shouted down as a distraction from the 2018 elections, but reform is essential to the 2018 elections and beyond. Now is the time to change all that is wrong and start being truly the party of, by, and for the people. It is time for a new system and we must demand a chair who is determined to bring change. This is essential for not only maintaining a sense of unity, but it is the first step in rebuilding the Florida Democratic Party. Please joining us in voicing your support to restore trust.

Wells Fargo has invested $467 million in the Dakota Access Pipeline. The pipeline threatens the water supply and way of life of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe in North Dakota. Now, amid worldwide outcry over the pipeline, tribal leaders and allies are calling on Wells Fargo to divest from the pipeline--or the people will pull their money from Wells Fargo.

Even though our country is bitterly divided on many issues, there’s one thing Americans all agree on: veterans deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. Veterans have sacrificed a great deal to serve this country, and upon returning to civilian life, they’re often faced with unique challenges and obstacles. That’s why we have the Department of Veterans Affairs. It provides those who’ve served with the kind of health care, financial assistance, education, job training that they have earned. President-elect Donald Trump has a plan to privatize the VA and demolish its specialized programs to allow his rich cronies to make a quick buck. We must fight back against this plan and #SaveOurVA. Please add your name today and stand with veterans by condemning Donald Trump’s plan to privatize the VA. After you've signed, please share this on social media! Millions of men and women have volunteered to serve in uniform to defend their fellow Americans. And many of them return home with injuries, trauma, and challenges that are very different from anything civilians experience. We must continue to ensure that those who served in uniform get the care they need when they return home. Their health and well-being cannot be turned into a for-profit operation. The issue of veterans’ health care isn’t a partisan one, either. More than two-thirds of all veterans are opposed to privatizing the VA, and virtually every veterans group disagrees with the plan as well. This kind of overwhelming majority isn’t a coincidence. We must make sure Donald Trump hears us loud and clear on this issue. We’re at an important crossroads. Donald Trump and his Republican colleagues seek to undermine the VA, but a majority of veterans want to strengthen it instead. And if enough voices join together, we will deliver these signatures to all members of Congress and urge them to reject Donald Trump’s disastrous plan. Thank you for standing with us, Trina McDonald #SaveOurVA

It's horrible but not surprising that some Democrats are slamming President Obama, Secretary of State Kerry, and the United Nations in the wake of President Obama's decision not to veto a UN Security Council resolution re-affirming that Israeli settlements in the West Bank are illegal under international law. But the actions of Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy are particularly disappointing. Murphy has sought to position himself as a progressive voice on foreign policy. He was the first Senator to call out the Obama Administration's support for Saudi Arabia's catastrophic war in Yemen. [1] Yet on December 29, Murphy told MSNBC’s "Morning Joe" that the UN is "not a fair forum for the Israelis" and that the White House should have vetoed the Security Council resolution against Israeli settlements in the West Bank. [2] Murphy's attack on the UN was pure sophistry, since the forum in question was the UN Security Council, where the US has a permanent veto. Nothing happens in the UN Security Council without US permission, and nothing ever will. That's a fundamental fact about the design of the United Nations, and Chris Murphy knows it. Urge Chris Murphy to stop his attacks on President Obama, Secretary of State Kerry, and the United Nations by signing our petition. References: 1. http://www.cfr.org/middle-east-and-north-africa/chris-murphy-roots-radical-extremism/p37471 2. http://www.politico.com/story/2016/12/chris-murphy-barack-obama-john-kerry-israel-donald-trump-233026

As a Livingston County resident, I have long been interested in local government and how it affects our lives. The Flint water crisis has brought this home for many people, but we don't need to wait until a crisis to get involved in our government. Our local goverrnment will work better when it is more connected with residents. Please ask the county commission to bring more transparency to our local government.

As we approach the great unknown with the next administration, it is clear that regardless of one's politics, the American worker is and has been hurting for some while. It is time for large corporations, such as Amazon, to take a step up and show their support for the people who helped build our economy. It shouldn't be difficult to purchase American made goods if that is the desire of the customer.

Yes......we lost the Presidency......and yes, we lost the Congress.....BUT......take heart friends...                            .....we DO retain substantial POWER this year!                               WE HAVE THE POWER OF THE PURSE!!!!!! Read on.... Mark Muro, a Brookings Senior Fellow made some stunning observations shortly after last month's devastating election. He reported the following: "The less-than-500 counties that Hillary Clinton carried nationwide encompassed a massive  64% percent of America’s economic activity as measured by total output in 2015.  By contrast, the more-than-2,600 counties that Donald Trump won generated just 36% of the country’s output—just a little more than one-third of the nation’s economic activity." Take a minute to let this sink in.   The 472 counties that Clinton won represented an amazing  64% of  last year's GDP! In sharp contrast, although Trump won an overwhelming number of counties…..those roughly 2600 counties only accounted for 36% of 2015 GDP!  According to Muro..... “Trumpland consists of hundreds and hundreds of tiny low-output locations that comprise the non-metropolitan hinterland of America”, while, with 3 exceptions, “CLINTON WON EVERY LARGE-SIZED COUNTY ECONOMY IN THE COUNTRY”.  He then points out that this unprecedented economic split is especially striking...... given that CLINTON IS THE CLEAR WINNER OF THE POPULAR VOTE! The significance of these amazing observations is the following....... we have NOT lost all of our power people! We actually retain a remarkable and powerful tool - THE POWER OF THE PURSE!!!   Let us join together to put our SUBSTANTIAL power to work immediately.  Let us exercise our ECONOMIC POWER to mount a MASSIVE NATIONWIDE ECONOMIC PROTEST! . If you are appalled by the presence of a white nationalist in the white house; if you are terrified of his cabinet picks and Twitter storms; if you are alarmed by the thought of Russian interference in our national election; if you believe that Donald Trump's extensive business interests, at home and abroad, represent significant conflicts of interest that have the potential to plunge us into a constitutional crisis......then please, consider making a commitment TODAY to join a nationwide economic protest.  It will cost you nothing.  All you have to do is to make a commitment to REDUCE your discretionary consumer spending. Consumer spending represents approximately 70% of GDP!!!! Imagine....if millions of people all across this country commit to a reduction in consumer spending by a certain  percentage - say 50% or 75% or even 100% reductions;  an economic protest of this magnitude would send a powerful message to Washington and to Wall St.   WE CAN DO THIS.  WE SHOULD DO THIS.  Even the HINT of a large scale economic protest will rattle the people in power across this nation! For those of you who say that this action may put us at a risk for an economic slowdown - I say.....yes, it might.  But I also say, that the risks of a Trump presidency - to our democracy, to our freedoms, to our Constitution, to our national security, to our environment, AND ultimately, to our long term economic well-being - pale in comparison!  So I urge you to carefully reflect on these issues.  An ECONOMIC PROTEST now is a fight for our country.  We have this POWER.  Let's use it - NOW! Our message to Congress is the following: 1.)  Steve Bannon, Mike Flynn and others like them have NO PLACE in the People's House 2.)  Congress will begin an immediate, SPECIAL bipartisan investigation of the role of Russia in our election. Was there any collusion between team Trump and Russian operatives? 3.)  Congress will demand that Donald Trump fully comply in both the spirit and the letter of the        'emoluments clause' of the Constitution  (article 1 section 6 clause 2). Failure to comply will result in impeachment proceedings. 4.)  The Trump family will have NO role - formal or informal - in this incoming administration.  Trump will   comply in the letter AND the spirit of the laws with regard to nepotism. 5.) There will be NO repeal of Obamacare without an IMMEDIATE AND COMPREHENSIVE replacement healthcare plan to be effective on the day Obamacare is repealed. 6.) The following Trump cabinet picks - Pruitt, Tillerson, DeVos, Puzder, Sessions, and Price are deemed too extreme for their respective posts and will be replaced by individuals who are experienced and who have demonstrated a personal philosophy that is congruent to their respective departments.                              EXTRAORDINARY TIMES DEMAND EXTRAORDINARY ACTION! Commit today. Exercise your economic power.   Use it or lose it!   Decrease your discretionary consumer spending. We ARE stronger together!  Let's send an important message to Washington and to Wall St.  If you find this message compelling please share it with EVERYONE you know, who might also share your thoughts or feelings on these very important issues.  Post this message on your Facebook page.  LET’S GET THE WORD OUT THERE AND GET IT OUT FAST!!!! Your signature demonstrates your commitment to this protest! Sincerely, Marea Baggetta

Private citizens and public figures alike have been the target of the president-elect's tweets, which have brought forth the furry of his supporters. The results have been dangerous -- from death threats to in-person harassment -- and will only compromise Trump's targets further as he assumes the presidency. Furthermore, Trump has tweeted about nuclear weapons without realizing the potential catastrophic effect on the international horizon. Twitter is a unique format that doesn't require thoughtful consideration or the vetting of a cohesive message. Trump can use other media forums to more clearly lay out his policies and opinions, without endangering our citizens in an irresponsible manner. Twitter has suspended accounts for death threats and continued harassment. For the protection of individuals and for the safety of our nation, CEO Jack Dorsey should suspend the account of President-elect Donald Trump.