In The Interest Of Fairness

(Continued From Wednesday)

...which is not to say that Democrats are the bastion of truth themselves...

Obama has made the claim that John McCain refused to support loan guarantees for the domestic auto industry. What a piece of sophistry! John McCain has opposed the support of the American auto makers, but has since earlier in the year supported the same initiative that Obama supports. According to the August story in the Detroit News, McCain joined the supporters of the bill in August that would grant $25 billion in loans to shore-up the ailing auto industry.

So while the claim is technically true (McCain did oppose the loans, after all) it is no longer true and Obama should quit making the claim. But that has not stopped him (Obama) from making it the central theme of a commercial now running in the Michigan television markets. The most that McCain could be accused of here is "flip-flopping."

According to FactCheck.org the "facts" in Obama speeches need a little bending to move them into the "truth" column of the balance sheets.

On the economy, Obama has stated that his tax cuts will be completely off-set by closing the loopholes that allow the wealthy and corporations not to pay their fair share. But the truth of this statement is up for debate. The Tax Policy Center says that both the McCain and the Obama plans fall short of paying for themselves.

Later when saying that McCain would "Tax People's Benefits," Obama was speaking in half-truths. While it is true that health benefits that your employer gives you would become a taxable benefit under the McCain plan, those costs are somewhat (or entirely) deferred by a $5,000 tax credit that could be used towards health benefits.

Both parties are fear mongering (not that there aren't some things to fear about both parties!) and demogoging for your votes. They think you are too busy or too stupid to find out which of the "Facts" they quote are real and which are politically driven.

I urge you: Before you vote, do your research! Don't let the pundits, your friends, or your relatives tell you how to vote. And for god sake, Don't listen to what the candidates "say!" Do your own research. Make-up your own mind. Vote your conscience.

Wherever you are today, I hope that you will have an excellent day and - do a little research on who you want to vote for. See how many times he or she has told you the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth!

Don Bergquist - September 12, 2008 - Lakewood, Colorado, USA