The granting of federal tax exempt status of religious groups and the federal charitable tax deduction for contributions to religious groups based solely on their status as religious groups represents inappropriate federal government support for the maintenance of religious influence. Religious groups receive tax-exempt status, and donors to such groups thereby receive the benefit of a federal tax deduction for their contributions to such groups, simply because those groups believe in and worship a particular deity. There is nothing inherently charitable in believing in and worshiping a particular deity. Therefore, religious groups, and contributions to such groups, should not receive favorable tax treatment merely on the basis of their religious status. Although religious groups often conduct valuable social work, their favorable tax treatment is necessarily tied to religion, which has no inherent charitable nexus, and represents federal funding of religion. Just as non-religious groups that conduct valuable social work, which may receive favorable tax treatment as charitable organizations, should not be favored over religious groups that conduct such charitable work, religious groups that conduct such work should not be favored over non-religious ones merely because of the religious groups' belief in and worship of a particular deity. The favorable tax treatment should be related to the actual social work that is conducted, not simply to the status of being a religious organization (which organization may or may not utilize their resources for valuable social work).

Due to food allergies & health issues we need better labeling of GMOs, pesticides & herbicides. Consumers have a right to know what they are eating.

Malala Yousufzai, a Pakistani girl was shot by Taliban for advocating girls' education. Many other countries have joined in support of her by petitioning that she receive the Nobel Peace Prize. It is my hope that women in the United States will now join women from other countries in that effort. What better way to show support for our own daughters then by encouraging the nomination of Malala Yousufzai.

Conditions of and @ the Illinois Prisons the need for attention and actions a serious concern for the human that are suffering because of it. I think serious notice and attentions need to be taken. The effect a family member is a resident @ a Illinois prison.

We the undersigned citizens of the United States of America, petition our Congress to repeal the Articles of our United States Constitution, that authorize the Electoral College. We are convinced that we are entitled to and capable of electing our President and Vice-President, with our popular vote. Had we citizens elected our President by the popular vote in 2000, Al Gore/John Edwards would have been our President and Vice-President; and the Iraq War, never would have taken place.

We spend more for defense in the USA than Russia and China combined. This is insane. Defense spending should be on the table right now as negotiations begin.

We are sickened by the deaths of innocent victims at the hands of angry and disturbed individuals. The sale of illegal assault weapons has become a lucrative trade and a national disgrace. Our political leaders have proved that they are too timid to take action. It is up to us!

The requirement to force employees of the city of saint Louis mo. To reside in an unaccredited school system. To retain their employment.

PAC money ruining america

10 out of 10 pets in America want NO-KILL shelters that find them a home if they get lost but they don't have million dollar lobbyists in each statehouse and on Capitol Hill in DC greasing the wheels of democracy for them. If you think BO would be the perfect SPOKESDOG for homeless pets ... sign the PETition but don't stop there. Get everyone you know who has a pet to sign, too! Let's put BO to work making every animal shelter in the country NO-KILL before he leaves The White House. WE CAN DO IT!

Loitering and gang violence in my country, in my state, in my city, on my block and in front of my house

Since the implementation of these tax cuts, small business and job creation dropped by more than half from the Clinton administration to the Bush administration. This is not what America considers to be progress for the greater good of 100% of America. High income earners can avoid paying taxes by way of business tax deductions already in place for starting new businesses, expanding business, investing in job growth, employee training etc. If the wealthy do not wish to reinvest their earnings, let them pay the higher tax rate so that government assistance may be provided to those who do. The current tax cuts offer no incentive for the wealthy to reinvest their earnings in America and must expire. Congress needs to start voting for the greater good of 100% of America, NOT just for the sole benefit of their party or the top 1%.