Edit 4 lyears later: I really want to delete this diary because it embarrasses me but I feel it important to keep it up because it shows not just my own evolution as a Kossack but also as a reminder (at least to me)to exercise a little tolerance. This diary bookends my journey from psuedo-repentant Naderite to netroots Democratic Party participant. Please read kindly.
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Perhaps a bit of 'about me' disclaimer: In 2000 I was very pro-Nader but I didn't cast a vote for him. I am for democracy - not aristocracy - and will not grant legitimacy to what I consider the morally bankrupt system that is the US 'republic'.
I am from a state that R's will not bother with because it is out of their reach and D's will not bother with because it is safely theirs. Simply put - My vote won't matter, regardless of whether I vote in the Presidential contest, and I won't. So take this diary with with as much seasoning as you think it needs.
I've been reading this site for a year, participating rarely since just before the changeover to Scoop. I realize very keenly that getting the Bush adminsitration out of office is key to our image with the rest of the world - To me, that is the single biggest thing at stake this year. As I said, I won't be voting for, working for, or donating to any of the candidates but I am and will be participating with organizations like MoveOn.org to get Chimpy McSmirk (not mine, but I love it!) out of office. I have even accidently said 'we' in reference to the Dem party a few times in recent months and, though it made my skin crawl to realize I had said it, it marks my feelings well.
That said, my enthusiasm for helping get the Dem elected come Nov. and for being part of this community took a hit recently with all the negative crap about Nader - and especially the rabid endorsement of the 'ego' meme as objectively true - both from establishment Dems and from regular posters around here.
I missed the window of responding to the posting of the 'Nader sought Dean's VP spot' story here but I read it and am sickened. I was happy to see that someone did mention something similar to the thought that sprang to my mind - anyone who honestly thinks they personally are the single best choice in all the country for the position of President is made up of 90% vanity, 10% balls.
I suppose for some the idea of Nader running makes them feel like it's 2000 all over again. Well, that thread did it for me. What's the difference between Dems and Reps when both are about the politics of derision and personal mockery? Fine then.
Nader is a walking ego.
Kerry is a mind-numbing bore.
Edwards is Eddie Haskel.
and Bush is a easily-led moron.
I like Nader. He says stuff I like. He has the right policies in my mind. But he has an annoying facial tic so he could never really be president. I know this. Like Kucinich (the only Dem candidate I could have supported), he sees the same things as problems that I do. Having to work to help a longtime Washington insider choking on special interests is bad enough - To have Nader savaged this way by my enemies-of-my-enemy allies is disheartening and depressing.
Like someone else said in a recent diary entry - Better Than Bush is a low threshold. I'll help oust Bush but Democrats shouldn't consider that an endorsement. To accomplish what I think is the most important task this year (someone as president not closely associated with Bush), Pat Buchanan would do.
Disgusted and disillusioned (again),
Kid Zemo