To whom it may concern, As I prepare to file and pay my Federal United States taxes I find myself contemplating all of the resources and fundamental services that federal taxes are funded and supported by, including our beautiful national parks, United States Congress, Federal assistance and food programs, Veteran benefits and many, many more. Much of what makes this county prosperous and productive is funded through our federal budget and, of course, through the taxes of hard-working Americans like myself. However, in October of 2013, the government “shut down” at the expense of the American public and these necessary services which US citizens need and enjoy. As a result of this shut-down, people’s needs, desires, and plans were compromised and destroyed because members of congress, those of which we pay their salaries, could not compromise with each other, therefore allowing the American public to suffer at their expense. Weddings were canceled, long-term plans ruined, benefits restricted, and availability of American pastimes and monuments were cut off, even for America’s bravest heroes. Since the US Government was shut down for this period of time and these services were not opened, there is not a need for them to be funded during this time. Federal employees could not work and need to be paid for the time they were not permitted to do their jobs, however there is no reason why members of Congress should receive their larger-than-life salaries for these days, and alternate taxes which pay for the maintenance and upkeep of these services which were cut do not need to be paid for. Therefore, it only makes rational sense that US citizens should NOT have to pay ANY federal taxes during the time of the shut down. It only makes sense, we have to pay our electric or water bills based on the amount we use, since we’re not using Federal services, we should not have to pay. Tax filing for the year 2013 needs to include tax-free or extremely low taxes for the days the government is shut down in order to pay the salaries of federal workers who are the ones suffering here, NOT for those in Congress who forced the American public to suffer through their stubborn bickering. We as American citizens stand together to say NO federal taxes during the shut-down. When the government re-opens we will also re-open our wallets and enjoy the services funded by them however until then there is not a reason we should have to pay taxes. If we are forced to pay taxes during the days the government was shut down, in order to fund programs and services that have been suspended, it is STEALING, which is punishable by our own Federal laws. We will not serve as Pawns in a game controlled by a few which influences most Americans rights and services. Regards, The American Public

To allow all of those at the Downingtown STEM Academy to see how a true man grows facial hair.

Mr. President, This letter is to let you know that I support your decision to hold your ground in the current round of budget negotiations. I am appalled by the tactics being utilized by some in the GOP to use the funding of the government as leverage against the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA). My issue is actually beyond the ACA. What is at stake are the fundamentals of how laws are made, challenged and upheld in this democracy. This is critical to the operation of our government as we know it. The ACA was created from the result of a collaboration of efforts in Congress, and subsequently passed by Congress and signed into law in 2010. This is the typical route a bill takes to become the law of the land. The ACA was further legitimized after it was challenged and upheld by the Supreme Court in 2012. We understand that the law is legitimate. We also understand that many people may not support the law. This is part of the democratic process and is to be expected. However, detractors in Congress should not be able to hold the government hostage just to express dissent against a law they disagree with. There are other avenues to propose alternative bills to modify the one that is already in place. What the GOP is advocating sets a dangerous precedent for our democracy and for our country. Therefore, I ask you to not cave to the pressures of the GOP. While they are entitled to their opinions, their tactics are wrong, not American, and might even be considered treason. Stand your ground and fight to keep the law (in its entirety) that was properly upheld by both branches of Congress and the highest court in the land. We are ready to hunker down and fight. We support you. Your courage at this most pivotal time will ensure that the democratic process remains intact for our posterity.

Why Am I starting this petition? As a physician, I have met literally thousands of men who resent having been circumcised. Any alleged advantages are far outweighed by the disadvantages. No one, and especially not a doctor, has the right to remove normal body parts without the express written consent of the individual person. None of them gave their permission.

My son,who is 6 years old,has been abused by his father..I am trying desperately to keep him safe..the court wants me to bring him,against his will to 2 supervised visits a week with his abuser,and wants me to ENCOURAGE contact..my son is afraid of his father,and is begging me not to take him..if I don't,I'm held in contempt of court..legally a child can't decide not to see his or her abuser until they are 13! We teach our children at a very young age the difference between right and wrong. We teach our children that if someone is hurting them,to speak up..then find out no one is listening? Making a child see their abuser is only furthering the trauma they have already experienced..please help to give these children the voices they need to feel safe..

The recent death of an innocent working college level female killed on a sunny afternoon by bullets fired in court yard from a gun operated by a neighborhood "Thug" is cause for Alarm. The safety and security of our communities in New York City has been jeopardized, by the repeated "public shootings" that continues to claim innocent lives. Further proof that New York State Prisons have become an adaptable place of rest; no longer serving as a deterrent, for Juvenile and adults committing "public" firearms related crimes.

Congressmen and women who implement irresponsible government shut downs need to suffer consequences for their recklessness. No work, no pay--Members of Congress must bear the same responsibility for their decisions as those who are most affected by them.

Congresswoman Renee Ellmers, who voted repeatedly to shut down the federal government, refused to forgo her congressional pay in solidarity with federal workers. Why? "I need my paycheck," she said. "That's the bottom line." Rep. Ellmers, if you vote to shut down the government, you should pay for it. We all need our paychecks, including the 800,000 federal workers who are going without their paychecks this week, as well as the millions of Americans who are going without federal assistance of all kinds. Your votes have consequences, Rep. Ellmers. Either forgo your salary until this shut down is over, or vote to end it. That's our bottom line.

You are all guilty of trying to take down our government, from without or within--that is called TREASON.

Congress members should not be paid when they've shut down the government.

Trying to reduce BCCS student homework load.

If the lawmakers had to feel the full effects of their actions, they might not be so inclined to do things that negatively affect their constituents. Since we can't easily hold new elections to oust them, let's ask them to share our pain.