2008 Woodie Awards
What are our priorities, and how will Vailas respond?
Forrest Stout
Issue date: 3/8/06 Section: Opinion
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So many of our priorities and insights are ridiculously damaged! Look at our state budget, which has been consistently pouring money into prisons, while almost passionately ignoring education. This is despite the fact that every state politician harps on and on about being pro-education, while most never back that declaration up with the slightest action. Did anyone ever stop to think that perhaps better educating the population would decrease poverty, crime, prejudice, drug abuse, etc.? We might even be able to save money in the long run by making education more accessible because we could save money on law enforcement, social programs, etc. Apparently, the bulk of the citizens and politicians of our state government would rather not waste their time with such critical thought and long term planning. Still, there are some out there who genuinely speak up for education.
As sad as I was to see Trevor Jensen leave the ASISU Presidency, I've been exceptionally impressed with his continued activism as an ASISU senator and all around supporter of students. Of course, I've heard criticism about Jensen apparently being overly passionate about some topics (e.g. bonds) or changing his views on issues such as online voting. However, I have never once thought that he pursued an issue too intensely, nor do I feel that there is anything wrong with critically thinking and changing one's opinion. ISU and the State of Idaho could use many more political figures like Jensen and Idaho Students as One organizer, Ryan McBride. This is especially the case when the best interests of the people and students are constantly up against worthless corrupt windbags like ISU Financial Vice President Ken Prolo.
(In response to Rebecca Wampler's very important letter to the editor, I say we clear out Prolo's office for the Rape Aggression Defense classes. This would give students a very accessible location, while moving Prolo further away from the main campus, hopefully deterring him from doing further damage.)
As sad as I was to see Trevor Jensen leave the ASISU Presidency, I've been exceptionally impressed with his continued activism as an ASISU senator and all around supporter of students. Of course, I've heard criticism about Jensen apparently being overly passionate about some topics (e.g. bonds) or changing his views on issues such as online voting. However, I have never once thought that he pursued an issue too intensely, nor do I feel that there is anything wrong with critically thinking and changing one's opinion. ISU and the State of Idaho could use many more political figures like Jensen and Idaho Students as One organizer, Ryan McBride. This is especially the case when the best interests of the people and students are constantly up against worthless corrupt windbags like ISU Financial Vice President Ken Prolo.
(In response to Rebecca Wampler's very important letter to the editor, I say we clear out Prolo's office for the Rape Aggression Defense classes. This would give students a very accessible location, while moving Prolo further away from the main campus, hopefully deterring him from doing further damage.)