What Are We Waiting For?
Inertia. We all experience it. It can lead to despair and despair can lead to paralysis. And that’s just where the oligarchs and plutocrats want us to be. Keeps the focus away from their destructive policies. Many of us have resources and privileges but don’t use them. The attitude is if something’s wrong let someone else deal with it. But throughout history, small groups of organized people have fought against and overcome many difficult obstacles such as patriarchy, misogyny, homophobia and racism to make progress. That didn’t happen by wishing them away but by articulating what the problems were and formulating solutions. The multiple crises we face today demand action. Are we supposed to sit back and ignore what’s going on? What are we waiting for?
Interviewed by David Barsamian.
Speaker
Ralph Nader
Ralph Nader, a legendary figure, has spent a lifetime fighting on behalf of ordinary people. Life magazine ranked him as one of the most influential Americans of the twentieth century. The Atlantic named him one of the hundred most influential figures in U.S. history. Founder of Public Citizen, he is a long-time advocate for consumer safety and workers’ rights. He rose to fame in the 1960s when he took on General Motors and its unsafe Corvair car. His 1965 book Unsafe At Any Speed not only created a sensation but also was instrumental in the enactment of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. His efforts helped create the Environmental Protection Agency. He has exposed the misdeeds of the corporate sector as well as of the political system. In recent years he has led the struggles around NAFTA, the WTO, corporate welfare, and single-payer health care. He is the author of numerous books including Return to Sender, Unstoppable, To the Ramparts, Breaking Through Power, and The Rebellious CEO: 12 Leaders Who Did it Right. At 90, Citizen Nader is as active as ever.
katy –
Ralph, Run for Prez again please! That’s what we are waiting for!
Great interview. On point. We have to get your message out there!
Thank you for confirming a reality for many of us that has been silenced.
Godspeed, Katy
M in NJ –
A great interview. Congratulations.
NH in Toronto –
Ralph was ahead of his time with his critique of corporate greed and its toxic effects on our democracy.