To the Editor:
Re Progressives Arent Liberal, by Pamela Paul (column, Nov. 17):
Ms. Paul bemoans the failure of labels to accurately describe what a persons beliefs are, in this case liberals. Instead, she should be championing the demise of labels for the very reason that whether progressive or liberal, conservative or libertarian, labels are a lazy way of organizing people into groups primed by the echo chamber we live in and devoid of any nuance.
Labels allow a labeler to define us without the heavy lifting of critical thinking that truly informs who and what we are. The use of labels gives permission to easily dismiss another person as a this or a that while blinding the labeler to shared beliefs that if understood would foster greater dialogue and the opportunity to achieve goals that break down societal divisions.
In the end, we should applaud the failure of labels and encourage a deeper understanding of one another.
Jonathan Karmel Chicago
To the Editor:
Thank you so much for Progressives Arent Liberal. It was spot on! The talk show host Bill Maher has been saying for years that he is a classic liberal, but not at all like modern progressives. I have always identified with him whenever he made comments like that.
Ms. Paul took it a step further by adding the history behind the divergence of the two terms and absolutely nailing down the essence of each. Bravo!
Jim Haddox Denton, Texas
To the Editor:
How about it doesnt matter whether progressives are liberals? We must move beyond the old labels. We are separated by rationalists and irrationalists.
What was once liberal is simply (as it mostly always has been) common sense, common decency, and management of inevitable change for the benefit of the general welfare and liberty and justice for all. Basically, what any reasonable and broad view of society would see as doing the right thing.
Almost anyones reading of social and political history would agree that we live in a better, more decent and fair nation because of the right things that rationalists did: abolish slavery, rein in the robber barons, establish labor laws, and approve womens suffrage, civil rights, voting rights, Social Security and Medicare. The right things to do, which the irrationalists opposed.
In this new century social attitudes have changed, geopolitical power has changed, technology has exploded, the climate has changed. But what hasnt changed is the need and desire to do the right and decent thing. And there is only one side that continues that fight.
When we finally pull our heads above the surface of the water were swimming in, we might see that there is no longer a divide of right and left, red and blue, liberal and conservative; its one simply of right and wrong. Rationality vs. irrationality.
Lyndon Dodds San Antonio
To the Editor:
Much as I enjoyed Pamela Pauls recent attempt to distinguish liberals from progressives, she neednt have gone to all that trouble.
Heres my far briefer version: If youre more worried about pronouns than you are about ending child labor and capital punishment, youre a progressive.
William Cole Barcelona, Spain
To the Editor:
Re Climate Study Shows Restoration of Forests Isnt Enough by Itself (news article, Nov. 14):
Some scientists have questioned relying on todays forests to combat climate change. Some of their reservations may have merit, but I worry that their doubts will obscure a full appreciation of just how valuable trees and forests are.
They not only can reduce global warming by absorbing carbon dioxide. They also provide homes for wildlife, clean the air, prevent soil erosion, shade and beautify the land, and, most important, produce a significant portion of the oxygen that animals (including humans) need to live.
Researchers have found that children typically have a deep affection for trees, perhaps reflecting an intuitive sense of their value. This love of trees usually dies out as they get older. It would be good for the planet if it could be preserved.
William Crain Poughquag, N.Y.
To the Editor:
Managing and conserving the worlds forests to restore and maintain their more natural state have the potential to be an extraordinarily powerful climate solution, but it wont happen without investments comparable to those in the renewable energy and green transportation sectors.
World leaders should take a cue from California. This month a committee advising the state on climate policy called for investing $10 billion in restoring, conserving and managing the states forests and other natural and working lands. The proposal would achieve up to 400 million tons of carbon reduction in California alone over the next 10 years.
While newly planted trees take decades of intensive management to capture significant carbon, standing forests can be managed to sequester vast amounts of carbon in just a few years, bringing us much closer to reaching the Paris Agreement goals by 2030.
Investing in our forests and other lands now is the fastest, lowest cost and most effective way to get the planet out of the woods and on our way to a more climate-friendly future.
Laurie Wayburn San Francisco The writer is the chair of the California Natural and Working Lands Expert Advisory Committee and co-founder and president of Pacific Forest Trust.
To the Editor:
Re No, Immigrants Arent Poisoning Our Country, by Paul Krugman (column, Nov. 14):
Thank you to Mr. Krugman for pointing out what economists and social scientists have seen for years: Immigration provides significant economic and social benefits to communities.
Right now, there is heated rhetoric about the increase in migration to New York City and the rest of the state. While the influx of many new arrivals over a short period of time causes short-term challenges, it also offers many long-term opportunities.
New York State is currently leading the country in out-migration and population loss. In just one year, from 2021 to 2022, New Yorks population decreased by more than 180,000. This has led to work force shortages in key industries. The increase in new arrivals could be critical in recovering our labor force and tax base.
New York has a long history of welcoming immigrants, and this history has been critical in building our vibrant state. When we hear dangerous rhetoric that dehumanizes immigrants, we must fight back and remind people that when we create welcoming communities, our entire society benefits.
Carola Otero Bracco Mount Kisco, N.Y. The writer is executive director of Neighbors Link.
More:
Opinion | The Labels We Attach to Political Beliefs - The New York Times
