In the Public Interest

By Ralph NaderMarch 8, 2019 Citizens challenging the towering threat of climate crisis should never underestimate the consequences of our dependence on fossil fuel corporations. Real engagement with the worsening climate disruption means spending more of our leisure hours on civic action. The fate of future generations and our planet depends on the intensity of…

By Ralph Nader February 27, 2019 Many readers object to illegible print in contemporary print newspapers and magazines. In today’s print news, legible print is on a collision course with flights of fancy by graphic artists. Admittedly, this is the golden age for graphic artists to show their creativity. Editors have convinced themselves that with…

By Ralph Nader February 20, 2019 What exposed the Tobacco industry’s carcinogenic cover-up? The lethal asbestos industry cover-up? The General Motors’ deadly ignition switch defect cover-up? The Catholic Church’s pedophile scandal? All kinds of toxic waste poisonings? Not the state legislatures of our country. Not Congress. Not the regulatory agencies of our federal or state…

By Ralph Nader February 13, 2019 Correction (2/14/2019): The Albany radio station WAMC was incorrectly identified as WMAL. Recently an elderly gentleman asked me about my opinion on NPR and PBS, knowing of my vigorous support in the nineteen sixties for these alternatives to commercial radio and television stations. Here is my response: Congress created NPR…

By Ralph Nader February 7, 2019 Two contemporary stories about Senator Rand Paul (R- KY) illustrate the disconnect between one’s ideology and personal experiences. Imagine a fierce opponent of regulation being saved in a crash by government-mandated seat belts and air bags and the ensuing cognitive dissonance. In the case of Rand Paul, MD (ophthalmology)…

By Ralph Nader January 30, 2019 Earlier this month I wrote a column listing twelve major redirections or reforms that most people want for our country (see: “It’s Your Congress, People!” Make it work for you!). All of which require action by Congress—the gate-keeper.  Now Congress must hold informative and investigative public hearings to inform…

By Ralph Nader January 24, 2019 The accolades were uniformly respectful for the honest, innovative, and unyielding defender of shareholder/investor rights – the late John C. Bogle – the founder of the now giant Vanguard Group of mutual funds. Writers took note of his pioneering low-cost, low-fee investing and mutual funds tied to stock-market indices.…

By Ralph Nader January 17, 2019 Many Senate Democrats are throwing in the towel on the nomination of William Barr for Trump’s Attorney General (a prospect assured by Senate minority leader, Chuck Schumer, declaring his personal vote against Barr). Let’s ask why? One would think that Senate Democrats would be appalled at Barr’s long-time unyielding…

By Ralph Nader January 9, 2019 When Herb Kelleher, the joyous, fun-loving Founder and retired CEO of Southwest Airlines soared past permissible flight levels for passenger aircraft on his way to heaven last week, the accolades in the exuberant obituaries were also sky-high. Listen to former American Airlines CEO Bob Crandall: “He was a man…

By Ralph Nader January 3, 2019 Congress is the Constitutionally delegated repository of the sovereign authority of the people (the Constitution which starts with “We the People,” not “We the Congress!”). Most of the changes, reforms, and improvements desired by a majority of people have to go through Congress. Incentives for change often start with…