Ralph Nader, author, political activist and former presidential candidate, spoke at the Newcomb Ballroom yesterday night about alternative energy options and negative effects of the increasing power of corporations. Nader spoke about numerous topics for 90 minutes during his talk titled 'Megawatts, Negawatts and You.'
Nader was invited to speak by the People's Alliance for Clean Energy, said Physics Prof. Donal Day, who worked with PACE to bring Nader to the University.
PACE has been active in the local community for nearly half a decade, Day said, who added that the organization was founded to combat the further production of nuclear power plants in Louis, Va.
There are two plants already active in the town, and Dominion Power Company is lobbying to have a third built, Day said. The plants use the nearby Lake Anna to absorb the output of thermal energy. The biggest issue surrounding the construction of future plants involves the streams underneath Lake Anna, which residents fear are being illegally polluted by the plant in accordance with the Clean Water Act, Day noted.
Day said he wanted to bring Nader to the University to share his position on this approach to energy.
"Mr. Nader says that by building power plants, the federal government is throwing our money out," Day said. "It is not necessary to subsidize these when much cheaper alternatives exist."
Rich Collins, professor and director of the Institute for Environmental Negotiation at the University, introduced Nader as "an exemplar of the best of American political life." He said Nader required a proper introduction because "the myths that surround him do not accurately portray the conscience of this man."
It was not until a full hour later, though, that Nader began speaking about energy policy. For the bulk of the discussion, Nader repeatedly emphasized that he believes the country suffers from a lack of civic duty being carried out, seemingly failing to address the energy issue at hand.
"Our country is full of problems that it does not deserve," he began.
These problems, he said, stem from the "democracy gap" that allows a minority of people to decide for the majority. He further commented that much the nation's problems come from the fact many people in the United States "grow up corporate."
"We are taught to believe and not to think, to obey and not to challenge," Nader said. He added this is particularly a problem in the intellectual sphere because universities are becoming more bureaucratic, which means "myths are being taught to students all the time."
Nader continued, expanding on his belief in the corporate world's abuse of the American people, adding that the United States is "in the midst of a corporate crime wave of unprecedented proportions." He attributed this to the habit Americans have of enjoying personal freedoms without taking advantage of civic freedom.
"Societies that call themselves democratic can behave like a dictatorship 98 percent of the time as long as they allow your personal freedoms," Nader said.
Nader then proceeded to list four excuses Americans use not to get civically involved, which included lack of time and knowledge, as well as fear. While discussing his "excuses," however, a man located near the back of the audience interrupted him, asking if the talk was going to be about energy policy as advertised. Nader responded to the man directly by telling him to "think of context."
When Nader finally addressed the issue of the power plants in Lake Anna, he took an approach focused on doing one's civic duty.
"Almost every single stage of production of a nuclear power plant is paid for by you and by your taxes," he said. "It is just absurd. At what point do we say enough is enough?"
Nader concluded his talk by making a plea for action.
"We have the votes, but were not organized," he said. "We are the least organize-focused population in American history, and yet we have the most spectacular communication technology. Our biggest problem is the lack of civic engagement. So those among us who know how to motivate people, whatever motivation you can get, you need to put it to work."
Day said his goal for the evening was for young people in the audience to be inspired to get involved.
After speaking, Nader entertained questions and comments from the audience and stayed to sign copies of his latest book, which was being sold at the event.
Read More
U.Va. researchers identify that HIV drugs can protect against Alzheimer’s disease
By Lauren Seeliger | YesterdayDoctor Jayakrishna Ambati and his research team have begun work on a new drug called K9 which could treat and prevent Alzheimer’s.
Graduating students share their future plans as they enter the job market
By Nina Broderick | 3 days agoMany students find the Career Center to be a valuable tool during the job search and application process.
U.Va.’s Finals Weekend spotlights the achievement and service of the Class of 2025
By Leigh Bailey | 4 days agoIn University President Jim Ryan’s welcome address, he acknowledged the support of family members and friends present in the audience and beyond that played supportive roles in these graduates’ lives.
