'Banning' Nader

"Mike," a visitor to Abiola's excellent Foreign Dispatches blog, has some interesting observations on Ralph Nader's independent presidential candidacy.

Nader knows that he does not stand a chance so he might just quit. Why waste our precious votes? Besides who said that there was any true democratic process, after the 2000 election you guys still believe?

and

My point again desperate situations call for desperate measures; I also understand that if we start of on the wrong foot we can go justifying every atrocity committed....But I think that we need to apply some kind of 'moral relativism' here. In the face of the atrocity we stand to commit by "banning" Nader I think that Bush's re election for a second term in office will definitely constitute a bigger evil... Remember there, sometimes, shades of grey involved in contentious issues such as this one.

Though surely not unique in intent, "Mike" is surprisingly candid. There is no "true democratic process" so therefore it's ok to commit "the atrocity" of "'banning' Nader."

"Mike" thinks it's a bigger atrocity to ban someone from the political process than to risk George W. Bush getting elected under a democratic process. And it's Bush who is the biggest threat to democracy?

I think "MIke" would feel more comfortable if he moved to Tunisia or North Korea or Syria. They don't have to worry about complications like multipartyism or anything vaguely resembling a "true democratic process."

Attorney General John Ashcroft's mentality is that we must sacrifice liberty in order to save it. "Mike" and his ilk believe we must trash democracy in order to save it. Is either worth saving under these conditions?

I've said it before and I'll say it again. People like "Mike" are one of the primary causes of political apathy in this country. Having principles and actually standing by them is considered the bigger evil, in their eyes. No wonder so Americans are disillusioned with the political process.


[Update: "Mike" adds:

Of course an ignorant individual like your self would not understand that the war in Iraq lacks any justification.

Actually I do understand this, unlike his man Mr. Kerry. The Democratic candidate doesn't undestand what my "ignorant" self does. And yet according to him, Kerry still deserves to be president.]



[Update 2: Further comments from "Mike" to me

For all the wrong that you guys are responsible for, the Florida vote scam, the unjustified parading of John Kerry, a war hero as a fraud..... I think we ought to get even. You justify and support the senseless killing of young Americans in Iraq, yet you are supporting those who will question a proven war hero? Is this not another example of manipulating events to suit your motives? You will turn back tomorrow, and question the credibility of soldiers who have fought in Iraq if you deem it necessary. As a patriotic American I am proposing treason as the charge against these shameless individuals who engage in this act. Are you willing to support that (conservative DOLT)? You guys did the same thing to McCain. My medicine is alright I think; it's about time you and your gang of loonies checked.

"Mike" is obviously under the delusion that I'm a Republican or Bush-supporter or Iraq war supporter. There are few things that leave me speechless. This is one of them.]