LETTERS: LABELS ARE LESS IMPORTANT THAN REAL DISCOURSE ON SUBSTANTIVE ISSUES

To the editor:

There are no conservatives or liberals, only issues. This was again made evident in David Broder's column, "Conservatives bash Conservatives." Broder mentions prominent Republican conservatives who criticize fellow partisans and even endorse Democratic opponents.

In reality, for one to say "I am a conservative" or "I am a liberal" says nothing. FDR always though of himself as being conservative while being broadly cast as a liberal. Interestingly enough, FDR's definition of a liberal is "one whose feet are firmly planted in mid-air." Even though the terms "conservative" and "liberal" are used extensively, they have become virtually meaningless in essence, and their use all too often amounts to sheer demagogery. In their mindless use, they are used to excoriate or extol.

It is my continuing prayer and still my hope that we Americans may be captured by a new spirit of civility and compassion that will drive us to substantive discourse on the issues so vital to all of us instead of this mindless demagogery. The true statesman is conservative when necessary, liberal when necessary, as well as radical when necessary.

GILBERT DEGENHARDT

Cape Girardeau