A while back I encouraged like-minded individuals (the Democratic wing of the Democratic party) to vote Nader in "safe" states. I was told there are no "safe" states.

I am concerned with the latest polls showing Nader with 4 percent in battleground states. Some polls have shown Obama doing better when Nader is included but I'm skeptical. As I wrote to the Nader campaign: "I'd rather see 15 percent in dark blue states and pray that 4 percent in battleground states doesn't hand the election to Republicans. Corporate America would be just fine with that, but I'll be freaking out!"

I made many calls to Ohio for Obama (Ohio worries me the most) and I think he needs to beat a 5- or 6-point spread in those states for the win. But in California we have a 25-point lead. I will be voting for Nader here – I want real change and the narrow path to electability is far too sleazy, I'll be surprised if Obama can rise above it (he now says he may tap CitiCorp's CEO to organize his new staff/cabinet and he voted against interest rate caps in the bankruptcy bill). It's too much like these phony slate fliers – they outta be illegal and those that use them, such as Comstock, should be ridden out on a rail but we just keep accepting it.

Well, I hope I haven't discredited myself too bad because there is one California issue where Californians can and will make a difference – I believe it strikes at the very heart of our Democracy. Vote NO on Prop 8! An amendment to our Constitution that legitimizes discrimination and exclusion. Come on folks – I know we are better than that! Vote NO on 8!

Tim Williams lives in Clearlake.

{mos_sb_discuss:4}