Nader Bemoans Corruption of U.S. Politics

About 100 people attended the event, some paying $10 or $30 to hear Nader and for a question-and-answer session with the former candidate, who received 3 percent of the popular vote during the 2000 election.

Students United for Responsible Global Environment hosted the event, raising more than $2,000 for the N.C. Green Party, in a room covered with signs that read "Nuclear disarmament is our best defense" and "Welcome Nader, N.C. loves you."

Nader addressed the Green Party's response to what he sees as a democracy dominated by the two-party system and corrupted by money from big business. "Politicians represent big bucks and big corporations, and they are supposed to represent you," he said.

The left-wing Green Party traditionally supports issues such as environmental protection, grassroots democracy and serving the interests of the non-wealthy.

Nader said the Green Party is more "for the people" than traditional political parties, which he said move toward big businesses and the rich.

"Rampaging expansion of corporate power destroys democracy bit by bit in installment plans," he said. "When you get a society that allows too much power to be held by too few people, you get problems and injustices."

Some Green Party members said his vocalization about the party could not have come at a better time.

And Chapel Hill Town Council member Joyce Brown said Nader's presidential campaign helped the Green Party more than it harmed it.

"As we see more and more signs of environmental destruction, serious questions about social and economic directions (arise)," she said. "Ralph Nader speaks out (about the issues) at the national level."

Mark Marcoplos, a Chapel Hill resident who supports the Green Party, also said Nader has been beneficial to a party that no one seems to want to support.

"Ralph Nader's run for presidency energized many of us," he said. "It was a pleasure to hear cogent remarks from a political presidential candidate."

Since Nader's 2000 presidential bid, Green Party membership has risen and participation with sister organizations, such as SURGE, are increasing.

Senior SURGE member Harry Halpin said his organization's views and Green Party objectives are very similar.

"Our goal is to promote awareness of social, economic and environmental justice," he said. "There is an important alliance between us and the Green Party."

SURGE and Green Party members raised the majority of funds through monetary donations and selling baked goods and homemade jewelry.

Nader said the Green Party aims to be more influential for future elections.

"I got 3 percent of the popular vote," he said. "Third parties don't usually win elections but push either of the two parties in the right direction."

The State & National Editor can be reached at stntdesk@unc.edu.