Student government must listen to its critics
By J. Jioni Palmer
In response to Todd Sargent's Nov. 29 article, "Kerckhoff groups work around the clock," I must begin with an acknowledgment of my ideological and political positions. I do not run from my opinions, nor do I try to hide them in any way; to do so would mean selling out the people I work with and for.
I am proud that I stand for something and am not subject to change depending on which way the political wind blows.
This viewpoint is not meant to respond to Sargent's article point by point. It is designed to clear the air on many important issues facing UCLA students. In addition, it is a challenge to discuss these issues in an intelligent format, not by hiding behind words on the pages of Viewpoint.
To answer Sargent's question, "when was the last time one of these (Daily Bruin) writers bothered to ask actual student leaders what we do in USAC," well, if you are not recognized as a student leader, then you are not a student leader.
Being a leader means more than having a title. Leadership is the ability to develop a base, and by working on their behalf, earning the recognition and privilege for directing that energy.
No USAC member can immediately claim the title of leader when barely one-fourth (and in the recent facilities commissioner race, one-tenth) of students voted to elect them. This does not preclude them from becoming leaders they must possess some leadership ability if they can get 5 to 15 percent of UCLA students to vote for them.
Perhaps we all need to listen to our critics rather than shutting out their voices of reform. Criticisms of USAC and its members are very specific. They either address USAC as a whole or they address certain offices. One thing that remains remarkably consistent about the criticisms of USAC (during this year and in years past) is that the Student Welfare, Community Service, Campus Events and Cultural Affairs Commissions have not been mentioned. They are criticized for what they do but not for doing nothing, unlike every other USAC member. Why is that?
This is because they individually meet some of our collective needs. They bring us concerts, worldly speakers, culturally enriching programs, opportunities to work in the community and health awareness services.
But what about the other offices and what about USAC as a whole? What direct services is the president providing? Where is the student government newsletter our internal vice president promised us? Weren't we supposed to have "Club of Clubs" or "Campus Olympics" brought to us by our general representatives? If I am wrong, let me know (but I do have your campaign literature). Why does our money subsidize their fees if we get no services in return?
If our student government is not serving students, they have no legitimate reason to collect our fees and spend our money. USAC has no collective agenda on anything, let alone providing services.
That External Vice President York Chang started the "FoCoS" program (and student retention project) means very little to students as a whole if our student government is not fully behind it. What has USAC done on retention? Even simpler, what positions have they all taken? What do they talk about with the administration when they have dinner with them twice a quarter?
In his article, Sargent asks a very important question when he asks us to be critical of people quoted in The Bruin about USAC. He asks, "Are they USAC leaders advocating a cause, despite constant accusations of 'doing nothing'?"
We are saying advocacy is not enough! Yes, Mr. Sargent, we must "be critical!"
As political action and education coordinator for the African Student Union, I am charged with the political awareness of UCLA's African community. This is accomplished through public forums and the use of the media. I am concerned about issues that affect the campus as a whole.
We do not exist individually or collectively in a vacuum. The fresh air of exchanging ideas is necessary for growth. I appreciate Sargent's words, but they are not enough.
I invite members of USAC and any concerned students to participate in a series of debates, public forums or town hall meetings where we can address issues and seek resolution. I can be reached at 825-8051, or at 320 Kerckhoff Hall.
Palmer, a second-year political science student, is Political Action Coordinator for the African Student Union.