Why Nader isn't completely useless

[Rascolnikova]

This exposition on his life's work makes a compelling, if incomplete, case for revolution in America.

http://www.anunreasonableman.com/

(first half)
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-7584143836275846674&hl=en

(second half)
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2406939892013164876&hl=en

Anybody seen it? Thoughts?


P.S. Thought of putting it in film, but it's really a political discussion. .

[Catbus]

Isn't he one of the reasons that more safety features were added to automobiles?

[chegitz guevara]

Yes, he is.

[Oneironaut]

I watched it about 5 years ago when I was in high school. I was really attracted to anything that was "different" than how things are currently run and I thought Nader was a pretty good option for change. However, I have been distancing myself from him ever since.

Nader's stance on immigration is despicable. While he may have the "American consumer" at heart, he shows no shame in proclaiming that what benefits "American consumers" will come at the expense of the poorer nations. Although he is for alternative energy, he wants to eliminate the use of nuclear power.

The thing I like most about the guy is his hatred for corporate cronies. The problem with him is he doesn't acknowledge anything wrong with capitalism as a systematic institution of profit and exploitation. If he was really for the American consumer I would think that attacking capitalism would be his most emphasized position. He is just another reformist who has had success in changing certain industries, primarily the auto industry, and seems to still think that capitalism can be redirected to favor the proletarian.

[Revy]

I think Nader is about as useful for the socialist movement as Ron Paul. Meaning, not at all.

Ralph Nader does have some progressive views.... But he advocates capitalism. His stance on immigration isn't left-wing at all, it appeals to right-wing nationalist populism on one end, and attempts to appeal to race (divisive) on one end claiming that undocumented immigration negatively affects black workers (which is bullshit).

I think he really is more about himself than the people. Hence why he ran an independent campaign and why he never has run for anything other than the highest position (President). Can you imagine Ralph Nader lowering himself to run for Congress, or Senate? Not possible. He might actually have to get down here with all us peasants, rather than campaign from the throne!

[Oneironaut]

I think Nader is about as useful for the socialist movement as Ron Paul. Meaning, not at all.

Exactly. I would also include Brian Moore in that list.

[Revy]

I was with you until you said Brian Moore....

[Oneironaut]

Haha I knew you would be, I just wanted to pick a little fight. But I'm over it now.

[Rascolnikova]

I think Nader is about as useful for the socialist movement as Ron Paul. Meaning, not at all.

Ralph Nader does have some progressive views.... But he advocates capitalism. His stance on immigration isn't left-wing at all, it appeals to right-wing nationalist populism on one end, and attempts to appeal to race (divisive) on one end claiming that undocumented immigration negatively affects black workers (which is bullshit).

I think he really is more about himself than the people. Hence why he ran an independent campaign and why he never has run for anything other than the highest position (President). Can you imagine Ralph Nader lowering himself to run for Congress, or Senate? Not possible. He might actually have to get down here with all us peasants, rather than campaign from the throne!


With all respect, it seems the lot of you are perhaps missing the point.

I'm not suggesting that we should emulate Naders politics. They are useful insofar as they clearly demonstrate that the will of the people has not been represented--and strongly suggest that the will of the people could never be represented, under the current system.

[PostAnarchy]

I think Nader, while obviously not representing revolutionary socialism, does however represent have stood for some important reforms that have been beneficial to working people such as the safety regulatings on automobiles.

[Rascolnikova]

He doesn't represent revolutionary socialism; he provides empirical evidence of why we need it. He dedicated his whole life to doing the things they tell you to do in civics class--thus demonstrating what happens when you spend your whole life doing the things they tell you to do in civics class.

[Poison]

I for one voted for him. May not agree with him entirely but supporting third party candidates is better than supporting corporate whores (though, for a corporate whore I like Obama, can't say the same for McCain or Palin).

Nader supporters would probably be more open to Communism than other supporters, so hoping to meet some.

[PostAnarchy]

I for one voted for him. May not agree with him entirely but supporting third party candidates is better than supporting corporate whores (though, for a corporate whore I like Obama, can't say the same for McCain or Palin).


I found out recently that Obama is in fact much more of a corporate whore than even John McCain is or was. The two main bourgeois political parties here have corporate money and corporate donations pouring out of every opening and efidice.