Letters to the Editor

Editor,

In response to Jon Cox’s column Friday [Sept. 23] entitled “Stop saying liberal like a four-letter word,” I exclaim, with the Utah vulgarity, ‘Heck Yeah!’

Jon challenges his readers to reconsider their political opinions and contemplate more than just one ‘hot-button’ issue. Allow me to respond to Jon’s challenge by explaining my political views without the phrase “I hate George Bush.”

Since I began to open my eyes to the realm of politics I have realized that my opinions are rather liberal. I believe in opening the doors of civil liberties and closing the gap between the upper and lower classes. I believe people should be free to act as they choose so far as they do not interfere with the liberties of another. I believe government should act to assist the poor and help them grow through education and training. I believe that makes me a liberal.

Now for the surprise: I am against abortion and I voted for Bush. I also praise SLC Mayor Rocky Anderson for his strong support of the oppressed minorities of Utah. Sometimes it takes such an extremist to reform the laws and attitudes of the people in order to attain true equality. I consider Rocky to be a true hero.

I sincerely hope that more people open their minds to new ideas, to both sides of each argument, and strive to understand their own political views. In that way we become more able to fight effectively for those causes in which we believe.

Samuel Hiatt