2008 Woodie Awards
GUSA should do something useful
The Georgetown Independent
Issue date: 1/29/03 Section: Editorials
- Page 1 of 1
Historically, GUSA has suffered from a chronic lack of ambition. This is largely the result of inconsequential administrations and bickering delegates, both of whom show more interest in helping their career prospects than their fellow Hoyas. This history was responsible for several abortive attempts to reinstate "The Yard," as well as general student apathy towards GUSA.
Last year, there appeared to be a prospect for a departure from the GUSAite malaise. In a very qualified crop of candidates, most of whom had daring proposals for GUSA, Kaydee Bridges and Mason Ayer offered the best possibility for reforming GUSA into an effective instrument for the student body. Endorsed by all three of the campus newspapers, Bridges and Ayer presented a bold vision.
Bridges and Ayer started their term off strong, fulfilling their campaign promise to set up a comprehensive website for students. While my.georgetown.edu is a success for GUSA, it has been their only real accomplishment to date.
This is not to say that the GUSA has done nothing else. There have been many, many forums, talks, meetings, resolutions and committees. Unfortunately, there has been no actual action taken as a result of all this "proactive brainstorming."
However, there is a time for talk and a time for action. GUSA should stop resting on the laurels of my.georgetown.edu and achieve something useful. Theodore Roosevelt, a successful president, once stated: "It is hard to fail, but it is worse never to have tried to succeed." GUSA is spending its time building consensus. This is noteworthy, but only useful if something is actually done as a result. The Hilltop waits for proof.
This is not to say that the current GUSA regime has done poorly. This school year lacks the blatant politicking of previous GUSA governments. Likewise, the Yard movement that plagued the previous two years appears to be have run its course. However, with increased power comes increased responsibility. GUSA should strive for excellence, not mediocrity.
The previous GUSA administration, headed by Ryan DuBose and Brian Walsh, provided modest proposals that they followed through on. Just as important, DuBose and Walsh were visible in the Georgetown community. While some may brush this off, their physical presence, combined with their moderate success, gave Hoyas the feeling that GUSA was working for them.
The campaign for the next GUSA president will soon begin. Many candidates will no doubt espouse bold new programs, but GUSA still has the opportunity to finish some of what it has started. The Independent asks that the current GUSA members exit their positions with the same élan they entered with.
Last year, there appeared to be a prospect for a departure from the GUSAite malaise. In a very qualified crop of candidates, most of whom had daring proposals for GUSA, Kaydee Bridges and Mason Ayer offered the best possibility for reforming GUSA into an effective instrument for the student body. Endorsed by all three of the campus newspapers, Bridges and Ayer presented a bold vision.
Bridges and Ayer started their term off strong, fulfilling their campaign promise to set up a comprehensive website for students. While my.georgetown.edu is a success for GUSA, it has been their only real accomplishment to date.
This is not to say that the GUSA has done nothing else. There have been many, many forums, talks, meetings, resolutions and committees. Unfortunately, there has been no actual action taken as a result of all this "proactive brainstorming."
However, there is a time for talk and a time for action. GUSA should stop resting on the laurels of my.georgetown.edu and achieve something useful. Theodore Roosevelt, a successful president, once stated: "It is hard to fail, but it is worse never to have tried to succeed." GUSA is spending its time building consensus. This is noteworthy, but only useful if something is actually done as a result. The Hilltop waits for proof.
This is not to say that the current GUSA regime has done poorly. This school year lacks the blatant politicking of previous GUSA governments. Likewise, the Yard movement that plagued the previous two years appears to be have run its course. However, with increased power comes increased responsibility. GUSA should strive for excellence, not mediocrity.
The previous GUSA administration, headed by Ryan DuBose and Brian Walsh, provided modest proposals that they followed through on. Just as important, DuBose and Walsh were visible in the Georgetown community. While some may brush this off, their physical presence, combined with their moderate success, gave Hoyas the feeling that GUSA was working for them.
The campaign for the next GUSA president will soon begin. Many candidates will no doubt espouse bold new programs, but GUSA still has the opportunity to finish some of what it has started. The Independent asks that the current GUSA members exit their positions with the same élan they entered with.