Editor,
Shame on you, Daily Lobo, for titling Wednesday's article covering Ralph Nader's visit "Small-party talk." And shame on UNM for not adequately getting the word out that Nader was going to be visiting campus.
I understand marketing, advertising, journalism and how the media work. I also understand Nader is upset young voters are willing to accept the limited options they are given for presidential candidates. The media, including the Daily Lobo, are perpetuating the stereotype of the seemingly insignificant opinion of a party other than the two-party ultimatum of Democrat or Republican. America is about having many options, not being spoon-fed an either/or situation of choosing the lesser of two evils.
Let's face it: Barack Obama isn't good enough and neither is John McCain. Plenty of people confirm this assumption because all you ever hear is complaints from both ends. Yet the general consensus is the only choice that matters is between two major candidates. What would happen if those individuals who constantly complain about the current national state of affairs and how Obama and McCain are going to destroy the nation got together and unified to commit to voting for Nader?
If you want change, start a revolution with your vote, not your complaints. Maybe then, Nader might have a chance. But it's sad no one will do that because people vote as though a prom committee runs this nation. Whoever the media say is "hot" at the moment takes the crown.
The Daily Lobo's coverage of Nader's visit is evidence of this. The visit was not publicized and promoted, and reporter Maggie Ybarra didn't say if Nader was on the New Mexico ballot. That's not complete coverage. It's no wonder only about 90 people showed up, yet the event was described as "crowded." Give me a break. Every politician and voter is motivated by different priorities. Nader doesn't have a big campaign because he won't take corporate funds. Therefore, UNM should have stepped up to the plate to better publicize his visit.
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I refuse to partake in the popularity contest of choosing either Obama or McCain. We all have morals, regardless of political affiliation. To be educated on issues of all party candidates running for the most important position in the United States is to know when and where a candidate is going to be speaking. As a result, voters can make an educated decision on the position of all parties, not just whom the Democrats or the Republicans nominate.
Shame on all media outlets and harsh critics for portraying Nader as a vote-stealing, egotistical wacko who's past his prime. If you don't want Obama or McCain, vote for Nader, not because he's a strong contender backed by millions of dollars, but because your vote says that you're not going to accept unqualified two-party candidates. This is America - the land of opportunity and options.
Lila Sanchez
UNM alumna
