Spring Break
Letter to the Editor - UMKC's false democracy
Alex Gamble
Issue date: 9/29/08 Section: Forum
We have long known the University of Missouri System (UM) to be one of the greediest in the United States (employees have to pay for parking, UM calculates parking tickets into their budget, etc.), but this is a new low that has nuances of racism if we delve deep enough.
Just because UM President Gary Forsee (the former CEO of Sprint) is a wealthy man doesn't mean we have to make UMKC look like his side of town.
UMKC knows what all politicians operating within a democratic society know: in order to gain support for their agenda, they have to do at least two things. First, those in power have to present their ideas in a way that makes everyday people feel like their voice is heard. Second, they have to promise that any financial repercussions will not affect the everyday people who voted for the powerful people's agenda.
As we all know, going green is pretty hot right now. Environmentally friendly notebooks, backpacks, cars, food, etc., are making a lot of money because now, more than ever, the American public is becoming aware that environment isn't just a word.
So, as to the first requirement, I wonder, would UMKC have decided to make the new Student Union "green" if being environmentally friendly wasn't as popular as it is? Or, can we admit that UMKC decided to make the new Student Union as green as possible in order to gain support for their agenda (moving closer to the Plaza)?
As for the second part, how many of us would still have voted for the new Student Union if we knew we were going to pay for it? Almost everyone that voted for the Student Union will graduate by the time the $17 per credit-hour increase begins in the fall of 2011.
Town hall meetings are supposedly a cornerstone of democratic societies, a place where those making decisions are held accountable by the public. Increasingly, town hall meetings have shown to be little more than a morale booster for the public, something to pacify us into thinking we are making a difference so we will go along unquestioningly to big decisions.
Many might find it interesting that the town hall meetings for the Student Union weren't held until this past July, months after UMKC decided to build it. Why would UMKC wait until after the plans were concrete to allow the public to voice their opinions on the matter? To me, these town hall meetings sound more like, 'Sure, you can come and tell us how you feel, but we are still going to do whatever the hell we want,' rather than democracy.
This is the democracy America represents: a world where the rich get to do whatever they want, as long as the American public at least feels involved. I object, and for these reasons I do not support the new Student Union.
Alex C. Gamble
Sophomore, Education
Just because UM President Gary Forsee (the former CEO of Sprint) is a wealthy man doesn't mean we have to make UMKC look like his side of town.
UMKC knows what all politicians operating within a democratic society know: in order to gain support for their agenda, they have to do at least two things. First, those in power have to present their ideas in a way that makes everyday people feel like their voice is heard. Second, they have to promise that any financial repercussions will not affect the everyday people who voted for the powerful people's agenda.
As we all know, going green is pretty hot right now. Environmentally friendly notebooks, backpacks, cars, food, etc., are making a lot of money because now, more than ever, the American public is becoming aware that environment isn't just a word.
So, as to the first requirement, I wonder, would UMKC have decided to make the new Student Union "green" if being environmentally friendly wasn't as popular as it is? Or, can we admit that UMKC decided to make the new Student Union as green as possible in order to gain support for their agenda (moving closer to the Plaza)?
As for the second part, how many of us would still have voted for the new Student Union if we knew we were going to pay for it? Almost everyone that voted for the Student Union will graduate by the time the $17 per credit-hour increase begins in the fall of 2011.
Town hall meetings are supposedly a cornerstone of democratic societies, a place where those making decisions are held accountable by the public. Increasingly, town hall meetings have shown to be little more than a morale booster for the public, something to pacify us into thinking we are making a difference so we will go along unquestioningly to big decisions.
Many might find it interesting that the town hall meetings for the Student Union weren't held until this past July, months after UMKC decided to build it. Why would UMKC wait until after the plans were concrete to allow the public to voice their opinions on the matter? To me, these town hall meetings sound more like, 'Sure, you can come and tell us how you feel, but we are still going to do whatever the hell we want,' rather than democracy.
This is the democracy America represents: a world where the rich get to do whatever they want, as long as the American public at least feels involved. I object, and for these reasons I do not support the new Student Union.
Alex C. Gamble
Sophomore, Education
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
SGA is Worthless
posted 9/29/08 @ 9:53 PM CST
Thank your local SGA for their lack of support for students/unwillingness to question the UM brass.
JR
posted 10/02/08 @ 7:06 PM CST
Some of it has to do with land. Because the university is stuck in the middle of a city, land is very scarce. When the Rockhill parking structure was put up, there was public outcry because homes were bought out for the project. (Continued…)
Kill The New Ruskin Fence
posted 10/12/08 @ 1:07 PM CST
Why are you so surprised at UM boon doggles? In my student daze I've plenty of them at KC, Columbia, and 'Um Sull'...
The Wall Street Tsunami started on Main Street, and Troost, and Blue Ridge Extension. (Continued…)
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