Well, you know what? They're half right, I am a political science major, and I love to see my name in the paper (who doesn't?). However, I take MSA very seriously.
When I was elected to be your student body president, I was overwhelmed with both excitement and responsibility. When 25 percent of the student body voted and bestowed upon me such a tremendous honor, it became my life.
I literally live and breathe MSA. It is simply my job and it comes first to everything, even to academics. Therefore, I have a fair grasp of what MSA is, and where we are going; as I should, I helped to direct it.
MSA has two main objectives; one is to act as the voice of the students to the administration, and the other is to serve the students and help make this campus a better place. The question then must be asked - do we indeed do what we set out to do? I vote that yes we do, and I have substantial proof to back up my claim.
First, I work with MSA representatives every day, and I honestly cannot think of one person who is not on MSA for any other reason than to make this campus a better place.
MSA Representatives truly care about this campus - trust me, they do.
Second, MSA is a service organization devoted to accomplishing numerous projects, and I am proud to say that we have accomplished many of these projects!
What I ask of you right now is to look at the advertisement in today's Daily and read it thoroughly. The advertisement is located on page 9A.
That advertisement, outlining MSA's projects in progress and projects completed, is my proof to you that MSA is and will continue working for students.
As for Tuesday nights and passing resolutions, well, that is, in my opinion, only 10 percent of what MSA really does (the other 90 percent is in the advertisement in today's Daily).
Nonetheless, Tuesday nights are still a part of MSA, and I would like to address the issue of what MSA should or should not debate.
For instance, should MSA have passed the resolution condemning the United Nations' sanctions on Iraq? This is where MSA must face its toughest obstacle - to make everyone happy. Yes, you may disagree with resolutions that MSA passes and question whether it is relevant to student life.
But your neighbor may believe just the opposite, that a resolution we pass is indeed relevant and germane to students. All I can say is that we live in a democracy, and it is your student government. You can direct MSA by simply voting for representatives who you think will best represent someone based upon his or her stances on U.S. foreign policy or on projects such as what is on page 9A of the Daily. It is, in the end, up to you.
By voting you can express your opinion of MSA, and you have a chance to do so next week, March 24 and 25. Voting will take place via the Internet at www.umich.edu/~vote.
Finally, as for you critics, I encourage you to get involved with MSA. If you see such a great need to change MSA, then walk the talk. You don't even have to be a representative.
In fact, some of our most productive members are not elected. E-mail me and I will promise to reply and set up a meeting with you. My e-mail is trentlt@umich.edu.
- This viewpoint was written by Michigan Student Assembly President Trent Thompson, an LSA senior.
03-18-99
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