Ralph Nader scheduled to discuss new book, political alliances in Shelburne Falls

SHELBURNE FALLS — Ralph Nader, four-time presidential candidate, consumer advocate and author, is scheduled to appear in Shelburne Falls next month to talk about his new book and his ideas for getting conservatives and progressives to work together for common goals.

Nader’s newest book is called “Unstoppable: The Emerging Left-Right Alliance to Dismantle the Corporate State,” and Boswell’s Books will host the author’s talk at 7 p.m. June 4 at the Buckland-Shelburne Community Center at 53 Main St.

Boswell co-owners Ken and Nancy Eisenstein have known Nader for about 30 years. The Eisensteins had worked for the American Program Bureau, an international speakers’ bureau in Newton, before they retired and moved to Shelburne.

Eisenstein said he became Nader’s lecture agent around 1980. He said his job was to set up “high-visibility” appearances for Nader and to make sure his books were available for such events. Eisenstein said he also set up local press conferences “to make sure (Nader) had a presence.”

Eisenstein said he’s just received a few copies of “Unstoppable,” and more are on the way. Eisenstein, who just got his copy Wednesday, said he plans to read it over the next few days.

“At a time when people are concerned about large corporations ramrodding pipelines through our area, his visit will be especially relevant,” said Eisenstein.

Eisenstein said Nader has done more to safeguard American lives than almost any other individual in the last 50 years. “Seat belts, the Clean Air Act, and the Clean Water Act are just a few of his accomplishments,” he said.

Nader’s visit carries a measure of irony as Shelburne is the home of Clark Corvair, an approximately 40-year-old company that provides parts for people who still restore the iconic Chevrolet Corvair compact last made in 1969. The Corvair came under a cloud and some say was eventually killed after it was faulted as unsafe in Nader’s 1965 book “Unsafe at Any Speed,” which launched him into the national spotlight.

The latest book is about common concerns shared by a broad segment of the American public, regardless of their political orientation. These concerns include government surveillance, the destruction of civil liberties, seemingly perpetual war, sovereignty-shredding free-trade agreements, and the political power of big corporations.

Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing at the event. Tickets will be sold for $5 to defray the cost of renting the hall. Eisenstein recommends reserving seats in advance.

Since owning Boswell’s, the Eisensteins have brought several famous writers to the village, including Joseph Ellis who won a Pulitzer Prize, Joyce Maynard who wrote “Labor Day” and Archer Mayor who writes mysteries.