Truemors
is reporting from
Member
NP Rank:
NP Rank:
Ralph Nader A Tale of a Candidate Between Two Giants
Share:
by politisite | July 26, 2008 at 03:00 pm
3910 views | 39 Recommendations | 33 comments
Videos
Ralph Nader News Conference, Iron Mill News Service, 20080725113001
sourced by politisite
Photos
Ralph Nader A Tale of a Candidate Between Two Giants
By Albert N. Milliron, Editor, Politisite.com & Iron Mill Interactive Media, inc
Ralph Nader arrived at the State House, in Columbia, South Carolina, Thursday, to announce that he will be on the Presidential ballot in our state. The Green party founder is running as an independent following a tough loss to former Democratic Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney. Michelle Malkin wrote an article just after Nader's loss, partied a McKinney Bumper Sticker, that said, "Run Cynthia Run" to "Run Ralph Run" Well Ralph is Running and will make an attempt to be on more state ballots then either of his 2 previous bids for the Presidency.
Two weeks ago, Mr. Nader had arrived at the South Carolina State Election Commission with nearly 18,000 signatures in hand. The signatures presented were nearly double the States requirement to appear on the presidential ballot.
Mr. Nader began his news conference relating that he is now on 15 state ballots for the general election. He said that getting on all 50 state ballots, is obstructionist as it is so difficult with the various conflicting rules and financial requirements that near impossible for a candidate to get on all the States ballots. With that said, he related that he has 30 state ballot initiatives underway and expects to be on 45 state ballots this election. He related that compared to Europe and Canada, America is the most difficult of all to get on a ballot for an election.
Ralph Nader related that the major candidates, Barack Obama and John McCain fail to offer platforms that satisfy the needs of the American people. He contends that his view on the major issues are views that are held by the Majority of Americans.
“The critical issues and directives of the Nader / Gonzalez campaign are majority views", most Americans are unaware of that as the, “Media's Love Affair” with the Major candidates keeps his voice from being heard.
One stance, is the minimum wage The Nader campaign states, “that if an American works full time, they should have enough income to support the Basics necessities of the family” “The minimum wage federally is $6.55 per Hour. If the minimum wage from 1968 were adjusted for inflation in 2008 it would be $10.00 per hour.” In spite of the fact that worker productivity has doubled in the last forty years, the minimum wage purchasing power is $3.45 less the it was in 1968.
He said that the Republican candidate, John McCain, is happy with the Status Quo and has not intention on making changes to the minimum wage. Barack Obama, on the other hand, does believe in a livable minimum wage, but he defines it differently, by the year 2011 he would raise the minimum wage to be $9.50 per hour which is still below 1968 buying power levels.
Nader then moved to health care. He related that according to the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Science 18,000 people die unnecessarily each year because of lack of health insurance. Nader's plan calls for a National Medicare program for everyone in America. With free choice of health facility and physician. The majority of Americans want a universal health care program. 59% of doctors want some type of universal health insurance. Nader related that Neither McCain nor Obama have offered a program that covers all Americans.
Based on recent polling, some of the other issues on the Nader /Gonzalez ticket that seem to coorelate with the Majority of Americans are:
-
A comprehensive, negotiated military and corporate withdrawal date from Iraq;
-
Against building Nuclear Power Plants, rather invest in and use solar-based energy policies that supported renewable, sustainable, energy-efficient sources;
-
Eliminating corporate welfare and prosecute corporate crime that has resulted in millions losing pensions, savings and jobs and squandered tax dollars; and,
-
More direct democracy reflecting the preamble to the Constitution which starts with "we the people," not "we the corporations."
At one point in the news conference, he said, “and so it goes”, sighing, almost reveling how irrational it is to him that while he has programs that would meet the people of America's wants and needs he is almost ignored.
While Obama draws 200,000 people in Berlin with all three networks anchors in tow, and John McCain's every move monitored an reported. Every comment between the candidates is considered breaking news, The man who was once called, "One of the Most Influential Americans in the 20th century" by Time Magazine, holds a news conference to a small crowd of spectators, passers by, a few hard core supporters. Media coverage was just a sparce, a few local TV crews, one newspaper, and a new media reporter, a blogger and NowPublic Contributor. There was no Fox News, No CNN, No MSNBC. It didn't seem fitting as there were too few to hear the man who single handily took on Cooperate America.
One local reporter said, "It must be so frustrating to come to Columbia knowing that in 2004 you received a mere 5,520 votes of 1.6 million." The conversations about the Nader went on between the news reporters as they left the the Capital. Some where wondering why he continues. He must feel small, against Obama and McCain, when he has a platform that is so directed at the people and against cooperate influence. But Nader continues every election cycle, why? What is it about this man that drives him? One said, "it's the message, the message to take back our country".
You may listen to Ralph Nader's full news conference Here
Related Articles
Election 2008: Presidential Candidate Ralph Nader
A Billionaire's Guide to the Candidates: Ralph Nader
YouTube Interview with Ralph Nader
Why Did Gonzalez Join Nader's Ticket?
Ralph Nader had some exciting news to share, he had just been to Google headquarters discussing a YouTube / Google Presidential Town Hall that will include third party and independent candidates. They will be taking advantage of their popularity to do something that major networks have refused to do, present a variety of candidates to debate in front of a national audience. The debate will be held in New Orleans on September, 18. Politisite will provide more on this history making event as we receive more information. And, Yes, we will be there. Here is the Site for more information
More About Ralph Nader
Mr. Nader is a Celebrated attorney, author, and consumer advocate Ralph Nader has been named by Time Magazine one of the "100 Most Influential Americans in the 20th Century." For more than four decades he has exposed problems and organized millions of citizens into more than 100 public interest groups advocating solutions. His organizations have helped establish the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and enact the Safe Drinking Water Act, the Motor Vehicle Safety Act, the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and countless other pieces of important consumer legislation. Because of Ralph Nader we drive safer cars, eat healthier food, breathe better air, drink cleaner water, and work in safer environments. Nader graduated from Princeton University and received an LL.B from the Harvard School of Law.
For more information see: VoteNader.org
What is NowPublic?
NowPublic lets people work together to cover news events around the world.
Crowd Power
politisite
Columbia, South Carolina, United States
Most RecentMost Recommended Comments (33)
at 23:06 on July 25th, 2008
I hope you asked him about my Corvair?
at 23:41 on July 26th, 2008
As far as i know Ralph Nader isn't between anything. He is out. In the race for next President are: Barack Obama, John McCain, Cynthia McKinney (Green Party) an Bob Barr (Libertarian Party).
Source: http://www.stichtingmilieunet.nl/andersbekekenblog/?p=4769
So now he is in the race again??
at 07:57 on July 27th, 2008
Yes he is running as an independent. He did the same thing 4 years ago when he failed to win the nomination of the Green party. I asked him about his feelings about Cynthia McKinney and her running mate. I will upload my question and his response. I have a few projects in front of me, but I will get it uploaded as soon as I can.
BTW he will probably end up on the ballot in more states then the Green Party
at 18:22 on August 1st, 2008
Nader is Polling at 6% as of August 1, 2008. He polled less then half that last election cycle
at 01:26 on July 26th, 2008
politisite, looking forward to it!
at 04:15 on July 26th, 2008
I regard Nader as a self-absorbed dangerous guy! (How's that for objective comment!). He split the democrat vote for Al Gore (the small number of his votes would have made all the difference) and he seems intent on wasting money by losing. I dont know why he bothers!
at 14:06 on July 26th, 2008
Isn't he running as an independent. This guy is a national joke, but it is his right to run. As much as I like Obama, it is an American's right to try and run for office. Many of our early Presidents warned us about a two-party system and sectional divisions. Personally, I think proportional representation would be fair, as long as that party's candidate received 5%, they should get seated in the bicameral legislature. However, the president of the U.S. should be decided by popular vote. We can't shun a person for running, that is what makes our country so great.
at 18:21 on July 26th, 2008
Right on, V_rod.
In Australia we have proportional representation. There are several parties here. We vote by order of preference.
When our first choice loses, our second choice gets the vote, and so on.
And, most important, we use paper ballots!
at 20:09 on July 26th, 2008
Third parties are restricted here by obscure requirements is many of the 50 states. Since we live in a republic states are like mini countries and can make their own rules on getting on the ballot. The federal government needs to help set guidelines. What the concern is that if voting becomes centralized, those in power can have greater influence of the outcomes. I do not like two parties having total control on the system. We broke the news here tonight that YouTube will be having a debate for third party and independent candidates. Sine Google has such influence a national tV company will broadcast it. Will be the first tome this has occurred in history. Public broadcasting has done it but never a major TV network.
at 19:29 on July 26th, 2008
Now that the full article is up. Ralph speaks on that very issue about the difficulty for third parties to get on ballots. Ralph was called by time magazine one of the most influential people in the 20th century. I wouldn't call him a joke. After the press conference he is an excellent alternative to voting democrat as he has real environmental plans, health care, corporate welfare elimination, restoring the rights to people and reduce the power of business.
at 18:12 on July 26th, 2008
politisite, I like this story. It's good stuff.
An excellent piece - well done!
at 18:29 on July 26th, 2008
I have brought this story current as it is now fully completed, and the 'taster' was written yesterday.
at 19:24 on July 26th, 2008
I am such a tease!
at 19:56 on July 26th, 2008
Ralph Nader is a honest guy who has kept his word and he has fought and still fighting for the rights of American citizens.
Saying all that, Obama has been selected to be the next President
US imperialism needs a black face to exploit Africa and its resources and to keep the Chinese out of Africa.
If any of you think that your vote will make a difference, I am sorry but you are dreaming.
The US Imperialists selected Bush to be the president for 8 years and now it is Obama's turn.
The christian right had its turn, now it is the Left so we can keep the balances and keep everybody happy, so we do not wake up and realize the Hell that we live in.
Obama supporters, your man has been selected. He is the next president of the new US Imperialism. As he said Afganistan is next and then probably Pakistan.
Even the Bohemian Grove crowd is going along with that. More wars more blood for the blood thirsty as----les. And ofcource more MONEY.
at 23:25 on July 26th, 2008
politisite, I like this story. It's good stuff. Nice read Al, thanks
at 00:32 on July 27th, 2008
Worth waiting for, politisite:)! Great coverage!
at 04:12 on July 27th, 2008
politisite, I like this story. It's good stuff.
at 05:40 on July 27th, 2008
Great work on this.
at 06:22 on July 27th, 2008
Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;}
Is there ANYTHING in this clip that Nader says that isn't a fact ?
HIGHEST BIDDER
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmhL8bjL9vc
"Washington has become Versailles. We are ruled, entertained and informed by courtiers. The popular media are courtiers. The Democrats, like the Republicans, are courtiers. Our pundits and experts are courtiers. We are captivated by the hollow stagecraft of political theater as we are ruthlessly stripped of power. It is smoke and mirrors, tricks and con games. We are being had. " - Chris Hedges
"We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light." – Plato
at 08:08 on July 27th, 2008
I am a conservative, but found myself shaking my head in the affirmative during the news conference / interview. I really think that Environmentalist , those who are interested in alternative energy, and ending corporate welfare, He is worth a look as he presents are real platform on these issues. He hasn't changed, something rare for one in politics. America has moved more toward his views.
The problem is He is not pretty, he is getting older, he is not charasmatic, and he gives facts rather then spin. When I came home from the News conference, I began looking up every organization he quoted, found the facts, and they coorelated with what he was saying. I could not find one statement that was not referanced and accurate. Does not mean i agree with him, it means what he said was based on facts that could be looked up.
at 06:43 on July 27th, 2008
politisite, I like this story. Nader...great balanced article, but is he not to old now ?
at 08:16 on July 27th, 2008
When I think of old, I look at a mental status examination. He has good insight and judgement, is oriented in all spheres, and was neat and clean. He was able to verbalize his thoughts as well as his feelings . His affect was congruent to his mood and thought content. His memory appeared good as he was able to quote data with near complete accuracy.
Now Barack Obama thinks their are 58 states and McCain thinks Czeckloslovakia is still a country and has difficulty remembering the differences in Muslim sects.
I don''t know, who is the old one?
at 08:39 on July 27th, 2008
you are right, so he is not old. McCain thought for a while Putin is the president of germany. Waiting for you news on development "3rd party players must not have the majority, but the initiative...
at 17:39 on July 28th, 2008
I appreciate your reply. I am a conservative but I try to write stories as a journalist. What I do think Americans should really think about is, What is wrong with our political system as it stands today?
We have two parties who control the country, they are polarized and unwilling to work together.
One of our Founding Fathers said to be careful of factions. He was concerned about power becoming centralized to majority groups that would take power away from individuals.
In the federalist papers #10. a faction was called "a number of citizens, whether amounting to a majority or a minority of the whole, who are united and actuated by some common impulse of passion, or of interest, adversed to the rights of other citizens, or to the permanent and aggregate interests of the community."
He knew factions would Develop so he also said, "However, the way to maintain a balance of power is through a "multiplicity of faction." If they are all fighting for the same power, factions will give a little to gain a little.
Many continue to vote because their party of choice has no chance of winning so they vote for a Democrat or a Republican. Americans need to vote their consciences so that we can eliminate what has happened. If you throw your vote to a winner, you basically make the group that is more to your beliefs will become weaker, and so it goes as Ralph Nader stated in his News conference.
Until America resists the desire to on a winning team all the time, the Third parties or the Independents will never rise to a place where they will be included in debates or be able to raise money or get media attention. Voting your conscience is not throwing away you vote. It is empowering your party and speaking your words. America must return to a “By the People” county.
at 01:39 on August 2nd, 2008
politsite, your comment "One of our Founding Fathers said to be careful of factions. He was concerned about power becoming centralized to majority groups that would take power away from individuals. " goes into my scrab book. Second comment "America must return to a “By the People” county. " Same is true for European Union. You are really unveiling transatlantic realities. Countries are made by people, people that develop leadership must not be politicians. America always looked to the potential of leadership to make the plans happen. Now to many look to a person that may solve their problems, can not work.
This is your analysis, made with great effort and quality writing, structuring the background. The gameboy generation may have the last chance to know what America is build up originally. Many are not interested, how could we get them back to the road of self development, may be by making people responsable locally again.
I appreciate the effort of profound journalism politsite; you see quality creates demand, even we don't need to have the same opinion. Together we can go ahead accepting the different priorities; being an adventourous taskforce together for awhile on the way of life . The only constant factor is change, America has the best change manangement skills, we need you.
Nice weekend or holidays to all NP writers and readers
at 19:08 on August 2nd, 2008
Thank You for your kind comments. I am working on a story called, "Political Polarization is Paralyzing our Nation". I am hoping to be finished in a week. I have to re-read some of the founding documents and a few excepts from Storys book on the Constitution. The Federalist #10 will be part of the stories body.
at 20:24 on July 30th, 2008
I don't know if he would ever make a good president and doubt we will ever come close to finding out. However, I think Nader's arguments about corporate influence and the need for more than two parties are important discussions.
at 14:45 on August 1st, 2008
Even if Nader has no chance, let's hope he can force the other candidates to re-examine their platforms and bring them more inline with what the American voters actually want.
We can always dream. and dreams are necessary to form plans.
at 17:41 on August 1st, 2008
Nader is polling at 6% much better then last election cycle.
at 20:59 on August 1st, 2008
Nader is a sham, a closet republican and his only lasting residual value in history will be that him helped elect bush