Green Agenda ( Ralph Nader for President 2008 )
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http://www.votenader.org/blog/2008/02/24/green-agenda/
Ralph Nader for President 2008
Posted by Sally Soriano on Sunday, February 24, 2008
Green Agenda .
Ralph told the media today after "Meet the Press" that he will decide within
the coming days how he is going to run for President in terms of ballot
access. On "Meet the Press" he mentioned The Green Party positively multiple
times thus helping put The Green Party out to "Meet The Press's" five million
plus viewers.
Ralph also said that he will announce his Vice-Presidential selection sometime
in the next week. If people with the Green philosophy want him to seek their
nomination, they could show their support by going to www.votenader.org and by
donating and signing up on the email list. No matter what he decides he will
be communicating The Green Party agenda over the coming months.
Sally Soriano
Nader for President 2008, Campaign Manager
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* Shane in Texas • 1p
In my opinion Ralph should converge and run on the green party ticket. What
this country needs is a third party and an alternative option. If Ralph
doesn't run on the Green Ticket but as an Independent it defeats the purpose
of the possibility of having more than a two party system.
I am strong supporter of Nader and voted for him when he was on the Green
ticket in 2000. However, in 2004, I did not vote Nadar because he ran as an
Independent and what good would it do to believe in a three, four, and five
party system and vote for someone not affiliated with any party. Thus, in
2004, both my wife and I wrote in the nominees for the Green party.
Up to this point, I have decided to vote for Obama because he represents a
precieved alternative voice. Yet, now with the possibility of Nadar entering
the race my vote is only determined on whether or not he is affiliated with
the true possibility of change.
Please run with the green ticket Ralph.
* Cameron Spitzer • 2p
It's nice to hear Mr. Nader mention Green Party on national television. I sure
hope someone puts a link to Green Party of the United States
(http://www.gp.org) on the votenader.org site soon.
* dadoonan • 1p
Thank you Ralph for running.
As someone who has been using his campaign for local office to build a local
Green Party chapter, I hope that you choose to seek the Green Party
nomination.
* Glenda
I've been terribly disappointed in the choice of politicians running for
president. To me it seems they are all basically the same. I was relieved when
I read Mr. Nader is going to run. It would be wonderful to have someone in
power who really cared about the earth not just about giving lipservice to
saving it.
* Jared
Mr. Nader, I'm very pleased to see you running, however I believe there is a
false perception among many that your run is more about you as a person than
it is about a message or party. To dispel this indisputably, would you
consider running as the vice presidential candidate with Cynthia McKinney? I
think she could put forward a message very similar to yours and your support
of her would show that the ideas the Green Party represents are bigger than
one person. I think then many people would give your candidacy and the Green
Party a second look, who may otherwise dismiss your run without looking into
it and seeing that they really agree with you! Please consider it, and
whatever your decision best of luck in the race!
* Kim O'Connor
I was NPA in Tallahassee Florida in 2000. I prayed for days in front of the
Florida Supreme Court about my vote. My conscience felt there was too much
evil in the campaign so I took the Jehovah's Witness position and did not
vote. I joined the Green Party for local environmental issues in 2002, and
found out then that Ralph was never a Green but had remained registered as an
Independent. I was the 2004 Florida Green Party coordinator for the
Cobb/LaMarche campaign, but helped the Florida Reform Party Florida Supreme
Court case to put Ralph on their Florida ballot line. So now I have the scorn
of the Democrats and the Greens. I love Ralph, and think if he runs he should
start the Populist Party he is always talking about and register with it. I
would help in that effort and change parties.
* Gregory Vickrey
Good stuff! Thanks for reaching out to the Green Party, and being ever
supportive. I hope the Greens return the support in kind.
* Wynn
I think that it is absolute fantastic that you decide to run. After all, we
live in a free democracy. Our country should not only be bounded by the voice
of two parties, especially when it really counts. Every voices should be
heard, including those who think little of Obama's empty "change" and lacking
in substance moto. Let's go Green Party!!
* Laine Rinehart
I do indeed hope that Mr. Nader will seek the Green Party nomination in July.
We can not afford a split in the progressive movement that happened in 04,
that split hurt both the Greens and Mr. Nader. I hope some choice can be made
that will build both the Green Party and Mr. Nader.
* Russell Goodman
Obtaining the Green Party candidacy would be an excellent idea. Good luck from
Texas!
* Glen Harris
We need a voice for reason and sanity in Washinton,D.C. The Green Party is the
only party telling the truth.
Thanks for running Ralph Nader.
* Henry Dubb
It is exciting that Nader has entered the race. What are the benefits of him
running as a Green or Indie. Last time around competing / fighting with the
Greens made little sense. It would be nice to have a unified ticket in 08. The
GP is on the ballot in many states, it does not make much sense to make ballot
access harder than it should be.
I look forward to banners for websites / blogs in the future that I can
proudly proclaim my support for Nader.
* Ed Watters
This can only be great news for the country. At the very least, we won't have
to vote with one hand while holding our nose with the other. The 'frugal' part
worries me however. I think if Ralph is going to make a dent in the
demipublicans strangle hold on the electorate, he has to project his message
in the national media - political ads. Look how well Edwards did in the early
primaries despite the media portraying him as an 'also ran' before the first
votes were cast. Just think if he had a record in congress that could have
lent even an iota of credibility to his populist rhetoric? Ralph is the real
deal - but it is going to take exposure in the media, and as Edwards found
out, with a populist message, the only positive media exposure has to be paid
for.
* Matthew Yorzinski
I hope Nader runs as a Green Party candidate and with a Green Party running
mate. It will be mutually beneficial. The Green Party will have a high profile
person spreading the word about the party and Nader will have the support of
the party behind him rather than running as an independent. Cooperation makes
strength.
* Matt • 1p
Ralph, it is so great that once again you are risking everything to do what
you know is right. Thank you! As a Green, I can say that if our party betrays
you again in this election cycle that they are going to become irrelevant.
Hopefully, they will not allow the Demogreens in sheeple's clothing in DC to
sway us into another ill-conceived Cobb/LaMarche 2004 debacle. Rest assured
that I, and many other rational, reality-based, anti-two party Greens have got
your back! We have some resource and experience and will do whatever we can to
help with your campaign. If our national party manages to mess this up again,
I think you will see an exodus of intelligent people form the party and a new
party will emerge in its place to aid independents in running for office.
* GreenMember
Yea, but he is not a registered Green Party member and is not interested in
building the Green Party. Until he registers Green and seeks our nomination, I
cannot support him.
* Mark • 2p
People with the Green "philosophy" should just vote Green.
* Paul Dumouchelle
The Green Party of Ohio needs to know if Ralph Nader is seeking the Green
Party Nomination. We will finalize our list of candidates on our ballot this
week and we have are currently including only candidates who have declared an
intention to compete for the nomination.
Paul Dumouchelle
Treasurer
Green Party of Ohio
trea...@ohiogreens.org
* Mark • 2p
There's a difference between "Green philosophy" and Green. And Ralph.
* Nathaniel
I think Nader should run on the Green Party line. It would show he is
interested in continuing to grow and build an alternative third party, rather
than running a campaign based on his own personality and creating an
organization that will die once the campaign is over.
I am not sure if I will support Nader, but I would be more likely to consider
him if he is the nominee of the Green Party.
However, he has every right to run (whether as a Green or indepedent
candidate) and I wish him the best of luck. He will articulate issues that
perhaps Clinton, Obama, or McCain won't touch.
* Eduardo
Hey, so, I understand Ralph has good intentions for the Green Party, I can
understand that. But saying "we mentioned them so we helped them" is kind of
vapid. Listen, I like you guys. I might vote this year finally, because
someone had the guts to do something, but seriously ... let's not highlight
trite things as contributions.
Good luck guys. It will be a long hard slog.
* Marc Sanson
I appreciate that Ralph Nader is still considering running for the Green Party
nomination, and that he will be communicating the Green Party agenda. But
until he states unequivocally that he plans to enter the race for the Green
Party nomination, I cannot personally contribute to this campaign nor would I
advocate any other Green doing so. Donating to a candidate or a campaign that
may be competing directly with the Green Party candidate in the near future is
not a wise move for anyone serious about building a genuine Green Party
alternative. To suggest that this is the best way for Greens to show their
encouragement for Ralph to run as a green is rather disingenuous, in my
opinion.
It is essential to develop an independent third party alternative to the
Democrats and Republicans in 2008. In 2000 Nader had a serous impact by
aligning himself with the Green Party, while his attempts in 2004 were
disorganized and less effective in my area.
Nader supporters should all respect the orgnizational integrity of the Green
Party. However, they should point out that here is a profound community of
interests between Nader as a personality, the the Green Program, which would
enable the formation of a principled united front. This is a time honored way
to consolidate progressives, and would permit a serous electoral challange to
the 2 party system.
* Mark Lause
Brother Nader, please consider running as a Green. I supported you in 2004 and
am not wedded to support the GPUS, even though I am a member. But, everyone
should understand that this is the largest and most viable third party
movement since the days of Henry Wallace, largely thanks to your efforts.
Please don't just walk away from it. We need to build something in the
election campaign that will fight for our issues beyond it.
Solidarity,
Mark Lause
Member, Southwest Ohio Green Party
* Jennifer Mazer
As a member of the Green Party, I am saying Nader must run as a Green. No
more cross endorsing of independents. No more safe states. Those were the
mistakes
that were made in 04. I do believe Nader running as a Green will be beneficial
to both.
Nader will not have to get on as many ballot lines and the Green Party will
get more
recognition. Also it will amuse me to see a Nader/McKinney or McKinney/Nader
ticket.
That will freak Obama, Clinton, McCain out. Hold their feet to the fire. And
also say:look, here we are.
* Colin Young
I agree with many of the comments above in regard to the Green Party. In 2004
Nader did nothing to promote the Green party or local Green party candidates,
and as a result did not receive our endorsement. With Cynthia McKinney's
abandonment of the Democratic party for the Greens we have a great opportunity
to not only expand the appeal of Greens, but to have an experienced candidate
who has been on the right side of votes on Iraq and the Patriot Act, has been
a strong voice in congress for Green v alues, and introduced important
legislation including articles of impeachment. Why Nader is running and not
endorsing McKinney is beyond me, but I hope that if he loses the Green Party
nomination to McKinney, he will close ranks with the progressive movement and
support her candidacy.
* Nigel T. Gully
I definitely think Ralph should seek the Green Party nomination for many
reasons. First, I, like many people, have seen how his outstanding resume,
unparalleled name recognition, and outstanding character traits make him a gem
for bolstering the GP and its 8 Key Values. As a result of Nader's 2000
candidacy, tens of thousands of dollars were raised, ballot lines won in
numerous states, and the party name became emblazed in the Nation's eyes as a
grassroots effort for true American values of peace, equality, and prudence
(be it environmental, fiscal, et. al.).
Ralph would make the ballot in at least 22 states, and then would have the
backing of the GP to make it onto all 50 ballots. He seriously has the
opportunity to earn 5% of the vote and earn the GP FEC federal funding, which
is worth millions of dollars in GP growth, outreach, and internal development.
Finally, I, personally, have been inspired by his campaigns and the ideals he
so eloquently defends that I enrolled in the Green-Rainbow Party in my home
state of Massachusetts. I vote Green and try to live out the 8 Key Values in
whatever I do--from the new composter I bought from my hometown of Worcester
this past summer to my work at two non-profit, pro-public education
institutions (The American Antiquarian Society and The Worcester Art Museum).
Ralph, please quickly seek out the GP nomination, help build the Party, and
let's show this country what a true American campaign looks like!
Best,
Nigel
Massachusetts Green-Rainbow member, civic activist, student
* Davin
I am excited to support Ralph Nader once again, now more than ever. I love the
Green Party platform and would like to see Nader on the Green ticket. But I
have no intention of blindly supporting the Green Party if they run a campaign
like the one they did in 2004 (not campaigning in swing states). To be a
credible third party we must compete in every state, and not step aside for
the Democrats.
* Christopher Nimmo
As a New Zealander, a member of the 95% of the world that must live with the
eventual president, but has no say in the matter, I am absolutely thrilled
that Ralph is running. Our parliamentary election, also this year, seems
likely to go over to the dark side, but I can always remember that, whoever
wins, they will be a long way to the left of the US democrats.
It was quite thrilling to see, during our last election, eight party leaders,
from the Greens through to the libertarian ACT party, debating. One only hopes
that your establishment candidates will have the courage to allow the same
thing to happen.
* Ed Watters
I think it's time for the Green Party's other candidates to step aside and get
behind Nader. The only other candidate I can recall from reading of the
Green's meeting in SF a while back is Cynthia McKinney - a progressive to be
sure, but there's that baggage of the slugging-the-cop incident.
* Paul Samaras
I am a registered Green and I wholeheartedly in support of Ralph Nader's
candidacy. I want this campaign to be successful and shake the establishment.
Seeking and obtaining the Green Party nomination is integral to success. I
think the campaign should immediately get Ralph's name on all the remaining
Green Party primaries and should actively seek the nomination of the national
party. I have already contributed more money to the campaign that I did in his
previous campaigns, I have sent more emails and spoken to more people about
him already. I have been lending my copy of "Unreasonable Man" to friends
co-workers and acquaintances, and I'll be ordering a banner to put up in my
street-facing patio.
Cynthia McKinney may be a good Vice-Presidential candidate. I agree with
previous comments that Ralph Nader should consider her. And I think that he
should very visibly work to build the Green Party and help local and state
candidates get elected this time around. GO RALPH!
- Redondo Beach, CA
* Rick
I was VERY impressed with Ralph's statements on Meet the Press. Environmental
issues desperately need to be publicized within a REAL platform. The American
people are most concerned about the economy. Much of the economy is linked to
energy concerns. We need a candidate to stand up against the 'smoke and
mirrors' tax rebate with something substan-tive: a candidate that would pledge
to cap oil prices at the pump, ending big oil's record profits (while the rest
of us suffer!). Our government should then consider offering matching funds to
ANY American corporation that is seriously investing in the development of
green energy alternatives and new technologies that will eventually eliminate
the internal combus-tion engine and coal burning power plants. Investing in
corn fuel technology is only making our food prices rise, along with gas
prices. Our next president needs to declare an economic/environmental
emergency to help this agenda recover from decades of neglect.
Paid for by Nader for President 2008