webfarmer: (Default)
webfarmer ([personal profile] webfarmer) wrote2008-08-03 10:11 am

Peace and Freedom Goes Anti-Socialist With Nader

Peace and Freedom Party turns pragmatic? Or cynical?

Not only is Nader not a socialist but calls it "anti-human rights". His dismissive 1996 comment about "I don't do gonadal politics" also comes to mind. Not exactly a eHarmony match for a self-described "feminist socialist" party one would think.

For you non-Amis, the Peace and Freedom Party is a California only political party that typically stakes out a position on the far left side of the political spectrum. They do stuff like run Leonard Peltier for president. Green Party presidential candidate Cynthia McKinney was also running and evidently placed a distant fourth in the single round of voting.

Ralph Nader Wins Spot on California's Presidential Ballot - SacBee - 03 Aug 08

"Nader faced a tough fight for the nomination from La Riva, a labor activist and current presidential candidate of the Party for Socialism and Liberation, who finished second in the balloting. Decrying the economic woes of Americans, she declared that "capitalism is facing its greatest crisis since the 1930s" and warned of 'the dangers of new imperialist wars.'

A renowned consumer advocate and critic of big business, Nader won the nomination on the first ballot after criticizing socialism as anti-human rights and a sin akin to the corporatism that he deplores. That drew hoots from some in the ballroom where tables were stacked with posters and stickers echoing frustrated cries of the political left: 'Impeach the bloody, lying thieves,' 'Capitalism is not a victimless crime' and 'I'm already against the next war.'"


Nader Wins Peace and Freedom's Presidential Nod - San Jose Mercury News - 02 Aug 08

"The Peace and Freedom Party is the smallest political party recognized by the state with 56,364 members, or 0.35 percent of registered voters.

[identity profile] gordonzola.livejournal.com 2008-08-04 03:36 pm (UTC)(link)
that's kinda pathetic.

Gloria La Riva ran for so many things in SF over the years that a bunch of anarchists ran a fake "La Riva for Sheriff" campaign, because "who knows more about putting people in jail than sectarian party member". Hilarious!

[identity profile] webfarmer.livejournal.com 2008-08-04 03:39 pm (UTC)(link)
I'm sure Nader just sees it as a ballot line that could be poached. That's not too far from his position with the Greens in prior years although he did do a few things to help them also beyond just running on their line and generating interest that way.

Great story about the SF anarchist pranks. Thanks!