Mobilizing People
Concentrated wealth and power undermine democracy and advance plutocracy. The 1% have an inordinate influence over the rest of us. Wall Street dominates Main Street. How do ordinary people break through the oligarchic system to assert their interests over the interests of the super-rich? As Ralph Nader says, “However we look at it, the wealthy few use the relentless mechanism of commercialism to trample democracy, the natural environment, and the common good. Our grievances are many, and the power of citizenship, community, and national pride should be enough to mobilize the population to organize resistance and change.”
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.
David Ross –
Love your program. Keep it up.
Benno in MA –
Overall, a good interview summarizing his current and historical positions. How could one not consider him a brilliant advocate for progressive change?
I’m glad you brought up the Powell Memorandum. I disagree with his lack of appreciation for its importance. Its corrosive influence on democratic institutions cannot be overstated, having been a pivotal “call to arms,” responded to and embraced by the Kochs, et al. Having created and supported think tanks, university departments, curriculum, publications, the Federalist Society etc, for 50 years, the Kochs have orchestrated an interwoven assault on democratic institutions, laying the groundwork that allowed for the emergence of Trump and worse.
Luke M Colson –
Incredible voice, one that is almost entirely overlooked by my generation. But one that WOULD resonate if heard more.
Rita in MO –
THANK YOU, both David Barsamian & Ralph Nader, for calling out NPR’s falling into even-worse-than-commercial modes.
Frank M. Spada –
I was riveted to your broadcast featuring Ralph Nader. His presentation was so clear and fascinating. That we are all being duped is abundantly clear and infuriatingly so! Thank you for such an interesting and informative program. I’ve been listening for years but felt compelled to comment this evening. I appreciate the opportunity to listen to diverse opinions on Alternative Radio. Thank you.
Dana –
Nader is spot on especially about “public” radio. During the war in Iraq, I sent Scott Simon a get-well email in hopes that he would get over his war fever. He never did. And the fluffy coverage of Ronald Reagan’s death by Liane Hansen was totally void of any critical journalism or examination of his legacy. I could go on but yes, NPR, which was supposed to see us as citizens of a democracy sees us as passive consumers of goods and services.
Robert in WI –
Great stuff, David. Ralph still has his fastball and is entirely engaged.