Dear Mr. Ralph Nader,
As a citizen who believes in the importance of principles, values and beliefs, as a citizen who supported, promoted, and voted for you and Matt Gonzalez and as a citizen who loves this country but even more so loves this planet, I must make one request of you.
If Barack Obama offers you a position in his cabinet, for the love of ration, logic and Matt Gonzalez’s 2012 campaign, accept it. Please.
The facts are that you, Ralph Nader, will never become President of these United States of America. It is simply not going to happen, unless we see a seismic paradigm shift in the mentality of the average citizen. Though it’s irrational, the majority blames you for President George W. Bush. I know, I know Ralph, trust me, I know. I’ve defended you against these claims countless times but the facts remain that a huge proportion of voters has cemented you as the catalyst for Bush.
There is only one way for the Independent party to progress forward, for you to reclaim your legacy and for the country to truly benefit from your diligent work and that is to suck it up and take a job with Obama. From the inside, you’ll be well positioned to guard against the tyranny of corporations and ensure that the environment and civil liberties are safeguarded. From the outside you have less of a chance of doing so. Plus, humbly accepting a position and doing a stellar job will only serve to promote the Independent Party’s platform.
Now, realistically I know you’ll likely not even receive an offer for a post inside the White House. Further, you’d probably decline it anyway. That’s OK, each man deserves to decide for himself what he should or should not do. However, please, please, please do not run for president in 2012. In Matt Gonzalez you have found a presidential candidate who is eloquent, charming, and intelligent. Let him carry the torch forward, for at this point you only serve to weigh him down.
Honestly, I’m sorry it’s come to this Ralph but it’s time for you to focus on doing what you do best, being a kick-ass U.S. private citizen and fighting the good fight. Fight for universal health care, fight for free and equal access to debates, fight for fair ballot access, fight for citizen empowerement and corporate restraint, but please be realistic and stop fighting for the presidency. Matt Gonzalez is more than capable of taking it from here. Let’s give him a chance.
Thank you for being a greater citizen than I’ll ever likely be.
Sincere regards,
Adam Pieniazek
I also support Nader, although I voted for McKinney. I think the Barack Obama administration is scary. He will take office with an overwhelming approval rating and his only media opposition are idiots like Bill O’Reilly and Ann Coulter. No matter what this guy does he will be praised. This makes him way more dangerous than McCain! Am I the only one that sees what’s going on here. I praise Nader for his determination.
shiitakes last blog post..Fish Raising
You raise a good point shiitake, though it’s more of a negative of the Fourth Estate and it’s increasing lack of independence from the events and people it covers. Our mainstream media has really gotten worse and worse over the past years, and they’ll only investigate less now that someone who is closer to their political ideologies is in office.
Already we see it in action as Obama is requesting more and more bailouts (AIG and the big three carmakers), even though it’s been proven that they do not work! As my alter ego said, bailouts beget bailouts!
But yes, I too praise Nader for his work and determination, but now he needs to apply some much needed pragmatism to his strategy too. Pure idealism, though full of valor, does not always lead to results.