In response to (Durwood) Hatch's letter of Feb. 3, I must object to his overly biased, non-factually based, and slanderous attack of anyone with an even slightly liberal viewpoint. In the interest of properly voicing my objection, I will define liberal as an attitude that is generally progressive and striving towards growth and change.

According to Hatch, conservatives can be feminist and non-racist, but history has shown the norm of the populous to be racist and non-female oriented. It is therefore, a liberal attitude that is required to advance beyond such a social perspective.

A logical statement follows that conservatives, by nature, will try to maintain the socially established norms of segregation and anti-feminism. Any self-admitted conservative who denies having such feelings is simultaneously admitting to liberal viewpoints. So Hatch's statement that liberals cannot attack issues, only characters, is totally unfounded.

Next, Hatch blasted the Collegian (and all papers that act likewise) for daring to criticize President Reagan and the U.S. government. He did not, however, propose an alternative. Why? Because the only alternative is blind faith under the assumption that our leaders are perfect.

As intelligent citizens, we realize that nothing could be farther from the truth, and the Collegian joins us in exercising our right to question our leaders' decisions. Any other position would prove disastrous.

Lastly, Hatch condemns the idea of university students being taught to love their enemies. Just who are our enemies? Before you say "those commie Ruskies," might I remind you that the Soviet people hate war just as much as you or I.

Why is it that just because we were born on this continent that we necessarily love peace any more than someone born on the Asian continent? Such an idea is factlessly based.

The political ignorance of most Americans is appalling. The function of a university and its paper is to enlighten and to present new and progressive ideas, not to allow peoples' minds to stagnate in old and incorrect notions.