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Petition Tag - representatives
1. Support Congressional Term Limits 
Congressmen have abused the fact that they can focus more on the topic of personal campaigning, in turn neglecting their legislative duties.
The following signatures represent citizens who are demanding the installation of congressional term limits in or bellow the amount of 5 (five) terms for the house of representatives, and 3 (three) or fewer terms for the senate.
2. Legalize Gay/Lesbian Marriage
In the Defense of Marriage Act of 1996, it is stated:
Section 3. Definition of marriage
In determining the meaning of any Act of Congress, or of any ruling, regulation, or interpretation of the various administrative bureaus and agencies of the United States, the word 'marriage' means only a legal union between one man and one woman as husband and wife, and the word 'spouse' refers only to a person of the opposite sex who is a husband or a wife.
Yet, the Obama administration announced in 2011 that it had determined that Section 3 was unconstitutional and, though it would continue to enforce the law, it would no longer defend it in court.
Why should gay marriage be bound to a law that our own presidential administration states is unconstitutional? We fight for our freedoms. Some men and women in the military, and on our homefronts in the law enforcement, fire department, and EMS departments, are bi-sexual, lesbian, or gay.
3. Withdraw all Western Troops from Afghanistan
The war in Afghanistan costs thousands of lives and trillions of dollars in defense of a corrupt and unpopular regime, one that is entirely dependent on Western troops and aid.
The war has inflamed Muslim opinion and failed to make Europe or the United States safer. Morality is undermined by recent NATO claims of no “confirmed” civilian casualties.
4. Our Government Representatives Should Not Give Themselves Raises
Where as our congress persons and/or government representatives have voted themselves raises, insurance benefits and retirement benefits that are not consistent with the average American citizen.
Where as our congress persons and/or government representatives are not representing the average American citizen but have apparently sold themselves to the highest bidder.
5. Prevent Afghan Torture, Enforce Leahy Law
A recent United Nations report suggests that the United States and NATO allies are outsourcing torture and human rights violations in Afghanistan. The report concludes that there is a continuing pattern and practice of “systematic” torture in spite of repeated efforts at reform. (UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, October 2011)
Current US policy violates the Leahy Amendment to the Foreign Appropriations Act and Defense Appropriations Act (Sec. 563, P.L. 106-429 and Sec. 8092, P.L. 106-259, 2001).
6. No U.S. Escalation in Pakistan
The September 22 testimony of Admiral Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, may well “pave the way… to new unilateral military actions inside Pakistan,” including more drone strikes and, “even cross border raids into Pakistan to root out insurgents from their havens.” (New York Times, September 22-23, 2011)
After Mullen’s testimony, the Heritage Foundation immediately called for aggressive military and diplomatic escalation. (Christian Science Monitor, September 26, 2011) House Republicans are pushing an open-ended authorization for war against any insurgents anywhere in the world “associated” with the Taliban or Al Qaeda.
Enough is enough. Escalation in Pakistan is not in the national security interest of the United States. Already our drone attacks have provoked two terrorist near misses against American civilians, one at the Detroit airport on Christmas Day 2009 and another at Times Square on May 1, 2010. It is not in the economic interest of the United States; we cannot afford another trillion-dollar war. It is not in the moral interest of the United States; the drone attacks kill innocent people and inflame millions of Pakistanis against America.
The military pursuit of terrorist sanctuaries, first in Iraq and then in Afghanistan, has left behind thousands dead and wounded and only pushed the sanctuaries to new locations. Each escalation begets another. Besides Pakistan, our government is pursuing undeclared air wars against terrorist cells with drone attacks in Somalia and Yemen. (Washington Post, September 20, 2011)
It makes no sense to escalate attacks against the Pakistan sanctuaries of the Afghan Taliban while the US ends its combat role, gradually withdraws from Afghanistan, and supports a power-sharing arrangement with all parties. It is irrational to bomb the Taliban’s sanctuaries while inviting them to the peace table. A genuine diplomatic settlement requires a phased ending of the drone attacks as US troops phase out their role in Afghanistan.
Sending in ground troops backed by air power is as foolish as President Nixon’s 1970 invasion of Cambodia allegedly to wipe out Vietcong sanctuaries.
7. Moral Declaration of Independence
We are declaring a moral separation from the current ruling administration and the policies it is currently enacting which is diminishing our liberties.
Moral Declaration simply means:
- Declaring our willingness and our ability to no longer support the current administrations decisions.
- Asserting our stance under ‘Redress of Grievances’.
- Affirming that in good faith and trust-
- We are done giving them moral support!
• We are presenting the new Moral Declaration of Independence with grievances in accordance with the United States Constitution and current U.S. Code of Law.
• We openly recognize that we have shared the intent and the spirit of the original Declaration of Independence.
• The original document was a declaration of war; however, at this time that is not the direction that America can withstand.
• Its strength and spirit is as viable today as when first written. (We intentionally utilized much of the original writings.)
• This document, as a petition with signatures will be taken to and registered in Washington D.C.
The cornerstone of our constitutional Republic has been the Declaration of Independence. The men who founded this great nation knew that those who rule must be of the character that recognizes that we will all stand before the God of heaven and be held accountable. These founders also knew that the ruling class often forgets this fact. We have been given the right to reset to the original intent of this founding document.
Now is the time… for all patriotic citizens to stand up and be counted.
“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord” (Psalm 33:12).
8. We want State Representation, not Partisan Representation
~ Politics is not a matter of ruling over the people or of exercising power. Politics is performance of service to people, contributing to the welfare of the people. ~ V. Pirapakaran.
9. Citizens Of Colorado Petition Against Federal Intrusion
Public Officials must take and Oath of Office in support of the U.S. Constitution and Colorado State Constitution an guarantee a Republican form of government.
Article X of the U. S. Constitution states "the power not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the People."
10. Calling For The Release of Democracy Activist Tran Khai Thanh Thuy
Request the Australian Embassy in VN to call for the release of Ms. Tran Khai Thanh Thuy, a renowned novelist and democracy activist.
Calling For The Release of Democracy Activist Tran Khai Thanh Thuy
NB : We continue to also sign this petition at :
http://www.change.org/actions/view/calling_for_the_release_of_democracy_activist_tran_khai_thanh_thuy
My name is Latonya Brown and I would like to introduce a resolution to the House of Representatives. Yesterday, we saw how the world came together in recognition of a legend. Michael Jackson has done so much for the world so much that Congressman Lee announced there's a resolution 600 that would name Michael Jackson A Humanitarian, LEGEND, and WORLD Icon.
Michael Jackson deserves a day of recognition for all of his humanitarian acts. I am no writer but I am a concerned fan and citizen. For years, people have misunderstood all that Michael Jackson was and is to so many. I think it's high time that he finally gets the respect that he truly deserves.
Citizens of The Republic of Macedonia (constitutional name of our country!) are no longer willing to be exposed on further political pressure connected to the UN established "name issue" negotiation process between Republic of Greece and Republic of Macedonia.
So far, it is well known that there is a region with the same name in Greece, and that Macedonia with a reference REPUBLIC is a separate state.
During the years of so far "endless negotiations" our national identity was denied, our language (which is Macedonian!) was called Slavo-macedonian (even in the EP or EU documents!).
Now we are faced with other "creative politician's suggestions" on WHAT ELSE TO ADD to the official name of our country in order not to be offensive to Greece.
So, WE simply WANT to send a very SIMPLE message to all politicians involved in negotiations of both countries, UN special envoy Mr. Mathiew Niemetz, EU, EP, CoE, OSCE and to all other Inernational Community representatives that REPUBLIC IS ENOUGH!
STATE LEGISLATION WOULD MAKE IT ILLEGAL FOR ANYONE UNDER THE AGE OF 14 TO OPERATE AN ATV, DIRTBIKE, OR SNOWMOBILE.
IT WOULD ALSO LIMIT OPERATORS UNDER THE AGE OF 16 TO DIRTBIKES, ATV'S AND SNOWMOBILES WITH 90cc OR LESS OF ENGINE DISPLACEMENT. ANYONE BORN AFTER JANUARY 1, 1990 WOULD BE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE A "RECREATIONAL VEHICLE SAFETY AND RESPONSIBILITY COURSE" BEFORE LEGAL OPERATION WOULD OCCUR.
14. Stop Raising Smokers' Taxes!
Congress has singled out smokers for an unfair tax increase- and our representatives went along, voting to raise taxes on cigarettes $4.50 a carton.
That means more money for Washington- and less money in our wallet.
Your voice can make a difference. Tell our Congressmen to stop this tax increase while there is still time- because smokers are voters too!
15. Vote out College
The electoral college is one of the many compromises written into the t United States Constitution in 1787. The founding fathers devised the electoral college to elect the president but they did not anticipate the emergence of national political parties or a communications network able to bring presidential candidates before the entire electorate.
Providing that the president be chosen indirectly through the “electoral college” rather than directly by the voters in November was one of the founders’ hedges against “popular passion.” In the beginning, the electors had very real powers to work their will. Now, their sole function is to confirm a decision made by the electorate six weeks earlier.
Under the Constitution, each state is authorized to choose electors for president and vice president, the number always being the same as the combined number of U.S. senators and representatives allotted to that state. With 100 senators and 435 representatives in the United States, plus three electors for the District of Columbia provided by the Twenty-third Amendment, the total electoral college vote is 538.
Makeup and operation of the electoral college itself are tightly defined by the Constitution, but the method of choosing electors is left to the states. In the beginning many states did not provide for popular election of the presidential electors. Today, however, electors are chosen by direct popular vote in every state.
When voters vote for president, they are actually voting for the electors pledged to their presidential candidate. (Electors are named by state party organizations. Serving as an elector is considered an honor, a reward for faithful service.)
With the political parties in control of presidential politics, the function of the electoral college has changed drastically. Rather than having individuals seek to become electors and then vote for whomever they please for president, the parties have turned the process upside down by arranging slates of electors, all pledged to support the candidate nominated by the party.
In the earliest days of the electoral college, quite the opposite was true. Electors cast their votes for individual candidates rather than for party slates, with the majority winner being elected president and the runner-up, vice president. This made for some bizarre situations, as in 1796 when the Federalist John Adams, with 71 votes, became president and the Democratic-Republican Thomas Jefferson, with 68, vice president- roughly equivalent in modern times to an election in which Bush and Dukakis would end up as president and vice president.
In 1800 Jefferson and his running mate, Aaron Burr, each won an identical number of electoral votes, forcing the election into the House of Representatives, which resolved it in Jefferson’s favor. It was to avoid any similar occurrence that the Twelfth Amendment was passed in 1804. This amendment required the electors to cast two separate ballots, one for president and the other for vice president. This is the only constitutional change that has been made in the electoral college system, other than to add three electoral votes for the District of Columbia in 1961.
Presidential and vice presidential candidates of a party run as a team. In most of the states, it is the names of the candidates rather than the names of the electors that appear on the ballot; in the other states, both candidates and electors are identified. The victor in each state is determined by counting the votes for each slate of electors; the slate receiving the most votes (the plurality, not necessarily the majority of the votes cast) is declared the winner.
To be elected to the presidency a candidate must receive an absolute majority (270) of the electoral votes cast. If no candidate receives a majority, the House of Representatives picks the winner from the top three, with each state delegation in the House casting only one vote, regardless of its size. Only two U.S. elections have been decided this way (1800 and 1824).
The vice president is elected at the same time by the same indirect winner-take-all method that chooses the president, but the electors vote separately for the two offices. If no vice presidential candidate receives a majority, the Senate picks the winner from the top two, each senator voting as an individual. The Senate has not made the choice since 1836.
Pro/Con -
Another problem cited by critics is the possibility of “faithless electors” who defect from the candidate to whom they are pledged. Most recently, in 1976, a Republican elector in the state of Washington cast his vote for Ronald Reagan instead of Gerald Ford, the Republican presidential candidate. Earlier, in 1972, a Republican elector in Virginia deserted Nixon to vote for the Libertarian party candidate. And in 1968, Nixon lost another Virginia elector, who bolted to George Wallace.
The main danger of faithless electors is that the candidate who wins the popular vote could wind up one or two votes short of a majority in the electoral college and could lose the election on a technicality. This prospect becomes more probable when there are third-party or independent candidates who could negotiate with electors before they vote.
Those who argue in favor of retaining the present system state that there is too much uncertainty over whether any other method would be an improvement. They point out that many of the complaints about the electoral college apply just as well to the Senate and, to some extent, to the House. They fear that reform could lead to the dismantling of the federal system.
16. Human Rights for Guantanamo Detainees
At least 210 detainees have been on hunger strike since 11 August in protest at their conditions. An earlier hunger strike was stopped when the US authorities promised some changes. They reneged on these promises and the detainees have resumed their protest.
Anyone familiar with the Irish hunger strikes of the 1980s will realise that these detainees are at a critical stage - it's a matter of life and death. Please contact your civil representatives in European, national, regional and local bodies and urge them to press the American authorities, as a matter of urgency, to release those held without detention and allow families, medical practitioners and democratic representatives access to these detainees.
Detainees have now been held at Guantanamo for over three years without proper access to a due process of law. Their families are refused access and they are not even allowed proper access to their legal representatives and where that access is allowed unreasonable restrictions are placed on the lawyers concerned.
This situation needs to be resolved and proper rule of law established in places that are used as prisons by the American administraion and its allies.
17. The Miki Bill
In February of 2004 one of my dearest friends' daughter, Mikiala Martinez, was kidnapped from the streets of our hometown, Great Bend, Kansas. Mikiala was then taken to rural Barton County, where these 2 men admittedly beat, shot her and hid her body. Since this heinous crime against this mother of two, James Martinez (Mikis father) and I have been attempting to pass a new Kansas Law that will help us as the public to protect ourselves against these violent offenders.
We are very fortunate to have Representatives John Edmonds and Bob Bethel guiding us through the State House. We feel only military, law enforcement and legislators alike are bestowed with the authority, the ability and have undertaken the duty to protect. Other than this we must protect ourselves.
Public notification regarding the potential risk that accompanies these such violent offenders has been highly understated. Statistics prove the majority of these violent offenders violate parole, there for they violate another innocent being. Noone can protect themselves, their homes or their loved ones from potential danger if they are unaware of its presence.
We feel we have THE RIGHT TO KNOW when such violent offenders are released in our community and we hope you agree. There are several ways you can show your support: one short phone call, email or send postal mail to your state representatives, senators, governor, local law enforcement or even email to us, juliestiest@yahoo.com / exclusivejules@hotmail.com.
Or if you would like give James a call at 620-617-3421. We are grateful for any support any of you find the time to give.
God Bless Mikiala
18. Illegal drugs and Unborn Children in Missouri
To spread awareness of the increasing problem of children born to drug addicts. These children suffer numerous birth defects and the possibility of death.
I wish to send this signed petition to our state representatives so women who use illegal drugs while pregnant will be charged with a felony.
19. Sign Amendment in Red Lodge
Red Lodge is facing a new challenge. The City Council is debating whether to allow electronic signs in the Community Entrance zones by amending the existing sign code (which currently bans electronic signs). The potential consequences of such an amendment are troubling, as MANY civic groups will have the ability to put up electronic signs. In addition, businesses can and most likely will challenge the language of the amendment to get in on the action too.
All organizations currently have the ability to convey their messages through signage; however they are limited to non-electronic formats. If we want to avoid having Red Lodge look like King Avenue or Grand Avenue in Billings in a matter of years, this amendment needs to be opposed. It has already passed 4-3 on "first read" so the next City Council meeting is the last opportunity to change the Council's vote on this matter.
20. Ukrainian Presidential Elections
This petition is in responce to the recent events surrounding the rights and libierties of teh Ukrainian people and their right to fair, open and transparent elections.
This petition seeks to call on teh Australian Givernment to join the international community in supporting the right of Ukraininans to democracy choose their President and for the conduct of elections to be Honest, open and transparent.
In doing so demonstrate to the world Austrlia's leadership in democratic development by reinforcing its relationship with Ukraine and the Ukrainian people;
The Austraolian Givernment should also take such steps as necessary to deny Australian entry visa's to person(s) who attempt or have been found to have been guilty of falsify the results, or interfering with the democratic rights associated with the conduct and the outcome of the 2004 Ukrainian Presidential Election.
21. Free Pneumococcal Immunisation
This petition is to get free immunisation for all Australian babies. This disease is life-threatening and children under 2 years of age are at greater risk. This air born bacterial virus has devastating effects, which, include disablement of vision, hearing and developmental delays. Also through Septicaemia they can lose fingers and toes. The vaccine is too expensive for most people in this country - costing at least $144.45 per shot and babies need 3 shots.
My beautiful granddaughter Isabella spent 3 months in Hospital and we are very lucky to have her. She suffered through 9 brain operations and two shunt operations, luckily the second one worked. She is visually impaired and has developmental delays and it all could have been prevented if she had had the vaccine. The whole family network suffers and the ongoing care will continue for years to come. So, please sign my petition and I pray that the Federal Government will listen and provide the vaccine for free. Thank you.
22. Sunday Alcohol Sales in Georgia, USA
Blue laws, such as the one in Georgia restricting the sale of Alcohol on Sundays, are being repealed around the nation. You may have different reasons for signing this petition, but the important thing is the voice of those governed by outdated laws. Whether you have an inability to plan ahead or believe in the separation of church and state, this law, as it is currently written, does not suit your needs.
It is time to stop allowing special interest to govern your lives. Sign the petition and be a voice for change in Georgia.
23. Make Federal Judges Accountable
This is the online version of a paper petition circulating in N.E. Pa.
The form of government we have enjoyed is based on three houses of government co-equal in power. It is the duty of each branch to hold the others accountable. We currently have a situation in which the Federal judicial system is unaccountable, as witnessed by the "pledge of allegiance ruling, and the removal of Alabama's monument. This is clearly unacceptable to the majority of Americans. We are asking our elected representatives in congress to propose legislation to limit the scope of rule or at least make it subject to review by elected officials in order to restore balance to the system.
Please help us return our government to a "common sense approach".
24. Protect Alaska's Bristol BAy
BRISTOL BAY: AMERICA'S MARINE CROWN JEWEL
Bristol Bay, nestled just north of Alaska's Aleutian Island chain, is described by the National Marine Fisheries Service as the "single most important region of the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf for the conservation of marine mammals and endangered species and the protection and management of fishery resources." It has been protected from offshore oil and gas drilling for the last fourteen years. Now, however, it has become a primary target for drilling. A key U.S. Senate committee recently proposed deleting the longstanding, bipartisan protections for Bristol Bay, despite White House support for extended protections.
ECONOMIC AND ECOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE
The living marine resources and global ecological significance of Bristol Bay far outweigh its projected oil and gas value. Bristol Bay:
- shelters the world's largest run of sockeye salmon, a key halibut nursery conservation area, and important herring and king crab fisheries, all of which are mainstays of the regional economy;
- provides the migration corridor for millions of adult salmon and the migration and feeding habitat for numerous seabirds and marine mammals;
- is virtually surrounded by a critical coastal habitat for marine mammals, including the world's premier walrus breeding areas;
- shelters one of the largest eelgrass beds on the planet, Izembek Lagoon, an underwater meadow crucial to the bay's fish, birds, and invertebrates.
This tremendous concentration of wildlife is threatened by routine drilling discharges and accidental spills from proposed offshore drilling operations and risky tankering of oil.
CONTINUE PROTECTIONS FOR BRISTOL BAY
Fortunately, the House of Representatives has voted to extend the moratorium protecting Bristol Bay for another year, so debate over the protections should continue this September, when a joint House-Senate conference committee is expected to take up the issue.
Bristol Bay won a reprieve from the dangers of offshore drilling once before, when 23 oil leases there were relinquished by the petroleum industry soon after the tragic Exxon-Valdez tanker spill devastated Alaska's Prince William Sound. The people and wildlife of Prince William Sound still have not recovered from the 1989 spill, and yet the oil industry now wants to risk an even bigger catastrophe in Bristol Bay, where seasonal broken sea ice, fierce storms, and rough ocean conditions would make oil spill cleanup impossible. The wildlife of Bristol Bay needs your help!!
*Note, the petition may be sent to other senators depending on who signs it!
25. Put an end to Police Brutality
Our police try to do a good job. But sometimes they over step the mark. United States police have had a history of brutality and use of excessive force. It is up to the community to guide their police and let them know that it's not needed.
Shouldn't we let the courts decide firstly guilt and secondly punishment. We need to let governments and police agencies that the community says it is NOT OK for police to take the law into their own hands. Please sign this petition.
Space missions are no longer 'justified economically' - in the words of Government officials from around the world. Lack of funding has contributed to the failures of recent missions, yet some individuals are now wealthy enough to fund a space program of their own.
The search for the creation of life and possibly a means for the continuance of life once the earth is either over-populated or destroyed has to be seen as the highest priority. We have much to learn from Mars. Money should not be the barrier to human discovery and survival.