In The Event That...

You Don't Buy the Spoiler Theory

by Billy Kekevian

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Published: Jan 30, 2007

Ralph Nader

Thu., Feb. 1, 7 p.m., free, Borders, 1 S. Broad St., 215-568-7400

My father decided to play it cool when he met Ralph Nader on the street in Washington, D.C. He asked Nader how he was doing, and, without a moment's hesitation, Nader turned and barked, "That goddamn Newt Gingrich is the worst devil ever to come to Washington."

Nader will forever hold his place in history as the soap box-stomping liberal who took on General Motors in his book Unsafe at Any Speed, but he's so much more. The impact of his recent presidential campaigns in 2000 and 2004 has gotten him a lot of flak from left-of-center voters, but Nader has always been the kind of man every progressive longs to emulate. His work has brought consumer rights, freedom of information and environmental issues into the limelight and kept them there for decades despite the changing political climate. Because of Nader, seat belts are standard in every car and your college PIRG organization has introduced thousands to environmentalism and consumer rights. Nader could easily retire today and be known as one of the greatest liberal crusaders in American history, but instead he's coming to Philadelphia to discuss his new memoir, The Seventeen Traditions (Regan Books), and how to become a conscientious adult. The reason may be that irresponsible corporations continue to put us at risk, but keep in mind, Gingrich is threatening an '08 White House run.

 

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