Conservatives and Liberals

In response to Nelson’s angry diatribe against “high-minded moralizing liberals,” might I suggest that the biggest differences between liberals and conservatives would seem to be their views on two crucial points--personal freedoms and big business.

Conservatives would reduce personal freedoms (through limits on abortion and civil rights, Judge Robert Bork, etc.), but allow big business to operate with a minimum of restrictions (resulting in such debacles as the Iran- contra affair and the Wall Street insider trading scandal). A lack of faith in the individual, but a desire for “all I can get at any cost to others” seems to be the underlying credo.

The liberal point of view gives the individual more freedom (and the inherent responsibilities), but governs big business (and restricts obscene profits and other forms of greed and corruption). It seems to work in favor of “the little person,” and shows faith in his/her abilities and rights.

Perhaps the best way to avoid being “personally characterized as evil” is to view the world around you with “compassion, peace, justice and fairness,” and realize that they are more than just words, they are high-minded and very moral concepts and beliefs. Nelson may not be able to see this.

GARY McNETT

Encino