Obama: Meet with Ralph Nader!

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President-Elect Barack Obama

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As President-Elect Barack Obama's team of advisers begins to coalesce, and as he begins to chart the course that the United States will pursue in the first year of his Administration, it is critically important that he hear from representatives of a broad swath of American political opinion. We can tell already that centrists, financiers, and other representatives of the status quo will be well-represented. It is not so clear that progressives will be heard, their analyses considered, or their advice heeded.

If Obama is serious about bringing Americans together from across the political spectrum and creating a new and more inclusive politics, he has to reach out to the progressive voices that have been marginalized for too long - such as Ralph Nader. Few others on the political scene today can speak with as much knowledge or authority on the causes, effects, and remedies of our current social, economic, and political ills.

And so we call on President-Elect Obama to meet with Ralph as soon as possible, and to establish an ongoing dialog with Ralph and other progressive leaders.

Dear President-Elect Obama:

We the undersigned are concerned that as you formulate your policies and chart a new course for America, the voices of economic and social progressives may be drowned out by the representatives of the status quo. We call on you to meet with Ralph Nader as soon as possible, and to listen to his perspectives and ideas, as well as those of other progressive leaders. Few others on the political scene today can speak with as much knowledge or authority as Nader on the causes, effects, and potential remedies of our current social, economic, and political ills. We further call on you to establish a meaningful and ongoing dialog with Nader and other progressive leaders.

We believe that you are serious about bringing Americans together from across the political spectrum and creating a new and more inclusive politics. But to do that, you must reach out to the progressive voices that have been marginalized for far too long. Thank you.

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We signed the "Obama: Meet with Ralph Nader!" petition!

# 107:

12:27 am PST, Dec 29, Klaus Pfeiffer, California
Dear President-elect, I can't express the good feelings I have for your successful campaign. I am feeling reserved about your initial cabinet choices but feel you must be given the full measure of choice in bringing about the change for all of the hard working forgotten Americans. I strongly recommend that you seek the addition of a proven supporter of consumer values. I am referring to Ralph Nader a man whose record speaks for itself. Here is a man who can be trusted to give you a detailed, honest, informed opinion about so many issues confronting our society. When you consider his total alienation by the Washington insiders and the media his potential value is beyond reproach. Call the man and get him on your team if you can. Thank you, Klaus Pfeiffer

# 106:

12:24 am PST, Dec 28, Name not displayed, Oregon
Many of today's economic problems have occured because excessive deregulation has removed the once present "checks and balances" from our capitalistic system.

Paul Zane Pilsner, and Kevin Trudeau

# 105:

3:26 pm PST, Dec 10, George Lengen, Georgia
Mr Obama, you need to meet with Ralph Nader, for the sake of our nation, and your legacy. This is because he is a true American Patriot, who has fought the evils of the automobile industry and others who would do harm to each of us, saving countless lives and treasure through his interventions. He would make an ideal "Car Czar". It's not for the wealth he has not accumulated, but for his deeds and actions and dedication to serve his fellow man. It's like the "Jesus" thing. He would do you proud and would enhance your legacy to serve you country and the world, as you frequently iterated.

There are numerous Progressive patriots who would be very good for you and the working class of humankind. Dennis Kucinich has long been an advocate of peace nationally and globally with his proposed Department of Peace and Conflict Resolution, as well as his Single Payer National Health System, which would give the American worker an opportunity to compete in the work place and provide health security, all of which helps national security. Cynthia McKinny, for her dedication to speaking truth to power, which was the kiss of death to her political career. As Truman once said,"I don't raise hell with anyone, I just tell them the truth and that is their hell". Anyway, Mr. Obama, there's an awful lot of good people who would be happy to help you while you serve the nation for the benefit of most, especially those who really need your help . Thank you for listening to me, and God Bless you.

# 104:

5:03 am PST, Dec 9, Name not displayed, Illinois
Mr. Obama....meet with Ralph Nader!

# 103:

9:19 pm PST, Dec 8, Name not displayed, Arizona

# 102:

11:18 am PST, Dec 2, Stephen Glaser, Tennessee
I think you should meet with Ralph Nadar because it was to a great extent liberals and progressives that helped you to get elected, President-Elect Barack Obama.

# 101:

2:21 pm PST, Dec 1, Name not displayed, Pennsylvania

# 100:

5:15 pm PST, Nov 20, Kari Olsen, Oregon
I voted for Ralph Nader this year because he represents me on important issues like cutting off funding for the wars, the FISA bill, NAFTA, the financial bailout, the death penalty, Israel, nuclear power, and impeachment, and Senator Obama does not. Also I voted for Ralph Nader because Senator Obama refused to debate him. Now President-Elect Obama says he will represent everyone, even those who did not vote for him. I'll believe it when I see it.

Dennis Kucinich represents me too.

# 99:

12:30 pm PST, Nov 20, Michele Faris, Colorado
I believe that it will be helpful for our future president to speak with all kinds of leaders from around the world. Ralph Nadar had very sound ideas on healthcare, the financial crisis and other issues. It can't hurt anyone to talk!

# 98:

12:06 pm PST, Nov 20, Zaid Jilani, Georgia

# 97:

11:05 am PST, Nov 20, Jim Lindsay, California
It always seems the moneyed corporate interest are heard first & foremost. Mr. Obama should hear from environmentalists, peace activists, green sustainability people who know it's essential to LOCALIZE much of our economy. An example that shouldn't be followed is Cheney's energy task force that only included Big Oil interests. All spectrum of people should be heard from. We are AT Peak Oil, the alternative energy society MUST begin NOW.

I believe Mr. Obama should talk to Thom Hartmann, Katrina Vanden Heuvel of "The Nation", Amy Goodman, Paul Krugman, Randi Rhodes, Lawrence O'Donnell, the people behind Care2, Green America (formerly Coop America), the Sierra Club and countless environmentalists and green sustainabiliy people just for a start. Cabinet suggsesion: Dr. Andrew Weil for Surgeon General. And, of course, Ralph Nader.

# 96:

10:02 am PST, Nov 20, Vytas Gedutis, Texas
Mr Obama this is to request that you do meet with Mr Nader He is a brilliant man and has talked for year about the same problems confronting us today, Health care, big bussines , the defense contractors abuses, need to change etc. I know he may upset some democrats, but we do have a big tent, he is a pasionate, sincere man. Vytas Gedutis

# 95:

5:30 am PST, Nov 19, Carlos Penalver, Florida

# 94:

9:54 am PST, Nov 17, Walter Van Gennep, Netherlands

# 93:

11:04 pm PST, Nov 16, Karen S. temple, New Jersey
come on obama, we did not vote for nader because we did not want to split the vote...he has earned it...talk to him!

# 92:

6:50 pm PST, Nov 13, Kevin Espich, Iowa

# 91:

10:57 am PST, Nov 12, Michael O'Brien, Florida

# 90:

5:46 am PST, Nov 12, Timothy Phelan, Pennsylvania
ralph nader has done more for this country than all the politicians combined HE has answers .

# 89:

5:31 am PST, Nov 12, Zachariah Chance, Ohio
Look into self driving cars. a good reference point is on Ars Technica website.

# 88:

9:47 am PST, Nov 11, Joanna Garrett, Ohio
There are many Americans who deplored the Bush Administration's unprincipled rush to war, first against a country accused of harboring 9/II terrorists, and secondly against Iraq, a country which never lifted a finger against us. The war has been a moral and economic catastrophe for the United States and an an enormous personal disaster for both the Iraqi and Afghan people. It has cost us the lives of our children and our reputation among civilized nations. Those of us who saw the war as morally wrong in the first place see its continuance under a new administration even more reprehensible. We heard your original condemnation of the war with great hope that an Obama Administration would work to right these wrongs. We still hope, but feel let down by your recent rhetoric and by your choice of counselors, many of whom overlook the undiplomatic and brutal methods of our friends, the Israelis, in dealing with their neighbors, also. There are at least two sides to every dispute--sometimes more--and the US should listen to all sides without judgement until all the facts are understood. Ralph Nader is a great American, a true patriot with the good of the entire country at heart. He speaks for many of us who might otherwise have no voice. Our plea is that you will meet with Nader and consider his wise counsel on a variety of matters, but especially in considering what course to take in the solution of foreign entanglements. I am an 85 year old WWII widow who also lost a beloved brother in that war. Both of my sons served in the Vietnam War. I have first hand knowledge of the hidden costs of war. A truly civilized nation will find wiser and more humane ways of dealing with other nations. You are meeting with many important people and listening to a variety of views on the best way to deal with complicated foreign entanglements. Please allow Ralph Nader's voice of reason and restraint to be among them. If change is the goal of the next 4 to 8 years of a fair and just America, let us have real change and Ralph Nader represents its truest voice.

Progressives like Juan Cole, Chomsky, Zinn, Krugman, Chris Hedges and other stalwart supporters of national and international ethical standards are spokesmen that should have a voice in speaking up for good and fair governance.These are all brilliant and humane people with only the best interests of the people in mind. They all speak for people like me whose only voice is the ballot box and whose roots in Amerca go back many generations. I care.

# 87:

8:08 pm PST, Nov 10, Jake Wyatt, Colorado
ralph nader has done more then any other of these candidates have done in there lives his voice needs to be herd

Cynthia McKinney

# 86:

5:21 pm PST, Nov 10, Gregory Orum, Wisconsin
Please consider the input of Ralph Nader who speaks for the citizens of America.

# 85:

1:15 pm PST, Nov 10, Katheryn Rayeski, Pennsylvania

# 84:

11:57 am PST, Nov 10, Michael Ide, Mississippi
I would also like President-Elect Obama to meet with Cynthia McKinney.

Cynthia McKinney

# 83:

9:56 am PST, Nov 10, Monte Letourneau, Wisconsin

# 82:

9:13 am PST, Nov 10, Jan Hillegas, Mississippi
Others should include Cynthia McKinney and Rosa Clemente.

# 81:

6:25 am PST, Nov 10, Joe Romano, New York
Dear Mr President-Elect Obama, Please add to your itinerary of meetings with Progressive Academic, Political, Educational, Financial, Environmental and Legal leaders to include, Mr. Ralph Nader.

Robert Reich, Lester Thurow, Joseph Stiglitz, Mario Cuomo, Andrew Cuomo, Eric Schmidt, Thomas Friedman, Amory Lovins, David Soares, Clayton Christensen, Charles Vest, Susan Hockfield, David Skorton

# 80:

5:17 am PST, Nov 10, Debra King, Massachusetts
Please meet with Mr. Ralph Nader. He has some good thoughts and goals that would benefit the American Public. Please do NOT solely depend on the CORPORATE INTERESTS! We Americans are depending on YOU. This is why we elected you; for OUR benefit. Thank you and congratulations on winning the Presidential election.

# 79:

5:05 pm PST, Nov 9, Suzanne Eichler, New York

# 78:

3:35 pm PST, Nov 9, Ed King, North Carolina
This is the second time I have suggested that Obama huddle and/or debate with Ralph Nader to get a pure, undiluted progressive input for his campaign/administration. To ignore Nader altogether will result in a future backlash from an important segment of this country's political heritage, woefully under-represented in the list of those so far being mentioned as likely White House staff and Cabinet members.

I also think Obama should be talking with Jim Hightower and Wendell Berry, the latter a farmer-intellectual who has written the seminal criticism of U.S. agri-business ("The Unsettling of America")

# 77:

11:02 am PST, Nov 9, Rita Dibble, Pennsylvania

# 76:

10:01 am PST, Nov 9, Betty Chance, Florida
Mr.Nader is a man with a plan that will work! Listen, that's what you promised you would do, listen to the people. Listen to Ralph Nader, then decide for yourself. You can't decide if you don't know.

# 75:

9:55 am PST, Nov 9, Rich Matanowitsch, Ohio
Will Obama stop the war/occupation of Iraq? Will he stop the genocide in Darfur? And Palestine? Will he give Guantanamo detainees fair hearings? Stop CIA renditions? And state-sponsored torture? Restore Habeas Corpus? Will he truly go environmentally green and fend off nuclear/"clean coal" energy? Will he offer honest single-payer health care like HR 676? Stop the spying on American citizens? Reverse the ILLEGAL DOMESTIC WIRETAPPING? Acknowledge and join the International War Crimes Tribunal in The Hague? Respect and enforce the Geneva Conventions? Reinvigorate the SALT II discussions to limit and reduce nuclear armaments? Re-erect the Separation of Church and State? Stop the bleeding of manufacturing jobs? STOP the IMF/World Bank/WTO stranglehold on developing countries' economies and Chicago School Economics? Begin the dismantlement of US Empire and the Military-Industrial-Media complex? Will he hold those responsible for the multiple disasters we find ourselves in accountable? Will he prosecute the Bush administration? WILL OBAMA BRING BACK THE RULE OF LAW? Or will Obama maintain the low bar of the bu$h administration in some or all these areas? NOW is the time for bold action to reverse the regressive policies of the past eight years. David Sirota writes, "So, while the president-elect talks of forming a bipartisan Cabinet, his victory wasn't the public's cry for milquetoast government by blue-ribbon commission. As Deepak Bhargava of the Center for Community Change says, Obama's win was an ideological mandate presenting "an opening for transformational, progressive change." " I agree with Sirota: GO BIG. Start with Ralph Nader.

Contact General Wesley Clark and Ambassador Edward Peck next for progressive foreign affairs policy discussions, dialogue and decisions.

# 74:

9:51 am PST, Nov 9, John Post, Georgia
You now have the power and the keys. Time to call on Ralph for some help!

Instead of bailing out corporatins, send money to every citizen...they'll spend the money, you can tax it and the economy will restart with confidence... I wish you te best of luck!

# 72:

9:13 am PST, Nov 9, Ernest Canning, California

# 71:

8:58 am PST, Nov 9, Dorothy Wallstein, California
His analysis and experience in consumer protection and corporate abuse are certainly unique and would be invaluable in understanding the whole problem. But I fear Nader may not be able to keep his ego in check and so may lose the opportunity to serve as a sober adviser. Hopefully Obama can talk to him without putting him on stage!

I long to see economists who are looking at environmental sustainability and social justice as a necessary part of a new economic theory - for example, Hazel Henderson. Should we not have a petition for her?

# 70:

8:43 am PST, Nov 9, Kathryn Bennett, New Mexico
Meet with Nader and IOUSA doc writer, previous comptroller general.

# 69:

4:02 am PST, Nov 9, Mary Janean Sylvester, New York
Mike Gravel

# 68:

1:37 am PST, Nov 9, Jeptha Barbour, Florida

# 67:

12:29 am PST, Nov 9, Martin Rehder, Wyoming
Ralph Nader, the most important political figure in this country, is waiting to be heard from, Mr. President. He speaks the truth this nation deperately needs to hear and act upon.

# 66:

9:38 pm PST, Nov 8, Pam Boland, Georgia

# 65:

9:38 pm PST, Nov 8, Leon Anderson Jr., California
In becoming reacquainted again with early American History as a more mature American citizen,I think it imperative, considering the march of time, experience, wisdom and all things becoming more apparent that Ralph Nader's voice be added to the dialogue of "Change" in America's future direction.

Ron Paul.

# 64:

9:18 pm PST, Nov 8, Hilarita Silberberg, California

# 63:

8:48 pm PST, Nov 8, Name not displayed, Australia

# 62:

8:36 pm PST, Nov 8, Dan Forbes, Kansas
.

# 61:

8:30 pm PST, Nov 8, Jenna DiFeo, Nevada
I happily sign, but I have a feeling president elect Obama will listen to those who put him where he is. And that happened long before any votes were cast.

# 60:

8:13 pm PST, Nov 8, Hilary Frambes, Ohio
Ralph Nader has worked tirelessly for the American people for decades. He deserves to have his voice heard and I hope you take advantage of his ideas.

General Wesley Clark

# 59:

6:20 pm PST, Nov 8, Leslie Sloan, Pennsylvania
Linden Larouche

# 58:

5:10 pm PST, Nov 8, Gail Jenkins, Washington
I strongly encourage you to meet with Ralph Nader. He truly understands this country's history and the needs of its people. He is able to communicate these needs in a very easy to understand way. I am hoping you will make him one of your official advisors or a cabinet member. He will keep you informed instead of giving time to lobbiests.

Bill Moyers is a good source of progressives who can advise on everything from healthcare to the economy. Jeremy Skahill should definitely be an advisor, Naomi Kline, Micheal Hudson, Kutter,and many more. You must remember that we progressives young and old worked hard to get you elected. This is not a Bill Clinton world where being in the center could work to make things better. You will need to take drastic action and hope the congress will go along with you.

# 57:

4:44 pm PST, Nov 8, Julie Weigand, Pennsylvania

# 56:

4:06 pm PST, Nov 8, Nancy Dymond, Pennsylvania
Please listen to Ralph's ideas and weigh them in the balance.

# 54:

2:47 pm PST, Nov 8, Lisa Salazar, California

# 53:

1:58 pm PST, Nov 8, Wilma M, Canada

# 52:

1:54 pm PST, Nov 8, Britany J, Canada

# 51:

11:32 am PST, Nov 8, Marileta Robinson, Pennsylvania
Militarism is not the answer for the future of this country or this planet.

Dr. Marshall Roseberg, Center for Nonviolent Communication www.CNVC.org

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