Defining liberal

Two writers (Letters, Jan. 25) responded to Reed Johnson’s “Trashing the Media” (Jan. 11) by criticizing the so-called “liberal media.” According to my dictionary, “liberal” derives from the Latin liberalis -- of freedom, befitting the free. Synonyms are progressive, broad-minded, unprejudiced and generous; while antonyms include reactionary, narrow-minded, intolerant and stingy.

During the Middle Ages, European universities created the “liberal arts” curriculum: a combination of the arts, humanities, mathematics and sciences. The objectives were breadth of knowledge and freedom of thought. Today, students take the same subjects as “general education,” the foundation of free and informed choices.

Accordingly, a political liberal is an open-minded person who considers all of the arguments before drawing conclusions. A conservative, on the other hand, clings to one position and sees no reason to entertain diverse viewpoints because he already has his mind made up.

Are mainstream media “liberal”? I certainly hope so.

Forrest G. Wood

Bakersfield