Now that he presents an obstacle to the return to power of the American left, the long knives have been unsheathed on Ralph Nader. Salon.com, a reliable representative of the left, has published today a lengthy article detailing some of Ralph Nader's less attractive personal characteristics.
As one of the early Nader's Raiders (1971—72), I can attest to the accuracy of the general picture painted of an irascible, ego—centric, tyrant of a boss.

At the time I worked for the Center for the Study of Responsive Law, the main institutional agent of the Nader empire, Ted Jacobs absolutely rand the place, working beyond the seeming capacity of a single human being to endure long hours and intense concentration. When Nader and Jacobs had their falling—out, I knew that something was deeply wrong.

While the article deserves praise for finally bringing to light aspects of Nader's character which have been well—known for decades to those who were paying attention, it is worthwhile noting that the American press never displayed the slightest interest in the dark side of this onetime icon.

It is worth sitting through the necessary commercial to be able to read the entire article. Take away from it not only the notion that Nader is, and always has been, a kook. Also bear in mind that the American press hass willingly ignored this fact for a very, very long time.

Posted by Thomas  07 01 04