Good government requires participation from all

Mahatma Gandhi said, “Be the change you want to see in the world.”

However, one who participates in government by being represented is not required to follow Gandhi’s maxim as written.

It is more appropriate for a constituent to see the change he or she wants to be in the world and relate it to the appropriate representative.

All three letters to the editor this week mention the notion that a student should join the Student Senate if he or she wants to put something into action.

If I brought a concern to my state or federal government, neither body would suggest I join up to be heard.

I assume the reason for this response from our Student Senate is owing to its sore lack of representatives and feedback from students. But such a response also implies that the Senate is taking an attitude that only when all the seats are filled is it time for the real work to begin.

Intentional or not, this is a dangerous falsehood. The time to act, and to impress, is now.

When I concluded last week with a call for the Senate to impress us, I was not talking about pacifying a vocal minority by giving in to its demands.

It’s likely every resolution the Senate moves on will meet with some disagreement.

But students should still be impressed by decisions that are logical and based on the best interests of the student body.

As I touched on last week, the Senate has to lead, not dictate.

To the Senate, I am asking you to shake the student body out of its apathy—a considerable task, but a necessary one if we are to accomplish anything without a barrage of previously unheard cries of dissent.

Proof that the Senate is at least trying: two senators for Liberal Arts were sworn in Monday.

To the students of CSC, if you feel your interests are not being represented, speak up! Contact a senator or write a letter to The Eagle.

Don’t let your own inaction be the cause of misrepresentation.