Initiate an emergency public fund drive to keep teachers on the job and improve our schools.

The House and Senate may refuse to act, but the American people are ready and willing to help our fellow citizens. Those of us who are scraping by are still far better off than the unemployed. I believe many of us would be willing to contribute from our own pockets to do what congress refuses to do. Create a singularly-focused citizen-driven emergency fund to which citizens may contribute tax-deductible donations. In this case, money to support schools and teachers in districts most hurt by the recession. If congress won't approve funds, we will. Only together and united can we become a stronger nation. A filibustering Senate and do-nothing congress is not going to stop the American people.