Key GOP-controlled states such as Wisconsin, Ohio, Florida, and Ohio are using questionable methods of preventing probable democrat voters--young people, old people, minorities--from voting. This is un-Amarican and the press is not on top of it. Why not? They should be.

The Homeless Advocacy Project, a Philadelphia-based non-profit, runs a nationally acclaimed program to help obtain federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for disabled and/or mentally ill homeless people. The Corbett administration just slashed state funding to this program by $722,000, ostensibly to "redirect" funds to other Department of Public Welfare programs. Cutting a well-run program that brings in federal funds to help the homeless stay off the streets makes no sense...Philadelphia residents (but also others in the state) will end up paying more in crime, incarcerations, and hospitalizations, to say nothing of the human costs. See Philadelphia Inquirer article 8/24/12 for more information

Zoo World is an extremely small "zoo" located in the tourist destination of Panama City Beach. The "zoo" is much too small for large animals, the enclosures are extremely small, and the animals look miserable, depressed and bored. Recently I pushed for the giraffe, Sydney, to have a larger enclosure. I discussed the issue with numerous people at Zoo World. One of which was the project manager and designer of the enclosures, he laughed stating "Animals do not need to move!! They move only for food and sex. Do you think they would run if they didn't have to?" They expanded the poor giraffe's enclosure by 600 square feet. The giraffe died recently and now Zoo World is raising money from the public to purchase TWO baby giraffes. This needs to stop. Zoo World is too small and doesn't have enough funds to offer this herd animal a good environment. Animals DO need exercise to stay healthy, both physically and mentally. Join us on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Zoo-World-is-Too-Small-for-Another-Lonely-Giraffe/407840125944961?ref=hl

Preventing gun injuries and deaths is a public health issue. We have enacted food safety, traffic safety, seat belt and helmet rules, and yet we do nothing to prevent the 82 daily deaths from gunshot wounds. I don't have any personal experience of gun violence but I could, at any time. We do our best to protect people from bad drugs to choking hazards, but we allow them to buy and use guns which are designed to do one thing--kill people.

The president of the US. Conference of Catholic Bishops and Archbishop of New York, Cardinal Timothy Dolan, has just agreed to offer the benediction on the night Mitt Romney accepts his party's presidential nomination. Cardinal Dolan says he's going to the convention to pray, not to campaign, but that's not how it'll look to reporters and voters who've heard him and other bishops repeatedly criticize President Obama's policies. However, there is still a way for Cardinal Dolan to demonstrate clearly that he's not endorsing the Romney-Ryan ticket: By using his benediction to pray for the millions of vulnerable Americans who'd be harmed by Paul Ryan's draconian budget plan. The bishops have already condemned the Ryan budget as inconsistent with Catholic teaching because of its "unacceptable cuts" to "essential programs that serve poor and vulnerable people." A prayer for those threatened by these cuts would be perfectly in line with the bishops' stated position and would send a powerful message that the Roman Catholic Church will never be captive to either political party. But to get the attention of Cardinal Dolan and the media before the convention begins next week, we've got to act right away. Sign the petition: Cardinal Dolan, use your benediction at the GOP convention to pray for the least of these who'd be hurt by the Ryan budget.

This bill is skewed towards the wealthy white male. It impedes on the judges ability to use his discretion in deciding the awards of alimony on a case by case basis. Because of this bill obligors (payers) are whafting into courtrooms all over the state after whittling their incomes down to nothing and demanding their alimony be eliminated. This is clogging up the courts and devistating single parent families. If this bill is knocked off of its high horse families will benifit and children will be more secure.

Congressional Office Term Limitation

An Elected official should be setting the best possible example at all times. Delegate Don Dwyer, an Anne Arundel County Delegate said that he regrets his actions, adding that no one should ever drink and operate a motor vehicle or powerboat. This is what he has admitted to; having a blood alcohol content of .2. That is more than 2 times the legal limit. Is this someone we want our children to emulate? Del. Don Dwyer needs to resign!

Many aspiring students from the last decades were saddled with heavy student loan debt loads with high interest rates. Some continue to try to pay off loans incurred as early as the Reagan years when interest rates on some loans were as high as the double-digits and continue to pay interest on capitalized interest on those early loans.They are still trying to pay off their debt, even as they approach or enter into retirement. They deserve the same 3% rate that current new borrowers receive.

there need to be a nationwide recycle program, that will clean up our nation and provide jobs. This type of recycling program will use small to large companies and provide 3.5 million jobs

Discrimination against the poor and homeless is rampant. Infringement of basic civil liberties is a given with current laws. (Vagrancy, loitering etc.) I have been homeless on and off for a few years and I know that Americans can be quite cruel to those who don't fit the capitalist's bill. Bias laws promote bias thinking therefore, I propose that all vagrancy laws be repealed. I also propose that public places provide shelter without bias instead of no loitering and no camping signs.

There are many people affected by the ever growing mental health crisis in this country. Many families have a family member/or know someone who is undergoing a crisis situation as a resut of the mental health dilemma. We need change in legislation and more programs to assist sufferers and their families. Education in schools, work settings, and hospitals are preliminary to dessiminate the "stigma" presented with this issue. "When one is afflicted, we are all affected!" Let's stand together and raise our voices to our Congress on this matter!