Since the mid 1980s, Republican leaders and politicians at every level of government have signed a pledge organized by lobbyist Grover Norquist to refuse to raise taxes under any circumstances. This pledge gives an unelected lobbyist unprecedented power over the GOP. There is a reason Republicans only want to cut spending, but won't consider revenue increases to reduce the deficit, pay for programs that help the needy, or make our environment safer. The reason is that Norquist will fund primary candidates against any Republican who votes to raise taxes. Yet the American people re-elected President Obama and Democrats who consider tax revenue part of solving our budget deficit and our economic problems. We must end the hold Norquist has over the GOP so that every option, including tax increases, is on the table when discussing solutions to America's economic woes and the federal budget.

This petition is being started to try to increase government productivity on Capitol Hill by holding the 535 members of Congress accountable to the same laws that they create for the rest of us.

Right now Obama and the Republicans are negotiating about how much to punish the poor and middle class and how little to tax the rich. Whatever compromise they come to will have significant negative consequences for most of us. We must do this immediately.

The people of 77 the 83 counties in Michigan voted successfully to repeal Michigan’s Emergency Manager Law. Governor Rick Snyder and the extremist-controlled Michigan legislature are now attempting to circumvent the will of the people by passing new legislation that is every bit as unconstitutional, anti-democratic, and vile as the law the people have just rejected. The proposed bill, HB 6004 “Educational Achievement Authority," violates our State Constitution and will substitute unelected bureaucrats with dictatorial powers for local, duly elected representatives of the people. Tell Governor Snyder and the Michigan Legislature to vote no on any legislation that attempts to circumvent the will of citizens who voted to repeal PA 4, the Emergency Manager Law.

The American people were appalled and outraged over the amount of time and money spent during the 2012 presidential election. The billions of dollars could be put to much better use somewhere, somehow in these United States.

Please stop killing the innocent Palestinian children. This is genocide... a massacre. How can a people who were oppressed be so cruel. Please STOP KILLING THE CHILDREN.

Two states have currently legalized marijuana, but the federal government is still cracking down on users (especially on california dispensaries). Legalizing marijuana is a state issue, and the federal government should leave it to the states to decide their own marijuana laws.

Illinois is the only state that does not allow people to carry concealed weapons. The NRA and other gun-industry groups are lobbying the Illinois legislature to pass a concealed carry bill. Concealed carry would bring more guns into public places and make it much more difficult for police to get guns off the streets. Sign the petition and tell the Illinois legislature that we do not want concealed carry in Illinois.

From his brilliantly eloquent and rousing speech at the Democratic National Convention (arithmetic!), to his tireless and enthusiastic campaigning across the nation, Democrats everywhere owe President Bill Clinton a very big "Thank you!"

People should be concerned about the obstructive behavior of the House, in particular, the Republican party. They have not legislated anything for four years and it has to stop. We are what is important, the voters. I personally do not appreciate our tax monies funding obstruction for inappropriate agendas.

There is no extra money that can be cut from Social Security and Medicaid. People forced to use these benefits already live at the bare minimum. The cost of living keeps rising and so does that of health care. My sister spends every month choosing between medical care and food. Most of the time, she doesn't have enough for either. We need Harry Reid to stand up for those in need rather than kick them while they are down.

We must be FAIR to everyone alike: TAX ALL INCOME whether it is earned or won. We need not pick on the rich--right now they don't pay taxes on their capital gains! Anyone who lives on unearned income is getting away with stealing from the rest of us. Close this loophole! Income is income. Period!