LETTERS: TROUBLED BY DEMINITION OF 'PARTISAN'

To the editor:

I watched the House Judiciary Committee impeachment hearings on television this past week. I have found it to be very interesting, but I am confused about the meaning of some of the words they are using. For example, I think I know what the word "is" is. I have just about figured out what "alone" means. The word that is giving me the most trouble is "partisan."

Webster defines it as "an adherent or supporter of a person, party or cause." The second definition given by Webster is "a member of light or irregular troops engaged in harassing the enemy." Either of these definitions fairly describe what I have been witnessing on TV.

The Democrats on the committee have apparently come up with their own unique definition of the word. As far as I can determine, it goes something like this: If the Republicans agree with the Democratic point of view, the Republicans are being "bipartisan," which is good. If, on the other hand, the Republicans disagree with the Democratic side, the Republicans are accused of being "partisan," which is bad. My problem is I have yet to find out what the Democrats call their position when they are in complete and total opposition to the majority Republican call for impeachment. Perhaps someone more knowledgeable about the English language could enlighten me on this point.

GENE WEBB

Cape Girardeau