As a recipient of Social Security I firmly believe that benefit increases, not cuts, are what are needed not only for recipients, but for our economy as well.

It is important we protect those that have defended our country's freedom both here and abroad. We need to make sure our vets and our seniors are secure, safe and get the help they deserve.

The great majority of citizens in Montana are low wage earners. They deserve and need to have their Social Security Benefits secure and undiminished, permanently! There is no justification for asking them to sacrifice their meager benefits to pay for the reckless losses of the banksters and their corrupt politicians that put our economy at risk and sank it.

More than 60% of San Francisco voters just rejected Props B and C. In doing so, voters demonstrated that ritzy condo projects for the ultra-rich, like 8 Washington, are not what our community wants or needs. The cost of living in San Francisco has spiraled out of control, but Mayor Lee refuses to take meaningful action. He's under the influence of the wealthy and well-connected, who continue to push expensive, new developments where only the richest San Franciscans can afford to live, driving up prices and forcing working families out of the city. The mayor must start representing everyone who lives in San Francisco, not just the rich. He needs to start fighting for an affordable city. Raise your voice and tell him.

I have carefully planned my life. Even after getting Multiple Sclerosis, I planned my retirement so that I would have enough to live comfortably. Any change in these plans, that is not for the BETTER, will cause me, the careful planner, to live at a lower level than planned. It is just not fair.

Social Security is my main source of income. Payments are not keeping pace with inflation even now, and cuts would make the situation worse.

When I became a mom, my desire to help create a better world became more personal and urgent. I’ve reflected on the biggest challenges my two sons will face. Doing something about climate change rose to the top of my list. I knew I had to add it to my job description as a responsible parent! Now that one of my sons has started school, I’ve begun thinking a lot more about what they will be taught about their world, including climate change. So I was heartened to learn that the Michigan State Board of Education is considering adoption of 21st century science standards that include climate science. The Board is being pressured to reject the new, world-class science standards by climate deniers like Rep. Tom McMillin (R-District 45). Rep. McMillin recently introduced a bill to stop the NGSS from being taught because, as he said, the standards “get into controversial issues such as man-made global warming as fact.” Keeping our kids in the dark about climate change would be an outrageous and unacceptable disservice to their future. At a time when impacts like drought, more intense storms, and heat waves have already begun to take a toll on Michigan agriculture and the Great Lakes, it’s more important than ever for Michigan students to gain a strong understanding of the causes and impacts of climate change. This will give them the foundation to identify the solutions we need. Let’s send the State Board of Education a strong message that we want our kids to have access to the best possible science education to help them address the challenges and opportunities they will face throughout their lives. If we act today, our children and grandchildren will thank us tomorrow! Sincerely, Kate Madigan, mother of two, 
Traverse City, MI Story on Rep. McMillin anti-NGSS bill: http://ncse.com/news/2013/09/anti-ngss-bill-introduced-michigan-0015053

I have been personally affected by this issue and would like to see a solution NOW!

On January 13, 2012, Patricia was on her way home from work when she stopped at a gas station to service her tank. As soon as Patricia drove off, a police officer parked in the same gas station followed her and pulled her over. When asked for her driver's license, she was arrested because she does not have one. Once at the police station in Mecklenburg County, Patricia was placed on an ICE hold. After her state bond was paid, she was told she was charged with re-entry into the US. She was detained for six months and put on probation for a year. Upon release, Patricia checked in to the Charlotte immigration office where she was released under supervision. During Patricia's time detained, her children suffered. Her oldest daughters were forced to step up and take care of their siblings. Her youngest children, including Daniel, living in fear that his mother would be deported, developed depression, tried to hurt himself and exhibited suicidal ideation. A letter from Daniel's juvenile court counselor states the following: "Daniel has made it very clear to both myself and others involved in his care that his family is of critical importance to him. He has a history of being a caregiver to his younger siblings so that his mother could work to support the family.. it is in my opinion that his mother's involvement in his life plays a vital role in his behaviors and his emotional well being. I believe, based upon my experience with Daniel and his mother, that if Patricia were to be deported, his recent stability would be seriously jeapordized." Patricia first came to the United States from Mexico in 1987 looking for work and a better life. Since then, she has worked hard as the head of household for her family and contributed her labor in NC's tobacco fields, asbestos clean-up, and as a restaurant worker. In February 2009, Patricia returned to Mexico but upon learning of her daughter Allison's condition after an epileptic seizure she had, Patricia decided to come back to the United States so she could get the medical care and treatment she needed. Allison is due for x-rays and scans periodically, she takes medication, and her condition is monitored by doctors in Winston Salem. To deport Patricia would be to put Allison in danger as she cannot get the same care and treatment she receives here in Mexico. According to the memo issued by John Morton, Patricia is a low priority case and should be granted favorable exercise of prosecutorial discretion. I urge you to take action and immediately stop the deportation of Patricia Pena Martinez (A# 088-79-5260).

It began with a phone call between President Obama and President Rouhani of Iran. Now it looks like we may be on the brink of a diplomatic breakthrough with what some had called the 'deal of a century.' But that could all be in jeopardy if some supporters of war with Iran get their way. They're trying to pass a senate resolution that would increase sanctions on Iran*. That would tie President Obama's hands and prevent him from being able to move forward with meaningful negotiations. President Obama is pursuing diplomacy and considering reducing sanctions on Iran. Getting to this point hasn't been an easy road. The President has faced pressure from conservative lobby groups and members of his own party to take a harder line on Iran. It's crucial for us to visibly support the President to show that the political space to pursue diplomacy with Iran exists. If we can show that diplomacy is met with widespread support—we'll be able to pave the way for success. But if we are silent, conservative lobby groups will frame and undermine the deal. The President isn’t perfect - we all know that. However, at the moment he is pursuing diplomacy and considering reducing sanctions on Iran. It’s crucial for us to visibly support the President to show that the political space to pursue diplomacy with Iran exists. Many conservatives in Iran argue that talking to the United States is futile. President Rouhani has bet much of his political capital on these talks. By creating a strong groundswell of public support for diplomacy we can also show solidarity with the Iranian people who elected Rouhani with a mandate to improve relations with the United States. *Senate panel will move ahead on new sanctions, Reuters. *West and Iran seen as nearing a nuclear deal, The New York times

Georgia farmers deserve to grow a native, sustainable crop rather than take subsidies. Hemp will bring revenue to Georgia that is currently sent to China to import this crop.

I am starting a new one to stop the chemical harassment at Holmes Park Village so that it can be stopped it at all Senior buildings here in Minneapolis, MN and Maryland and anywhere in USA. There is more information from Dr. Raymond Singer's site about chemicals that attack the Nervous System and the Vital Organs of the body. I am personally affected and so are my friends. My cats died of these toxic fumes plus a harassers cat plus a few of my friends died of these toxic fumes because of their Vital Organs. I have included the other petitions to get more information about this harassment. http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/president-obama-help-7 http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/president-obama-stop-35 http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/president-obama-stop-34 http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/president-obama-there http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/governor-mark-dayton http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/dear-president-obama-2 http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/chemical-harassment-must http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/stop-the-chemical-harassment-59 http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/stop-the-chemical-harassment-58 http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/stop-the-chemical-harassment-57