I'm surprised nobody has posted about this yet. Maybe not wanting to admit support for Nader last time? I received the following email from Nader today. My response in extended copy.
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Dear Nader 2000 list subscriber,
I am considering whether or not to run for President in 2004, and because of your past support, you are invited to keep up to date and provide input about any potential run this year.
I intend to decide soon. Please take a minute right now to sign up at my exploratory committee's website at the following link: <http://www.naderexplore04.org/>.
I hope you remain interested and personally involved in our country's elections at all levels. Thank you for your support in 2000.
Sincerely,
Ralph Nader
Dear Ralph,
Yes, I voted for your last time. In fact, I did more than that. My housemates and I rented a highly-subsidized room to one of your staff here in DC. I gave you money, repeatedly. I phonebanked. I came to super-rallies. I got choked up every time you talked about the politics of joy and justice.
However, now I'm angry. I'm angry that George Bush has left so many American workers unemployed. I'm angry that companies are charging workers so much for healthcare that they and their families go uninsured. I'm angry that big companies like Wal-Mart get away with busting unions with no little to no repurcussions under our antiquated labor laws. I'm angry that Safeway and the entire grocery industry has decided that the way to deal with the rising cost of healthcare is to fight against their workers, rather than with them for real healthcare reform. I'm angry that we were lied to and now one of my best friends is in the desert in Iraq while his wife and new baby are at home waiting and worrying. I'm fucking angry, Ralph, and I don't think you have the solution to these problems.
The only solution to these problems, as I see it, is for everyone who is angry like me to stand up against George Bush UNITED behind ONE candidate. Although I have my preferences, as I know you do too, that candidate will be and should be whomever wins the democratic nomination. Howard Dean (and Wes Clark) have done some amazing things to get the grassroots of the Democratic party and independent voters energized this primary season. It is that energy and strength that will beat George Bush and, at the same time, change the face and direction of the Democratic Party.
For that reason, I want to ask you to PLEASE stay out of this race. This country can't afford to lose this battle and we need to be focused to win.
