Former congressman and presidential candidate Ron Paul has launched an online petition drive to pressure President Obama to grant clemency to Edward Snowden, a former NSA contractor who leaked classified information on NSA data collection and surveillance programs. Paul argues that Snowden is a legitimate whistle-blower who should be protected under the law and allowed to come home. Snowden is currently living in Russia, where he has been granted political asylum.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l79j_7gYKtk

Four days ago, on February 10, 2014, Dallas sports anchor Dan Hansen -- who works for WFAA Channel 8 -- spoke out in defense of Michael Sam, who may become the first openly gay player in the NFL if drafted. It was such a great rant for his segment, Hansen Unplugged, and the video has since gone viral on the Internet.

Eighteen members of the United States Congress this week wrote a letter to President Obama asking him to reclassify Cannabis from a Schedule I drug to a lower level which would allow medical uses. The current DEA classification means that, in the eyes of the federal government, there’s no legitimate use for marijuana. Even cocaine and meth have limited medical legitimacy.

Campaign contributions are closely regulated. According to the Federal Elections Commission, an individual is limited to $2,600 per candidate or candidate committee per election.

HB 2453, with the short title “Protecting religious freedom regarding marriage.” The bill is now being debated in the Senate, where its chances for passing look good.

“Closed-door interactions.” That’s what the American Political Science Association (APSA) has recommended as one way to tackle congressional inaction. An APSA task force suggests that less transparency in government has clear and actionable benefits which can bolster the ability of Congress to resolve difficult policy issues.

1972, the Iowa Caucuses have been first in the nation and New Hampshire has been the first "primary" since 1920.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxmGjcTWKuo

Meet Kay Shea, now 86 years old, 83 at the time of her accident. In August 2011, Kay was hit head on by a 17-year-old boy on a two lane road in central Missouri. She was taken by air ambulance to the hospital where she would stay for the next 5+ months. Her injuries are too many to list here, the hospital bills were over $800,000.

Washington Blade, written by Pete

marijuana legalization initiatives vying for the November ballot in California is now four.

The “Cannabis Policy Reform Act of 2014,″ by marijuana activist Ed Rosenthal, was submitted late last month to the California Attorney General’s office. The AG approves language for circulation (or signature gathering). That usually takes about a month.