IC SGA Vol. 1

This is the inaugural IC Watchdog blog post, so lets do it big, Obama style. There is a lot to be said about what goes on here on South Hill, that is not being said. The Ithacan, IMprint, ICTV, and Buzzsaw only do so much. I am not sure if the political correctness of it all, or the fact that faculty and administration is looking over everyone shoulders so that some real opinion does not come through. The closest I saw to to this type of action was at the beginning of the year in an editorial in the Ithacan, taking a shot at the Student Government Association.

To be fair though, this was actually a cheap shot on the SGA. How can you criticize them the first week of school when they have never even had the chance to meet? It was actually reckless of however wrote that article (and I know who it was) as well as the editors who allowed that to print, along with the cartoon that adjoined it. The real failure of this has been the lack of voice from The Ithacan in the weeks and months that followed. Where have these critics been since early September? Had that article been written in early November, I would have cheered it for taking a chance and telling the truth, when everyone seems more worried about putting out a good image. An article asking why hasn't the SGA fulfilled the promises they made last semester, or a lack of any productivity whatsoever should be commended for its boldness!

There are soooo many problems with the student government this year it is hard to list them all together. I'll do my best throughout this blog, to bring these problems to light, so I beg for patience. One of the biggest problems this year has been the way the meetings have been run. The main purpose is not to discuss issues, or go over committee/officer updates, but rather TO GET OUT OF THERE!!! It is disgusting. Here are 9 Executive Board members (5 who were voted in by the student body, and 4 appointees) and 20-odd senators voted in by their constituents on campus, and the biggest item discussed every week is who gets to motion to adjourn the meeting. The majority of this blame has to fall on the chairperson. Without question, this individual has instituted this get out of dodge mentality and the senators have been willing to follow without question. A chairperson, who was not voted by the students, yet claims the most power during the meetings (yes, even more than the President). In short, she is so unqualified to hold the position, and is doing so much damage to the productivity of SGA it is scary.

In future posts I plan on outlining all of the problems on South Hill, including the problems our the student government. Check back for updates. Be well, and be safe. 1