8,000 + Americans died from gun homicides in 2011

Many of the senior citizen tenants in our state are staring into a financial abyss; they are often dependent on Social Security as their only source of income. In 2010 and 2011 there were no cost of living adjustments in their social security benefits, but for many their rent was increased each year. In 2012 they received a COLA increase, but their Medicare premiums were also increased. Consequently their disposable income remained the same at best and yet their rent increased again. In 2013 the COLA increase is 1.7%. Even in areas of the state where rent control ordinances are in effect, the rent increases are larger than 1.7%, the old folks fall further behind. Also in 2013 the Medicare part B premiums are increasing by 5%, the part B deductible is rising by 5% and the Part A deductible is rising 2.5%, once again life becomes more of a burden for our senior citizen tenants. They are faced with rent payments that increase faster than their social security cost of living adjustments, year after year. With the economy still struggling as far as main street America is concerned, a slow recovery if any predicted, the poor financial health of the Social Security and Medicare programs, the huge deficits and debts that the State and Federal Governments are currently experiencing, and the demographics of the baby boomers, it is very likely that in the future we will see more years when there is no increase, if not cuts in Social Security, more increases in Medicare premiums and deductibles, and cuts in programs that were designed to aid seniors in need. Many of these folks are making the difficult decisions on whether to pay their rent or purchase food, medicines, or other necessities of life. It is just a matter of time before they will be pushed over the edge into perpetual poverty, hunger and possibly into the ranks of the homeless. To allow this situation to continue seems negligent at best, if not cruel. Therefore to protect the health and well-being of senior citizen tenants it is in the public interest to guarantee those senior citizen tenants affordable rental housing at their current locations in order to avoid displacement due to rents that increase faster than their income.

Verizon wireless has a policy of keeping customers' money when they leave for another wireless provider. In other words, a multi-billion dollar corporation keeps -rather than pro-rates and returns the money of the days unused wireless service for your last month to the customer. Money taken for no service and their justification is that it is in the fine print when you sign on with them. I think they should have to pay back all the money they have taken in their keep the change policy.

The non-voter approved Right to Work law has affected the unions barganing strength and takes away protections from receiving lower wages and health care benefits.

Judge Perry Borja Inos was elevated from the CNMI Superior Court to the CNMI Supreme Court as a Associate Justice. Due to Judge Inos departure from the Superior Court, there is a vacant seat for a Judge at the CNMI Superior Court. The CNMI needs a Judge that had proven himself or herself and who had shown that no one is above the law.

Cutting wasteful spending; Congress gave itsself a raise during the Bush Administration; therefore, Congress can be the first to set their wages back before the George W. Bush Administration or twenty percent which ever is greater. This would show Congress' sincerity in reducing the deficit.

Most of Connecticut was devastated by devastating events in Sandy Hook and Newtown, CT, but are we making decisions out of devastation or procrastination?

Most working class people over the age of 55 (semi-senior citizens) have worked hard all their lives. Now that the baby boomers have reached retirement age, they are forced to work another 7 (age 62) or 14 years! (age 70) Their bodies are tired, aged and aching. Those who make laws for the working class have big fat pension plans, 401(k) plans and other options that allow them to retire early. This is not democracy for the working class. This petition is a call for all of our elected and selected politicians to reverse the retirement age to it's origional age of 55! As younger adults, we never thought those over 55 would be UNEMPLOYABLE because of their age. Now they know the truth. Those who are young and don't understand why this is crucial, will soon understand when it's their retirement time. Won't you join us?

We have a friend who has lost a loved one in a gun rampage in Minneapolis. Residents of our state were murdered in a gun rampage several years ago. But more Minnesotans die each year from accidental shootings. And more Minnesotans are victimized by gun owners who shouldn't have them but were able to buy them without being subjected to any scrutiny. This unnecessary violence must end.

What's a realistic way that will actually cut down the number of weapons of mass murder? A ban is unrealistic; it wouldn't pass, and current owners would be exempt. Taking away guns from current owners is a non-starter! BUT Universal registration, annual excise tax, and buy-back are workable, realistic, and cost-effective. The tax can pay to make the policy work. It will take time, but it can be implemented.

The "radical Republicans" that control this state can use their bias beliefs to make abortion illegal in North Dakota. This will NOT stop abortion! By making it illegal, it will cause the poor to "go back in time" to back-alley, coat hanger abortions. Many women will die; and their blood will be on YOUR HANDS, and the Republican controlled, non-caring about the poor, government of North Dakota. Also, this law was a "cheap shot" at by-passing the Constitutional Right to a safe, legal, abortion. (Roe v. Wade).

A gun taken from an unlocked vehicle could have caused a disaster besides the police stand-off and panic that paralyzed the neighborhood for hours.