In 2003, I filed for divorce. I wanted it to be amicable but little did I know there is an industry out there that makes millions of dollars from the misery of others. What happened next set off a chain of events that included fraud, back door dealings, and sometimes direct violations of law and constitutional rights by court officers. In the end I went over 7 1/2 years without seeing my son. I have met other men, women, grandparents who also lost relationships with their children. There are millions of noncustodial parents who have lost the relationships with their children due to corrupt and biased court officials and social agencies intent on keeping your case a part of the system to ensure future income for their industry. Research shows this is major factor in most of the social ills in society today (behavioral problems, drugs, teenage pregnancy, teenage suicide, dropouts, etc.).

All Americans (and other countries as well) have been affected by this ruling that has lead to corruption of our Constitution and our Bill of Rights. Look around and see how this has affected every aspect of our lives.

Our U.S. representatives have neglected the oath of their office by secretly signing pledges to special interest groups. These pledges secure financial and other forms of support for elected officials in exchange for unwavering commitment to special interest positions. Examples of these pledges include Grover Norquist's pledge never to raise taxes and the National Rifle Association's "questionnaire" that opposes legislation banning the manufacture, sale or transfer of commonly-owned semi-automatic firearms or ammunition magazines capable of holding more than 10 rounds. What "We the People" experience as a result of these pledges is the paralysis of the current Congress and White House in effectively serving the citizens of this country, and having our lives, liberty and pursuit of happiness held hostage by politicians hogtied to special interests.

I am tired of the partisan politics plaguing Washington D.C. Our government (GOP House/Dem Senate) is too polarized to enact any significant legislation to jump start our economy. Fiscal cliff and debt ceiling negotiations have little impact towards our desire for JOBS!

Colorado is going the wrong way, getting set to triple the number of oil and gas fracking wells in Colorado, while the evidence of serious harm mounts up all around us. "What the Frack?! Araphoe", concerned citizens group, is urging Colorado legislators to put public health and safety first, by enacting a state-wide moratorium on new drilling, so risks can be objectively assessed.

Revamping the current broken system. The aforementioned should have term limits and live under the same legislatrion they vote or put into law for the american citizens. It's time to send a message and take America back. They are elected officials and work for us, not the other way around. They should be under social security and health care as the rest of us.

I have been billed to pay a copay for a preventive care procedure. According to my insurance contract, all preventive care is 100% covered. Had I not checked my medical bills, I would have paid on a bill that did not warrant a copay. Because it has happened to me on numerous occasion I believe this is a common practice for some major hospitals.. I think of others who might not be aware of their medical insurance contract, such as the elderly or others who might be ignorant of all of their medical benefits...

I've been inspired by the town of Concord, MA, which just banned plastic single use water bottles less than 34 ounces. We need to do the same here in LA.

Seeing how Congress can not work together to do what is best for Americans. Their loyalty is to their Party, Lobbyist and Super Pacs not the voters.

"Request President Obama appoint a Special Investigator to determine if the NRA has legal liability for wrongful deaths, due to unregulated mass proliferation of weaponry and active deterrence of legislation for reasonable control of the gun industry. "

Patchogue is a safe walking village, with crosswalks at all the proper locations. But ever since the new Tritec construction site went up, there is no longer a safe way to cross from the east side of South Ocean Avenue (Del Fiore's Deli) to the start of Lake Street (at Reese's Pub). My wife and I have tried this in the early evening with our baby in a stroller, and I literally had to stop traffic to let them cross safely.

Get Well Soon! Hilary R. Clinton has shown extraordinary selflessness, tenacity and commitment in the last 4 years as secretary of state and in doing so modeled for all of us what teamwork and patriotism looks like. Ann Sheehan Lipton St Louis, Mo.