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10/20/04

Guest Columnist:
Mr. President, "liberal" is not a bad word

Mr. President,

I am writing to ask that you stop your campaign to turn the word "liberal" into a derogatory term. Why do you insist on attempting to alienate an enormous percentage of this countryís population by such hurtful rhetoric? This particular campaign strategy is hitting below the belt, and it is unfairly affecting far more people than just your political opponent.

I am a liberal because my God-loving parents (one of whom is a Republican) raised me to care about the well-being of my fellow human beings. Because I believe humanity should treat the environment in a respectful way. Because I believe in accepting others and I believe in advocating for the rights of women, for people of color, and for the lesbian, gay and bisexual communities.

I am a liberal because I believe John F. Kennedy's claim that, "Of those to whom much is given, much is required." I love this country, Mr. President, and am very grateful to have been born into it. And as a liberal, I am devoted to improving the state of this nation for current and future generations. Quite frankly, Mr. Bush, there is nothing negative about that.

So I implore you to consider the millions of people who you are disrespecting, insulting and infuriating by your insistence to use the word "liberal" like it's a bad thing. While you claim that this country isn't unreasonably polarized, you proceed to take divisive and hurtful measures that wound the heart of this country. It is not right. With all due respect, I would think the leader of the free world would know better.

Sincerely, Melinda Young
Eugene, Oregon
Daughter of a retired Air Force officer, sister of an Air National Guardsman