Since Congressional member wish to put Medicare, Social Security and Medicaid on the 'chopping block', they must first surrender the very generous benefits given to them by their constituents, the American people. The Congressional benefits are not 'entitlements' as the Congress people do not contribute to them - rather the public does. If they start there, then we can think about the rest.

Some countries have environmental protection as a main concept in their consitution. America has seen the extinction of several species of flora and fauna and the decimation of biodiversity and the pollution of air and waters. In America's past, poor environmental policy helped lead to the eugenics movement in the early 20th Century as more people were seen to cause just more pollution. Out of respect for indigenous America, to help stop Hate Crimes, it would be ethical to have an amendment to better protect America's environment. This would lead to better environmentally-friendly jobs, and help protect America's future. Panama has a strong environmental policy, and the USA broke it during the Vietnam War when they tested Agent Orange in Panama. The USA needs a better environmental outlook.

North Carolina has become the puppy mill state since there are no laws on the books to regulate private sellers in their homes. I am a responsible pet owner and believe that all animals have the right to live in a safe and sanitary and LOVING HOME. There are more than enough pets to rescue without breeding them!! The director of the NC chapter American Dog Owner's Association was on the news the other day saying that he doesn't support these laws because it might cost too much for a "responsible" breeder to comply with the laws. I believe until we get the homeless population of dogs, (and cats for that matter), under control we should have very strict regulations on breeding pets.

mental health concerns all people (not just those with mental health issues)these people with this challenge need to be able to access the help they so desperately need & to have a limit on the amount of days they can get this help as a inpatient is illresponsible,my grandson has been placed at a in care hospital & can only be there for 9 days cause thats all medicaid will cover,also they should provide medicines on a once only pre authorized status, as he has also ran out of meds waiting on them to be pre-authorized

Gov. Corbett's plan to rig the electoral college in future presidential elections.

Hate Crimes issue--there is a large statue on Central Park's Fifth Avenue and 103rd Street of "Dr. Marion Sims, Father of Gynecology" a 19th Century Alabama "doctor" who performed many documented gruesome gynecological experiments on several African slave women in the 19th Century in his backyard without anesthesia. This was during the time when many in the medical community were using gruesome experimentation of African black slaves to enforce the slave system (especially in the South). The experiments are well documented even in medical journals. There is no mention of any of the victims on the statue. He encouraged backyard experimentation of slaves whether he wanted to or not. The statue belongs in a museum on slavery not as a regular great statue. Yet, it is listed as a highlight in Central Park and it also happens to be across from the Academy of Medicine. What should be investigated is why the government's various civil rights departments have not had it removed.

Xanterra Parks and Resorts Inc. is bidding to operate all concessions in Glacier National Park for 16 years. They are owned by one of the wealthiest billionaires in the nation, Philip Frederick Anschutz. His Anschutz Exploration Corp. is currently drilling exploratory wells to frack the Blackfeet Reservation immediately east of Glacier National Park. Fracking is one of the greatest threats facing Glacier National Park. It is unconscionable that the National Park Service would give such a coveted contract Phil Anschutz.

The cost of living continues to go up, but not the salaries of state workers. We use to get raises every year. The raises got smaller and smaller. Now they don't exist. And lately, our salaries have been decreased some more to support the state!!! I am making less money than I did about three or four years ago. Does this make sense to anyone??? Do you know that NY continues to increase the salaries of people who have retired? There is something very wrong with this state and it needs to be cleaned up!!!

Many drivers have no respect for pedestrians or other drivers. The impulse to hit & run after an accident has become a persuasive practice. This is social insanity because we've become an irresponsible society. Driving is a privilege and should be regulated accordingly. This infraction is illegal, immoral, unethical, and barbaric. We all suffer financially and emtionally. We can stop this "NOW". Those found guilty should suffer a harsh penalty. Jail, with no plea bargaining as an idea. When we tolerate insanity, we live the result.

I, and many of those who live in Brunswick County, NC have been and will be deeply impacted by the measures you are ramming through Legislature to reduce our unemployment benefits and pay. I do not recall this measure as part of your election campaign and I am appalled that you are allowing a small portion of the State to decide the fate of those of us who want to work but have been unable to find a job offering livable wages. Our cost of living has far out reached the current minimum wages, and please don't tell me it is the Employers who pay the unemployment insurance fee's we too are paying them. I feel that you and those who are Lobbying for the new "unemployment" overhaul are out of touch with the reality of those of us who attempting to survive. I am a taxpayer, I bought a home, I have when was I able to, contributed to the local and State economy. It is actually our tax payer dollars that are paying your salaries and those who work for the City, County and State government. How dare you cast aside the people who are financially supporting you!

The people of Puerto Rico greatly appreciated Senator Durbin’s position and comments requesting the need to establish a formula to recover federal funds that have been paid, including funds already designated but not yet disbursed towards improvements to the Luís Muñoz Marín International Airport of Puerto Rico, before any plans to lease or privatize the airport may be approved. Not only has $105 million been allotted for the years 2010-2012 for airport improvements; the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) authorized charging $520 million in passengers’ fees (Passenger Facilities Charge –PFC) up to the year 2033. According to the contract, these monies would go directly to Aerostar Holdings LLC, the private corporation that would take over our airport.

Social Emotional Learning is the way that people learn to interact socially with each other, resolve conflicts and emotionally regulate. Schools are important settings in which that learning takes place. By focusing on Social Emotional Learning in schools, we can impact the level of violence and trauma in society, as well as the overall social-emotional and academic success of students from all backgrounds.