Opinion: Liberals have used federalism to help people; conservatives, as an excuse to oppress
To the editor: Federalism is not a “conservative” idea; it simply grants some powers to the states while reserving others for the national government. (“Post election, progressives are embracing conservative traditions,” Opinion, Dec. 13)
Federalism has been used by reactionaries to justify, among other abuses, slavery, segregation, the denial of voting rights to eligible citizens and violations of equal rights to citizens based on their race, religion or gender.
It has been used by progressives to justify regulations that shelter communities from corporate polluters, legislation that addresses climate change and measures to shield people from unjust and discriminatory national policies.
Sadly, and I consider myself conservative, the drive these days of so-called progressives to protect families, communities, livelihoods, the environment and human rights seems much more conservative than anything currently offered by reactionaries.
Michael Farquhar, Altadena
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