In Defense of Liberalism

How dreary to read of liberal Democrats who are wimpish enough to be ashamed to describe themselves by that proud name (Part I, July 22). Those aspects of history and culture of which we are most proud are identified with the liberal cast of mind.

What does it mean to be a liberal? It is the refusal to suppress any opinion, however outrageous, so long as it stays in the realm of opinion and does not do violence to the innocent. Liberals take pride in innovation--their heroes called for a New Frontier, a New Deal. Shall we hide from that heritage or proudly claim it as the standard for democracy throughout the world?

WILLIAM DOYLE

Inglewood