In Bankruptcy, all debts are forgiven, for individuals and corporations, if one meets the criteria. Not student loans however. This is recent, as congress passed punitive legislation in the 1990's. Prior to this, student loans were forgiven during bankruptcy. Particularly in this unforgiving hiring climate, students have a lifelong debt to repay, regardless of life conditions.

If you are truly a lover of this wonderful country, then listen to the desperate voices of its people asking for jobs, for reparing bridges and roads, for teachers and policemen on the streets...Pass the Job Act

Help save the United States Post Office by urging Congress to eliminate a $5.5 billion pre-funding requirement. The pre-funding requirement is an unnecessary burden on the Postal Service. The Postal Service has met its obligation and has over funded retiree's health benefits by $75 billion.

We all should be concerned about the way the court system is handling foreclosures in Hawaii. Before being appointed to the court, most of these judges at one time or another acted as attorneys representing these banks, or they may have financial interests in the banks who are pursuing foreclosures. There are records of judges allowing the banks to use fraudulent assignments and no general ledgers to prove debt or chain of ownership of home titles. Defendants are also not being given their constitutional right to a trial by jury. This is unlawful, and it is time to investigate these practices.

Recently, the governor of the state of Florida signed into law, a program to address the drug problem in Florida, by requiring Floridians, on public assistance, to submit to mandatory drug testing, to remain eligible for benefits. This Constitutional amendment would require all state of Florida public officials, who hold, or are seeking/or to be appointed to a state or public office or cabinet position, to submit to the same mandatory random drug testing program in order to remain eligible for access to state benefits as well, includiing their employment.

Tonight while watching tv, I saw a political ad put out by Rob McKenna (see it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7V7B23Ka710) - which perpetuated damaging racial stereotypes. While talking about unemployment, he showed photos of black people. while talking about opening small businesses, he showed an Asian man. while talking about education, he showed ONLY white children. This is sending the message that race based stereotypes are not only ok, but that Rob McKenna would purposely choose to reinforce these if he is chosen as governor for WA state. I find this offensive, and I think that McKenna should apologize for perpetuating this behavior.

Our politicians are currently sold to the highest bidder and lobbiest are the ones who create the laws to benefit their paymasters, it is legal bribery and extortion. We, as a country need to overturn the Citizens United ruling and make all elections publicly funded with equal dollars given to each candidate who wishes to run in a specific catagory. It is not a real democracy when the wealthy corporations and individuals are the ones who decide who will be able to run and who will win by use of unlimited campaign dollars.

The Texas Legislature and Governor Rick Perry want to eliminate Planned Parenthood from the Women's Health program in the state of Texas. Thousands of Texas women rely on Planned Parenthood for breast exams, pap smears and other preventative care as well as birth control and prenatal care.

.Decrimianlize Cannabis

Stopping ballot fraud, and mistakes by creating a secure website that can be accessed by individuals privately and conveniently in order that we can confirm that our votes were counted and recorded accurately. By using numbered ballots we can enter the number to confirm receipt and to check candidates are correctly entered. This will stop fraud and errors from affecting outcomes.

It is time for the federal Reserve to have the sunshine on its operations.The house passed a bill o audit. It was killed by Harry Reid in the Senate. That is not right.

After becoming an ordained minister in 2000, I accepted a full-time position for a church in San Diego. At that time, my clergy tax advisor suggested that I opt out of paying Social Security. I was told that this was the ethical & typical thing to do as clergy. What I was not advised was that this choice would be irrevocable except by a literal act of Congress. I didn't learn this till years later when I was hired by a different church. I want to be able to resume payroll deductions and become eligible for Social Security when the time comes. I want this petition to also support other ministers who may have also made this erroneous choice.