In response to Jeff Rector's comments in "ASMSU not worth it, should be disbanded" (SN 4/03):

Apathy is a noun meaning "Lack of interest or concern, especially regarding matters of general importance or appeal."

Your statement "… abysmal participation is not a reflection of the student body's apathy but of the simple fact it is not worth our time to participate," is exactly that: apathy.

Getting more than 8 percent of the student population to participate in something other than a sporting event or concert shortly after returning from spring break is very difficult. I believe if you were to try, you'd find that it's not that easy.

Instead of wasting your time and energy trying to "disband" our current student government, perhaps you should have spent or should spend time participating and helping to mold it into something better.

To say that our student government is "defunct" is ludicrous. Having personally seen the amazing work that can be done by the folks who occupy the third floor of the Student Services building, I can only applaud their efforts.

Not everything they do is perfect and successful, but nothing in the public sector is.

What is vital and not always seen by the average student are these students sitting in meetings after meetings to help better each student's experience at MSU.

Academic Council, tailgating and celebration meetings, City Council meetings, trustee meetings, legislative meetings — these students take time out of their class schedules to make sure the voice of every Spartan is heard.

So, as you asked, "Can anyone support the legitimacy of ASMSU with a straight face"? I would say to everyone working hard within ASMSU: You have my support!

Paul Harmon
2005 graduate