Thursday, October 21, 2004

Thoughts on Nader

This comes from Rob V. in Historical Methods:

Nader Emerging as the Threat Democrats Feared

After thursdays lively and somewhat long dscussion on the election I found it ironic that this article appeared,afterI mentioned about possibly voting for Nader. The article is basically an overview of how at this close point in the race, the Democrats are afraid that Nader will take away certain voting groups they need to win. They are trying to get him off the ballot in several states.
I think that this goes to show that there really isn't much difference, except on some key issues between the Republicans and the Democrats. And some people are rethinking about the policies of the Democrats and finding fault with them.
Take care all. ~Rob V.
[Update: from Salon comes this interesting item: Nader's Raiders revolt.]

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

I agree with you that some people, like myself, are finding the democrats and republicans (or as they should sometimes be known as the "Republicrats") running along the same lines on many issues. Their policy for many years has not been about sticking to thier political idiologies but becoming centrists instead by trying to appeal to everyone on some level or another. This election is no different. Both Bush and Kerry say they care about the enviornment, extending healthcare, cuting taxes, improving schools, and fighting for the middle class. Although both have different plans for making these goals work, we know at the same time they're just telling us what we want to hear even though it may not be in their overall party's agenda. For example, Republicans are traditionally not supposed to endorse social programs like education and healthcare at the federal level. For modern democrats, they're more about holding the line on taxes, not cutting them, so they can keep the federal government big and burrocratic. As for the enviornment and middle class Americans, they've been forgotten issues upon both halves in the last few elections (the republicans a bit moreso). So, what are people who are atuned to this supposed to do? For Rob and I, the solution lies in reviewing third party candidates who may not tell you what you want to hear but truthfully stick to the ideas and agendas they're supposed to be representing. I respect Rob's consideration for Nader just like I respect anybody who votes for any candidate while trying to weed out some of the lies and deception. It's not just about using your heart to vote, it's about using your head as well.
ABT