gwenmand
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Registered: 07-2004
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Let Nader Debate!
Hi, I want to let you know about an important new campaign to get Ralph Nader into the presidential debates. (see www.letnaderdebate.org). Your support for this effort is important even if you do not intend to vote for him.
We are at a critical juncture in our country's history. I believe that we are facing a crisis in democracy where increasingly the views of ordinary Americans are not only not reflected in public policy but are barely even heard through "normal" channels. I am personally very concerned about the dangerously narrow perimeters of "debate" on every issue facing us from the war in Iraq to education and healthcare to same day voter registration.
From Lincoln-Douglas to Kennedy-Nixon to Clinton-Bush-Perot, the presidential debates have been an important forum for a national dialogue on the critical issues of our day. I would love to hear serious, perhaps sometimes contentious rather than scripted debate about our national priorities. Nader's inclusion would help to ensure that we have that kind of debate in 2004.
Personally, I am motivated by the issue of the War in Iraq. Polls show that the majority of Americans are critical of the conduct of the war, yet there is virtually no difference in the positions of President Bush and Senator Kerry a point that has been made by many commentators at this point.
In a political culture where partisan interests and corruption have become so dominant, it is important that we, as ordinary citizens, take responsibility and speak out. Please join me in an appeal to a fair and open debate by including Nader, a nationally known and respected independent presidential candidate. Without his inclusion, there will be no real dialogue.
To sign the open letter to President Bush, go to http://www.LetNaderDebate.org. You can also join me by giving a donation to this grassroots effort, and by emailing your friends and contacts about it to get the word out.
Thanks!
Gwen
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7/9/2004, 3:25 pm
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posterchild
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Registered: 04-2004
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Re: Let Nader Debate!
Dear Gwen,
I would much rather see Nader be president than either Kerry or Bush. Nader is for the working class stiffs and is a true reformer. Reform is in dire need with the corporations owning our congress and president.
That said, however, I do not believe Nader has any chance of winning this election. John Kerry's views align much more with Nader's than do Bush's. Therefore I support Kerry. Because Kerry's views echo much of Nader's ideas, a prmominent appearance of Nader in this election would draw votes away from Kerry and risk putting Bush in the white house for another term, a terrifying prospect. That would be a catastrophe considering what is at stake: raiding the US treasury, reckless military adventurism, jeopardizing Social Security, curtailing our liberties via fanatical court appointees.
So much is at stake here that we cannot afford to put principle above practicality.
Now when the time comes that we have two similar candidates running, then I would welcome a serious inclusion of Nader in the process.
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7/11/2004, 10:54 am
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gwenmand
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Re: Let Nader Debate!
Nader of course does have no chance of winning the election, but supporting his right to be heard, gives us a shot for democracy in this country, something that this country has been vitally lacking for awhile. As far as Bush/Kerry go, it's not that you can't make "ideological" distinctions between Bush and Kerry, but the policy distinctions are not enough. The Democrats have been partners in running this country now and before (It's not clear that we would even be in Iraq if there were real Democratic Party opposition). Democratic leaders are speaking as if the only problem in the world is that there are not enough of them in office, and while maintaining that George Bush is the "devil incarnate" might maintain some control from the DP, it's not a substitute for things getting better in the world. The majority of people, who think the country is going downhill rather dramatically, don't vote and won't vote in the national elections.
While I will be supporting Nader, I respect you for making your decision. However, I want to urge you to support democracy and the campaign to "Let Nader Debate." Continuing to cut-off democracy at the same time that things are getting worse is bad precedent for our future.
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7/11/2004, 11:54 am
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WesleyWes
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Registered: 01-2005
Location: Missouri, U.S.A.
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Re: Let Nader Debate!
Hello,
I think 3rd partys should be debating at state and local levels. And that is where 3rd partys should be concentrating. Having said that, Nader should have been included tha previous times as well...however i think its about how many voted for him last time, that makes him included or not.
Thankyou,
WesleyWes
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Liberty411
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Everythang is on tha one...
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2/11/2005, 9:08 am
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