Today the Opinions page is dominated by a single topic. We know that this is a departure from the norm, but The State Press editorial board feels that it is of paramount importance to you, the students of ASU.
Ask yourself this very simple question. Do the Undergraduate Student Government and a handful of selected students know how to spend your money better than you do?
It's an age-old question, and it's one that is repeated at every level of government. Is it better to be able to keep as much of my own money as I can, or should I be forced to give some of it up so that others can use it to promote the general welfare?
Americans have more or less settled on the concept that we must give up a bit in order to fill general basic needs which we are unable to take care of on a private basis. (Infrastructure, defense, public education.) However we do not stand for the government spending our money willy-nilly on superfluous causes. (Well, usually. The Iraq war could be an exception.)
Here at ASU, things have been basically the same. We grumble but pay tuition because we know it goes to basic things we all need and use. (Infrastructure, faculty salaries, research, computers, etc.)
However, USG thinks we aren't paying enough. They want to take $150 from every student each year so they can reassign it in ways that will supposedly be of greater advantage.
How will they reallocate the money? Well, after collecting the millions of dollars, they will take one-third, to do with as they please.
Much of this will go to clubs. That means that Snowdevils could apply for a free trip to Aspen or the Environmental Club could purchase more recycling bins on campus. It also means that members of the USG could use the money for their own ends. (Student Government conference in Hawaii, anyone?)
The other two-thirds will be placed under the control of a student government-controlled group of 10 students and three administrators. Any student on campus can submit plans to use the money to the group, which will then choose the best plans.
To summarize, USG takes your money, then controls which people spend your money.
USG might have started with good intentions, but the road to hell is paved with such things.
Millions of dollars placed in the idle hands of a government that provides no basic services is a recipe for disaster every time.
Sparky carries a pitchfork, not a hammer and sickle.
Lets keep it that way.
