Dear members of the Green Party -

Since 1996 we have carried the banner for free elections, clean elections, and the ten key values for creating a just nation and world, all over our beloved country.  But the corporate supremacists and their Two Party monopoly have sent the American people their own message--exclusivity, rigged elections, bought politicians, no political choices, increased concentration of power and wealth, hostility against workers, consumers, small taxpayers, the environment, community values, and a sane foreign policy.  In fact--the Republican and Democratic Parties have left most voters with only one incumbent Party through redistricting and carving up the country into one-party domination.  This is not even a semblance of democracy.

We have to break up this political plutocracy of the corporate government by combining our efforts to strengthen our opposition rather than subtract from them.  There are too many good people in our country who know how to build the good society, who have real solutions --technical, social and economic--to our problems, yet who have no political voice.  We strive to be their voice.  Our voice and your voice must find unity this weekend to extend our mutual call for action throughout our land.

In this spirit, I had the privilege of selecting Peter Miguel Camejo as my Vice President.  He brings so much to our candidacy--knowledge, experience, commitment, precision, civic courage, and over 40 years of struggle for justice.  He brings bilingual eloquence that for the first time will enable us to communicate Green values to thirty-nine million Latinos on a ticket already polling at 6 to 7% nationwide, and 12% among voters in their teens and twenties.  He has run twice on the Green ballot for Governor of California, distinguishing himself in the recall debates last year before a worldwide television audience.

As you know, what is already in place for our candidacy is important for local, state and national Green Party efforts this year.  You can make a decision tomorrow that would amplify your resources, visibility, lasting ballot presence, and impact races at the state and local level, where building the Green Party is so critical.  With the Republicans and Democrats supporting the War, the Patriot Act, and endless military and corporate welfare budgets, there is less and less left over for the people, their children and their future, especially the tens of millions of poor people.  And this corporate political duopoly is making American people pay for their own oppression, their own deprivation, their own disrespect. Enough of the Politics of Fear.  It is time to shift the power.  It is time for the Solution Revolution.  It is time to choose between fear and fortitude.

On the exercise of free accessible elections at all levels, we are working to bring together Third Parties and Independents.

I find Peter Camejo's Unity Resolution as being in the interests of state Green Parties, and as the best way to keep the Green Party together and advance common pursuits of justice.  This resolution will make it possible for the Nader-Camejo campaign to support candidates, help preserve your ballot lines and expand the resources of the Green Party.  I have had some experience since 2001 in participating at 43 fundraisers and other activities for Greens in 31 states and the disenfranchised District of Columbia.  I felt that this effort was both my duty and pleasure.

Many of you have urged my attendance.  In my letters to Greens a few months ago I indicated that the Greens should make their decision by themselves, absorbing all well-intentioned advice, on the merits.  There is no role for any dramatic arrivals from this quarter.  If you decide on nominations, you will achieve different results than if you decide on endorsements.  Some want you to lie low this election and not receive many national votes in the close states.  This is a peculiar way to expand your Party and establishes a poor precedent that the Democrats will seek to exploit.  In any event, it is your decision as delegates to make a deliberative choice.  May your conscience be your guide.

Thank you for reading these words.  Best wishes for your convention,
 

Ralph Nader

P.S. I am on my way to our Oregon convention this Saturday, but will try to call your gathering this evening in the spirit of further solidarity.