Many educators share a deep disappointment with the administration's education policy. We probably voted for President Obama because the Republican alternative was a worse choice. Now that the election is over we must use the time between the election and the inauguration to petition the President with the goal of advocating a change in the direction of federal education policy. Arne Duncan has been the Obama administration's education policy architect and proponent. He is responsible for the extension of the Bush era policies of No Child Left Behind, and the mindless, test driven, competitive process that forces states to conform to unproven, so-called reforms promoted by the right wing that are changing the face, and tearing apart, public education. We have been held hostage as we vie for badly needed funds. Now is the time to demand his removal during the second term.

Because of the clear dangers that fracking poses to the environment, with the serious threat to the quality of our water, air, and health, and furthermore because we live in a state that is perfectly suited to solar and wind alternatives, we the citizens of New Mexico find fracking to be an unacceptable choice in our quest for energy independence and demand a ban on all fracking activity in the pristine lands of New Mexico.

When the new U.S. Senate convenes in January 2013, the Senate, by a simple majority vote, can change any or all the rules in place for that upcoming two-year session. It's time for the Senate to end the filibuster and get on with getting the people's work done, letting the senators' voting records stand for themselves in the next election. Change the senate rules in January and end the super majority filibuster.

I urge support of President Obama's diplomatic approach to Iran. Please reject any call to undermine negotiations with calls for increased sanctions or unrealistic demands for a final deal. Don't lead us down a path that could lead to another senseless war in the Middle East.

Let's get foods with GMOs labeled in New Hampshire which will also help surrounding states enact their GMO legislation! We deserve to know!

The New Mexico Municipal League wants New Mexico Law Makers to tax food in order to provide for the General Fund and some other areas in which the State needs money; ie: maybe education (not guaranteed). Say NO to taxing food. Middle-class families are barely able to pay their bills and buy groceries. A food tax will push more families into unexpected poverty levels. The stress of not being able to afford normal monthly expenses will rip families apart. Tax on food is not a healthy choice or a sound decision for the New Mexico People. The news has already reported that..... "Fred Nathan with Think New Mexico says it would mean more stress on families. “Re-imposing the tax on fruits, vegetables, baby food and other groceries would hurt families and be very damaging to New Mexico's economy,” Nathan said. Nathan says bringing back a food tax is a step backward and that only two other states still use it. He also says it discriminates against large families and lower-income families." (Source: KRQE - http://www.krqe.com/news/local/group-wants-food-tax-back-on-table) Encourage our Government to find another way to locate the monies they will need, other than taxing our food and forcing families to starve. The New Mexico Municipal League and people who support this tax currently have stable salaries and employment and have never had the opportunity to worry about poverty or "how to feed their families or themselves." They are taking advantage of the middle class and the poor who struggle every day to provide for their families. It would not be fair to empty out the food banks because a family cannot afford to buy food at a middle-class level. It would not be fair to force a parent (especially a single parent) to take on a second job in order to buy food. Parents "need" to have "family time" with their kids. SUPPORT the People of New Mexico and sign this petition: "NO FOOD TAX" - thank you!

AN OPEN LETTER TO DOUG McMILLON, NEW CEO OF WALMART This petition is from an ad hoc committee whose one purpose is to point out the enlightened self-interest of making a bold move to increase Walmart's corporate minimum wage to give its employees a livable salary. Our aim is to highlight the long-term benefits that will accrue should Mr. McMillon see the wisdom of using his new post to turn the image of his company around. Please read and sign if you wish to join us in this endeavor. Robert Terpstra, [email protected] Judy Hyman Steve West Judy West Delray Beach, FL Dear Doug McMillon, Congratulations on your appointment to the post of Walmart CEO. This position gives you tremendous power to do good. Good for your company, good for your employees, good for your customers, and good for your country. We the undersigned respectfully request that you implement a bold plan that will benefit everyone Walmart touches. The positive PR alone will bring customers flocking to your stores. Consider what would happen if you raised your company's minimum wage to $12.50 an hour. This courageous step would immediately change Walmart’s image in many minds from greedy to benevolent. With no apparent downside, here are 10 probable positive results: 1. Employees would be happier working for Walmart. 2. Highly qualified persons would compete for jobs at Walmart. 3. Employee turnover would by sharply reduced. 4. Satisfied employees would make for a better atmosphere for shoppers and management as well. 5. Walmart's sales would go up because of the good will created by this action. 6. Customers who now avoid shopping at Walmart would no longer avoid the store. 7. Priceless positive PR would be generated. All the recent negative publicity would begin to be reversed. 8. Walmart would be looked upon as a corporate champion of the middle class, filling a major vacuum that exists today. 9. Much of the burden of paying for food stamps and other benefits for your employees would be shifted from the taxpayers, showing the world that Walmart is patriotic enough to pay its own way. 10. Community relations would soar as it is seen that Walmart is a concerned member of communities throughout America. In the end, what might in the short run be looked upon as an expense, would actually be a smart long term investment for the company that will be repaid many times over. With all that said, the real bottom line is---it's just the right thing to do! We hope you will make the bold step of raising employee wages, at the same time raising Walmart’s esteem in the eyes of the country.

Create a new athletic facility for Bristol Central High School

America’s obesity epidemic is impacting communities nationwide. As of June 2010, more than two-thirds of U.S. adults and nearly one-third of children and teens are overweight or obese. Excessive weight has been linked to many of the preventable chronic diseases that plague western society. Currently, one in three adults has some form of heart disease and more than 80 million Americans have type-2 diabetes or are pre-diabetic. These health issues hurt not only individuals, but entire communities. Obesity-related medical costs account for about 10 percent of all annual medical spending, and unhealthy workforces affect a community’s ability to thrive economically. Higher healthcare costs and low productivity means that many businesses are reluctant to relocate to, or invest in, areas with a high incidence of obesity. Now is the time to take steps toward a healthier lifestyle, but the road isn’t always easy. It can be difficult if not impossible for individuals to correct unhealthy habits if their environment does not follow suit. If we hope to affect change in towns nationwide, we must change community-wide behaviors. That’s where Meatless Monday comes in. Meatless Monday is a simple, weekly reminder to take saturated fat off our plates and replace it with nutrient-rich fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains. Entire neighborhoods can commit to a healthy start on Monday, with the intention of making smarter choices throughout the week.

Mr. President, we, the undersigned, demand you fulfill your destiny to become the next FDR, and bring back the New Deal, giving us jobs, infrastructure, and a robust economy where everyone wins, not just those at the top. It's time to bring back the "3 Rs" of Relief, Recovery, and Reform. Relief for the unemployed and poor, Recovery of the economy to normal levels, and Reform of the financial system to prevent the predictable recurrence of economic calamity that always follows when enormous levels of economic inequality are allowed and even encouraged.. We demand a return to: - public works programs, such as the PWA, WPA, and CCC - common sense financial regulations, such as the Glass-Steagall Act, that prevent bankers from gambling with our money - support and protection for labor unions - a steeply progressive tax structure