My fellow Students,

There is something I would like to speak to you about in this column. It pertains to the importance of being involved in our student government since it plays an important part in our daily lives. I believe that the student government makes decisions day in and day out which should incorporate our thoughts and feelings. In order to accomplish this, there has to be better communication between us. I would like to invite each and everyone of you to attend the next student government meeting and take an active role during the OPEN FORUM portion of the meeting. It is here that you can speak your mind and discuss the problems you see as important which affect our campus. There is a quote by one of our past presidents' which seems to sum up the message that I have in mind.

"It is not my intention to do away with government but foster productivity, not stifle it."

In order to be able to serve this University, the student government and the students need to work more closely together. We need to continue involving the Administration and the Faculty, since they have contributed productively and have had a positive influence in many ways. The more vocal and clear the student body, the better and more effective our student government. We need to work as a team by sharing our ideas and opinions. We need to see that our thoughts are heard and to follow through with active participation. To work as a team by sharing our ideas and opinions. We need to see that our thoughts are heard and to follow through in order to support elected leaders. Being responsible in this manner will allow positive changes to occur at our wonderful campus.

Another quote by one of our past presidents:

Are you willing to spend time studying the issues, making yourself aware, and then conveying that information to family and friends? Will you resist the temptation to get a government handout for your community? If some among you fear taking a stand because you are afraid of reprisals, recognize that you are just feeding the crocodile hoping he'll eat you last.

Your freedom is very important, don't let it be taken away by inactiveness. It is time to get involved and if it isn't done now, then many of your elected leaders may discount your position on key issues and take actions that limit your freedoms as a student even further. EDUCATION IS POWER, make sure your aware of the issues and bring up issues of your own to the student government. Question them, that is what they are there for; ask WHY we should take a certain course of action. Never think you are not smart enough, many of the people in ASUA don't know any more than you do about a given policy or subject. STAND UP AND BE COUNTED? HELP TURN THIS SCHOOL AROUND BY YOUR PARTICIPATION IN THE PROCESS ITSELF!

There is another issue I feel is important, this concerns how ASUA and the student body are able to communicate. There was an ASUA PAGE at the school I previously attended, where students could hear what was going on with their elected officials; this was a strong connection. However, at this school there are important issues that the students must know about but they are relegated to either the OPINIONS PAGE or COMMENTARY PAGE. To better strengthen the connection, an ASUA Page must Exist and serve its purpose to the student body of this campus. This can be done by taking the time and let the WildCat know that this is something the students want, they are here to serve the students and they want to know how you feel. If you agree with me on this, then it is important that you STAND UP AND BE COUNTED and exercise your freedoms and beliefs of what should be done to better our COMMUNITY.