Letter: Seek all sources, but make sure they're accurate

Talk about it

This letter is in response to David Christoffer’s letter from July 20. I agree that we should not rely on only mainstream media for our news. But, when you do seek other sources, be sure they are credible and accurate.

Mr Christoffer’s statement that President Obama removed the requirement to work provision from the welfare reform act signed by President Clinton is not actually accurate. What the Health and Human Services Department did was offer to states a waiver of this provision so states could conduct pilot programs designed to help people on welfare get employment.

Mr Christoffer’s second statement — that a new sales tax on houses will take effect in 2013 — is also inaccurate. First off, it is not a sales tax, but a tax on capital gains from the sales of certain investments. This tax will have no bearing unless you have an adjusted gross income over $200,000-$250,000 depending on your filing status. In addition, the first $250,000-$500,000 (depending on filing status) in capital gains on the sale of a primary residence is exempt to capital gains tax.

Always remember that if you receive a forwarded mass email, you need to check its accuracy before you forward it on to others.

Tags: opinion, letters, politics