This week we learned that Ralph Nader has decided to jump into the presidential race. Not to turn this blog into a political commentary, but I think it's worth discussion among UEP students. As a student of urban and environmental policy and planning, the "visionary" side of my studies definitely shares many of the values of which Nader is a proponent. And I do not believe it would be much of a stretch to say that many of my colleagues in UEP feel the same way. However, the "practical" side of my practical visionary self can't help but think this is a terrible move on the part of both Nader and the Green Party.

Now, I am the first to agree that one of the biggest problems with our political system is that we only have two parties. I have, in fact, worked for the Green Party at the local level trying to push a more progressive movement into the mainstream. I would also never oversimplify the problems of our elections to say that Ralph Nader is to blame for Bush's election. However, with that said, this is a dangerous time to be spending resources on a national campaign that has no chance of electing a Green president. I also have many doubts that his tactics and platform are the right approach to bringing the Green agenda to the mainstream. While I agree with Nader on many levels, I can't help but think that his platform is just...and here's where I might get into trouble with my friends...TOO extreme. Please check out his campaign page: http://www.votenader.org/issues/

I realize this is a controversial topic. (It, in fact, sparked a fairly heated debate over drinks and crappy pasta at Mike's in Davis last night.) But this election matters for us as planners and policy-makers. And the framing of all the issues matter too. And I'm curious to hear what others are thinking. So...this is a blog...go to it.