Nader not a 'villain' aiming to help Bush by Amanda Lamb (also an arwar.org co founder)

Editorial Published in The Pine Bluff Commercial 08/04

Who is that other candidate?
According to Democrats, Ralph Nader is a villain who is "spoiling" the election for John Kerry. To Me, Nader is a hero of the American people. Over four decades, he founded more than 200 civic organizations and has consistently rallied for the rights of the average citizen. Running-mate Peter Camejo marched in Selma with Martin Luther King Jr., rallied for migrant farm workers, and was active against the Vietnam War. Neither Bush nor Kerry have attained such reputations as defenders of human rights and equality. Yet, these champions for the people have been ridiculed, slandered, and even blocked ballot access by Democrats at large.

John Kerry should earn his votes and stop playing on the publics fear of four more years of Bush. "A vote for Nader is a vote for Bush" is simply inaccurate. The true factors leading to Bush's victory can be documented and they do not include Nader's presence on the ballot. Still, this propaganda is strategically used to sabotage the Nader campaign.

The Constitution does not mention political parties and there is no requirement that we play along with the two-choice contest. As an independent candidate, Nader is not owned by a political party and neither are his solutions to the problems we face as a country. Before selecting the "lesser of two evils" in November, be aware that there is another worthy candidate. In America, we are free to vote our conscience.

Amanda Lamb