By Ralph Nader Harry Truman once asked for a one-armed economist in the hopes of never again having to hear “on the one hand, this” and “on the other hand, that.” Given the recent Congressional Budget Office (CBO) report on the effects of the minimum wage — one chock full of “on the other hands” … Read more
By Ralph Nader Imagine this metaphorical scenario. You are cruising along a highway and you are pulled over by a police officer. You’re not sure why you were stopped. The patrol officer approaches and gives the signal to roll down the window. You oblige. “How fast were you going?” the officer might ask after examining … Read more
By Ralph Nader When the news broke years ago that U.S. forces were using torture on prisoners at Guantanamo Bay detention camp, many politicians and the public expressed appropriate horror. There was shock and disappointment that our country would resort to such inhumane, abusive actions against our fellow human beings, most of whom then were … Read more
By Ralph Nader An epidemic of sky-rocketing medical costs has afflicted our country and grown to obscene proportions. Medical bills are bloated with waste, redundancy, profiteering, fraud and outrageous over-billing. Much is wrong with the process of pricing and providing health care. The latest in this medical cost saga comes from new data released last … Read more
By Ralph Nader Earlier this month, a delegation of activists took to Capitol Hill to demand a decrease in the massive, out-of-control military budget. As millions of Americans struggle with inadequate health care, low wages, deteriorating public services and uncertainty about their futures as the wage gap between the wealthy elite and the working poor … Read more
By Ralph Nader In the age of the internet, smartphones and 24/7 media encapsulating so many Americans’ time, talents and interests, it is quite refreshing (and rare!) to come across those who are deeply interested and invested in their own states, towns and communities. There is much to be learned about the places we call … Read more
By Ralph Nader Nelson Mandela’s exceptional and exemplary life will produce worldwide celebrations of his extremely unique blend of character, personality and resolve for broad-gauged justice for generations to come. To truly memorialize his contributions, however, requires grand actions. As leaders of governments and human rights groups from all over the world prepare to attend … Read more
By Ralph Nader One of the most profitable corporations in America is having a holiday food drive. Sounds good — it’s the least Corporate America can do for those struggling to make ends meet while big companies rake in record profits and give so little back. But wait… there’s a catch. The food drive is … Read more
By Ralph Nader At Love Canal in Niagara Falls, New York in 1978, it did not matter if you were liberal or conservative, there was no left or right or otherwise. Such political allegiances become trivial to a community under relentless attack from a silent, invisible violence. The violence came from 21,000 tons of dangerous … Read more
By Ralph Nader America was founded on the ideals of personal liberty, freedom and democracy. Unfortunately, mass spying, surveillance and the unending collection of personal data threaten to undermine civil liberties and our privacy rights. What started as a necessary means of reconnaissance and intelligence gathering during World War II has escalated into an out-of-control … Read more