I believe the recent article covering Ralph Nader's visit to the University ("Environmental group invites Nader to talk," Sept. 14) did not convey the focus of his speech with perfect clarity. True, it was environmentally oriented, but it is not until the middle of the article that it begins discussing his major point of voter efficacy. Like the man in the article who interrupted Nader, I feel readers may be tempted to not link the two ideas.
The reason why the speech was focused on civic responsibility is that environmentalism does not receive the same monetary support that businesses opposed to this movement raise. It is a cause that is primarily supported by individuals that believe in it, and therefore requires that these people vote in order to voice their opinions. As the Senate's actions with regard to the recent climate bill, legislators can be sluggish to act on this issue, which again shows that voters need to engage the civic process to make their opinions and desires known.
Other countries, China in particular, are rapidly converting their investments into more effective methods of generating energy, and the United States is not. It would be tragic if our superior method of government was allowed to act in a way that costs the country its economic advantage in this major developing field. It is therefore important that people always vote on issues they think are important in order to keep legislators accountable for their actions (or inaction) while in office.
Daniel Pedersen\nCLAS, IV
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