I am appalled that our government has become stagnant due to the opposition of some to the President himself. What is called for is bipartisan, serious efforts to address issues. A government based on opposition is wholly inappropriate. We need plans to accomplish what needs to be done--pay down the debt--provide needed health services--repair the infrastructure--become a nation of which we can be proud.

I am a minor who is being treated for cancer right now, and it is a shame that the American cancer society does nothing to fund research of childhood cancer.

The possible dangers of cell phone towers are wide-reaching and numerous. Some people may only consider the issues of cell phones and driving safety, but the chronic exposure to cellular radiation may have some harmful effects as well. Moreover, many people assume that the radiation isn't that bad because cell phone towers are away from populations; the fact of the matter is that cell phone towers have been erected right in our communities, getting attached to schools, churches, firehouses, and even national parks. Health concerns related to exposure to cell towers are: • Abnormal cell growth promotion • DNA damage • Reduced immune system competence • Sleeplessness, irritability, anxiety, depression • Weakened blood-brain barrier • Childhood and adult leukemia • Eye cancer • Infertility and miscarriage • Attention span deficit and general memory loss • Sleep disturbance and chronic fatigue • Brain tumors • Cardiac problems Health effects of cell phone towers are not only restricted to humans. A study conducted by the Institute of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacy of the Veterinary School of Hanover (Germany) found that dairy cows were affected by their proximity to cell phone tower sites. The cows had reduced milk production and increased behavioral abnormalities. When the cows were removed from the area, the strange behavior subsided after five days. Upon returning to the antenna site, the symptoms returned. So, if you live within a quarter mile of a cell phone antenna or tower, you may be at risk of serious harm to your health, according to a German study cited at www.EMF-Health.com, a site devoted to exposing hazards associated with electromagnetic frequencies (EMF) from cell phone towers and other sources. Cancer rates more than tripled among people living within 400 meters of cell phone towers or antennas, a German study found. Those within 100 meters were exposed to radiation at 100 times normal levels. An Israeli study found that the risk of cancer quadrupled among people living within 350 meters (1,148 feet) of a cell phone tower/transmitter. Both studies focused only on people who had lived at the same address for many years. Other studies have found that levels of radiation emitted from cell phone towers can damage cell tissues and DNA, causing miscarriage, suppressing immune function, and causing other health problems. Cell phones and cell phone towers have been labeled as being a “possible carcinogen". In Sweden, the government requires interventions to protect the public from EMF. Why isn’t the United States (US) government paying attention to this potential risk to public safety? Astoundingly, the US federal government does not allow rejection of a cell phone tower based on health risks. I have personally completed testing using an EMF/RF (radio frequency) meter. Internet based research advises of several other individuals who have also conducted tests and complained the measurements are above the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) limits. So when does the FCC check back on these towers and retest these sites? Several other countries have done their own research and mandated the removal of cell phone towers near schools, hospitals, and residential communities. However, the US FCC still has made no change. Even with cell phone towers meeting the current US FCC limitations people are still experiencing health issues. Yet over 1.9 million cell phone towers and antennae have been approved nationwide without any federal studies to assure safety of those living nearby. It has been fifteen (15) years that people have been asking for the FCC to reassess its RF radiation exposure limits and policies. The FCC is possibly going to consider changes to its rules regarding human exposure to RF radiation than can potentially cause several issues in animals and humans. If interested in assisting please read more at http://emrpolicy.org/news/action/index.htm. Feel free to include any of your research or simply send a comment/letter as an attachment asking for change to be made. The 150-day Reply deadline is November 1, 2013. Petition: DO NOT be pressured by major cell phone companies with deep pockets!!! We are requesting the US government (FCC) continue reassessing exposure limits and policies. Make changes to your policy to drastically lower the EMF/RF levels that cell phones and cell phone towers are allowed to output.

1) Replace the campaign process with an objective public information education system, focused on issues rather than personalities, with automatic fact checking and counterpoint presentation. Give equal access to any party that can, by consensus, form a reasonable, and cohesive platform. Then let that party select representatives and administration in proportion to the total votes they receive. 2) With congress aware that they work for the people, let the process become one of research and education, with the conscience they naturally share with their constituent humanity. They understand their dependence on the vote. These are relatively simple and few provisions that will accomplish what the majority already knows we need, if we raise our voice. Critical thinking and truth are not so expensive that dangerous propaganda cannot be confronted directly no matter how rich it's proponents are.

I would like to become such a rank and many people believe I deserve it.

I have seen the devastation caused in these victims lives and the lives of their families. The have earned this.

In the past week, there have been another two news stories regarding guns that have received international attention: the brilliantly thwarted potential massacre in another elementary school, in Atlanta, Georgia, and the random fatal shooting of an Australian exchange student in Oklahoma. When I heard in a foreign news report, about Mexico City's Gun Swap Program, I had to wonder: Why isn't this being tried in the U.S.? - It sounds like just what we need.

Among the basic foundations of American democracy are: No taxation without representation; a still-unrealized ideal which expands voting rights and opportunities rather than limiting or eliminating them; and Constitutional amendments which guarantee the rights to freedom of expression, opinion, and representation (one person, one vote) at both the state and federal levels. Gerrymandering is a blatant attempt to negate any or all of these American rights and privileges, and should be declared a violation of federal law.

The Federal "964" regulations state that resident associations should be given priority in potential partnerships with the housing authority. Yet, for decades, community centers and senior centers have been "awarded" to private nonprofits that often know nothing and care less about the public housing community. Resident associations are now ready to assume control over their own destiny and demand that NYCHA recognize their responsibility to effectively partners with resident associations by turning control of the community and senior centers to resident associations as soon as possible.

Most Americans are unaware of the severity of the climate change crisis because the major news sources have ignored the subject and rarely connect the dots between extreme weather events and our changing climate. We are dangerously close to the climate tipping point, when there will be nothing possible to stop the worst of climate change. Citizens must contact their elected officials and demand action, but they need honest, scientifically-accurate information in order to do that. There are solutions (i.e. carbon tax, energy conservation, renewable energy) to reduce harmful emissions. We need the media to help educate the public and our policy makers.

Victor deserves to be with his family. Accidents happen - second chances should be given. UPDATE: Victor has been released to his family. The petition is now about getting the charges dropped.

MY NIECE, MEGHAN POWELL, WAS ONLY 16 YEARS OLD WHEN SHE WAS PRESSURED INTO A "PLEA BARGAIN" FROM VERY INEFFECTIVE COUNSEL WHO TOLD HER THAT SIGNING THE "BARGAIN" WAS THE BEST THING SHE COULD DO. SHE WAS LOCKED UP WITH NO ACCESS TO A PHONE AND MEDICATED. ITS JUST NOT RIGHT WHAT OUR SYSTEM DOES TO CHILDREN! ITS BEEN TEN YEARS. THE FEMALE PRISONS ARE OVERCROWDED AND RELEASING INMATES. MEGHAN WOULD NOT BE ANY TROUBLE TO OUR SOCIETY. IN FACT, SHE PLANS TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN A POSITIVE WAY TO THE JUVENILE COMMUNITY.