Dallas Stoner? Get out of here. You made that up.

The name, age and extended endeavor of the subject in question cannot have been lost on the AP reporter, nor the implcations of putting the three together in the lead paragraph of the story. There's no question it's funny, but it's also pretty safe to say that lead never would have appeared in an AP story about Ralph Nader four years ago, before the Democratic Party's anger over the Florida recount and the fears of what another Nader candidacy might do this November.

But ask yourself this question: if the election were between Kerry and Nader, whom would the media support?

John: You got a point there.

"Duuuude, that AP dude is, like, harshing Ralph's mellow."

[I]f the election were between Kerry and Nader, whom would the media support?

Kerry. That's what they mean by "moderate".

For your information Orrin I was an EMT for a couple of years, before taking a break to travel the world. I started going to college in 2002. They have been good years, and I've enjoyed every minute of them.
Jumping right into school is a mistake a lot of people in my generation make. They get half way through their program and figure out that it isn't what they want to do. I took some time off to reflect on myself and the world. I wanted to make sure the direction I was going in would be beneficial to me, as well as the community.
Deliberate, intentional, and purposeful thought is preferred to that of the aberrant thinker dully cutting away at the unknown.
In regards to Mr. Schwartz’s disbelief about my name; I am very real. My father has a German background, and the Stoner family name is quite old, and actually in certain states with heavy concentrations of Amish communities, Mennonites, and other old-world German churches, quite common. My mother felt I should have a western name as I was born in Arizona, so Dakota, Cheyenne, and a couple of other names were kicked around before they settled on Dallas. You will be happy to know they went for something very common for my middle name; Paul.
As far as the lead is concerned John, I feel you will find in most stories that focus on an individual you see the age and occupation reported in the first few lines. I neither felt the story was negative nor positive towards RN.
In regards to your insinuations that I may somehow be a pot-head or possibly even a trippy-hippy, you are right on all counts! Legalize it and spend the failed drug war money on prosecuting corporate crime, and publicly financing campaigns!!!
Peace out!
Dallas Stoner