I received an e-mail from the Gravel campaign and in it was a petition to start a Gravel/Nader or Nader/Gravel ticket. I signed that petition. I realize that many people believe that Nader is a “spoiler” but I think differently. The problem lies not with Ralph Nader, but with the Democratic Party. The way I justify my argument is that if the Democrats would stop presenting us with the Military Industrialist Complex candidate “du joir”, then we could rally around a candidate we could all support.
I know that the Democratic candidates cannot appear too “liberal”, as it would alienate many from the party that are more moderate. The problem for me is that I can no longer consider myself a Democrat, mainly because the Democrats represent issues that don’t appeal to me at all. I must be one of those “crazy lefties” you read about in the MSM, even though I served in the military for almost 21 years. Think about that. Is it me that has gone so far to the left, or is it our nation that has gone too far to the right?
I believe 9/11 was connected to others besides al Qaeda, if that group was ever involved at all. You have to ask yourself “Cui Bono?” or who benefits? The Project for a New American Century said that we needed something on the order of a new Pearl Harbor, and Bingo!, we have 9/11. I have my doubts about the way the towers fell and the pulverized concrete. I saw the jet fuel burn when the planes hit the towers “outside” the towers. I saw black smoke coming out of the towers. I know that jet fuel burns at 1200 F and that the beams were supposed to hold to 2400 F. Black smoke means that the fire needed more oxygen and means a cooler fire. You figure it out. I’ve already done my homework and things don’t add up. So call me a “conspiracy theorist”. We are talking trillions of dollars for the MIC. Who benefits?
I believe that a slate with Nader and Gravel would be a team we could absolutely trust in the White House. These are people that are not tainted by corporate money. They both share most of the same views. I know that for myself, I would have a government that I could trust, not in the others that would embroil us in never-ending war for the sake of expanding America’s military might and influence.
I realize that many out there believe that they wouldn’t have a chance. Before you make that claim, think about everything the Democrats have done for our country since we voted in 2006. If that’s not enough to get your dander up, I don’t know what else will. Time after time, and promise after promise, we have seen the Democrats cave to the Republicans. Do you really want a Democratic President? They promise to “reach across the aisles”, frankly, except for three of four Republicans, I wouldn’t bother. I’m tired of watching this government sell off our country a parcel at a time. I didn’t stay in the military to get out and watch this country being sold off to the highest bidder. Most of our National Parks are either corporate-owed or sold off to the UN. Don’t believe me, check it out for yourself. Our industries are being sent overseas so that the bankers can maximize their profits and the industrialists can get slave labor, putting thousands of proud Americans out of work. You know it and I know it. Do you believe the Democrats with their “Special Interest” bundlers will change anything?
You say you want a “Revolution”? Well alright here it is. Let the powers that be know that we will accept nothing but the truth, wherever that may lead. Tell them that you don’t believe in war. Tell them you don’t believe in them period! Let them know we want to rescind the Military Commissions Act of 2006 and all the FISA shenanigans that this government has pulled. Tell them we want to trade with other nations, not to coerce them into supporting our view of how the world should be. These aren’t far-left views, they are purely American views. Let the world go its way and let this country go ours. We should stay out of foreign entanglements; the business of America is business. This is what our founders believed and this is what I believe. This is also what Gravel and Nader believe.
So, if you really want the “change” everyone is talking about, then stand this country on its ear and let the voice of true Progressivism ring out. Don’t go the way of the establishment and do what you are “supposed” to do and vote for the two-party system that has merged into one. The only ones that can make this happen are the American people. Don’t let them fool us all again. It’s all up to you. Either you want real change badly enough or you don’t. It all starts with one person at a time. Let that person be you.
Tim was banned from the site for posting private email from the publisher to him on his blog, and then attacking the publisher and the site in emails and articles. OEN has no responsibility to publish articles from people who attack the site.
Tim's accusations that he was banned for his political positions are untrue. Check his articles. He repetitively wrote about and had published exactly the things he claimed he was banned for doing.
Former Chairman of the Liberal Party of America, Tim is a retired Army Sergeant. He currently lives in South Carolina. A regular contributor to OpEdNews, he is the author of Kimchee Kronicles and is currently at work on a new novel.
A Nader Exploratory Committee has been started and received a good response, Cynthia McKinney is possibly going to be the Green Party nominee for president, and Gravel is still hanging around in the race for the Democratic nomination allows me to sleep at night.
We cannot sit here and allow Obama/Clinton to squash the progressives in this country or silence those who demand real change.
by
Kevin Gosztola (235 articles, 127 quicklinks, 72 diaries, 907 comments)
on Monday, February 11, 2008 at 1:21:07 PM
I don’t think it matters who is in power until congress passes laws for campaign finance reform and an independent ethics committee that is independent of all three branches of government.The ethics board would be staffed by appointment for life, and could only be removed for by impeachment.Until this happens who ever ends up in the White House has their hands tied from the beginning.
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Michael Chavers (50 articles, 0 quicklinks, 15 diaries, 181 comments)
on Monday, February 11, 2008 at 2:26:22 PM
What about a Cynthia McKinney/Dennis Kucinich ticket? Now that Dennis is getting "McKinneyed" by the Democrats he should "jump ship" and join the Greens! Why he wastes his talents in that party I will never understand.
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maryrose (1 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 10 comments)
on Monday, February 11, 2008 at 2:53:58 PM
I posted here earlier about the Gravel campaign contacting my group (Rational Response Squad) for publicity help. My partner, Brian, had a two hour conversation with one of his campaign advisors last week, and he told us that he would be officially announcing his candidacy on the Independent ticket with Nader as VP. That would at least get them on the ballot.
Unfortunately, I think that his views on religion will be too radical for the mainstream American. Apparently, he is a big fan of what we do, and we are by far the most strident group out there. So much so that he wants to join our network, which I think would be a sure-fire way to not get elected.
At any rate, I'll try to keep you guys posted if I get any more info.
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Kelly O'Connor (9 articles, 1 quicklinks, 1 diaries, 18 comments)
on Monday, February 11, 2008 at 3:10:19 PM
which is why I've been speaking about this issue. Assuming Gravel/Nader is an option, I will vote for them. I'm also realistic. Obviously, if we're working with his campaign managers, we support the effort if for no other reason than to get people talking and hopefully get enough people to vote for him to get campaign funding next time.
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Kelly O'Connor (9 articles, 1 quicklinks, 1 diaries, 18 comments)
on Tuesday, February 12, 2008 at 5:28:00 PM
I have already decided to vote a 3rd party. I am supporting Cynthia, Nader and whoever else shuns the main parties. I appreciate this letter and I am lockstep with your opinion on every count.
I took a candidate poll and I rated highest with Gravel. Do I think an election will change this country? No, I do not. I think a Revolution will have to occur and from what I see in the world of economics that may come if for only reason of money. Americans are very attached to their money and "stuff". Take that away or hurt that, and you'll see Americans jump out of their chairs. Until then, Americans are easily "tranced" by Corpstream media.
I thank you for your service and I thank you for this letter. I will go check out the petition site.
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shirley reese (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 398 comments)
on Monday, February 11, 2008 at 7:45:10 PM
...then we can "vote" on what we get in our Heavenly stockings!
The longer we play in the sandbox of a "political process" that doesn't exist... the more difficult it will be to set up underground food, shelter and escape from the "Homeland Security" lockdown.
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waldopaper (11 articles, 3 quicklinks, 25 diaries, 431 comments)
on Monday, February 11, 2008 at 10:32:55 PM
Look locally and become engaged in supporting your favorite candidate whether its Ralph Nader or Cynthia McKinney or Kent Mesplay, Jesse Johnson or Kat Swift. Support Green candidates, register Green or run for office yourself.
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