The Big Ideas Project

As we saw in Connecticut, the government will buy residential property to be used by private contractors. All homeowners need to be protected against a government body using the right of eminent domain for the profit of developers. It is especially necessary for the elderly and the working poor. who could be forced out of their homes.

Submitted by jim in Society & Community Dec. 10, 2014, 1:37 p.m.

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#387

577 votes

Federal funding of public libraries to support their role as cornerstone community centers: increased programs for all age groups from early childhood to seniors, increased technology and public wifi access, instruction on research, evaluating sources, and critical thinking for students.

Submitted by Jack I. from NY in Society & Community Dec. 7, 2014, 6:20 p.m.

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#391

574 votes

There are still a lot of empty homes foreclosed on by banks. The banks could sell these homes to the government who can then sell them to low-income people at low interest rates.

Submitted by Donna P. from FL in Society & Community Nov. 11, 2014, 4:33 p.m.

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#393

573 votes

De-criminalize marijuana. Release prisoners with non-violent marijuana convictions. Tax sales to fund education, research and treatment of drug use and abuse. Redirect savings from law enforcement and incarceration to public education and jobs programs in struggling neighborhoods.

Submitted by Timothy Salt in Society & Community Dec. 28, 2014, 10:36 a.m.

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#402

559 votes

Establish local "Food Exchanges" in all towns and cities in America. In a Food Exchange, local stores donate any outdated items that would otherwise be destroyed but are perfectly fine to eat. Local farms, ranches, farmers can also donate produce. Once per week all food gets collected and redistributed to feed all those in need in the community. Very easy to set up, organize, and run, and it benefits so many people.

Submitted by Sabine Jordan from CA in Society & Community Dec. 29, 2014, 2:45 p.m.

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#404

551 votes

If a corporations are "people, too" then hold them to the same laws that cover a living persons.

Submitted by MaineHank in Society & Community Jan. 15, 2015, 8:28 a.m.

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#415

534 votes

End the dominance of "Conservative talk radio" by demanding FCC REQUIRE stations to give equal quality programing to other viewpoint

Submitted by the answertothegap in Society & Community Dec. 29, 2014, 12:08 p.m.

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#428

513 votes

Programs that help the homeless find permanent shelter.

Submitted by Dean V. from WI in Society & Community Nov. 18, 2014, 1:59 a.m.

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#453

480 votes

Make sure all seniors and disabled people have the resources they need to live independently in their communities instead of in institutions and that they are the ones calling the shots in their own lives. That would bring freedom to many and save a lot of money.

Submitted by Mark Beckwith in Society & Community Nov. 17, 2014, 3:21 a.m.

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#471

456 votes

Set up permanent shelters for the homeless where they can stay 24/7 and receive services they need to get back on their feet. Taking people in for the night and then sending them back on the street in the morning is a waste of time and energy. This would break the cycle of poverty and add stability to their lives. The seriously mentally ill should be cared for appropriately and separated from the other folks. Addicts should get counseling and medical help. This will reduce panhandling too.

Submitted by Jean B. in Society & Community Dec. 10, 2014, 11:08 p.m.

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#497

416 votes

Cops should not be killing unarmed citizens. Require independent investigations into suspect killings by cops.

Submitted by Gnomic in Society & Community Jan. 3, 2015, 8:24 p.m.

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#500

414 votes

Shine the light (expose) on corporate burden shifting for profits. Ex. Pollution shifts burden to medical system. Low wages shifts burden to tax payers...food stamps and medical.

Submitted by Melvin Herlin in Society & Community Nov. 14, 2014, 10:52 p.m.

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#508

404 votes

Lets pass a final law allowing, with or without assistance,the right to die if you are critically ill and/or are suffering with no end in sight. Lets not force suffering on our people. We have a right to die with dignity. (this has nothing to do with any religious belief, it is about living well and/or dying with dignity only)

Submitted by BobbieB in Society & Community Jan. 4, 2015, 4:37 p.m.

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#522

388 votes

Provide basic housing for homeless people. It could consist of a private room and bath with shared cooking and eating facilities. Include heat, parking for cars and bicycles, A/C, electricity, shared laundry facilities and food to prepare community meals. Units should be close enough to town so that people living there can walk to jobs, ride bicycles or use public transportation. Every person deserves food and shelter. Everyone living there would be expected to help take care of the building.

Submitted by Rosie in Society & Community Dec. 11, 2014, 9:10 p.m. 1

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#527

383 votes

Police Nationwide need MANDATORY Training, in how to handle DOG encounters! Nationally a protest campaign called "FREEZE DON'T SHOOT",is holding Marches to each state's CAPITAL steps...demanding the end to murderous cops, shooting to kill, family pets & strays UNNECESSARILY! The video taped MURDERS are all over Facebook & on Television!. STOP THE TRAMA! STOP THE MURDERS OF INNOCENT FAMILY PETS NOW! !! PLLLLLEEEASE!!!

Submitted by Ramona Miller in Society & Community Jan. 15, 2015, 1:46 p.m.

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#541

370 votes

Encourage local farming efforts at the community level by buying produce for public schools, care facilities for the elderly, government facilities where cafeterias are provided for personnel, and homeless shelters.

Submitted by Marian B. in Society & Community Dec. 17, 2014, 4:51 p.m.

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#586

329 votes

Universal public service for at least 1 year after High School or college: civilian or military, domestic or international.

Submitted by Jeffrey Garrison, MD in Society & Community Nov. 17, 2014, 12:47 a.m.

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#591

326 votes

Newspapers, magazines, television, radio, cable--the media should not be owned by such a small group of persons.

Submitted by Georgia S. McDade in Society & Community Dec. 10, 2014, 3:17 p.m.

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#607

315 votes

More funding for the arts.

Submitted by Arthur L. from IL in Society & Community Nov. 16, 2014, 1:18 p.m.

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#629

294 votes

Revoke the charters of banks that commit grossly negligent criminal activities.

Submitted by Gnomic in Society & Community Jan. 3, 2015, 8:22 p.m.

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#629

294 votes

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