Political advertising is almost always, at best, misleading and should be thoroughly ignored as a source for information. When an ad includes demonstrably and blatantly false information one begins to question why it was published at all. 

I was delighted to read that the Addison Independent is reviewing its protocol for verifying advertisements to make sure that they accurately reflect the views of those who are represented in the ad. I would suggest that the Addison Independent also set a standard for publishing right out lies. 

The political advertisement on page 13 of the Election Guide dated Oct. 20, 2022, has already been called out for its falsehoods. This ad should never have been allowed to run; and certainly not without a disclaimer insert from the Addison Independent. Truth matters, and even social media has taken to banning the spread of misinformation.

I would be happy to see ads in the future that reflect a thoughtful view that I do not agree with. However, I hope that I never see an ad with such false statements again in my favorite local medium. It’s kinda [sic] embarrassing really.

Peter Lynch

Shoreham