In the Public Interest

By Ralph Nader May 6, 2020 “We honor what we value,” goes the old saying. In our hedonistic culture we value most those who can put a ball in a hole. We ignore those who save lives through civic action. The sports champions – golf, basketball, football, and baseball – receive riches and accolades from…

By Ralph Nader April 27, 2020 As Mother’s Day approaches, the celebration of our Mothers is overshadowed by the mounting Covid-19 casualties. Donald Trump is incapable and unwilling to provide the leadership needed to deal with the deadly pandemic attacking our communities. While we cannot afford to slow efforts to challenge the President and our…

By Ralph Nader April 24, 2020 There are many ways to respond to Mr. George Selgin’s reaction to my brief letter to Chairman Jerome Powell of the Federal Reserve. Here are a few: 1. The coarse pounding of Powell by Trump, according to insiders in a position to know, finally buckled Powell. With already historical…

By Ralph Nader April 22, 2020 Earth Day, April 22, 1970 was the most consequential demonstration of civic energy in modern American history. Engaging nearly 20 million Americans participating in about 13,000 local events, this first Earth Day changed corporate and government policies through popular demands for clean air, water, soil and food. Senator Gaylord…

By Ralph Nader April 17, 2020 In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic a careening, confused President is fibbing, flailing, breaking laws, and mishandling money. As the domino effect of this crisis mounts, the public is asking: “Where is the Congress?” Our Senators and Representatives have been home since March 20 and won’t be back…

By Ralph Nader April 10, 2020 Much happened this week and we can’t afford to ignore any of it. The events of the last seven days provide significant opportunities for civic action. 1. Bernie Sanders suspended his peoples’ presidential campaign while staying on upcoming primary ballots to acquire more delegates to take to the Democratic…

Jerome H. Powell Chairman Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve 20th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20551 Dear Chairman Powell: I want you to know the dismay of many consumer advocates at your extreme zero-interest rate policy. Interest rates were already low in the home mortgage area and not likely to change…

By Ralph Nader April 3, 2020 Trump ridiculed, then minimized, then delayed the federal government’s response to the coronavirus for weeks. Then finally he wrapped his boastful, confused ego around reality. But Trump is actively pushing programs that will endanger more Americans. Here’s a brief look at Trump’s pro-contagion activities that leave Americans defenseless in…

By Ralph Nader March 27, 2020 Many of us have heard that the Chinese character for “crisis” is also the character for “opportunity.” During the coronavirus crisis, we have a duty to apply political solutions and emerge much superior than before the pandemic struck an unready country. The time for serious civic reforms is now!…

By Ralph Nader March 20, 2020 Leaning on sober-minded experts in infectious diseases at his daily news conferences, Trump is frantically trying to look good. But the old delusionary Trump keeps resurfacing. On Monday, he rated his coronavirus performance at a perfect ten. On Tuesday, he lied to the public about his knowing it was…