Transcript of introduction of Ralph Nader in Chicago

The following is a transcript of remarks made by Richard Kaziny in introducing Ralph Nader at the Vittum Theatre on Sept. 6, 2008

Thank you Matt.
Our next speaker needs no introduction. His tireless efforts on behalf of humanity are well known. But, before he comes out, I would like to say a few words about a topic that is little discussed.
When the United States attacked Iraq, it was the first time in American history that the strategy of pre-emptive war has been used.
The Nuremburg trials of the Nazi war criminals concluded that pre-emptive war was the supreme international criminal act.
The supreme international criminal act.
And, you and I paid for it.
How many dead?
No one knows.
How many wounded?
No one knows.
The UN estimates that there are 5 million refugees who have fled their homes in Iraq.
The talking points say "Everyone agrees we are better off with Sadaam gone".
Really.
How about the hundreds of thousands of innocent dead. Are they better off?
The corporate media has hidden the results of this invasion from our eyes. Instead we hear about extramarital indiscretions, lapel pins, and pregnant teenagers.
Let's imagine the world of a child in Baghdad.
That night 5 and one half years ago when the U. S. attacked Iraq, all we saw were pretty lights of explosions from a distance. A fireworks show.
But, in the lives of the Iraqis, it must have been a night of sheer terror.
The fright of a child huddled with her family in the dark. The explosions. The sirens. The screaming. The fear.
Then, if your family was too poor to run, the knocks on the door and the rousting. The looting. The car bombs. The sirens. Having family members arrested and tortured. Having no electricty. No water. Lakes of raw sewage in the streets. Rampant unemployment. Military checkpoints. Concrete barriers. Endless funeral processions. Hunger. Orphans. Over crowded, under staffed, ill-equipped hospitals. Headless bodies in the streets.
Could you imagine what this constant terror would do to the emotions of a child?
Most Iraqis believe it is okay to kill Americans.
Can you blame them?
Instead of solving terrorism, we are creating it.
The hate and trauma we have caused will create a new crop of terrorists.
There must be a way out of this nightmare.
And I think we might need an unreasonable man to lead us.
Ladies and gentlemen, Ralph Nader.