By Nick Ray
Arizona Daily Wildcat
March 9, 1998

ASUA accomplishments 'impressive'

As a student government activist at two institutions, I feel compelled to rebut the absurd charges put forward by Nathan Kappler in Friday's Wildcat concerning the ASUA elections ("Elections annoying, meaningless," Mar. 6). The degree of ignorance he displays concerning this organization is mind-boggling. Where exactly has he been hiding during four years at UA?

The list of accomplishments of the elected representatives is impressive, and I have no greater motive in pointing this fact out than that they deserve praise, and I would hate to think that the student body might be swayed by Mr. Kappler's vacuous 'reasoning'. I will address several points from his letter.

First, I doubt anyone solicited his vote because of grandiose ideas about their own importance. Their motivation was more likely the need for students, including Mr. Kappler, to have their opinions heard. Clearly Mr. Kappler cannot state his concerns in a logical or constructive fashion, and so these individuals should be applauded for their willingness to represent him.

The 'paper garbage' handed out by candidates is intended to provide the voting public (including Mr. Kapplar), with an indication of stands taken on issues of importance to students. If he cannot be bothered to read them, then he should not preach about their apparent irrelevance.

He states that ASUA has had no effect on his life. If this is true, then it may well be that he will graduate in four years, because presumably he has never ventured out of his room to experience the many social opportunities supported by the student government. I suspect ASUA would be delighted to help him establish a group for students with no life (we could call it SAD), if he cares to make such a proposal. On a serious note, ask any of the women on campus who have benefited from the saferide escort service whether ASUA has the potential to impact their lives.

The only significant point to take from his letter is that apathy among the student body still needs addressing. But Mr. Kapplar is right about one thing; the election is now over. In concert with not having to listen to electioneering, perhaps we can also look forward to his imminent graduation, and a more enlightened intake of freshmen this fall. Maybe they will have more interest in the issues affecting their peers, and a willingness to get involved in improving things, rather than sitting on the sidelines moaning.

Nick Ray
Non-matriculating graduate student