PSG referendum proves unethical, illegal

Boycott the so-called referendum. If readers of this column take one thing away from this it should be to boycott the referendum. Why would two PSG senators, who seek to increase student participation in student government, ask students to not participate? Because the referendum is illegal, unethical and undemocratic. Thus, every single vote on this only adds legitimacy to it. Those who favor the referendum are hoping that student unawareness of the issues, combined with the secrecy surrounding this referendum, will prove to be a means of sneaking this past the student body.

The referendum is illegal for several reasons involving due process of the referendum procedure. First, the referendum process must begin with a senate action, and then proceed through the signatory process with the student body (again, as explicitly stated in the bylaws). There was no senate action or bill on the issues contained in the referendum. The proponents of this measure were essentially gathering "blank check" signatures. Secondly, the referendum changes the budget, the referendum mechanism and the senate apportionment record. All of these changes are strictly prohibited by the bylaws. If the proponents of these changes are going to use the referendum process to change things, they must abide by the restrictions contained in that process.

The referendum is unethical, and has been pursued in a secretive manner to subvert public discussion of the issues involved. Despite how one might feel as to the substance of the referendum, the lack of public debate and deliberation on proposed changes should make everyone a tad bit uncomfortable.

The proponents of this measure are expecting the student body to essentially change not just the manner in which PSG operates, but also the very structure of PSG itself, and to do so sight unseen. President Jim Vaca and Vice President Patrick Mondi believe that democracy is defined by the act of voting. Thomas Jefferson once said, "Difference of opinion leads to enquiry, and enquiry to truth…" But where has been the enquiry on this issue? Where has been the public forum on these changes? The fact that four students of a school of 37,000 have been privileged to write some thoughts and opinions in the student newspaper does not constitute deliberation. We would no sooner have someone blindly accept our opinion on this matter than we would have him or her accept our opposition’s ideas. If we are so concerned about getting student involvement and ideas, then why are we in a rush to make massive changes before we can even hear those students’ thoughts?

Finally, the proposed changes threatened to destroy the essence of the check and balance system. It gives incredible freedom to the executive branch of PSG, while relegating the legislative branch to essentially a rubber stamp institution. The executive makes all of the budgetary decisions, the senate is shrunk in size, and the veto override is changed from two-thirds to three-fourths of the entire senate. The entire logic and safety of the check and balance system is destroyed, and we will be left with a government largely controlled by one person.

This is why we oppose even voting on this referendum. In our opinion, the proposed changes are in violation of the current laws and legal processes of PSG, and thus can only be construed as illegitimate from their beginning. In addition, the very nature of democracy as a system of exchange of ideas and opinions is circumvented in order to push through a system that students have had little to no opportunity to examine. The only recourse is to boycott this referendum, and follow the proper process next time, with dutiful listening to the student body.

Rick Ridenour is a graduate student. He can be reached by e-mail at richardridenour@hotmail.com. Clay Slaughter is a junior in the School of Sciences. He can be reached by e-mail at Dr.slaughter@eudoramail.com

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