Alternative Radio - Episode December 25, 2024

It’s in the Hands of the People What’s going on in the United States? People are asking that question not only in this country but around the world. Ralph Nader says “The twin swelling heads of empire and oligarchy are driving our country into an ever-deepening corporate state, wholly incompatible with democracy and the rule of law. America was not designed for kings and their runaway military pursuits. The media rolls over and fails to hold officials accountable.” So, what is to be done? Historically it’s always been citizens, overcoming differences, finding common ground, coming together and making progressive change. It can happen. As Nader says, “It’s in the hands of the people. Interviewed by David Barsamian. Speaker: Ralph Nader Ralph Nader, a legendary figure, has spent a lifetime fighting on behalf of ordinary people. Life magazine ranked him as one of the most influential Americans of the twentieth century. The Atlantic named him one of the hundred most influential figures in U.S. history. Founder of Public Citizen, he is a long-time advocate for consumer safety and workers’ rights. He rose to fame in the 1960s when he took on General Motors and its unsafe Corvair car. His 1965 book Unsafe At Any Speed not only created a sensation but also was instrumental in the enactment of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. His efforts helped create the Environmental Protection Agency. He has exposed the misdeeds of the corporate sector as well as of the political system. In recent years he has led the struggles around NAFTA, the WTO, corporate welfare, and single-payer health care. He is the author of numerous books including Return to Sender, Unstoppable, To the Ramparts, Breaking Through Power, The Rebellious CEO and Let’s Start the Revolution. At 90, Citizen Nader is as active as ever. Description from www.alternativeradio.org