I'm conservative, a gun owner, and I voted against President Obama twice. But as a responsible American, I have come to accept the reality that gun violence has reached a point of crisis in our country, and that we all need to set aside political differences to unite on this important issue. Since the mass shooting at Umpqua Community College in Oregon two weeks ago, there have been seven more school shootings—a total of 152 school shootings since the Sandy Hook massacre. Each year, countless numbers of guns are sold by unlicensed, high-volume sellers through internet websites and at gun shows. Nearly a quarter of a million gun sales originate from one single website. Unlicensed sellers at gun shows often openly advertise guns for sale with prominent signage saying, “No Paperwork Necessary.” All entities “engaged in the business of selling firearms” should be held to the same standard of requiring background checks. President Obama should close this loophole through executive action by clearly defining in the law the difference between an “occasional seller” and one that is “engaged in the business of selling firearms.” But given the power of the well-funded gun lobby, it's only going to happen if we set aside political differences and unite on this ever so important issue for the safety and security of our nation. Please join me in encouraging President Obama to utilize his executive authority to move on this issue quickly and decisively. We need action NOW!

Who hasn't been personally affected by Brett?

We need to help put an end to Israel's illegal occupation of Palestinian territories, as well as their inhumane treatment of the Palestinians.

On October 24, 2015, the International Association of Chiefs of Police are convening in Chicago, IL. In the midst of this growing crisis, they should be discussing how to share power with impacted communities. A strong coalition of community, social justice and labor organizations are mobilizing to demand the chiefs of police- our employees- support community control over police and independent special prosecutors to investigate every instance of death at the hands of police. The counter protest is scheduled for Saturday, October 24 beginning at 12 noon, from SEIU HCII 2229 South Halstead in downtown Chicago. For more information, to participate or to support the counter convening, visit IShockedtheSheriff.org.

Just one year after enforcing the controversial government ID requirement for voting, the state of Alabama made it even harder to vote by closing 31 driver license offices throughout the state. But the closures did not impact all Alabamans equally- the 8 counties with the highest Black voter registration now have no driver license bureaus as all, as do other predominantly rural and low-income counties. The closures led to national outcry about the history of Black voter suppression in the state and the threat to the democratic process for rural communities. The Southeast Conference (SEC) is one of the most respected collegiate sports conferences in the country, boasting a membership of 14 public universities, including Auburn and the University of Alabama. With headquarters in Birmingham, Alabama, this beloved institution can be so much more than a bystander to injustice in it's own backyard. By lending it's considerable voice to this important issue, not only can the SEC model good corporate citizenship, but will also lend important moral support to an important segment of fans and send a positive message to the disproportionate number of Black student athletes among its membership.

I feel it is only fair to allow open discourse on the bipartisan views of the American people.

Trying to silence those we disagree with is against all that the U.S. stands for. Discrimination is discrimination no matter at whom it is targeted.

The Illinois Lottery has said that anyone who has won $600 or more won’t be paid until the state budget is passed. Illinois issued a statement saying that its check writing account is empty and it can’t be replenished right now. Please sign this petition calling on Illinois to adopt a budget or end the sale of its Lottery sales.

We need Council to support increased funding for affordable housing. At the October 27, 2015 Council meeting the City Council will vote on several measures that will help kick start the development of new affordable housing. Please sign the petition requesting funding NOW! For more information: http://www.cityofberkeley.info/Clerk/City_Council/2015/10_Oct/City_Council__10-27-2015_-_Regular_Meeting_Agenda.aspx

To raise cultural, economic and political consciousness to Oakland CA.

I am starting this position because the people of Detroit are being robbed of their constitutional rights as the state takes them over.

Currently, 19 states have passed laws or enacted policy to provide a fair chance at employment for formerly incarcerated job seekers. The President has said he wants to implement federal-level reform in the criminal justice system during his last days in office. Hearing from you can help move him to action.