I am disappointed that President Obama seems to be repeating the mistakes of former President Bush. I voted for President Obama because I believed it was time for a change in our foreign policy from bluster to bolster, from aggression to assertion, from waging indiscriminate wars to fighting for peace and I thought this was a change President Obama believed in. I want to remind him that people still do believe in the necessity of that kind of change. And he needs reminding quickly--BEFORE American weapons are used against the people of Syria.

If you’ve read the headlines, you’ve heard we’re heading towards military action in Syria — with some U.S. military officials saying a missile strike could happen any time. Congress has not authorized any such military strike and the President has not given any indication he is going to seek such authorization. Please ask Congress to stand with Rep. Barbara Lee who recently said that “Congress needs to have a full debate before the United States commits to any military force in Syria – or elsewhere.” Tell Congress: No military action in Syria without prior Congressional authorization. In the United States Constitution, the power to declare war is expressly in the hands of Congress.The President is able to take military action in emergency cases of self-defense, but that does not appear to be the case with Syria. Tell Congress: No military action in Syria without prior Congressional authorization. It’s crucial for Americans who care about Congressional war powers to speak up. Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine said, “Absent an imminent threat to United States national security, the U.S. should not be engaged in military action without Congressional approval.” We agree 100%. If you do too, please write your member of Congress now.

It is foolish to pay other countries to do things that we can do ourselves at a time when our economy needs the growth.

The US Economy demands attention from the Obama administration. Escalating our military presence in the Middle East will not make Americans safer, nor will benefit our economy. Americans deserve sincere attention to make them safer, and support a realistic opportunity to earn a living wage. Consistent commitment to military action in the Middle East in the guise of National Security is going to make the US less safe and bankrupt our country.

According to news reports, President Obama is poised to send air strikes to Syria. This type of action will neither protect nor defend the population. The U.S. public does not support military intervention.

I was raised by a father who suffered both from emphysema caused by gasing and from PTSD caused by his very active service in WW I. I knew many who suffered greatly in WW II, and at 92 I don't know personally those who fought and are fighting In Iraq and Afghanistan, but I read about their suffering when they have come home. I fear greatly that using the military option in response to the use of gas in Syria will lead to a still more explosive situation in the middle east. And I am also a friend of Israel, though I often deplore the actions of it's government, and it is likely to suffer from any escalation of the violence in the Middle East.

Downtown Disney is changing and they will be closing Fuego by Sosa's Cigars at the end of September. Here the older generation as well as the younger, (but over 21) generation get to experience the nostalgia of days gone by, where people from all over the world come to unwind and enjoy a drink and a Cigar in a friendly, welcoming, fun atmosphere! The Sosa family has been in the cigar-making business for more than 70 years! Fuego by Sosa's Cigars most definitely fits into Disney's new format perfectly, so to not have them be part of all of the new changes would be a huge mistake! Please show your support, Don't let Disney close their doors by not renewing Fuego's lease! Please sign this petition and let Disney know that you want Fuego to remain open and be part of the new "Disney Springs" right where they belong!

Treasury should act as soon as possible to protect America’s good credit by using Platinum Coin Seigniorage (PCS) well before any risk of default becomes imminent. Protecting the full faith and credit of the United States is not the sole responsibility of Congress, but the responsibility of the Secretary of the Treasury too, because the Secretary has the authority under the law to order the US Mint to use PCS to fill the Mint's Public Enterprise Fund (PEF) account, and ultimately the Treasury General Account with enough reserves to make the debt limit a dead letter, by paying down the debt subject to the limit to zero gradually, as it falls due, and to use additional seigniorage to fund current and future deficit spending appropriated by Congress.

President Obama is considering using violence to respond to and prevent further chemical weapons attacks in Syria. This is on the same day that he is extolling the messages of Dr. Martin Luther King, who ironically was a man of peace and nonviolence. The USA is a mighty, wealthy and benevolent country. Most Americans are good-hearted individuals wanting to help others in need. Let's use our power to do good that will be sustained in Syria. Let's provide gas masks to the people, let's increase humanitarian aid to the refugees, let's deliver more goods and supplies, especially medications to the Syrian hospitals. In that way, we 'take action,' but take it in a way that hurts no one, and helps everyone. We must not choose sides in this Civil War, and under no circumstances should we insult the legacy and the dreams of Dr. King by responding to violence with more violence. Thank you for your consideration.

Climate Change is a VERY important issue that everyone needs to know about.

A longtime leader of the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency says he was forced by Ohio Governor John Kasich to resign due to pressure from the coal industry. But now he is fighting for his job, and we can help. In a letter to his colleagues announcing his resignation, George Elmaraghy wrote, “There has been considerable pressure from the coal companies over the last year for the division staff to accommodate the industry’s needs by issuing permits that may have a negative impact on Ohio’s streams and wetlands and violate state and federal laws.” Unless Gov. Kasich intervenes immediately, Mr. Elmaraghy’s last day could be on September 13. We need to send a strong message now that coal companies do not appoint EPA officials. Mr. Elmaraghy has devoted nearly 40 years of his working life to protecting Ohio families from pollution. He does not want to stop working for Ohio. He wrote, “I do not want to retire. I want to stay and do my job for the citizens and the environment of Ohio.” As a father and elected official, I know each decision I make must leave my community a healthier, safer, more viable home for my children and all of the children of Ohio. A state with contaminated watersheds is not healthy for my family, nor the families of hardworking Ohioans -- including those that may work in the coal industry. Energy companies should not have a role in choosing who approves and denies project permits. But Gov. Kasich said the Ohio EPA was “going to send a message to Ohio that we are open for business” when he named Scott Nally, George Elmaraghy’s boss, to head the agency shortly after winning his election in 2010. And, Gov. Kasich has received over $500,000 from coal interests for his campaigns. My children mean more to me than profit margins. I want a watchdog that is free to protect the public commons, not subservient to the Governor's campaign benefactors. Tell Governor Kasich we cannot put coal industry profits over the health and well-being of our children, grandchildren, environment and communities. George Elmaraghy has been standing up for the well-being of Ohio children and families throughout his life. It’s time for us to stand up for him. Thank you for joining me in taking action! Sincerely, Mayor (and father) Trevor Elkins Newburgh Heights, Ohio

There has been a surge of homeless families for many different reasons ranging from fire to foreclosure. Someone needs to start opening family oriented shelters so families can stay united instead of torn apart. I have always realized this and now I have the tools to ask for help to save families from this ordeal.