The European Central Bank has caused tens of billions of euros to leave Greece since the Greek election in January, by cutting off the ECB’s most important line of credit to the government and by placing unnecessary restrictions on the ability of Greek banks to lend to the new government. President Obama should use his substantial influence with European authorities to press for the ECB to immediately reverse these decisions, allowing the Greek government and banks to borrow and lend as they did before the January election in Greece.

We respectfully request our school board to officially recognize the large and compelling body of research regarding teen sleep and academic achievement, and, with a resolution, to move our Issaquah School District middle and high school start times to 8:30 AM or later.

We want 3/5 US Marine, Cpl. Farrell Gilliam's name added to the US Marine, Operation Enduring Freedom, 5th Regiment Memorial Wall

On April 9th – 11th, we’re calling District Attorney Nancy O’Malley and asking that she drop the charges on the Sproul 13. Please join us! It only takes a few minutes… Last November 9, UC Berkeley students, staff and faculty tried to set up a small encampment on campus, in solidarity with the then-burgeoning Occupy movement and in opposition to the ongoing privatization of the UC. Campus police and Alameda County Sheriffs viciously beat the students in order to stop the tents from going up. This incident, captured on videotape, sparked international outrage. Nonviolent protesters were dragged to the ground by the hair, hit over the head with batons, and sent to the hospital with broken ribs. The event was a scandal for the campus police and the administration, and the Chancellor eventually admitted that he took “full responsibility for [the] events” and offered amnesty under the campus code of conduct to everyone arrested that day. You can watch the videos of the events here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AwdmNAZO6GU http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kNHXuf6qJas&feature=related Now, nearly four months after the fact, 13 people are being charged with misdemeanors for the events of November 9, even though most of them were never arrested. Their charges include obstruction of a thoroughfare, resisting arrest, battery on a peace officer and remaining at the scene of the riot. Conviction on these charges could bring, at worst, up to a year of jail time. Despite the Chancellor’s promise of amnesty, the UC Berkeley police forwarded cases to the DA, recommending charges for 12 students and one professor. What’s worse: the DA recently issued stay-away orders for 12 of the protesters, telling them they could only set foot on UC property for “lawful” purposes, such as attending class. After public pressure from government officials, the DA has rescinded these orders, but they remain evidence of the vindictive arrogance of the prosecutors. The charges against the Sproul 13 set a troubling precedent. Students who protest the rising tuition and mounting indebtedness that follows in the wake of the privatization of the University should now fear that, at any time in the future, they might receive a letter in the mail, carrying with it the threat of jail. These unfounded charges have already produced strong responses at Berkeley and beyond. The faculty associations of Berkeley and Irvine have condemned the charges, and called on Chancellor Birgeneau to stand with them. The Graduate Assembly at Berkeley has called for the charges to be dropped, as has UAW 2865, the graduate student union. The Berkeley City Council passed a resolution calling for the charges to be dropped. And the ACLU has issued a letter putting the circumstances of the charges into question. This is, of course, in addition to the widespread outrage about the role of the police and the administration that day. On April 9th – 11th, we’re calling the Alameda County DA’s office and telling her to listen to all of these groups and drop the charges against the Sproul 13. Please join us and tell her that no one should be charged following the shameful events on November 9. If you have five minutes, also call Chancellor Birgeneau, and ask him to publicly call on DA Nancy O’Malley to drop the charges. We believe that a wave of phone calls, at this moment, could prompt the DA to rescind all charges. Please help us by making a few calls this Monday through Wednesday. District Attorney Nancy O’Malley’s phone #: 510.272.6222; (510) 268-7500; email: [email protected] Chancellor Birgeneau's phone #: 510-642-7464; email: [email protected]

It has recently come to attention that your practice of under-funding higher education in the state of Missouri is having radical impacts upon students and staff who attend and work at the universities in the UM system. While the need to slim down costs of running a public college may be real and valid, the answer is not to continually under-fund one of the core fundamental cornerstones in America. Higher education allows not only the younger generation to gain skills necessary to compete in an ever-increasing competitive job market, but it also allows those that may be older the chance to re-train, re-learn, and start a new career in order to serve the good people of Missouri state and the American economy. By continually under-funding higher education, the people who need jobs the most are now looking at large increases in accumulated student loan debt in order to cover the increasing cost of tuition. Tuition at UMKC in 2009 was $3,362.84, (per in-state student) for the 2012 year it is $3,702.60. That's just over a 10% increase in only 3 academic years! Now there may be a proposal of a 3% increase from the 2012 year to the 2013 year to make up the difference from being under-funded. That would equate to roughly $3, 813.68, which means students would now have to take out 3% more loan money to make up the difference because when the cost of tuition/college increases, the amount of federal assistance for those who qualify does not increase. Let's not forget that the tuition cost does not include special fees, such as: an Applied Music fee, Applied Dance fee, Engineering Supplemental fee, Examination fee, Sciences lab fee, Clinical Nursing fee, Business Course fee, Studio arts fee, Media Studies Lab fee, Education Course fee, and a Late Registration fee. These fees range from $11.80 to $257.90, depending on the student's major. Also, don't forget about students having to buy most of their own equipment, art supplies, studio supplies, paying for copying (copy quota is only $2.50 per week, and not available in some areas of the campus), printing, and other things like food (to eat at the UMKC cafeteria, meal plans range in price from $2,629 for 12 meals a week to $2,943 for 140 meals per semester. Each plan comes with a minimal amount of “FLEX” dollars) and dorm rent payments, that range from $6,022 for a 4 person suite to $10,788 for a 12 month lease on a 1 bedroom apartment on campus. And lest we forget the parking cost for students that commute. Parking passes range from $110 dollars for a 1 semester pass to over $200 dollars for a multi-semester pass. Adding all of this up, we get a grand total of $12,643.30 for a student (we'll assume the student is a Freshman) that lives in a 4 person suite, gets the cheapest meal plan and is taking a class (or classes) in Media Arts. If this student were to take out all of the available loan money of $10,000 the student would still owe the universitiy $200, if the student doesn't meet the requirements for federal assistance. Asking students, the backbone of America, the cornerstone of turning the economy around, to pay more in tuition will only harm them. Please make it easier for students to get a degree, not more difficult with each passing year.

I want the Georgia General Assembly to pass HB 426 as "The Ahmaud Arbery Hate Crimes Act" with the proposed definitions, modifications and sentencing. DEFINITIONS For the purposes of defining protected class and designated acts, the term: (1) “Protected class” applies to the actual or perceived race, color, religion, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, matriculation, familial responsibility, homelessness or political affiliation of a victim. (2) “Bias-related crime” means a criminal act such as an infraction, misdemeanor or crime of felony motivated by a bias or prejudice against a person or entity of a protected class. (3) “Designated act” means a criminal act motivated by a bias or prejudice to an individual or entity of a protected class, including arson, assault, burglary, filing a false police report or making a false statement to law enforcement, injury to property, kidnapping, manslaughter, murder, rape, robbery, theft, unlawful detainment or unlawful entry; And attempting, aiding, abetting, advising, inciting, conniving, or conspiring to commit arson, assault, burglary, filing a false police report, making a false statement to law enforcement, injury to property, kidnapping, manslaughter, murder, rape, robbery, theft, unlawful detainment or unlawful entry. PROPOSED MODIFICATIONS (a) No person, whether or not acting under color of law, shall by force or threat of force, willfully injure, intimidate, interfere with, oppress, or threaten any other person in the free exercise or enjoyment of any right or privilege secured to him or her by the Constitution or laws of the state of Georgia or by the Constitution or laws of the United States in whole or in part because of one or more of the actual or perceived characteristics of the victim identified in a protected class. (b) No person, whether or not acting under color of law, shall knowingly deface, damage, or destroy the real or personal property of any other person for the purpose of intimidating or interfering with the free exercise or enjoyment of any right or privilege secured to the other person by the Constitution or laws of the state of Georgia or by the Constitution or laws of the United States, in whole or in part because of one or more of the actual or perceived characteristics of the victim identified in a protected class. (c) Create a civil remedy allowing treble damages. (d) Mandates collection and dissemination by the governor of data on “incidents of criminal acts that evidence prejudice based on race, religion, ethnicity, color, ancestry, sexual orientation or national origin. (e) All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed. PROPOSED SENTENCING Any person convicted of violating sections (a) or (b) shall be punished: i) If the offense for which the defendant was convicted is a misdemeanor, impose a sentence of imprisonment for a period of not less than three nor more than 12 months, and a fine not to exceed $5,000.00; ii) If the offense for which the defendant was convicted is a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature, impose a sentence of imprisonment for a period of not less than six nor more than 12 months, and a fine not to exceed $5,000.00; iii) If the offense for which the defendant was convicted is a felony resulting in no bodily injury, impose a sentence of imprisonment for a period of not less than two years. iv) If the offense for which the defendant was convicted is a felony resulting in bodily injury but not death, impose a sentence of imprisonment for a period of not less than two years-no probation. v) If the offense for which the defendant was convicted is a felony resulting in death, impose a sentence of imprisonment for a period of not less than four years-no probation. vi) Community service can only be granted in misdemeanor sentencing. and must be completed within 350 days of sentencing.

Howard is a veteran of the U.S. Navy and a hard-working father of two teenaged children. Howard Bailey came to the U.S. with his family with a green card when he was a 17. In 2012, the U.S. deported Howard to Jamaica based on a 1997 marijuana conviction. He had not been to Jamaica since he left 24 years before. His deportation devastated his family. They lost their home, business and way of life; and his kids cannot comprehend why their father is not coming back home. Howard joined the Navy after high school and was deployed to the Persian Gulf War. In 1995, soon after returning home, Howard agreed to accept a package from an acquaintance. Federal agents had been tracking the package, which contained marijuana, and Howard was sentenced to 15 months in prison due to strict mandatory sentencing laws. Upon his release, Howard rebuilt his life, becoming a small business owner, devoting himself to his family, and mentoring returning veterans. Ten years later, after coming to the attention of immigration officials because he applied for citizenship and disclosed his old conviction, he was handcuffed and taken by 11 armed immigration officers in an early morning raid as his family watched on in horror. After two years in an immigration detention facility 2,000 miles from home, Howard was deported. Immigration laws tied the hands of the judge, who was unable to weigh Howard’s contributions against his 15-year-old drug conviction for which he had long ago completed his sentence. Howard and his family and friends pled with immigration officials to use discretion to stop his deportation, but they were denied. We, his family, friends, fellow veterans, and members of the community, ask and urge you to allow Howard Bailey to return back home to the United States. cc: Jeh Johnson, Secretary of Department of Homeland Security Eric Holder, Attorney General, Department of Justice Alejandro Mayorkas, Director of US Citizenship and Immigration Services

STOP RACIAL SLURS, IMPLEMENT ACCOUNTABILITY & RESTORE TRUST 12/18 - Greendale School District Counselor asked Chanese Knox, 16-year-old Junior, to “ignore” being called the "N-word". Chanese identified the Caucasian female student. No TRAUMA CARE was provided. Chanese remained at school the entire day. DIANNIA MERRIETT (her mom) was NOT contacted. 9/14/18 – Two days later, the same Caucasian Student called Chanese the "N-Word” – 3 times and laughed with friends. 9/14/18 – Chanese approached Caucasian student wanting to know why she keeps calling her the “N-word”. 9/14/18 - Greendale School District Vice Principal asked Chanese to the office – VP left said she was reviewing video - without notice/reason called the police on Chanese. Chanese was interrogated without her Mom being contacted/present. Chanese was SUSPENDED. After 9-14-18 – Greendale School District Superintendent DISRESPECTED DIANNIA MERRIETT (Chanese Mom) when she sought “Justice” – he called her a liar-bully and threatened to call the police at Greendale Board Meeting. After 9-14-18 – Greendale School District Superintendent stripped Chanese of ALL Homecoming activities, swimming activities, and placed a Black Mark against her Student Athletic Code of Conduct – this could affect her scholarships. Before/After 9-14-18 – Other students have been subjected to Racial Slurs. ENFORCE GREENDALE SCHOOL DISTRICT MISSION https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-ExDGpdS313RXoxdWd2Wnd1RHM/view

Greetings! As we start to think about returning to school in the fall, we, Blackwell Families, would like to revisit in-person lunch at Blackwell Elementary. Outdoor Lunch Option Given that vaccines remain unavailable to children under 12, and indoor dining is a mask-off, indoor event, we are asking, by way of this letter, that Blackwell students are given the option to enjoy lunch outside, rain or shine. This is not a mandate for all students, but simply an opt-in option. Alternative with Benefits By providing this option, we believe it will 1) help reduce transmission of COVID-19, particularly the Delta variant which has been shown to be more transmissible than the original COVID-19 virus 2) provide students with more open-air time 3) make lunch more appealing to those students who prefer an outdoor setting. For Blackwell Families If you feel this initiative aligns with your preferences, we strongly encourage you to consider signing this petition to demonstrate your support. Additionally, by signing this petition, you help articulate to school leadership the level of interest for the rain or shine outdoor eating option at Blackwell Elementary. Blackwell Teachers & Staff = Best We fully support our outstanding Blackwell teachers and staff and applaud the dedication and work each has done to provide the best possible learning environment for our students. This option serves to continue to elevate the Blackwell student experience. Volunteers While LWSD has not indicated whether volunteers will be permitted in or on school grounds during school, we hope this effort can be run by parent volunteers so it may be seamlessly integrated into the schedule. Thank you.

Governor McCrory, I'm the 12 year old girl who was outside your residence and got the cake from your staff. I want you to understand I was not there that night to joke with your staff or ask for food. I was there because I care about what's going on in my state. I'd like to sit down with you and discuss two things. I'd like to tell you, in person, how your bringing out cookies, followed by your staff bringing out cake, followed by your response through your spokesperson made me feel. I would also like to discuss the part of H589 that deals with the ability of 16-17 year-olds to pre-register to vote. I don't wish to debate you, I just want you to hear what I have to say and I want to hear what you have to say. Those are the only two serious things I want to talk to you about and I hope the rest of our short time together might be spent talking about our interests or other things we may have in common. This meeting can take place at any time convenient for you. I'd like for an impartial local journalist to be present so that neither of us are in danger of the other twisting anything that was said. I want this to be a friendly conversation, citizen to Governor. I can't vote and I don't have a million dollars. I'm not a well-funded group. I'm just a kid who was born in and lives in your state. However, I do have a voice and I hope you will take time to meet with me.