Letter: The big difference

Editor, Daily News:

I am trying to understand Ann Coulter's rancor against the people who consider themselves liberals. What occurred in her childhood to propel such loathing?

But even more distressing is the market value of her venom, because as I attempt to analyze her sordid ramblings, she trips gaily to the bank. While she obviously shuns Webster's definition of the term, I am buoyed by the description of liberalism as a political philosophy based on belief in progress; the essential goodness of the human race and the autonomy of the individual; and standing for the protection of political and civil liberties.

What does it mean to be a liberal? If being a liberal means a willingness to pay a few dollars more in taxes to help the mentally disabled, those without job skills and medically uninsured, then I am proud to be a liberal.

If being a liberal means building one less bomber so that there are funds to pay for child care and housing assistance for the working poor, then I am proud to be a liberal.

If being a liberal means protecting the environment for our children and children's children, then I am proud to be a liberal.

If the immortal words of Emma Lazarus on the Statue of Liberty have any meaning in today's world, then I am proud to be a liberal.

Webster's definition further states that a liberal is marked by generosity and open-mindedness. While I disagree with conservatives, I do not hate them. If I did, I would not be a liberal.

Arlyne Goodwin , Naples