It’s in the Hands of the People
What’s going on in the United States? People are asking that question not only in this country but around the world. Ralph Nader says “The twin swelling heads of empire and oligarchy are driving our country into an ever-deepening corporate state, wholly incompatible with democracy and the rule of law. America was not designed for kings and their runaway military pursuits. The media rolls over and fails to hold officials accountable.” So, what is to be done? Historically it’s always been citizens, overcoming differences, finding common ground, coming together and making progressive change. It can happen. As Nader says, “It’s in the hands of the people.
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, The Rebellious CEO and Let’s Start the Revolution. At 90, Citizen Nader is as active as ever.
From a listener near Albuquerque –
I heard your excellent interview with Ralph Nader on KUNM. It was so refreshing to hear Nader call out Netanyahu, Biden and Blinken for the ongoing genocide in Gaza. Congress is responsible too. Only a few oppose military aid to Israel. Thank you so much for this program. I usually feel so isolated but AR programs like this one makes me feel better. You and your staff have done a great service to the public. Keep up the good work.
Maya Polywjanyj –
I was blown away by Ralph’s wisdom. He has a very clear perspective of U.S. dogma.
Manuel in NJ –
Thank you David for sharing your interview with Ralph Nader. It covered a vast range of international and national issues. I loved it. It is very informative and educational. I felt that Ralph did not elaborate his response to your Artsakh/Nagorno-Karabakh comment and instead he switched to Gaza. In any case, well done.
Bee –
I tried to get Ralph Nader elected in 2008, bed ridden, I couldn’t do much, and when my signs were suppose to be at the bus station for pickup, non were found until after the election.. Then I got a call your signs are here. How convenient it was for the other politicians running against Nader.. I still am angry with our country for being so corrupt. And it’s just getting more corrupt and now we have another 4 years of Trump.. I have turned my head away from the news, from the world of today, and just reading the Tombstone Territory Epitaph, from the 1800’s yes, its a scenario that has gone on for 100’s of years here in this United States. Nothing changed, nothing new.. But somehow, someway we will get through it.
James near Seattle –
David, you and Nader make the greatest programs. What a tandem. Thank you.
Anne in Colorado –
This is a powerful. Highly insightful. Tremendous. An honor to read this.