“It’s of the same order of the hula hoop — a fad. Six months from now, we’ll probably be on another kick.”– W.R. Murphy, President of Campbell Soup Co. and member of the Business Council, 1966, dismissing Ralph Nader’s campaign … Continue reading
“Consumption is the sole end and purpose of all production; and the interest of the producer ought to be attended to, only so far as it may be necessary for promoting that of the consumer..– Adam Smith, The Wealth of … Continue reading
“In a democracy, the highest office is the office of citizen.” — Supreme Court Justice Felix FrankfurterClass Day, Harvard University, 1981. Ralph Nader stands hunched over the podium. A hushed assemblage of parents, students, professors and university administrators listen intently … Continue reading
“Sunshine is said to be the best of disinfectants.” — Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis It is no exaggeration to say that until enactment of the Freedom of Information Act in 1966, the American people did not truly know their … Continue reading
“Facts are subversive.” — I.F. Stone At the Senate hearings looking into General Motors’ harassment of Nader, the future consumer crusader took an opportunity to reflect upon the nature of corporate power and consumer justice. “The requirement of a just … Continue reading
“All professions are conspiracies against the laity.” — George Bernard Shaw Alan B. Morrison digs out a tattered old scrap of paper from his wallet and reverentially unfolds it. Squinting at the faded ink, he reads off a laundry list … Continue reading
“Populus iamdudum defutatus est” “The people have been getting screwed long enough.” — Quotation on the door of the Public Citizen Health Research Group It has been said that Sidney M. Wolfe, M.D., has a waiting room packed with 240 … Continue reading
“The real measure of Ralph’s success will be how many oak trees are planted.” — Claire Nader It is a frequent complaint among Nader’s critics that he is “spreading himself too thin” by founding so many advocacy groups and becoming … Continue reading