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YOUR VIEW
Fauquier Times | www.fauquier.com | October 31, 2018
For thoughtful government — the way it used to be — vote for Kaine Do you regret the loss of civility in politics today? Do you wonder what happened to the “art of compromise” that enabled politicians to actually pass meaningful legislation? Do you yearn for the past history of people like former President Ronald Reagan and former House Speaker Tip O’Neill who could each preach the “party line” to the press and then hash out a real compromise over a phone call? Boy, I sure do! That’s why I write this letter in support of Tim Kaine, our incumbent senator now running for re-election in Virginia. I could tell you that he
works hard every day to make good jobs, health care and education available to all Virginians. Tim’s focus is on how to unite our commonwealth and help grow our economy; give Virginians more health-care options for less money; and protect us from threats at home and abroad. Yes, he does do all of that, and much more. But if you vote Democrat, you already know that, and, if you are a voting Republican, it’s worth knowing. Well, how about this? A vote for Tim is a vote in the direction of civil discourse, of working compromise, of decency and
Riggleman the outsider’s choice for 5th District Denver Riggleman is an outsider who will bring common sense solutions to Washington that benefit Virginians, not lobbyists and establishment politicians. Denver is committed to the principles of small government, economic freedom, and personal liberty. He knows government works best when it stays out of the way of Virginia families and small businesses. Democrats are pulling out all the stops to keep Riggleman out of Washington. They know he will be a reliable vote for lower taxes, spending cuts, and health care freedom. In other words, the exact opposite of the policy agenda of the so-called progressive left. But Denver Riggleman also makes establishment Republicans sweat. As a candidate who firmly believes in protecting the rights of the individual, Riggleman has committed to join the House Freedom Caucus if elected. Members of the HFC are among the only representatives in Congress who put principle before political party. When Republican leadership proposes a budget-busting $1.3 trillion omnibus spending bill, they answer back with a resounding “NO” vote. Denver Riggleman cares about
issues that impact Virginians in the 5th District, which is why he supports further tax cuts to middle class families. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which Riggleman supports, has saved Virginia families more than $1,200 on average. Denver Riggleman will fight to return even more tax dollars to hard-working Virginia families, rather than wasting the money on inefficient government programs. Denver Riggleman will be a fighter for citizens of the 5th District. He will join the ranks of those in the House Freedom Caucus who bring fiscal responsibility and plain old common sense back to Washington. When entrenched members of the Beltway political establishment scoff at an outsider candidate such as Riggleman, it can only mean good things. It means they know their pay-to-play scheme is over. Denver Riggleman is the obvious choice to shake up the status quo and special interests in Washington. For those who want a representative who listens and fights for us daily, Denver Riggleman deserves our vote.
Tuesday, Nov. 6, will be an important day for many American citizens. On that day, millions of Americans will go to the voting booth for the purposes of:
conventions may be impacted by the results of the 2018 mid-term elections. How can one prepare themselves to fulfill this important task? Here are some suggestions:
Martha Boneta FreedomWorks activist Paris, Virginia
Prepare yourself to fulfill an important task
1. Voting on issues/questions and 2. Electing candidates to various offices. As they enter the voting booth, they will make decisions regarding the following: A. Voting on various issues and ballot questions B. Electing approximately onethird of the United States Senate C. Electing all 435 representatives in the US House of Representatives D. Electing various state officials — governors, lieutenant governors and other state officials E. Electing members of state legislatures — state House and State Senate F. Electing various local officials In addition, the total number of delegates that a state or territory may send to the 2020 national party
1. Study and research all important domestic and foreign issues and questions. Get to know each one well. 2. For each office and candidate develop an “ideal office/candidate profile.” Match all candidates for that particular office against your “profile.” Vote for the candidate who comes closest to your “profile.” 3. Take the time to go to the polls and vote. 4. Your vote is important. Do not take it for granted. Your right to vote was bought and paid for by the sacrifice of many brave Americans. As my southern friends would say, “Y’all come on down to the voting booth.” See you at the polls. Bob Wright Warrenton
compassion for one’s fellow humans. A vote for his opponent, Mr. Stewart, is a vote for the ongoing reckless, hateful, reality show government we have today. Perhaps it’s best if one forgets, for the sake of this election, whether one is a “D” or an “R” and votes for the candidate based on deliberative, thoughtful government; the way it used to be! Wouldn’t that be great? George Ohrstrom Berryville
With so much at stake, vote on November 6 It isn’t an exaggeration to say that this election is the most important one we’ve faced in decades. While it might have been easy in the past to simply cast your vote for your party’s candidate, this is a time for each of us to pause and carefully consider what is at stake. Before I get to that, I’ll let you in on a little secret. Although born into a family of Democrats, I have happily voted for Republican candidates in the past. There was a time when moderate Republicans worked hand in hand with Democrats to address policy issues and they promoted sensible, thoughtful solutions. No longer. The Republican Party has been hijacked by extremists and the welfare of our country is not as important as pandering to the wealthiest donors and maintaining control of their party. What does that mean for you and me? Health Care: Denver Riggleman and Corey Stewart have both vowed to repeal the Affordable Care Act without any good option to replace it. The Republican candidates believe that the “free market” will give you a better deal than the government. This is folly. The health insurance companies, absent any federal or state regulation, are going to squeeze you to make a buck — consider the cost of prescription drugs. They aren’t going to give you a better deal than a government regulated system that drives down costs to enable all of us to afford the medical treatments we need. For example, without the ACA, pre-existing conditions will either get you rejected or make your premiums sky high. Also, your children will be ineligible for coverage on your family plan after the age of 21. Who knows, maybe they’ll make it 18. So, if you want affordable health care for you and your children vote Democrat — Leslie Cockburn and Tim Kaine. Medicare and Social Security: Denver Riggleman and Corey Stewart align themselves with the Freedom Caucus. Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security will be on the chop-
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ping block under Republican majority rule. Why? Republican politicians don’t consider them entitlement programs even though we pay into them throughout our work lives and have earned those benefits. Cutting those programs is a popular Republican strategy to help pay for the huge deficit that now exists thanks to the tax break that Republicans generously granted to our nation’s wealthiest individuals and corporations. If you want to reap the full benefit of your Medicare and Social Security entitlements, vote Democrat — Leslie Cockburn and Tim Kaine. Pro-Life or Pro-Birth: Denver Riggleman and Corey Stewart describe themselves as “pro life” but, their concern for individuals born into this world apparently ends at birth. Isn’t birth only the beginning and not the end game? If you strictly vote for one candidate due to their position on abortion, can you tolerate all the other consequences of supporting these Freedom Caucus candidates? They will work to slash or end vital domestic programs such as subsidies for health care, food, clothing, housing, and early childhood education that would offer a safety net for those infants born to single and needy parents. You can vote for someone who cares about supporting our most vulnerable little citizens and still see the abortion issue addressed through the courts. If you believe in protecting lives beyond the womb and want to ensure that babies born to single or needy parents are given a decent start in life vote Democrat — Leslie Cockburn and Tim Kaine. These are among several vital issues and you might also be concerned about gun safety, immigration reform, and protecting our environment. Get the facts and visit: www. lesliecockburnforcongress.com and www.timkaine.com. Let your voice be heard and your heart inform your choice. Vote Democrat on Nov. 6. Kathy Kadilak The Plains sent via email must say “Letter to the Editor” to distinguish them from other messages not meant for publication. Include address and phone for verification (Not to be published.) Letters are subject to editing for clarity and length. Personal attacks will not be published. Long letters from those with special authority on a current issue may be treated as a guest column (with photo requested). Due to volume, letters cannot be acknowledged. All letters are appreciated. Letters must be received by 5 p.m. Monday to be considered for Wednesday publication.
