I will admit that I, too, had been indifferent toward student politics prior to this election. As it has been said countless times before, the student government has been worthless, incapable of making any real impact in regard to student issues. I was previously cynical toward the Restart campaign, thinking the goals too lofty, the plans too fragile and idealistic. But one cannot deny the passionate fervor with which the leaders of this group pursue their objectives, nor can one deny the national and international support and messages of solidarity directed toward the Student Union. I realize now that my thinking was shortsighted, that I allowed my mindset to be limited by what is known and safe. Progress will march forward without regard for those clinging to the conventions of the past, and this idea of progress is what Restart advocates.
It is true that a minuscule number of students vote in these elections, but they should certainly be given the opportunity for a greater voice than a single annual election. Complacency in this regard will only be detrimental to future policymaking. We deserve a voice, a way to take hold of our future. We deserve the ability to make decisions as a student body. Stop looking to the past, to a broken system that has shattered the trust of students. Let us look forward to a working, breathing organism. Let us put our trust in the ticket that will revive what was once a stagnant corpse into a moving and effective form.
The red tape is wrapped around our necks and we are suffocating under the weight of our own apathy toward these issues. All great movements happen in spite of insurmountable odds, and those who fight for justice, equality and representation will always eventually be victorious. So we must decide: Will we make ourselves a barrier on the path to justice and representation or will we accept the current status quo? I for one will continue to cast off the ingrained attitude of indifference and strongly support this important ticket.
Benjamin Leeson is a junior studying political science and video production.
