Large numbers of members of Congress, mostly Republicans but not exclusively so, take an oath to Grover Norquist and his Americans for Tax Reform that conflicts with a major part of the array of tools that are necessary to be considered in the governance of our country. While it is perfectly proper to be against increasing taxes, it is another thing to completely eliminate that alternative by a sworn oath to a private organization when representing the American people in attempting to solve our country's problems.

HAVE A SCHOOL LOAN THAT I CANT NOT MAKE THE PAYMENTS DUE TO INTEREST RATE AND COST OF CLASSES- ALSO MY JOB DOES NOT PAY ME ENOUGH TO MAKE THE PAYMENTS AND LIVE

Students who have finished college and are in the job market obtained their degrees with the belief that they would obtain secure employment. Most of these people are drowning in debt and have NOT been able to get the employment that was their goal. Let's help the underemployed and unemployed with student loan forgiveness.

Richard Branson called CO2 "the greatest threat...to our planet." But his Virgin Atlantic Airways is trying stop his international jet passengers having to pay for their CO2 emissions. One day he wants to save the climate, the next day he's fighting for the right to pollute at will. Tell him to pick a side on the climate.

Regarding the much debated issue of school choice, it's the children who should have a say in such choices. When the said choice is whether or not a child is to be sent to a private charter school, the charter school in question should offer all of the choices that the public school alternative would offer. Also, considering that chidren gain appreciation of various peers, they should not be denied the opportunity to make educational choices based on their appreciation of their peers. To allow the child to make his or her own choices is not to live his or her life for him or her.

The right to bear arms in the Bill of Rights is guaranteed in order to maintain a"WELL-REGULATED MILITIA". That this country has allowed the widespread ownership of guns without ensuring a "well-regulated militia" has caused gun violence to proliferate beyond any sensible justification. We the people must start a new conversation regarding the abuse of the second amendment of the Bill of Rights of the U.S. Constitution.

In the history of our country, it has been clear and brightly obvious, that there is work to be done to improve the quality of every individual's life, and that few in power are willing to do anything about it. It is clear, that OUR financial issues are regarded as trivial by those responsible for the fair distribution of power and leeway to the population. It seems, that they just don't care because it's not their problem. yet. The time to get in, is now. Together we can collect the voices of all of our situations, and we can send right to their doorstep, louder and harder to ignore every time we try. Because we have been duped, America. And it's time to take back the lives that have been STOLEN from us. This petition is aimed at forcing a fair redistribution of our nation's property, wealth and resources to those who actually NEED it. Rather than squandering those perks and bonuses on corporations and criminals that already have more than enough money, and more than enough power.

Congressional politicians "earn"-and that's written with extreme sarcasm, six figure salaries. In addition they have the gold standard of health plans paid by the public's taxes. Why? With the salaries they get, why can't they pay for their own health plans-especially in light of the fact that many folks have no health insurance

More than ever now, we need a solution to the Welfare Reform (child support) issues, which would provide relief for California's economy and welfare system. If we hold people accountable, the welfare system could truely be used for what it was intended for: emergencies, the homeless, jobless, widows, counseling, ect. Many tax payers would appreciate a solution and it would benefit us all in the long run.

At this time our County needs over 50,000 doctors, computer engineers, and dye makers, we should not burden any 18 year old with debt. In our national interest, our government should grant full scholarships including a stipend income for any student who would practice in any of the aforementioned fields which would support an addition 40 US workers which equates to two million jobs.

Since the average American has taken cuts in pay and work benefits, Congressional members of Congress who have served more than one term should bear some portion of the pain felt by the average American. A 30% cut in their pay would free up federal dollars and help lower the deficit until the country can stabilize itself. For a period of 30 months- 30% of Congressional pay should witheld until each member realizes that their pay is a burden on the average American's taxpayer.

My partner and I just filed for Domestic Partnership. The filing fee for male/female couples is $10.00. The fee for same sex couples is $33.00! Here is their reason: "The additional $23.00 fee will be used to develop and support a training curriculum specific to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender domestic abuse support service providers who serve that community in regard to domestic violence, and to provide brochures specific to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender domestic abuse. Brochures developed by the State Department of Public Health will be available upon request from the Secretary of State, as funding allows". Where is this training curriculum? I asked my daughter, who is a lesbian, if she had ever seen any. Of course her answer was no. As these brochures are only available upon request, I think that the additional $23.00 should only apply if you request brochures. As far as I'm concerned, this addtional fee is prejudicial and should be removed. Thank you for signing!