Protecting our unions is a high priority, as they've helped grow the middle class and our nation's economy. The president should nominate Paul Krugman as the new Secretary of Labor, as he will be on the side of the workers. By ensuring that necessary benefits such as Social Security and Medicare are protected and that American workers are secure in their jobs, Secretary Krugman will ensure that unions will not be undermined by corporate interests and "right to work laws."

According to the New York Times, America is in the grip of three emerging flu or flulike epidemics, and it's going to get worse before it gets better. Many office workers are encouraged to stay home if they're feeling ill, in the hopes of containing the outbreak. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for America's restaurant and fastfood chains. Starbucks baristas serve millions of customers every day, but most lack paid sick leave and many report going to work when they're feeling ill. Companies like Starbucks have a responsibility to their employees and their customers to help prevent the spread of illness. Join us in demanding that Starbucks take the lead and provide all of their workers with a fair amount of paid sick leave.

Social security taxes are currently applied to only the first $113,000 of earnings. That means that anyone who earns more than that pays a lower tax rate than the rest of us. Why should millionaires like Warren Buffet pay no social security tax on the billions of dollars he makes above the first $113,000, giving him an effective social security tax rate of practically zero? Lifting the income cap on social security taxes would instantly improve the financial health of the system, without cutting benefits for those who have been paying into the system their whole lives, and depend upon it to avoid poverty in their old age.

In light of the Annie Dookhan case, it has become clear that the drug war has a corrupting affect on our criminal justice system. I am proposing putting an end to the marshal laws associated with the drug war and change it to a war on addiction and mental illness.

An initiative to install gunshot sensors around public schools would take them off the list of easy targets for criminals and provide instant police notification in future crises, all without intimidating our children, arming our teachers, or infringing anyone's protected rights.

An initiative to install gunshot sensors around public schools would take them off the list of easy targets for criminals and provide instant police notification in future crises, all without intimidating our children, arming our teachers, or infringing anyone's protected rights.

Foreign and out of state companies want to mine Uranium in Virginia. Most Virginian people do not want this to happen. Please help us let state leaders know. Will you buy Virginia foods or come to visit a beach laden with radioactivity? Leave the Uranium alone!

Just days ago, Representative Phil Gingrey (R-GA), an OB/GYN, defended the false and disgusting "legitimate rape" remarks made by his former colleague, Todd Akin. Because he is not only a Congressman, but also an OB/GYN, Phil Gingrey must resign from his seat because of his disgraceful, false, and offensive remarks. For audio of his remarks, please visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=0zbu5U74XeA

Student loans held by veterans should be forgiven

We need to urge our state Governor, President Barack Obama, and the head of the NRA to facilitate a ban on military type weapons and ammunition.This is the concern of a group of seniors from Manchester Center, VT. The safety of our citizens, especially children, depends on it.

The mass shootings that have taken place this past year have shown that gun laws don't work and simply aren't the answer to solving this countries problem with mass shooters. Proper mental health care, available to everyone would do more to identify and care for people who need it.

Now that the NRA and these gun (nuts) advocates have tried to get Piers Morgan deported, for his sensible stand on gun control! Your stand and your coverage of these mass shootings has been excellent! Having Mark Kelly and Gabby Gifford on has been wonderful at informing the public!! Thank you Piers and CNN !