The current benefits that congress enjoys at taxpayers expense should be opened to scrutiny and a 20% reduction in pay as well as an increase in medical copays and deductibles. these co-pays and deductibles should be aligned with what coverage average workers recieve and should be implemented immediately until a reasonable bill can be put to the voters.

The human rights of all women are being violated in the state of Virginia. Women are being discriminated against with the new bill passed requiring transvaginal ultra sound prior to seeking an abortion

Darmouth College has released a study that shows there is a high content of arsenic in baby formula, cereal bars, and energy shots. This is even more significant due to the fact that the FDA doesn't regulate food products as they do water. This is one of many areas that is unregulated that clearly parallels other regulation.

Governer Brewer is poised to sign legislation allowing an unlawful militia connected with hate groups to receive over 1 million dollars in taxpayer money. She has given tax breaks to corporations, and decimated Arizona's healthcare and education systems.

On Wednesday February 15, Assembly Bill A05449A will be introduced in the NY state Ag Committee. Sponsored by Assembly Member Amy Paulin, this quick kill bill would allow New York State shelters to kill animals immediately if shelter staff determines that the animals are in “psychological pain”. There is no definition of what constitutes psychological pain. It is completely subjective. There are no standards to how it will be applied. There will be no holding period for scared or feral cats, shy dogs, and traumatized animals. This bill grants shelters the legal authority to kill animals they determine to not be happy, friendly, and outgoing immediately upon intake. They could be killed within a minute of arrival. For the first time anywhere in the United States, shelters will be allowed to kill animals with no holding period of any kind based on the animals’ perceived state of mind. For the full story, click here: http://m.examiner.com/animal-advocacy-in-birmingham/proposed-new-york-law-may-endanger-local-companion-animals

On Tuesday, 2/21, at the Las Cruces City Council Meeting, Parks and Rec will be asking the Council to pass a new rule that would basically make it impossible for us or anyone else to "occupy" a public space. The rule says that any "camping" has to be in conjunction with an event and is limited to 7 days. Though I haven't been able to find out what the fee for this would be, I think we can reasonably assume that it will be much more than the $20-$25 per day we were paying for permits. This would effectively price us (and most citizens) out of carrying on an "occupation" protest.

Republican controlled state and local legislatures, and the US Congress, have attempted to limit access to birth control for women and carry out anti-choice religious discrimination of women through government legislation. We're calling on Americans to stand up and ask for investigations into breaches of their oath of office to protect the constitution, and for investigations into breaches of the tax exempt codes for churches delving into the political arena.

Conservative Christian legislators and their base are trying to change our country, its laws and a person's rights, based on their religious views. The first amendment of the constitution prohibits (among other things) "the making of any law respecting an establishment of religion." This is to prevent a "national religion" or laws that show preference to any one religion. Religious freedom in America gives you the right to believe whatever you want. It does not give you the right to deny people basic CIVIL rights (like marriage, access to contraception, abortion, etc) because you believe its a sin. People who don't share those beliefs are being subjected to rules of a religion they don't even follow! And for some reason, we aren't rising up against it! We, as Americans, need to take a stand and insist that our rights be protected from those who would force their beliefs on us! Wake up, America! Protect the First Amendment's Separation of Church and State! Tell legislators and President Obama that you are tired of your rights being threatened by conservative Christians using politics to push their religious agenda!

Cardinal Dolan demands that Catholic employers should not have to cover birth control in health care coverage they provide. The issue was settled for Catholics in June of 1967(1). It is not a moral concern for them. But, he and the Catholic Bishops of America neglect that their documents call for universal health care coverage. Where is their demand for that? (1) Tension, Morality, and Birth Control [Journal] / auth. Peter Chirico S.S. // Theological Studies. - [s.l.] : Theological Studies, Inc. (Georgetown University), June 1967. - No. 2 : Vol. 28. - pp. 258-285.

Ethanol added to gas has not lead to a cleaner future, instead it has lead to a higher profit for oil companies. When the EPA forced gas companies to add ethanol, the gas you purchase has reduced your MPG. The EPA's theory that adding ethanol will reduce driving by 10% due to higher prices has not worked. Instead, it has lead to record profits for oil companies because people drive the same distance as before, it just costs 10% more.

We would like for people to help us by signing our petition to help people convince that we should all switch to electric cars. Electric cars have a positive outcome for the environment and the buyer. for the environment it reduces green house gasses, air pollution, and the dependence of foreign oil. It is a great outcome for the buyer because it saves you money on gas and help you keep money in your pocket. Please take 30 seconds to sighn our petition and help our cause.

Plastic is everywhere and globally we use more than 260 million tons of plastic each year. 60 to 80% of total marine debris is plastic. The plastic goes into our oceans and animals like fish and turtles eat the plastic. They then unfortunately die because it is not biodegradable. Plastics don't only hurt the sea animals, but they hurt our environment.