Do research before voting on Tuesday

Lauren Bates
Published: October 30, 2008

The Oct. 26 article, “Where they stand” does a great disservice to Virginians as they prepare to go to the polls on Nov. 4. 

As Northern Virginia will likely determine the outcome for the state, and perhaps the election, the media should provide complete and accurate information on both candidates. Unfortunately, this article
glosses over many important points and provides a distorted picture of our candidates for president. 

For example:

• In the heath care section there is no mention of savings associated with Sen. Barack Obama’s plan, which would be $2,500 for individuals and $5,000 for families. As affordability is a key concern for
many voters, by including only Sen. John McCain’s savings through tax credits, it is implied that the Obama plan would not make health care more affordable.  In addition, there is no mention of McCain’s
plan to tax employer- based insurance. Likewise there is no mention of either candidate’s financing options for their expanded health plans, which is an essential component, especially in our current
economic situation.

• Under the foreign policy section, the article cites two of McCain’s criticisms of Obama. I am disappointed that a news source that is tasked with providing factual evidence would resort to using political
sound bites as part of a candidate’s platform. Furthermore, if McCain only provides enough information for two bullet points on foreign policy, voters should question his ability to lead in these trying times.

• Finally, as a county filled with small businesses, I was extremely disappointed to see no mention of the candidate’s tax policy for small businesses. This is an extremely important issue which will
potentially make or break our economy on both a local and national level.

I encourage voters to educate themselves by visiting both candidates’ Web sites, as well as nonpartisan Web sites such as Project Vote Smart. Please take a few minutes and research where the
candidates stand on the issues that matter to you, before casting your ballot on Nov. 4.

LAUREN BATES

Woodbridge