Every responsible media outlet, including The Tribune, should do everything possible to inform all American citizens of the impending votes in Congress shortly after the November election. The Bush tax cuts are set to expire before the year ends. All federal income taxes will then go up by about 10 percent if no vote is taken. Both political parties do not want that to happen.

Republican leadership in Congress has vowed to avoid a vote and extend all the Bush tax cuts. The national debt will then continue to expand.

The president and the Democratic Party wish to vote on a plan that would allow the tax cuts to continue for roughly 98 percent of all citizens, raising taxes on incomes over $250,000 per year. The Democrats’ plan will immediately cut the deficit, but not entirely. Another vote before the end of the year will be necessary to prevent or allow drastic cuts in government spending. Positions by each party on that vote have been announced. It is the voter’s responsibility to be informed of these congressional actions. It is the responsibility of the media to keep the clear choices before the public and avoid the peripheral, pre-election buzz.