an attempt to create an atmosphere of working together for the good of the people not the party.

When teens get the required 8.5 to 9 hours of sleep: • School attendance goes up, • Tardiness decreases, • They sleep less in class, • They get in fewer traffic accidents, • Visit nurses and counselors less often, and, • Report less depression and irritability. Starting school before 8:15 AM, without a doubt, undermines optimal academic achievement.

With so many of us facing seemingly insurmountable student loan debt, something needs to be done. Students, both current and recently graduated are the future of this economy. It is well within reason to believe that we could provide the boost to the economy that is currently needed. However, many of us need help. I have more then $120K in student debt and for the last 3 years have made an average of $11 p/h. Quite often I am faced with making less in one month then what is owed on a monthly basis for my student loans, mostly private loans that I was made to feel I needed and were not properly explained to me. A solution to this is for the government to buy the private loans the way banks buy loans from other banks. From here place them into the same category as government student loans so that they may become eligible for income based repayment. At this point take all loans that are in/near default and give them forbearance to bring them current. This will allow everyone who is eligible to apply for IBR options and significantly reduce individual monthly expenses while still keeping everyone liable for the loans they used. Now we have the potential for more of our income to help with economic growth, and still be able to pay rent, utilities and our loans. All we need is the support of our government.

UPDATE: We are heartbroken to inform suporters of Bill and Lou that Green Mountain College has issued a letter stating that they have "euthanized" Lou, who, as many of you are aware, had sustained an injury to his leg. Please know that this petition will continue in support of Bill, the remaining ox who is still at Green Mountain College (GMC). GMC President Fonteyn's letter included the following: "Bill will not be sent to a sanctuary but will stay on Cerridwen Farm and will be cared for in a manner that follows sustainable, humane livestock practices, as is the case with all of our animals." Given all that has taken place up to now, we find this position neither encouraging nor acceptable. We believe that the most compassionate and appropriate outcome for Bill will be retirement to one of the sanctuaries that is eager to accept and care for him. We have genuine concerns about having him remain at GMC with those who have clearly indicated that providing for his ongoing care on a longterm basis is inconsistent with their ideology and "philosophy." Supporters of Bill and Lou are planning a demonstration for November 18. Please visit their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/events/410758268995319/ Thank you for your continuing activism and advocacy for Bill. He needs your help. (Following is the text of the original "Background" information for this petition) Despite the global outpouring of support for two oxen who have devoted their lives to the service of Green Mountain College in Vermont, the college has persisted in its decision to slaughter the animals rather than permit them the dignity of retirement. The school, a sustainable agriculture college, has tried to justify its decision with references to 'sustainability' and participation in the 'local food community.' But people around the world, as evidenced by thousands of petition signatures in protest, have perceived this decision as inappropriate and unjustifiable utilitarian disregard for the dignity of sentient animals. Traditional farming practices have permitted the dignity of retirement to working farm animals who have provided a lifetime of service, and this should be the outcome for Bill and Lou. They should be permitted to retire at one of the animal sanctuaries that have offered to take them and provide for their lifetime care, at no cost to the college. Urge President Obama to issue an emergency pre-Thanksgiving pardon to spare the lives of these wonderful animals.

I hate daylight savings time! I hate springing ahead each spring and then falling back 8 months later. It is time to end of practice of messing with our internal clocks.

In light of Hurricane Sandy's destruction and ongoing climate change, local and state businesses must publicly provide a list of all their environmental practices to the citizens in those municipalities in which they do business.

Our intentions are to strongly encourage the White House to address an issue that seems to be reaching epidemic proportions. Having to constantly read stories and watch videos concerning Police Brutality and general reckless behavior on behalf of some OFCs, is disheartening, to say the least. What concerns me more, is that the OFCs in question, never truly are held responsible for their actions. A 3-day unpaid suspension is not a punishment when a 10 year-old boy is tased by a reckless OFC. All govt. officials seem unwilling to address this serious problem that has such a negative. effect on many communities. Baron Pikes, Kenneth Chamberlain Sr., Robert Leone, Victor Steen, are just a few stories that represent horrific crimes committed by OFCs, whose actions went unpunished. Please help.

Much of Long Island has been without power for more than a week after Hurricane Sandy

Here's some news for all politicians, local, state, and national -- and for their fundraising committees: YES, their phone efforts are influencing my vote! I WILL NOT VOTE for political parties and politicians who call, robocall, or telemarket to me and my family. I have two family members in other states who are ill and elderly, who count on being able to reach me immediately in emergencies or leave me messages with the things they need daily. THREE times in the past two days, my voicemail has been filled with political flotsam, and my family have not been able to leave me messages. In this week in particular, following Hurricane Sandy - HOW can these politicians be allowed to continue their "telemarketing exemption" when so many citizens need their phones to stay in touch with each other for personal safety and personal peace of mind? STOP THE CALLS. STOP THE ROBOCALLS. STOP THE POLITICAL TELEMARKETING. It's unnecessary HARRASSMENT.

Congress should have the same Social Security and Health Care that regular citizens have.

Stop using tax dollars for animal testing in schools and various laboratories. Stop the torture of farm animals who suffer in pens, are beaten and live miserable lives until brutally slaughtered.

TRIO is a program that serves undergrade DePaul University students with academic support and mentoring to first generation students, low income students, and/or disabled students. There is a constant demand for money to address the growing need of Trio students yet funding is being cut. If TRIO had more funding it would be able to branch out and help more students.