Nader hurting chances by sacrificing principles
It happened at a post office in Central
Point. A canvasser stood on the sidewalk asking voters to sign petitions for George Bush. An alert TV reporter noticed something strange. The 50 signatures he’d gotten were on Ralph Nader petitions.
“How can you do that?” the reporter asked.
“It’s legal.”
Maybe. But it’s only one dismaying example of the way Ralph Nader has become the favorite new campaign tool of the Republicans and their wealthy supporters from the far right. Why doesn’t Nader disavow these tactics? Sadly, it looks like he is behaving like those he’s always blasted: sacrificing principle for political gain. But in this case he’s hurting his own causes.
Truth in advertising: I’m a former Nader supporter, current Kerry supporter.
No, John Kerry isn’t perfect. But he and George W. Bush have some big differences. Under George Bush we fought a useless war with 1,000 American casualties and $200 billion. We lost millions of jobs, gave millionaires a $30,000 tax cut and the rest of us about $300.
John Kerry will create jobs, support choice, protect the environment and roll back those outrageous tax cuts for the rich.
With this kind of choice do we really want Ralph Nader running as a George Bush surrogate? Ralph Nader has used his energy for so many good causes. Now he’s letting the Republicans use him. This election matters too much. Nader should come to his senses as so many of his supporters already have.

Ruth Duemler
Eugene
Nader’s removal victimizes voters, hurts right to choose
You have just watched the Democratic Party and the Kerry campaign conspire to throw Ralph Nader off the ballot rather than compete against him on the issues. They have robbed you of your right to choose. They have stolen your civil right. Think of this when you vote. Your vote now becomes one of approval or disapproval of what you have experienced. You have been victimized. They don’t trust you to make the right decision with Nader’s name on the ballot. Why should you trust them? Think about this when you vote.

Stephen Coon
Ralph Nader for President 2004 staff member

Editor’s note:

In an effort to diversify the Commentary Page and write more in-depth editorials, the Editorial Board has decided to print its columns Monday through Thursday each week. Today’s piece is a special feature, sparked by the first presidential debate in Florida. The editorial will usually be printed down the right-hand side of Page 2 to avoid confusion with other commentary content. However, commentary will occasionally run on Pages 2 and 3, and Global Update and weather will run on Page 4.