In your article ("Battle likely on spending cuts," Nation, Monday), you incorrectly characterize Republicans who forced House leaders to strip from the budget a provision to allow oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge as "liberal" Republicans.

The 25 to 30 House Republicans who oppose drilling in the refuge are a diverse collection of lawmakers. Many of them are either fiscal or social conservatives.

There is nothing liberal about wanting to preserve a spectacular piece of our natural heritage and example of God's own handiwork. There is also nothing liberal in seeking to reduce America's dangerous dependence on oil. It is foolhardy for a nation that sits atop only 2 percent of the world's oil reserves to depend on oil for 40 percent of its energy needs. We are already producing 8 percent of world supply and depleting our scant reserves faster than the oil-rich nations are.

These courageous Republicans understand that the prospect of drilling in the Arctic Refuge is a false promise that only serves to delay much-needed policy changes, such as increased conservation and serious investments in alternative fuels. They understand that for a nation with only 2 percent of world oil, dependence on oil means an ever-increasing dependence on foreign oil.

Independent thinking among lawmakers is good for democracy and essential for wise public policy. Republicans should welcome this and reject efforts to turn the party into a monolithic cult. The Washington Times should save that "liberal" label for when it is truly justified.