Liberalism’s Unpopularity

In his analysis of contemporary liberalism’s unpopularity, Robert Shogan cannot mention by name two of the most wildly unpopular social policies championed by liberals: forced busing and affirmative action quotas (“L Word: How Liberalism Lost Its Lure,” Part I, Nov. 5). Shogan’s hurried attempt to sweep these programs under the more general and benign term “integration” illustrates modern liberalism’s dilemma. Though most “politically correct” liberals still support busing and affirmative action, they have come to realize such programs are not marketable politically. Code words such as “equity” and “justice” have been substituted to subtly signal continued faith. But research--including studies commissioned by Democrats--has found that whites decode the code words and still despise quotas and busing--even more than the dreaded “W” word--welfare. Members of minority groups often regard quotas and busing as stigmatizing and patronizing.

In their efforts to re-tool their political philosophy, the “L” people must disavow the “B” word and the “Q” word. They must jettison busing, quotas, and other racial preference policies and return to earlier ideals of individualism and equality of opportunity “without regard to race, color, or creed.”

FREDERICK R. LYNCH

Claremont