[Marxism] Peter Camejo on the U.S. elections

["Jurriaan Bendien" <andromeda246@xxxxxxxxx>]

Q: What is importance of Nader-Camejo campaign in 2004?

A: This campaign represents a very large point of view in America - against
the invasion and occupation of Iraq and in opposition to the Patriot Act.
But since there is no run-off, the electoral system doesn't allow people the
freedom to vote for who they want, and they are in a two-party trap. What
gives the Nader campaign such importance is that an overwhelming number of
people who will vote for Kerry do not agree with Kerry; in fact on many
points they are closer to Nader. The Nader campaign shows the undemocratic
nature of American society, the fact that we do not really have free
elections in America, that in effect we have a system that guarantees a
result but gives people the impression that they made the decision.
http://www.3bh.org.uk/IV/Issues/2004/IV361e/iv361e005.htm

THERE IS A mystery to the 2004 presidential election; a silence has fallen
on America regarding a glaring contradiction. As we enter the second half of
2004, there is massive popular opposition to the war in Iraq and to the USA
Patriot Act -- possibly a majority of Americans. Yet these same people are
about to vote in overwhelming numbers for John Kerry for President.  But
John Kerry and his running mate, John Edwards, gave President Bush 18
standing ovations in January, voted for the war, say the war was right,
insist on continuing the occupation of Iraq against its people's desires,
wants to increase the number of troops and Nations occupying Iraq, voted for
"unconditional support" to Bush for his conduct of the war, and backed Bush
by voting against the U.S. Constitution for the Patriot Act.
The only explanation for tens of millions voting against their heartfelt
opinions is the lack of free elections in America. There is no runoff
election. Without runoffs people are trapped. They fear expressing their
true opinions. If they vote for what they are for they are told they will
only elect Bush. They must learn to vote against themselves, to accept the
con game of a two-party system.

People are taught not to vote FOR what they believe but AGAINST an
individual. An unpopular policy once identified with an individual can be
continued by replacing the individual, keeping the policy with
modifications. In replacing Bush, Kerry pledges to more effectively forward
the same policy of imperial domination. If runoff elections existed, tens of
millions would vote against both Bush and Kerry and for peace. Once the myth
of invulnerability of the two-party system is broken the dam against
democracy and free elections will break. Already 25% of Americans are no
longer registered Democratic or Republican; they seek alternatives.

The Democrats' fear of Ralph Nader is rooted in the programmatic conflict
between their Party's stance and their supporters. This is the real story of
the 2004 elections. This mystery is never written about in the media -- it
is America's dark secret.
http://www.3bh.org.uk/IV/Issues/2004/IV361e/iv361e006.htm



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