In Ralph Nichols' perfect world, conservatives would gleefully spout outrageous statements while liberals remain meekly silent.

In last week's column, Ralph wrote it is OK for "everyday people" to question the occupation in Iraq. (I would still be careful what you say over the phone despite Ralph's blessings.)

However, for the majority Congressional Democrats, who have the power to directly change things, he trots out such familiar lines as "some dare call it treason," "surrender" and "Vichy French."

Although in November American voters gave Democrats the majority in Congress with a mandate to withdraw our troops, the Democrats have capitulated to Bush.

Oh, they keep up the rhetoric but concede that Bush can pretty much do what he wants in Iraq until he leaves office.

It's left to the next president to try to figure a way out of Bush's quagmire.

The lesson is no matter how wimpy Democratic public officials are, the conservatives are going to play the fear card.

When you don't have the facts, fear is all that is left.

Maybe aversion therapy might help Democratic and moderate Republican lawmakers get over their timidity.

Just repeat over and over, "TREASON, SURRENDER, VICHY."

See, with repetition, the words lose their sting. You can have as much fun saying them as the conservative pundits do.

With intimidation off your shoulders, now you can catch up with the majority view of your constituents and just do the right thing.

A BIG reason this intimidation has worked is the effective network of conservative think tanks, a cable television channel and radio talk shows.

Even here in Highline and Seattle, where the skies may not be the bluest you've ever seen but our political opinions are, fright-wing radio talk beats progressive talk.

Let's face it, ratings for our only local liberal talk radio station suck.

KPTK AM 1090 finished 24th among commercial stations in the spring ratings book.

Talk-radio ratings, in general, are down so KTTH 770, tied for 16th, and KVI 570, tied for 19th, didn't do much better. But in an area that votes 60 percent Democratic that's pretty pathetic.

Emulating public radio, KPTK is conducting a pledge drive. The station isn't seeking cash donations, but instead asking progressives to listen and spread the good word about the station.

Consider this my pledge.

There are many reasons why liberal radio doesn't do better, but I reject the notion that the on-air talent isn't good enough.

With hosts from all over the country providing diverse perspectives, KPTK has the best line-up in Seattle since the boss-jock days of KJR/KOL in the 1960s.

Let's look at the line-up:

Stephanie Miller-6-9 a.m. She's from L.A. Even if you don't care about politics, you may choose this as your hilarious morning wake-up show. Voice deity Jim Ward does the funniest impressions since local legend Robert O. Smith.

Thom Hartmann-9 a.m.-noon. He broadcasts from Portland. His knowledge of our Founding Fathers, his Christian faith and populism add a different twist to the program. He's extremely smart and a prolific author. Thom also converses rationally with his many conservative guests.

Ed Schultz-noon-3 p.m. Big Eddie is from the heartland, Fargo, North Dakota. He's an entertaining huntin', fishin', meat-eatin', ex-professional football player and reformed conservative. Listening to his voice you might mistake him for Rush Limbaugh until you realize he's making sense.

Rachel Maddow-3-5 p.m. Her base is New York. She's presents a highly intelligent and entertaining show featuring the news of the day. She's got a funny sidekick, too.

Randi Rhodes and Mike Malloy-5-8 p.m. and 8 p.m.-1 a.m. I don't get to listen to these evening hosts much but they have their rabid rooters.

So all I'm asking is for you to listen to KPTK 1090 (www.am1090seattle.com online) and see what you think.

If you like it tell your friends. Patronize the advertisers and tell them you heard about them on KPTK. (All good advice for Times/News readers, too)

If a format switch is announced, I'm sure liberals will mount a great "Save Progressive Radio" campaign.

But it makes more sense to do it before the fact.

Eric Mathison can be reached at hteditor@robinsonnews.com or 206-388-1855.