By Ralph Nader November 13, 2023 John (Jack) Fitzgerald is no ordinary auto dealer. He communicates with consumer advocates. He started in the dealership business in 1956 and presently has 25 Fitzgerald Auto Mall dealerships in Maryland, Pennsylvania and Florida. He knows about automobiles. Mr. Fitzgerald called me in August with worries about electric vehicles. … Read more
By Ralph Nader October 6, 2023 If only canes, walkers, railings and banisters were sentient, what would their message be to humans on Earth? “Prevention is the Priority, Dummies,” they would exclaim. “Look at how many trips and falls we prevent for our users compared to the enormous costs in pain, suffering, family disarray and … Read more
By Ralph Nader September 29, 2023 In the midst of so much bad news in the media, it is always good to be alert to rays of sunlight that civic action can build upon. First, let’s start with the sun, which is receiving increased respect these days by Earthlings. Various forms of solar energy – … Read more
By Ralph Nader September 21, 2023 For nearly thirty-five years, a small nonprofit organization in Washington, D.C. has been having an outsized impact on highway and auto safety. It is Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety (saferoads.org) and it is funded by a dozen or more property-casualty insurance companies; with a board composed of consumer … Read more
By Ralph Nader September 15, 2023 Corporate law firms have taught their wayward corporate clients how to use accretions of privileges and immunities to ward off or wait out the most devastating books, documentaries and media exposés. Corporate P.R. firms know that the media doesn’t follow the efforts of civic advocacy groups as a regular … Read more
By Ralph Nader September 8, 2023 The headlines on climate catastrophes are becoming more informative as they become more ominous. For years the media headlines have been describing record floods, droughts, wildfires, heatwaves, hurricanes and other fossil-fueled disasters of an abused Mother Nature. The immediate human casualties are devastating. Very recently, the headlines have been … Read more
By Ralph Nader September 1, 2023 Have you ever met a newspaper headline writer? Not likely. They are remarkably anonymous, receive no byline, of course, and very little recognition. There is only one major award for headline writing even though headlines serve a critical purpose in getting readers to read the articles or features. (See, … Read more
By Ralph Nader August 28, 2023 Marc Fisher of the Washington Post is often the “go-to” reporter editors choose to write Page One stories that synthesize and analyze the Big Story of the Day. On August 17th, Mr. Fisher delivered a lengthy feature titled, “Trump Follows Tested ‘Counterpuncher’ Playbook in Face of Indictments.” Alas, he … Read more
By Ralph Nader August 17, 2023 The mass media is reluctant to recognize civic heroes unless they display physical bravery such as rushing into a burning building to save a child. The media also lavishes vast coverage on sports heroes and entertainers. Unnoticed by the mass media was how it came about that the Illinois … Read more
By Ralph Nader August 14, 2023 Russia’s criminal war in Ukraine intensifies as it grinds on, World War I style with heavy casualties on both sides. While President Joe Biden keeps repeating that NATO, mostly meaning the U.S., will expand military support for Ukraine “as long as it takes.” “As long as it takes,” is … Read more