Nader for President?
Okay, so I've changed my mind. In an earlier commentary I championed Jesse Ventura for president, but alas, he didn't run. Oh well, the sight of him running would have been great. But guess what? We now have an even better choice...one with a political pedigree, one with a record of saying "no" to power, especially corporate power. Ralph Nader is a serious candidate...despite being ignored by the two wings of the "Corporate Party of America." Why is he a serious candidate? Why should we seriously consider voting for and electing Ralph Nader as the next president? Two words supply the answer...Bore and Gush...sorry, Gore and Bush!! One's a career politico...yes, an intelligent one...but wedded to the corporate structure (Gore). The other...well, he's a career coat-tailer...a career bush-leaguer, so to speak. He's the hero of "Executioners for Bush" and his daddy's favorite son. Wow, what qualifications, huh?
So, am I saying we should vote for Nader because the other choices (forget Buchanan...he's a non-entity) are that bad? No, not really...although they really are that bad. No, Nader stands on his own, he's a decent man who doesn't take himself too seriously. Besides, we really have a choice this year...we could really bring together lots of us...forget the "left" and "right" thing...who would really like our vote to count for something...for once. He's the most viable choice outside the Corporate Party since.........well, since never!
Why is he viable? First, if you check out his website, you'll see that he's on 43 state ballots (and the District of Columbia)(as of 10/15/00), and has lawsuits contesting his exclusion from the others. Second, he has far more serious "recognition" than any other "3rd party" candidate...he's actually done something besides write speeches and do TV commentary. Third, people all over this country are simply tired and fed up with presidential politics "as ususal." Fourth, he's the only candidate that promises real change. No, he undoubtably wouldn't get everything changed that needs to be changed, but hell, the battle royal would be terrific. Finally, he viable because he's the only voice out there that speaks the truth about corporate reality in America.
So, I urge everyone to consider voting for Nader...even if you have to write in his name. Electing Ralph would send a message to corporate america not heard........well, again, since never (or almost never). Voting for either Bush or Gore would constitute the real wasting of your vote...nothing would change. So, lets risk it...lets do it...lets elect Nader and stir things up in this country. It all starts with you and me...one at a time...a vote for Nader is a vote for possibility.
David H. Kessel
