Campaign Controversy Over the ACLU
I commend you on your editorial on the ACLU. It is very distressing to me that Bush and Dan Quayle have injected the ACLU into the presidential campaign in a way that implies that membership in this organization is unpatriotic and subversive. Patriotism is defined as “the defense of the popular liberty.” Wrapping oneself in the flag or promoting the Pledge of Allegiance is a meaningless symbol of patriotism.
The act of protecting the people in their exercise of their constitutional rights is the true manifestation of patriotism because that act is the defense of the popular liberty. The ACLU is probably the only dedicated and effective group in this country whose charter is to protect all of us.
Mr. Bush and Mr. Quayle--are you the patriots you profess to be, or are you threats to the civil liberties the Constitution grants all of us?
SYLVAN WINOCUR
San Clemente
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