Liberals and Conservatives

Heaven knows I am not always in agreement with cartoonist Conrad’s viewpoints. But his dictionary definition of liberal is one I would like to express my appreciation for (“Dictionary definition of a lib-er-al: Belonging to the people, free, giving freely, generous, tolerant,” Oct. 2). For me, personally, using the dictionary’s definitions of liberal means what this country stands for:

1. Favorable or in accord with concepts of maximum individual freedom possible, especially as guaranteed by law, and secured by governmental protection of civil liberties.

2. Of or pertaining to representational forms of government rather than aristocracies and monarchies.

3. Free from prejudice and bigotry.

By contrast, my dictionary’s first definition of conservative is: Disposed to preserve existing conditions, institutions, etc., and to resist change.

I don’t think the danger in this election lies with those of liberal persuasion, but with those of conservative views, who want the policies of the last eight years of the current Administration to continue unchanged.

DEBORAH SHAPIRO

Woodland Hills