NBC Universal co-owns the Miss Universe pageant. On June 18, it was announced that the 2013 competition would be held in November in Moscow, Russia.The announcement came just one week after Russia's legislature unanimously adopted an extreme new law banning “gay propaganda” in order to crack down on its LGBT community. Under the new rules, anyone who is caught showing support for the gay community or LGBT equality can face fines or jail time for promoting gay “propaganda” to minors. Similar laws have already been used to justify violent crackdowns against LGBT people throughout parts of the country, and human rights groups have stated that the measure is in clear violation of international law. Andy Cohen, the openly gay NBC employee/Bravo star, has hosted the Miss Universe pageant for the past two years, but recently backed out of the 2013 event, citing concerns for his own safety and that of participants and spectators. Even NBC’s own employees recognize the problem with hosting an event like this in Russia in light of this new law. Just last year, the Miss Universe pageant changed its rules to allow transgender contestants to compete. The decision to host the pageant in Moscow this year is a giant step backward.

I married my husband July 24th 2013 in NY, on the two year aniversery of marriage licenses being isseued to same-sex couples in that state. My marriage to my husband is not recognized by the state of Texas. This denies us many rights. For example, to insure myself it costs $22/mo. To insure both of us, it costs well over $400/mo! By comparison, straight couples can insure their significant other for $60/mo. This blatant segregation must stop.

I'm a beekeeper so I am deeply concerned that neonicotinoid pesticides and systemic genetically modified organism acting as honey bee killers are not being properly regulated. If we aren't yet smart enough to protect our food system by protecting nature's best pollinator -- the honey bee -- then I hope we are smart enough to eliminate our local supermarkets as the end-user delivery system for pesticides in our food. Pesticide traces in the urine of children eating conventionally grown produce? Unacceptable. Pesticide traces found in fetal umbilical fluid? Unacceptable. We need GMO labeling laws now. This is the first step in recognizing that the problem of pesticides is a major health threat to human beings, too. I am reaching out to my representatives Senator Leanna Washington and Senator Shirley Kitchen to support a GMO labeling initiative in Pennsylvania. GMO labeling laws in Pennsylvania now.

After more than 30 years as host and producer of The Prison Show on KPFT I have covered the criminal justice beat nationally.

Just as there is FREEDOM of the press and FREEDOM of speech, there must be FREEDOM OF THE AIR AND INFORMATION. Our PBS stations MUST NOT be intimidated by the deep pockets of the well-heeled. Their domination of our democracy must be stopped. PBS must broadcast CITIZEN KOCH so ALL VIEWERS CAN SEE THIS DOCUMENTARY on Independent Lens.

Flowing from the high snowfields and glaciers of Mt. Baker, Mt. Shuksan, and the Twin Sisters range in the North Cascades, the Nooksack River system is one of the rare gems of Washington state. The Nooksack is home to all five species of Pacific salmon, steelhead and bull trout, bald eagles, black bears, cougars, elk, and many other fish and wildlife species that rely on intact wild places like the Nooksack to survive. Cold rushing waters, incredible mountain views, and old-growth forests provide world-class whitewater boating, hiking, camping, and other recreation opportunities. Yet incredibly, the majority of the North, Middle and South Forks of the Nooksack River and its major tributaries remain unprotected. This Keep the Nooksack River Wild petition is targeting relevant Members of Congress to champion Wild and Scenic River legislation which, if enacted, would permanently protect the free-flowing nature and excellent water quality of the upper forks of the Nooksack River. A Wild and Scenic designation would also support salmon, steelhead and bull trout recovery efforts, promote sustainable recreation, and require transparent and collaborative management of the river. If you would like more information about the river and how it supports the local communities, visit: http://www.americanrivers.org/nooksack-river.

"Citizen Koch" was pulled from a national public television broadcast because of fear of upsetting David Koch, who has been a major donor to public television. But public television stations should answer to viewers like me, not to billionaires like the Koch brothers -- and I want to see this important documentary. Will you join the call for a national broadcast of "Citizen Koch" on Independent Lens?

Since when has WUCF public television become WUCF Koch Television censoring broadcast because of David Koch's money and position on the board of PBS...??

I am a lifelong viewer and long-time member of PBS. I often tell people that if I had to choose between ALL of cable and PBS it would be PBS hands-down. I depend on them to provide the most far-reaching, honest and life-affirming news, history, art etc. I am shocked and saddened by the news that they refuse to air a documentary on the Koch brothers. This country and its citizens need more than ever an honest account of the forces that are shaping our world much of which we are blissfully unaware.

Follow the story. Get at the truth, wherever the facts may lead. Don't let big money squelch objective journalism.

Donations from individuals should not entitle them to dictate what does, and does not, air on public TV. Air "Citizen Koch" and accept the loss of his money if it comes to that--others will replace the funding.

It is ridiculous that a documentary about a major donor was not aired, likely due to the fact that the subject of the documentary is also a major donor. This undermines the credibility of public media entirely. Shows and documentaries should air on their merits and use to the public alone. By allowing interference with programming by a donor WOSU and PBS are deviating from their purpose and mission statement- to produce and air material that serves the public and society.