Cities across the country where private corporations have assumed ownership or management of public systems have struggled with: Egregious rate hikes Water quality issues Environmental abuses Labor disputes and layoffs Neglected and underfunded infrastructure Loss of local control over an essential public service

Walmart,Best Buy, and Target are all major retailers that pay a poverty level wage. Consequently, we the American taxpayer, are required to subsidize the workers of these highly profitable corporations with food stamps,unemployment benefits, and health care such as Medicaid. It's time to end the entitlement subsidies to these corporations by having them pay a living wage. It's time to raise the minimum wage to at least $10/hr.

Seniors living on fixed incomes are already financially stretched, unable to afford rising rent, food and healthcare costs. Many of the participants at Mosholu Montefiore Senior Center in the Bronx go without their medication or treatment to avoid co-payments. At the end of the month they rely on our lunch program as their sole source of food. They cannot exist on less; they are already subsisting at the current rates.

We the people really want to hear the truth and not a lot of negativism in political ads during campaign time. If we hear ONLY the truth and the real positions of the candidates then we will have something to really base our choices on

Recently I was booked on a Carnival Cruise Line trip through AlandChuck.com. 5 days before the trip ONLY the members that booked the cruise through AlandChuck.com received the below message. This trip, arranged by AlandChuck.com, was called "Drag Stars at Sea - 2012 Caribbean Adventure," and until 24 hours ago there was no mention of NO Costumes allowed. Additionally, calling out only customers that booked through a gay agency to "refrain from engaging in inappropriate conduct in public areas." seems very directed at one select population. CARNIVAL GLORY DECEMBER 2, 2012 November 26, 2012 Greetings Fun Seekers! We know you are looking forward to your cruise next month. We're certainly looking forward to welcoming you and your group aboard the beautiful Carnival Glory. There are lots of special activities planned for your group so we are confident you are going to have a great cruise. However, in order to ensure a fun and memorable time for everyone, we want to take a few moments to make you aware of certain policies and conduct expectations so as to avoid any potential disappointment during your cruise. Carnival attracts a number of families with children and for this reason; we strive to present a family friendly atmosphere. It is important to us that all guests are comfortable with every aspect of the cruise. Although we realize this group consists solely of adults, we nonetheless expect all guests to recognize that minors are onboard and, refrain from engaging in inappropriate conduct in public areas. Arrangements have been made for drag performances in the main theater featuring stars from LOGO TV. These functions will be private and only the performers are permitted to dress in drag while in the theater. Guests are not allowed to dress in drag for the performances or in public areas at any time during the cruise. We're sorry to say that any guest who violates our policies and/or whose behavior affects the comfort and enjoyment of other guests, will be disembarked at their own expense and no refund will be given. Thank you for your cooperation. Now that we've taken care of business...let the FUN begin! See you soon! Sincerely, Vicky Rey, CTC Vice President - Guest Services Please do not reply to this email as it is not monitored.

I am a small business owner trying to survive in this economy. I want Congress to start working for me instead of billionaires

Top military brass enjoy outlandish free services, entertainment, travel and other perks. No Secretary of Defense has proven powerful enough to cut them, including the officers' clubs. Unlike social and entitlement cuts, there is little recessionary impact from eliminating them.

Election reform is vitally important. It affects all of us even if we haven't had a problem in our own state. It effects the outcome of federal elections as well as State elections.

If a person had 4 DUI's as a young adult has their DL revOked for life. Resulting in no deaths or injjuries. Need to change the law that after 20 years should be reevaluted to get a regular liscense reinstated. with no restrictions. To help them get to work and live a normal life. I feel people can murder people , Rob or domestic violence have more rights than a person with DUI's is never forgivin. People can change and deserve a new start after time.

Election reform. It affects all of us even if we haven't had a problem in our own state. It effects the outcome of elections.

Viable candidates for congress

The drone attacks in Pakistan are eerily reminiscent of the London blitz.