I’m writing in response to the
conversation generated by Zach Spadt’s April 18th article. Spadt
volleyed a criticism of ASUW as “pretend government”. Commenting on his article
via the online edition of the Branding Iron, former ASUW Chief of Staff Liz
Rader lobbed back a somewhat reasonable (albeit rife with errors) defense of
ASUW. Rader argued that those involved in ASUW are “doing the best they can”.
If we accept this as true, it begs the question: why did we elect them, and why
have we seemingly chosen more of the same this time? Rader asserted that those with complaints
should “step up”, an argument that has been made since democracy was barely a
gleam in its father’s eye: if you’re unhappy with your government, run for
office and fix it.
The problem with the “why don’t you run” argument
in this squabble is that uh…someone did. A student with a concrete background
in leadership and service (like shoes-on-the-ground action, not the
masturbatory resume-fillers that we have somehow come to justify) ran for ASUW
President. And lost. My problem is not with Deg/Mac or even with ASUW (because
God knows, I have a real life with responsibilities that go beyond wringing my
hands about the student council). No, my problem is with the student body’s
apparent lack of ability to diverge from the narrow perspective and outcomes produced
by the misconception that “leadership conferences” are anything other than an
expensive and boring way to get drunk in a hotel room.
Not to be weird, but I think it’s preferable
for ASUW to be helmed by someone with, for example, AmeriCorps experience,
rather than someone who thinks ‘relatability’ is a word and can call themself
down-to-earth with a straight face and a Denali parked outside. If this whole exercise/spectacle
really is meant to educate students about, and prepare them for the “real”
government, then instead of making up words and printing pretty posters, candidates
need to propose specific, plausible policy goals that have a shot of being
implemented and effective. Megan and Ty want to act like real leaders? Holding
people in positions of power accountable (like Unangst/Brink proposed to do
regarding UW administration’s failure to live up to their promises) is
LEADERSHIP. Insisting that the University fight for students who have become
victims (as in formulating solutions to mend the closure of the sexual assault
center) is LEADERSHIP. Attempting to sustain a program that hundreds of
University students regularly use (SafeRide!) is RELATABLE. Condescending to constituents
about how you’re “…gonna work really hard to keep the student fee low for you
guys” has nothing to do with either, and if Degenfelder believes she has a
snowball’s chance in hell of that campaign promise coming to fruition without program
cuts, she is not only the new President of ASUW, but also the Chief Executive
of Fantasy Land. If the voters can’t see that, they get what they deserve.
More important than the responsibilities
that lie with the candidates, the voters have an obligation to protect
themselves and their dollars, by educating themselves and using that critical
thinking thingy the education system seems so keen on. Buying into baseless
rhetorical devices rather than conceivably workable strategies gets all of us
nowhere, and as a fellow fee paying student, I have a right to be upset that 1,246
people drank the Kool-Aid.
I’m calling you out, Deg/Mac
supporters. Students who voted them into office, where are you hiding? We
haven’t yet heard a word from you in this circus, so I want to know: why? What
in the world convinced you of their competence? How did you, aware of the
problems in ASUW, and stagnant governments everywhere, watch the prosaic, vague,
Eminem-soundtracked Deg/Mac campaign video and think “Ah ha! Now THIS is our
solution!” Why did you think Degenfelder and McNamee’s inability to explain sustainability
in relation to their goals, rousing promise to “change stuff on campus”, and
willingness to fold, spindle and mutilate elections guidelines meant that they
warranted your vote? Step up. Get involved. I’m all ears.
Nora K. Gayle
UW Student