Who was Kelsey Smith? On June 2, 2007, Kelsey Smith, an eighteen year old young woman from Overland, Kansas, was abducted in broad daylight, from a local Target department store. An hour after Kelsey was abducted, a signal from her cell phone was picked up. When law enforcement officials asked Verizon for the "ping" records that would pinpoint her location via cell phone, the family's cell phone company did not hand those records over, until three and a half days later. When Verizon did turn over the records, it took authorities 45 minutes to locate Kelsey's body. However, she was found dead, after being raped and murdered. What is the Kelsey Smith Act? The Kelsey Smith Act (H.R.1818/S.273 ), sponsored by U.S. Rep. Ron Este (R-KS 4) and U.S. Senator Pat Roberts (R-KS), would require that wireless phone companies immediately respond to law enforcement requests for location information of victims who are in jeopardy of death or serious physical harm. Also the Kelsey Smith Act would aid more responsive coordination between law enforcement agencies and wireless cell phone carriers during emergencies involving missing persons. By passing the Kelsey Smith Act, lives can be saved. When a person has been abducted, or in an emergency situation, it is vital that law enforcement act quickly, which is why law enforcement need wireless carriers to cooperate with them in emergency situations.

The Supreme Court just split 4-4 on one of the biggest cases for immigrant communities in U.S. history. Reactionary governors and federal judges have held up relief for immigrant communities for far too long. Our work and fight-back is not over. Now, more than ever, we need to renew our commitment to justice until all immigrants receive the dignity and justice we deserve. Unless the Obama Administration acts now, more than 4 million immigrants - our neighbors, friends, mothers, and children - will continue to be devastated by the deportation machine. No human being is illegal. Judge Hanen dramatically overstepped his bounds in a politically motivated decision, and judges in the other 12 circuits can and should work to correct his reckless overreach in addition to President Obama taking immediate action. If enough of us raise our voices, the Obama administration won’t have a choice. President Obama will have to stand with us. This could be our last and best chance at some relief for immigrant communities for some time. The Obama administration needs to use the Supreme Court’s decision to implement administrative relief as quickly and as broadly as possible. Sign this petition to tell the Obama administration to use the Supreme Court’s decision to help as many immigrant families as possible. Source(s): 1." Yes, Obama Can Stop Millions of Deportations." Slate. August 12, 2014 http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/view_from_chicago/2014/08/why_obama_has_the_power_to_stop_millions_of_deportations_without_congress.html

Banning assault weapons such as AR-15 is not infringing upon people's right of the Second Amendment. It is rather the right thing TO DO!!. Hunters or civilians have no need to house or carry a weapon that can shoot 15-20 per minute. An AR-15 is a weapon that should only be used for military personnel. BAWN!

The Coalition to Stop Gun Violence has been advocating to reduce gun death and injury since 1974. In this historic moment, when we see the Democratic Party making an inspirational stand for gun reform in the House and Senate, it is critical that their leadership be out in front on this issue. Senator Tester has failed that test completely.

Together We Stand, a national organization of over 1,500 people dedicated to racial equality and social justice is asking that you sign this much needed petition. We are deeply concerned about recent news from Rockdale County Public School District where school staff allegedly hung a young African American boy with special needs from his belt loops at the top of the chalkboard at Shoal Creek Elementary School. The child was reported to be in great distress evidenced by his screaming, which caused an administrator to enter the classroom. It is also reported that this incident is not the first time this significantly inappropriate punishment has occurred by staff. The use of corporal punishment has been banned from public schools in all but 19 U.S. states to date, due to significant developmental, psychological and physical concerns related to the use of physical punishment with children. The U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights documented that approximately 167,000 students received physical punishment in the 2011-12 school year with over 70% occurring in Mississippi, Texas, Alabama, Arkansas and Georgia. Of these children, it is documented that physical punishment is administered disproportionately to children who are African American, male and/or receiving Special Education Services. (ocrdata.ed.gov) This data is concerning as it suggests that racial and gender bias influence educators and administrators who use corporal punishment and that our most vulnerable children are most likely to be abused at the hands of educators. Resulting, this bias moves the conversation beyond whether corporal punishment is an appropriate disciplinary strategy and raises questions related to the civil rights for children of color and children who qualify for special education services. Nationally, many professional organizations with expertise related to children and their development have taken a stand against the use of corporal punishment. These organizations include, but are not limited to, the American Psychological Association, American Psychiatric Association, American Medical Association, American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, National Association for the Education of Young Children, American School Counselor Association, National Association of School Psychologists, and the American Public Health Association. These organizations are in good company with social justice organizations such as UNICEF, UNESCO, Human Rights Committee, and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. We wholeheartedly agree with this statement made by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU): “Corporal punishment -- most often, paddling -- can cause deep bruising or other lasting physical or mental injury. Furthermore, it creates a violent, degrading school environment in which all students -- and particularly students with disabilities -- may struggle to succeed. The use of corporal punishment in US public schools must end. There are positive, non-violent approaches to school discipline that have been proven to lead to safe environments in which children can learn.” (www.aclu.org) We ask that you take the proper steps to ensure a full and unbiased assessment and investigation occurs to hold the staff involved accountable to their actions. In addition, we hope you will take this opportunity to engage your system to include administration, teachers, paraprofessionals and staff in comprehensive education and training related to racial equity and developmentally appropriate disciplinary strategies. This type of systemic intervention will allow all students attending the Georgia Public Schools an opportunity for a safe and equal education. Lastly, we ask that you do all that is in your power to ban corporal punishment in the state of Georgia.

Many voters think they have only two options for President on general election day. Yet voters are dissatisfied with the two most popular parties, as evidenced by registration statistics: 26% Republican, 29% Democrat, and 44% Independent. The media needs to do a better job of informing the public about their choices, and giving third parties a fair chance at vying for votes.

Maryland Democrat Elijah Cummings, chair of the Democratic Platform Committee, says an agreement on the platform language between the Clinton and Sanders forces could happen within days. [1] One of the issues that has been in dispute is what the Democratic Platform will say about Palestinian rights and the occupation of the West Bank, especially about settlement expansion in the West Bank. The other three House Democrats on the Platform Committee - Keith Ellison, Barbara Lee, and Luis Gutierrez - all signed Rep. Betty McCollum's letter asking that the U.S. speak up for the rights of Palestinian kids in military detention. [2] The other three House Democrats on the Platform Committee have also all co-sponsored [3] HR 686, which calls for affirming U.S. opposition to settlement expansion in the West Bank. [4] But Rep. Cummings didn't sign McCollum's letter, and so far he hasn't agreed to co-sponsor HR 686. That's reason for concern about where he stands on opposing settlement expansion. Urge Rep. Cummings to affirm U.S. opposition to settlement expansion by signing our petition. References: 1. http://thehill.com/homenews/house/284551-clinton-vows-to-work-closely-with-democrats 2. http://mccollum.house.gov/press-release/mccollum-leads-20-members-congress-urging-president-obama-create-special-envoy 3. https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/house-resolution/686/cosponsors 4. https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/house-resolution/686/text

There are many risks associated with potential copper, nickel and other sulfide mining operations within that watershed, including possible contamination from acid mine drainage and tailings basin failures. The U.S. Forest Service announced it is "deeply concerned" by potential mining near the Boundary Waters, and may withhold consent to renew two mining leases within the same watershed as the wilderness area. The agency announced a 30-day public comment period "to better understand public views" on the proposed renewal of the two leases. The Boundary Waters are too important to put at risk of this dangerous mining pollution. We can protect this natural treasure by not allowing toxic sulfide mines near the Boundary Waters, but the mining companies are using their political influence and deep pockets to try to fast-track mine proposals. Together we can make the Boundary Waters watershed off-limits to toxic mining.

There are many risks associated with potential copper, nickel and other sulfide mining operations within that watershed, including possible contamination from acid mine drainage and tailings basin failures. The U.S. Forest Service announced it is "deeply concerned" by potential mining near the Boundary Waters, and may withhold consent to renew two mining leases within the same watershed as the wilderness area. The agency announced a 30-day public comment period "to better understand public views" on the proposed renewal of the two leases. The Boundary Waters are too important to put at risk of this dangerous mining pollution. We can protect this natural treasure by not allowing toxic sulfide mines near the Boundary Waters, but the mining companies are using their political influence and deep pockets to try to fast-track mine proposals. Together we can make the Boundary Waters watershed off-limits to toxic mining.

Inspired by the Democrats sitting in at the House, it's time to make an assault weapons ban part of the DNC party platform. We have an opportunity to make a truly bold and progressive platform, let's take the step and be brave. The draft platform will be released on Friday.

We the people support the sit-in Democrats who are demanding action on an epidemic called unrestricted gun violence. Innocent Americans are shot and killed by individuals using assault weapons, and their killers have hardly any government restrictions to perpetrating their crimes. There are shootings at nightclubs, movie theaters, schools, and churches, and the victims are of every race, political party, sexual orientation, and age.

So many of us feel helpless as we watch the Republican-controlled House refuse to bring legislation to the floor. With every signature goal reached, MoveOn will deliver this petition of support to proper authorities at the US House of Representatives. Tell Speaker Ryan to do his job. Thank you.