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Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Nader Campaigns in New Mexico
By Melanie Dabovich
Associated Press
Independent presidential candidate Ralph Nader said the youth of America must wake up, take a stand against the corporate policies that are dictating American politics and vote for a third party candidate that has fought for the issues facing their generation.
"As long as young people are subjected to the Obama snare and delusion, they'll continue to have a ring in their nose and will provide the Democratic Party with the tether," said Nader, referring to Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama.
Nader, a consumer-rights advocate, held a news conference and rallied with nearly 200 supporters during a campaign stop at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque on Tuesday.
Nader wasted no time in launching his attack on corporations, saying they have no allegiance to the United States. He described them as "fascist and communist regimes that try to keep workers in their place."
He said the current presidential candidates are ignoring the "central issue of politics in America: the domination of concentrated corporate power over our governments and over our economy."
"These companies have hijacked our government, corrupted our elections and they have turned the Republican and Democratic parties into agents or representatives of big business," Nader said. "It's quite clear that in this country we need a third political force made of up of people all over the country who have committed to the proposition that corporations and their governments must become our servants not our masters."
Nader will appear on New Mexico's general election ballot. He also is certified to appear on the ballot in 31 other states.
Nader, 74, ran for president on the Green Party ticket in 1996 and 2000, and as an independent in 2004. In New Mexico, he got 2.4 percent of the vote in 1996, 4 percent in 2000, and one-half of 1 percent in 2004.
Nader balked at the suggestion that he could be an election spoiler. Democrats criticized him for taking votes away from Vice President Al Gore in 2000, helping to elect President Bush.
"For 40 years I have not flip-flopped. That's why we have safer cars, clean air and clean water laws," he said. "... We all have an equal right to run for election."
During his news conference, Nader spoke about the Desert Rock Energy Project, a proposed coal-fired power plant to be built on the Navajo Nation in northwestern New Mexico. He said the plant should never be built and the focus should be on developing solar energy, given the area's abundant sunshine.
"We are nearing a stage now of burgeoning solar energy reality and potential. The mere proposal to build this a giant coal-burning plant would be considered a crime against humanity," Nader said. "It would be considered a poisoning of the air, water and soil that are the background of human health and safety."
Nader also talked of reform for the country's economy, health care system and programs for the poor.
Nader's visit to New Mexico follows recent appearances by Obama and Republican presidential candidate John McCain.
Nader planned to visit the College of Santa Fe on Tuesday before heading to a rally the next day at the University of Denver.
Copyright ©2008 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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