As you have probably already seen, Ralph Nader has announced that he will run for president in 2004. Lot’s of people seem to be saying that he shouldn’t run because he it will take votes from Democrats and in doing so, help the Replublicans (or the press talks about people you say that a lot, at least). Suggesting Nader shouldn’t run is counter to all things free and democratic.

Dave Winer, who I don’t always agree with, states the case well:

Imho, Nader’s run separates the people who “get” American democracy, and those who don’t. If Nader is going to win the election for Dubya, then now’s the time to fix the bug in the process.

…

By trying to hold back Nader (good luck) maybe you’re preventing exactly the kind of transformation we need. I think Nader is a patriot. Give him a medal. And think instead of being part of the herd.

I tried to donate to his campaign, but I can’t, because I’m a Canadian citizen (I’m not complaining – that’s fair enough).