SGA Representative urges student body to stand behind their government
Simply stated, government is important. Government reflects the nature of man, it’s a collection of those that lead, those that follow, those that speak, and those wise few that listen. Our own Student Government Association is just that.
Lately our government has been plagued by allegations of inefficiency, ineffectiveness, and worst of all corruption and illegitimacy. I will make no effort to defend our President; however, I firmly stand by our government. Our Senate is a body of independent minded and driven individuals many of whom work tirelessly for the best of the students.
Our Business Manager oversaw one of the most fair, popular, well managed, and widely accepted budgets in years.
Our Attorney General is performing the demanding task of preserving the integrity of our democracy by prosecuting a President who many, including myself, feel have failed and betrayed the public.
Our former VP budgeted and planned a fantastic Homecoming and has held at least some mark of legitimacy on the Executive Board despite the constant calls for resignation and allegations of malfeasance surrounding the President.
The Prime and Chief Justices have preserved the integrity of our system of laws and code of justice through the recent controversies. In spite of the lack of effective leadership from our President and given the tremendous controversy and illegitimacy surrounding him, progress forges on.
Senator Belcher and the Housing Committee have made great strides and put forth a tremendous amount of effort to secure 24 hour visitation rights for on campus residents and if things stay on track a 24 hour visitation policy should be in place by the Fall of 2009. CUSAC has passed a new class registration policy that is fairer, more efficient, and allows students much more time to register for classes and greatly simplifies the process.
I, along with Ombudsman Brittany Keyes, am drafting a policy regarding inclement weather that gives students a voice in decisions regarding their safety and standardizes the procedures that are currently in place regarding dangerous winter weather.
Please remember that the most important office in a democracy is that of private citizen. Many of you, myself included, have little to no confidence in our President, but hopefully my words have shown you that your government does work—too an extent.
The initiatives that we are pursuing, more efficient registration, 24 hour visitation, and a fairer inclement weather policy are all in essence doomed for failure without the support of you the student.
I’m not asking you to get behind our President because I can’t give you one really good reason to, but I plead with you to stand by your government, because it goes to work for you every day.
There are people just like myself who sit on numerous committees, who take part in endless debates, who lose sleep, and who never quit fighting for what they think is right for you, and I ask you to stand by us, to lend us your support, and to once again have faith that this government works, that our republic is sound, that our democracy is worth believing in, and most importantly know this is your government, and it is what you want it to be.
-Submitted by Bill Lewis
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