United StatesWho is Ralph Nader?
Ralph Nader (born 1934) is a lawyer and consumer advocate, the son of Lebanese immigrants, who became nationally known with Unsafe at Any Speed (1965), his critique of the auto industry's safety record. His work helped bring about the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966, and he went on to found Public Citizen and a network of advocacy groups. He ran for president as a Green in 1996 and 2000 and as an independent in 2004 and 2008. He has held no public office and is not a candidate; he remains active as a writer and columnist.
Political views
Argued that the auto industry neglected safety, a campaign that led to the 1966 federal vehicle safety law.
Source: en.wikipedia.orgIs credited with helping pass the Freedom of Information Act, the Clean Water Act, the Consumer Product Safety Act and the Whistleblower Protection Act.
Source: en.wikipedia.orgCampaigned in 2000 for universal health care, a living wage, campaign finance reform and shifting taxes onto corporations.
Source: en.wikipedia.orgOpposed three-strikes sentencing and supported legalizing hemp and marijuana and freeing nonviolent drug offenders.
Source: en.wikipedia.orgUrges Medicare for All, a higher minimum wage, larger Social Security benefits and ending tax escapes for the wealthy and large corporations.
Source: commondreams.orgArgues that public works and institutions underpin private enterprise in America's mixed economy.
Source: commondreams.orgFounded the American Museum of Tort Law to defend jury trials and the right to sue for wrongful injury.
Source: tortmuseum.org
Legacy
Admirers regard Nader as the central figure of the modern American consumer movement, whose investigations and model laws made cars, workplaces, food and products safer and gave citizens more access to government information. Groups he founded, such as Public Citizen, remain active. He has also drawn criticism for harsh attacks on Democratic leaders, including calling Barack Obama a war criminal over the 2011 Libya intervention. Many Democrats blame his 2000 campaign for George W. Bush's victory: Bush carried Florida by 537 votes while Nader received about 97,000 votes there. Nader disputes that he cost Al Gore the election, and studies have reached differing conclusions.
In their words
Public works were crucial in enabling private business enterprises to flourish.