Liberals

I object to the way President Reagan libels us liberals by implying that we’re not quite as “American” as his conservatives (“Reagan Warns of ‘Trench Coat’ Liberals,” Part I, July 6). In other words, he doesn’t know what he’s talking about--as usual.

To be liberal means being favorable to progress and reform. If his memory doesn’t fail him, Reagan should know that some of his illustrious predecessors in the White House were liberals. Jefferson and Franklin Roosevelt, who he professes to admire, to mention just two. As I recall, Reagan was a New Dealer once!

“Liberal” is a term with ancient and honorable traditions since the Age of Pericles. Democracy itself is a liberal, not a conservative concept.

Because a popular President, who seems immune to serious criticism, uses the word “liberal” in a pejorative sense, it does not therefore lend it more credence.

AKE SANDLER

Los Angeles