Restoring the American Spirit

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How sadly ironic it would be if 9/11, a tragedy that pulled Americans together like nothing since World War II, provided cynical politicians an opportunity to stifle our deep instincts for trying to make things better. But Nader pointed out that throughout American history so-called conservatives (“They’re really corporatists,” he noted) fought every notable reform, from the abolition of slavery and voting rights for women to civil rights and Medicare.

That’s why I was moved at the stories of Charlotte Brody, a nurse from Virginia and co-chair of Health Care Without Harm. Since its inception six years ago, Brody told the conference, this grassroots organization of environmentalists, nurses, doctors, and other health care workers has witnessed the closing of 5,000 toxic medical waste incinerators in the United States. It has supported campaigns to ban fever thermometers using mercury, a dangerous pollutant, and seen success in Chicago, Boston, San Francisco, Minnesota, Maine, Maryland, Washington state, Michigan, and New Hampshire, as well as in Kmart and Wal-Mart.

Now that’s the American spirit: citizens growing aware of a problem and then rolling up their sleeves to do something about it. It’s what has always brought out the greatness in us, from 19th-century abolitionists to New York City firefighters. And I don’t believe that the Bush administration, no matter how brilliant its strategists are, will get away with quashing our deeply ingrained American optimism.

Nader Assesses the Democratic Candidates

Ralph Nader, whose 2000 Green Party campaign is blamed by some for electing George W. Bush, offered his thoughts on the Democratic presidential candidates lining up for 2004: “[John] Kerry could be a lot better leader if citizens mobilized around him. He has the capacity to expand. I think [Dennis] Kucinich has the best agenda and the best experience.” He did not reveal whether he was planning another run at the White House.

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