Single mindedness has replaced compromise, self indulgence has displaced duty. Now more than ever it is time for political leaders to provide leadership that forges progress; incremental changes that promote a more perfect union and stronger United States of Americans.

I know many that would retire if they could buy into Medicare. That would open jobs for younger workers. Medicare must be here for future generations.

My friend recently graduated from college with a degree in Chemical Engineering with an impressive GPA. However, he now works a minimum wage job to pay his bills temporarily during his remaining time in the US before he is forced to leave. This economy is tough on us all but I hate seeing my friend having to be ashamed of the choices his parents made by employers. He like many other STEM (Science, Technology and Engineering Major) students should be judged on their achievements and not their nationality. Tell our government to help these kids stay in the US and grant them legal work status.

Chief Theresa Spence has been on hunger strike since December 10th, 2012 to stand for our Indigenous people to assert Indigenous sovereignty; to put a stop to Bill C-45 and requesting to meet with Prime Minister Stephen Harper. Bill C-45 attacks the land base reserved for Indigenous people not respecting the Treaties. The Treaties are nation to nation agreements between Canada and First Nations who are sovereign nations. The Treaties are agreements that cannot be altered or broken by one side of the two Nations. The spirit and intent of the Treaty agreements meant that First Nations peoples would share the land, but retain their inherent rights to lands and resources. Instead, First Nations have experienced a history of colonization which has resulted in outstanding land claims, lack of resources and unequal funding for services such as education and housing. Chief Theresa Spence said she is willing to die in an attempt to get the federal government and aboriginal leaders to discuss the treaty process and make fundamental changes. I ask you Mr. President to take a stand with us to STOP Canadian Bill C-45 and end Chief Spence hunger strike.

How the electric and gas companies are improperly measuring the usage of such economic commodities per household. Astronomical fees are assisting in the downfall of the middleclass and lower-income families. These industries should be heavily regulated, or they will continue to increase their prices. Currently, there is no control.

We were recently involved in an accident with a federal government employee visiting our state. He was found at fault but we have the financial hardship of paying for everything and waiting for the government to reimburse us which will take months. The government vehicles should be subject to the same procedures that occur between two insured motorist.

Think it's time for fine print on legal documents be outlawed..Everything should be said in bold print and in layman language. So, we know what were really signing. The fine print lets businesses get away with a lot of legalities we don't understand.

Let's reduce our dependency on petroleum based plastic bags in North Carolina. Several large retailers have already started this initiative as well as small ones and we can follow their lead and also push legislation like in California that is attempting to do the same. This measure would reduce landfill waste by thousands of tons every year, save oceanic and other wildlife and increase public awareness about global warming.

Climate change

My petition is to make people aware of the unjust discrimination of a ban on gay men donating blood.

The senseless shooting in Newtown, CT affected every one of us deeply. This is a multilayered issue. Gun control and mental health must be addressed. Encouraging congress to impose increased taxes on guns and put that money to improved health care and early intervention can be a step in the right direction.

The reason we should legalize marijuana. Is FIRST IT CAN BE USED MEDICINALLY ALSO IT WILL BOOST THE ECONOMY ALSO IT WILL CUT DOWN ON THE RAPID PILL OVERDOSE EPIDEMIC WE HAVE IN OUR COMMUNITIES