Highest praise

The News & Observer on Oct. 30 reported state schools superintendent candidate John Tedesco telling voters that his opponent, June Atkinson, is a liberal, as though that is a negative factor.

Tedesco is apparently unaware that the Oxford Dictionary defines liberal as: 1) generous; 2) not prejudiced; and, worst of all from his narrow point of view, 3) favoring individual liberty.

With these lofty characteristics comprising the meaning of the word liberal, we must ask individuals to be sure that the person being labeled “liberal” is worthy of that honor. In the case of Tedesco’s opponent, it is refreshing to have him essentially endorse Atkinson with such high praise as referring to her as “liberal.” We can only hope that the voters of North Carolina will also recognize Atkinson’s superiority and cast their vote for her.

Zell A. McGee

Chapel Hill