Ralph Nader: Still Unsafe at Any Speed
In much the same way that the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, Ralph Nader is once again contemplating a presidential run. Exhuming his vanity candidacy every four years, Nader's interest in the White House increases in direct proportion to his ability to inflict lasting harm on the United States. The only difference this time is that he might have to compete with New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg for the nomination of the Narcissism Party.
History is replete with examples of the left and center-left uniting in a common effort against dangers from the right. That lesson, of course, is lost on (or more likely ignored by) Nader and his followers. In 2000, Nader's candidacy was catastrophic. In 2004, the extent of Bush's reelection victory made Nader merely annoying. Now it is just pathetic. With the country at war, facing recession and the composition of the Supreme Court for the next generation now in play, Nader simply can't help himself.
With no relevant experience and an even less relevant agenda, the bombastic Nader has resumed his quadrennial ritual of getting on his high horse and taking the low road against would-be (and should-be) Democratic allies. There are only three certainties with a Nader candidacy. First, this Corvair of progressive politics has shown his proven ability to attract substantial sums of cash from right-wing attack groups like FreedomWorks an Freedom's Watch. Second, to the degree Nader can have an impact, it is to help advance the radically reactionary program of the conservative movement. Last, the longer Ralph Nader tries to play in the political arena, the more lasting damage he does to his already-diminished legacy as a consumer advocate.
Hopefully, Ralph Nader in a rare moment of humility will stay out of the race. If not, he will once again show that he is unsafe at any speed.
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Nader Myth 2000: The Democratic Party uses the Nader Myth to cover up the fact that Al Gore abandoned his supporters and all voters in Florida. Diebold delivered on it's promise.
Nader Myth 2004:Utilizing the Democrats' stigma, Bush's campaign makes support calls for Nader the spoiler. Once again Ralph is targeted for being Ralph, especially when educated Democrats hear the news.
Ralph Nader’s legacy encompasses the spectrum of his life long work, especially his presidential candidacies. He has started a presidential exploratory committee www.naderexplore08.com
My political and civic identity was born through exposure to the candidate for whom I caucused for in Nevada, Congressman Dennis Kucinich.
Not only was I going on a limb, scrambling to educate myself on his record, bio, the issues, his campaign style not to mention volunteering for a political campaign, calling radio shows, canvassing, going to a town conference, and attending a free speech rally where I was interviewed for a published newspaper article.
Wooo!
A lot to absorb and digest to say the least.
Part of this process was owning my power as a citizen.
I, after 31 years, affirm:
* Politicians are public servants. They are elected to serve the public. We are the public. We are their Boss.
* When does a Boss grovel at the feet of their employee?
* A vote cast is duty. The highest level of civic participation in this democratic republic. The highest level of critical thinking is a mandatory prerequisite.
* The media’s power lies within the scope of communicative channels of distribution. The more channels accessed produces the variety of information and opinion necessary to serve as background information. Independent research is equally necessary.
Our future, the future of my three boys, everyone, everywhere is deeply affected by civic, social administration and control; in simpler terms, politics and government.
If we are to honor our existence and our time on Earth than we must participate.
Fight off all urges or coercion to be satisfied with the role of spectator.
A long comment, I know.
I strongly support Ralph Nader as an activist, and as a President candidate.
Posted by Danielle Vyas on January 31, 2008 6:20 PMThis meme of Ralph Nader as narcissist is as obnoxious as the noise machine's oft repeated lie about Al Gore claiming to have invented the internet. Far more important than whether a Democrat or a Republican wins the election in November, is whether democracy prevails, and democracy cannot prevail if proper debate is allowed to be derailed by deceitful, ad hominem talking points.
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