Bermuda's political system needs to be reformed. There is a breakdown in trust of politicians and this does not work in Bermuda’s public interest or for the island’s common good. In addition to the current representational democracy, an amendment to the Referendum Act will give Bermuda’s electorate the ability to agree or disagree with any given proposal or issue and have a say in how Bermuda will face those changes. Switzerland already has this unique system (semi-direct democracy) in place and it works. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voting_in_Switzerland Issues and initiatives would be decided by referendum and specifically through a mechanism whereby a petition signed by 10% of the electorate automatically triggers a binding referendum. Many issues are not being addressed adequately by Bermuda's politicians, whether they be too sensitive, do not adhere to the ruling party's agenda, not convenient to the electoral cycle or otherwise. If this amendment to the Referendum Act is passed, subsequent petitions with enough voters' signatures will be actionable by finally making politicians truly accountable to the electorate. This will encourage better initial transparency and consultation. A more in-depth case is made in the "Transforming Bermuda" document: http://cloudfront.bernews.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Transforming-Bermuda-Petition.pdf Please indicate which category you are in: #1 Bermudian 14-17 #2 Bermudian 18 and over (the electorate). Constituency number would be appreciated as well. #3 Bermudian abroad currently not eligible to vote #4 Anyone else who feels that this is important for Bermuda Thank you for taking the time to consider

Black Americans own only 10 television stations, less than 1% of the 1,774 stations across the entire country. Why? Because in the 1990s, Congress struck down key FCC reforms meant to promote diverse media ownership, and the FCC hasn't acted to restore them. A diverse media ecosystem is vital to a democratic society and necessary to make sure all points of view are shown on the public’s airwaves. We, the people, own the airwaves, and lease them to corporations through the FCC – demand that our public airwaves are as diverse as the public!

Pennsylvania just gave citizens the option to register to vote online – a common-sense reform that every state should adopt. Instead of filling out forms and waiting in line you can register from your computer or smartphone – an easy, cost-efficient way to get more people registered to vote. Democracy works better when everyone is involved. This is one step in the right direction! Every state should follow Pennsylvania's lead and enact online voter registration.

Senator Schumer was wrong on Obamacare. Let's hope he backs the President this time.

I want to do my part for women and children in this country.

LGBT people are being refused their right to marry. The right to religious freedom does not extent into positions of public service. The Clerk's argument was made by George C. Wallace (then governor) back in 1963 during the integration of African American students in the state of Alabamba. It didn't work then, it won't work now. Let's have some respect for the position and remove her from office, please.

LGBT people are being refused their right to marry. The right to religious freedom does not extent into positions of public service. The Clerk's argument was made by George C. Wallace (then-governor) back in 1963 during the integration of African American students in the state of Alabamba. It didn't work then; it won't work now. Let's have some respect for the position and remove her from office, please.

LGBT people are being refused their right to marry. The right to religious freedom does not extent into positions of public service. The Clerk's argument was made by George C. Wallace (then-governor) back in 1963 during the integration of African American students in the state of Alabamba. It didn't work then; it won't work now. Let's have some respect for the position and remove her from office, please.

American women need access to routine and preventive care, screening, and advice from doctors. Defunding Planned Parenthood risks their access and potentially endangers their health, their lives, and their families.

Reversing Climate Change is an urgent subject. The soil regeneration solution is elegant, inexpensive, and can be started right away. Generally, politicians don't know much about agriculture, and therefore this solution is not getting the attention it deserves. We need to listen to the growing body of soil scientists who are advocating for soil carbon sequestration as the best way to reduce CO2 in the atmosphere. We are ALL personally affected by climate change. The deadline for this petition is November 30, 2015.

Several states have already moved to defund planned parenthood. I cannot imagine what it would be like for women in Florida, a state with very few options for uninsured women, if Planned Parenthood were not there to help.

This call to action is to support an initiative encouraging the White House Administration to create a National Community Wind Partnership that fits with other Administration initiatives and the urgency of climate change. Whether a small town, mid-size regional center or a large city there are ways to increase access to wind energy for all. Community Wind and Community Shared Wind are nascent wind development models based on Main Street rather than Wall Street. This partnership will help grow more local wind projects. Wind is central in meeting our climate challenges. What is Community Wind? Community wind projects have elements of local ownership, investment, and involvement all at a local level. There are any size and quantity of wind turbines. Community wind projects are owned by rural electric cooperatives, municipal utilities, schools, hospitals, businesses, farms, and tribal communities. What are the advantages of Community Wind? • Provide greater economic benefits than absentee-owned wind projects • Offer increased local control • Rural communities are primarily located for community wind (and community shared wind) • Help stabilize energy prices for local communities • Receive high levels of local support for the development • Are a local clean energy solution that addresses the global issue of cleaning up our energy system • Use minimal amounts of water in production of energy Source Document: US Dept of Energy – Wind and Water Program DOE/GO-102012-3785 • November 2012 What is Community Shared Renewable Energy (or Community Shared Wind Energy)? Utility customers can subscribe to a community shared renewable project for any portion of their electricity and it shows up as a credit on their utility bill. What are the benefits of community shared renewables for a home, business, or individual? • Urban areas do not usually have on site wind-appropriate land availability for a wind project • Maintenance is taken care of by the wind operations professionals • Renewable energy technologies are capital intensive upfront and costs are more easily covered over time • Community shared renewable energies allow for greater choice for the source of your energy. For further reading: US Dept. of Energy, Green Power Network http://apps3.eere.energy.gov/greenpower/community_development/ Various business models exist for community shared renewable energy, including utility-sponsored, on-bill crediting, special purpose entity, and the “community shared gardens”. Windustry and the Distributed Wind Energy Association are working to grow the adoption of these models for community shared wind energy.