We received a record amount of mail--from Greens, Democrats, Independents and a stray Republican--in response to Ronnie Dugger's "Ralph, Don't Run" [Dec. 2]. A sample follows.

Sonoma, Calif.

Oh for cryin' out loud! After the disastrous performance by the Democratic leadership y'all back to worrying about Ralph! I have no particular argument with Ronnie Dugger's points--Bush is indeed a disaster. In 2004 Greens will face the same tasteless dilemma we always face: whether to hold to our very real principles as defined by our party or to act prudently in the face of conservative fanaticism. Most will do as our Democratic friends ask and support their candidate no matter how flawed. The Democratic Party colludes with its partners the Republicans, to block Greens and others from the presidential debates. Why should Nader or any other Green pre-emptively remove himself from the national dialogue at this date? To make America safe for Gephardt?

BLAIR ZARUBICK

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