As a Program Action Committee member for a local university for the past decade, I understand the value of education, and how it affects the lives of those who receive it, as well as others who benefit from increased knowledge of given subjects. With so many global environmental challenges as evidenced by recent, dramatic climate changes, along with those that come from new exploration, it is necessary that the scientists and technical experts on whom we rely for advice and solutions to problems as they arise are trained and informed at the highest level. If we truly are the greatest nation on Earth, we need to demonstrate our leadership to the world by establishing minimum standards of education and training in science, space and technology. I urge Congress to pass a law requiring literacy testing to ensure these experts will help our nation to craft policy that not only addresses these challenges, but helps to solve them for future generations.

During his first presidency President Obama was stonewalled by the House GOP majority. Getting his agenda fulfilled was stopped by record filibusters, spreading of misinformation, and loyalty to someone who was not elected by the American people (Grover Norquist). Congress has the lowest approval rate ever. America's credit rating dropped because of the actions of the GOP. We are asking you to work with the President. If you actually have to cut spending cut your salaries and only get paid for the days Congress is in session and only pay those who are in attendance.

Republicans use holds and filibusters to stop legislation and nominations. Practically only at the start of a new session can a simple majority of senators vote to change senate rules. That time is coming in January -- we need to let senators know we want these delaying techniques changed or eliminated.

My state of Hawai'i has been a leader in promoting photovoltaic solar technology for residences and businesses. However, there is a lobbying effort to discontinue state tax rebates and credits. Please sign this petition for a greener planet and to reduce America's dependence on foreign oil imports.

Senator Mitch McConnell is not willing to do his job and should resign from the US Senate.

Congress impose scientific literacy requirements for members serving on the Congressional Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.

Religious organizations that take it upon themselves to endorse a political candidate should lose their tax exemption. When they endorse a candidate, they become in effect a tax-exempt PAC.

This petition is to require that half of all donations to political parties or PACs go toward the Social Security and Medicare pools.

My Social Security monthly retirement benefit is being reduced because I worked a civil service job not covered by Social Security. I also worked jobs intermittently for almost 45 years wherein I paid into social security. I am being penalized and losing part of my social security because I had a civl service job. After the provision was passed, the government still collected the full amount even though they knew I could not receive my full social security benefit.

As we have seen in the 2012 election, Democracy is: 1.Threatened by those with power and wealth, who can buy votes through advertising; 2. Often unrepresentative, since it only reflects the agenda of those sufficiently motivated to actually vote; and 3. Weakened by the almost immediate need to consider re-election, distracting the president and forcing the government to embrace short term and often ineffective solutions to complex problems.

Recently, I joined the unemployed workforce like millions of Americans. It is hard emotionally and financially to be out of a job. Healthcare Reform, though improving, still seems years away from true reform.Our national budget needs balancing. Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security, which many senior citizens and the poor depend on, is in danger. Our climate has been effected by mass pollution. These are many more issues that need addressing. Yet, we have a Congress that seems uncommitted to working together. We, as Americans, have the opportunity to change that and insist on cooperation, commitment, and compromise. We need to join together, in a bi-partisan stronghold, and send a message to Congress that we "are one nation, under God." No longer will their lack of cooperation, which is hindering the country from moving forward, be tolerated. We, the people, aren't taking it anymore! This is a new day and we are insisting on high expectations from our Congressional members in regards to the above issues.

Due to the complete lack of Congress to act in a reasonable, rational manner, holding the people they represent hostage to their machinations, our country is facing a serious and potentially devastating crisis.