Letter: Being called a liberal is not an insult

I've noticed that some Republican letter-writers often feel the need to characterize Democrats with the liberal label as if it's an insulting term. It's accurate to call Democrats liberals but it's not an insult. When I see that at the top of a letter I know it's intended as a jab. According to the dictionary, a liberal is defined as someone who is "willing to respect or accept behavior or opinions different from one's own; open to new ideas. Relating to or denoting a political and social philosophy that promotes individual rights, civil liberties, democracy, and free enterprise." Republican or Democrat, what is wrong with embracing the values represented in that definition? If you are a liberal, welcome that label with open arms. Many of our great minds throughout history who have been responsible for developing advanced technologies or philosophies had liberal points of view. Just remember when you feel the need to toss that label into your letter you are actually paying your target a compliment.