Dear Senator Dianne Feinstein, Being an American, one tends to embody the idea that the United States represents a nation of equality and open mindedness, for the 14th amendment states that any citizen born or naturalized in the United States has the right to be treated equally. That idea however has been jeopardized, and disregarded as LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, or Questioning) citizens suffer through the constant harassment throughout the military. Although the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” repeal took affect for these LGBTQ citizens to serve openly for our country they continue to face many injustices such as harassment, lack of benefits, and unfair discharges. Reaching a state of equality in the armed forces is not only the main goal, but also being able to recognize that the military operates best when all citizens are treated fairly. Eric Fanning is the acting secretary of the Air Force and one of the highest-ranking government officials and continues to be discriminated against and harassed for his sexuality (Shinkman, 2013). Considering Fanning is one of the highest ranking officers it is surprising that he is still harassed, but the fact that he is openly gay makes him a role model for those who are worried about revealing their sexuality. In 1999, 37 percent of those responding to a survey proposed by Defense Secretary William Cohen reported that they had witnessed or experienced harassment due to sexual orientation (“Harassment of Gays in the Military,” 2000). This is close to half of the people responding to the survey, which also means that there are some who did not respond. Many do not want to talk about the harassment and/or violence they witness toward others that are openly gay in fear of being targeted by those opposing them. Prohibiting benefits for Veterans' Same-Sex Spouses in states that are not recognizing Same-Sex Marriages or civil Unions violates the Constitution's 14th Amendment equal-protection guarantee clause, which prohibits the different and demeaning treatment of LGBT persons. Many gay service members have been wrongfully denied honorable discharges even though they deserved them based on their service record. Most of the gay service members in the military who have engaged in homosexual acts are given a less than honorable discharge, whereas, the military does not even interfere with the needs of the heterosexual servicemen (Woltman, 1972). A less than honorable discharge automatically bars gay service members from applying for Federal, State or local government jobs, as well as excluding them from Veteran’s benefits (Woltman, 1972), The unfair exclusion from access to these benefits creates a hindrance to employment for service members in the civilian life (Shear, 2011). This is an act of discrimination that requires attention because equality does not only start and end in providing cultural and religious freedom, but sexual freedom as well. Military service men and women now have the ability to be who they are, without repercussions. However, with the repeal of, “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell,” there are still plenty of issues to be upset about and therefore stand as equals and make right for those who have served our country. We must stand against anti-LGBTQ harassment that still persists, stand for benefits for veteran’s same sex spouses, and stand against “less than honorable” discharges before 1993. Will you join with us to fight for LGBTQ rights in the military? Sincerely, Magdalena, Mollie, Ovsana, Renee, and Sandra

There's been a huge discrepancy between what the government has publicly said about who has been killed by U.S. drone strikes - in particular, how many civilians have been killed - and the record of independent reporting. Because of the secrecy of the program, there's been little accountability for this discrepancy. Reps. Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Walter Jones (R-NC) have now introduced legislation (1) – the Targeted Lethal Force Transparency Act – to require an annual report on the number of combatants and civilians killed or injured annually by U.S. drone strikes. The requirement is retroactive for five years. It also requires that the report include the definitions of combatants and civilian noncombatants used. This bill would increase the transparency and accountability of drone strikes, a goal that has been endorsed by President Obama, CIA Director Brennan, and others in the intelligence community. (2) The Targeted Lethal Force Transparency Act has been endorsed by Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch. (3) Urge your Representative, your Senators, and President Obama to support this legislation by signing our petition. References: 1. “H.R.4372 - To require the President to make publicly available an annual report on the use of targeted lethal force by remotely-piloted aircraft,” http://beta.congress.gov/bill/113th-congress/house-bill/4372/ 2. “Reps. Adam Schiff and Walter Jones Introduce Bipartisan Bill Requiring Annual Reporting on Drone Casualties,” April 2, 2014, http://schiff.house.gov/press-releases/reps-adam-schiff-and-walter-jones-introduce-bipartisan-bill-requiring-annual-reporting-on-drone-casualties/ 3. “Joint Statement in Support of The Targeted Lethal Force Transparency Act,” April 2, 2014, http://www.amnestyusa.org/news/news-item/joint-statement-in-support-of-the-targeted-lethal-force-transparency-act

Anti-choice politicians in Louisiana are moving fast on a bill that could close three of the five abortion clinics statewide. Just like in the 1960s, women might be forced to cross state lines for the nearest provider to get the health care she needs. We’ve seen what happens when women in entire regions lose access to abortion. In Texas, where abortion is impossible to get in the entire southwest of the state, women have been willing to risk going to Mexico to get the abortion pill and self-inducing abortion. Gov. Bobby Jindal said he supports this bill, but his administration caved once to public pressure when it tried to close abortion clinics a few months ago through a sneaky regulatory maneuver. Does Gov. Jindal really want it to be his signature that puts Louisiana at the center of the abortion debate for months to come? We must send a strong message to Gov. Jindal: don’t make Louisiana the next Texas.

People deserve to be able to support themselves and their families.

Women are paid, on average, 77 to 86 cents for every dollar a man is paid -- for the same amount of work. To address this, the House of Representatives passed the Paycheck Fairness Act in 2009, of which I was a proud original co-sponsor. This bill would finally end discriminatory pay practices based on gender. Five years later, this bill is still not law due to the obstructionism in the U.S. Senate. This week, the Senate will be reconsidering the Paycheck Fairness Act again. Please sign and share this petition urging the Senate to pass this bill -- it’s time we had equal pay for equal work for women.

Building Washington Elementary School "like new" is not only a step in the right direction to solving the achievement gap in Manchester, but it is a step in the right direction as a whole for the "City of Village Charm." Closing Washington in a effort to solve the short term problem of the cost to renovate our long neglected elementary schools will cause irreparable harm to the most vibrant and diverse neighborhood in Manchester. We, the undersigned, are showing our love of not only a great school with great teachers, but a neighborhood that is a part of making Manchester a great place for EVERYONE to live.

While more research needs to be done to understand the full impact of GMOs, they are not without risk. For example, some GMOs are designed to allow for increased use of pesticides, which have been linked to serious health and environmental impacts. And GMOs usually don’t undergo safety testing before they’re allowed onto the market.

I'm petitioning on behalf of South Carolians who are struggling to work and make ends meet to survive! Other states have decided to pass a bill that raises their minimum wage to $10/hour. I feel our state needs to follow suit and do the same!

I have had a lot of twists and turns in life, like most of us will. And at times found myself starting over at minimum wage in an unfamiliar industry. The current minimum wage has not been raised to coincide with inflation. It does not allow a single parent household to get above the poverty line. It is time for a raise for the American People! We cannot trusts corporations to do this voluntarily!!

Because I Hallie AnneMarie Shannon believe in equality, god created all so why destroy our rights to life liberty and the pursuit of happiness

"Our state's current minimum wage is $7.40. That's not enough for anyone to live on. We deserve an economy that works for everyone, not just the wealthy and well-connected. Join with me in calling on our state legislature to pass legislation to raise the minimum wage to $10.10”

Because people cannot raise their family on the minimun wages without the assistance of the Georgia Government, which takes away from working Georgians, they are not able to meet thier bills obligations and support their famiies.