Bret and Matt will re-energize the ASUO
Before my roommate Bret Jacobson began his campaign for ASUO Executive, I didn’t care about student government. I didn’t know what student government really does. Although I’ve only helped place posters on campus, I’ve realized during this election how vital the ASUO is — and can be — to students. I’ve also seen how hard Jacobson and his running mate Matt Cook will work so everyone realizes what student government can do for them. In this year, I’ve never seen them so excited or dedicated.
The ASUO goes beyond giving student fees to other groups. It’s the starting place for new campus ideas. But as past presidents can attest, it’s crucial that the president bring more voices in and make people outside of student groups interested in what happens in government.
I like that Jacobson and Cook have a handful of specific ideas that will start bridging gaps among student groups. But most importantly, I think his enthusiasm can rub off on other students like me and they will care for the first time about what happens in the ASUO office because they will see how it affects their experiences at the University.
I just have to live with the guy. I don’t have to like what he does. But Jacobson and Cook’s ideas and specific campaign plans have energized me about student government. And if elected, I believe they will actually — finally — take the first steps to connect the ASUO with the larger campus community.
John Erickson
senior
business administration
Kyoto Treaty decision
shows importance of OSPIRG
More than 100 industrialized nations have joined together to slow global warming. These countries signed the Kyoto Treaty, which seeks to lower the world average output of carbon dioxide by 5.2 percent. This seems like a positive, reasonable and achievable goal. That’s because it is. Our nation’s president disagrees.
President Bush refused to sign the Kyoto Treaty despite urgings from Britain, Germany, Italy and others. Bush claims he won’t do anything to hurt the U.S. economy. Where was he when NAFTA sent millions of jobs across our borders? Oh yeah, Texas. The point is, keeping rich people rich is the name of the game, and the environment makes little difference.
America produces 25 percent of the world’s carbon dioxide emissions, yet our president refuses to join international efforts to ensure a future for the future. Many Native American cultures believe that one should consider the impact of decisions for seven generations. Maybe Bush could start with an easier number — like two.
In fairness, Bush has a valid gripe with the treaty. He claims it’s not fair because developing countries don’t have to comply. To be truly fair, other countries should be granted the same head start we had before taking responsibility for pollution, right?
At any rate, we come off as arrogant and selfish to the rest of the world. Situations like this emphasize the importance of watch-dog groups such as OSPIRG. Vote yes and support an organization that fights the degradation of our earth.
J. J. Burkart
senior
journalism
