Getting to know Ralph Nader
YOUR FEB. 26 editorial "Nader vs. the Democrats" asked whether Ralph Nader had any good reasons to run for president. After reading your editorial, I agreed the answer seemed to be no. But then I explored his campaign website.
There is much Nader proposes that was not covered in your editorial. In addition to a single-payer healthcare system and cutting excessive defense spending, he has taken a stand against nuclear power. He advocates for a carbon pollution tax, a Wall Street securities speculation tax, and repeal of the Taft-Hartley anti-union law. He wants to crack down on corporate crime and predatory lending. Also, he will pull US troops out of Iraq, address the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, and would move to impeach George Bush and Dick Cheney.
I can't say that I agree with all of his positions, but I have not seen similar proposals from either the Democratic or Republican candidates. Perhaps before the Globe decides to condemn Nader's candidacy as the egotistical folly of a spoiler, it should report the facts to its readers so that they can decide for themselves.
JOE WEINER, Cambridge 