Having read Sarah Rothman's proclamation of being liberal ("Though fallacies of liberals abound, it's better to take a stance than remain silent," Sept. 5), allow me to offer an additional shout of encouragement from the wilderness to those who may cringe in political silence like young George W. in his Yale economics class.

It's easy in State College to get the idea that any expression of political will, especially a liberal one, is about as cool as checking ID at a keg party on West College Avenue.

Trust me, sticking to your guns and standing up for what you believe in --even if it makes the apathetic or oppositely-ideological want to put a "kick me" sign on your back -- will not only eventually earn you the admiration of your peers, it will earn you the respect of your adversaries.

This certainly couldn't be any truer than here in Washington, D.C., where the wishy-washy are popped like Pringles. Take Ms. Rothman's advice; don't back down, and don't hedge your bets, no matter if you're a commie pinko, a fascist pig, or anything in between. You want your opponents to respect you for your strength, not thank you for your acquiescence. Besides, it's just a whole lot more fun that way.