I saw Nader Speak

[2strokebloke]

So yesterday I was taking pictures downtown in denver, and some people came up to me and asked if I'd like to buy a ticket to see Nader speak tomorrow. I stalled, so they offered me the ticket for free.
I figured, what the hell. If anything I should go just because it's Ralph and I like cars - and regardless of what you think of his meddling in the auto industry - you have to admit no other single person has had as much of effect on the industry as he has had since the 1960s. He's a historical artifact.

So I went and got some pictures of the guy. It was actually pretty interesting hearing him speak. He'll never win; Because he won't pander to corporations, and he won't kiss the military's ass. He doesn't dumb down his opinions to try and please average joe-dumbass. (and to be honest some of his ideas are a bit out there - although not entirely beyond the realms of logic and common sense)

I didn't stay for the whole thing because I had already scheduled other things with friends before I got that ticket - but while I was there - it was refreshing to hear somebody give actual opinions on issues - instead of dancing around everything and trying play it as safe as possible.

It also makes me sad that Ron Paul isn't having to guts to go ahead and run for president on his own. I mean, if Nader is doing it...

Anyway, it was fun to see the guy who made the people who made my car put seat-belts in it. (which somewhat amusingly means that he has probably saved more American's lives than any other prospective/acting president).

[03cavPA]

Ralph Nader.

I never forgave him for the Corvair. I had 3 of those cars, and they never gave me bit of trouble. (Never rolled one, either).

[2strokebloke]

Originally Posted by 03cavPA

Ralph Nader.

I never forgave him for the Corvair. I had 3 of those cars, and they never gave me bit of trouble. (Never rolled one, either).

Chevy did fix them because of Nader, but I think that too many people give Nader credit for killing the Corvair. In reality, it was just an expensive car to manufacture - the Chevy II was more profitable and easier to market because it was more conventional, and it was aimed at the same market segment as the corvair. The car was not popular internally with chevy or with dealers. The design was also a decade old when Chevy put an axe in it, so it's not like it had a short life for a car model anyway.

[ericn1300]

wow, the number of responces here seem to reflect Nader's poll ratings

[2strokebloke]

Originally Posted by ericn1300

wow, the number of responces here seem to reflect Nader's poll ratings

That's what happens when corporations don't buy you TV spots across the nation because you told corporations to fuck off.

[blindeyed]

Always been a fan of him, I don't care what anyone says. You're lucky you got to see him speak. I'd love to meet the guy. I wish Ron Paul would run as an Independent too, he's the only one I really want to vote for.

[KustmAce]

You were in Denver and didn't drop me a line? You bum! Not that I would have gone downtown anyway...

[2strokebloke]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zE06O7lZuPo

smart =/= elected

[ericn1300]

Originally Posted by blindeyed

Always been a fan of him, I don't care what anyone says. You're lucky you got to see him speak. I'd love to meet the guy. I wish Ron Paul would run as an Independent too, he's the only one I really want to vote for.

WOW, now that would be an event, Ralph Nader and Ron Paul on the same ticket? No need to debate anyone else, just tune in to see them proselytize. Maybe they could put the two in a cage for a last man standing pay for view event, should be a slug fest.

[2strokebloke]

I would watch that. Would be a lot more interesting than watching McCain and Obama agree with eachother about how they don't plan on doing anything for the U.S.

[MagicRat]

Originally Posted by 2strokebloke

Chevy did fix them because of Nader,

No, he didn't. Nader's book that launched his career in the consumerist movement (and eviscerated the Corvair), Unsafe At Any Speed was published in 1965, which was after the Corvair was restyled and after the upgraded rear suspension was introduced.
After the book was published, GM did not spend any more money on the Corvair, except as required to meet new federal safety upgrades in 1968.

Originally Posted by 2strokebloke

but I think that too many people give Nader credit for killing the Corvair.

I'll agree with that; Market forces and pragmatic manufacturing decisions determined the fate of the Corvair.

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by 2strokebloke

He's a historical artifact.

Regardless of his past accomplishments Nader is a dinosaur and needs to go the way of the Dodo bird. Obviously he doesn't have a clue anymore. Here is a good laugh.

Nader rally runs out of gas before parade starts
Steve Myers, Rocky Mountain News
Monday, August 25, 2008

CIVIC CENTER PARK -- The Ralph Nader for President campaign in Colorado revved up to start its demonstration march this morning at the onset of the Democratic National Convention. All six supporters were ready to go, leaflets in hand, their 15-foot-tall brown beer bottle protest balloon was inflated and tied down on the trailer behind the 18-year-old silver Ford F-150 pickup.

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/new...parade-starts/

[2strokebloke]

Nader can't be held responsible for volunteers mistakes.

It was also neat to see a candidate walk around amongst normal people without having to be followed by body guards. I suppose with the kind of enemies he's made for himself, the general public isn't one thing he has to worry about.

I personally prefer somebody who is honest, albeit a little wacky - to two candidates who can't say anything of any real meaning on any topic. Who don't know how many houses they own, or how many states there are...