GPSA should be applauded for tackling global issues

Editor,

As a former participant in student government, I must applaud the efforts of the GPSA on its resolution that calls for the immediate withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq. Too often, student governments are forced to limit their perspective. A high school student government is lucky if it is allowed to decide the homecoming carnival colors.

A college student government can divvy out student fees and acquire lights on Johnson Field. I know how easy it is to put up those Lobo blinders and only concern yourself with issues that affect the SUB, Johnson Field or athletics. But most of the students at UNM, I believe, realize that they are part of a much larger, global community.

Of course, students get involved in ASUNM and GPSA to make a difference on campus. But they are also elected to represent the interests of the student body. If we polled the student body to determine the issues they are most concerned about, the war in Iraq would prove to be much more of a concern than any campus issue you could dream of. Our national leaders have failed us in Iraq, and they continue to ignore the will of the people.

I am thankful that GPSA has not decided to ignore the interests of students. Student government leaders are the most likely among us to become the city, state and national leaders in future. They should be allowed to discuss and debate issues that are important to students and the community. Education is not a federal issue, yet No Child Left Behind was created by the federal government. City governments are constantly passing resolutions to send a message to the federal government saying that they disagree with a federal mandate. College campuses are always at the forefront of important social issues. Civil rights, environmental protection and peace movements have all had strong ties to the college community.

The university is the only place where critical thinking is encouraged on such a large scale. How dare we chastise GPSA for thinking big? At UNM, the best way for our voices to be heard is through our student governments. Thank you, GPSA, for having the courage and integrity to tackle an issue others ignore.

Trey Smith

UNM student