The Ryan Nelson Interview

TR: How did you get started in SG? And what inspired you to join the ranks of the Independent movement as opposed to that of the allegedly FBK-backed 'machine?'

Ryan Nelson: I started in SG under my mentor, Jeremy Martin. He was a Key, an older brother of Phi Sigma Kappa with me, one of the IFC VPs, and Chair of the Rec Sports Board. My transition into the Indie movement was actually very, very long:

1) In early January 2006 I sat down with Boyles about my involvement in his party (then called Engage). He maintained that no one who was planning a run for SBP in Spring '07 would be put on Exec of the campaign to even the playing ground. At that point those names being thrown around, courtesy of a lunch meeting with Boyles, were myself, Weiss, Moseley, Lola, Steven Liverpool, EJ, and Mierley. About an hour later I got a call from Laura who told me that Weiss was Party Spokesman. I was pretty pissed, and called Boyles out on this. Weiss was not as experienced with campaigns, and fairly new to SG (only being elected that fall), not to mention an obvious conflict of interest. Both Weiss and I had expressed intent on running for Pro-Temp that spring, and I wanted a fair chance. I repeatedly asked John about Pro-Temp, and he repeatedly claimed that he wouldn't promise it away, but that he would give everyone a fair shot. Boyles assured me he just forgot about Weiss, and there wouldn't be any problems with a fair chance regardless of Weiss' prominent position.


2) In Fall '05 I had a friend named Justin come out and campaign for Gator. Boyles, then Sen Prez, approached me after the campaign and told me he loved the guy's motivation and that he wanted him to come out and slate that spring. Phi Sig isn't quite AEPi et al, so to have the prospect of a fall senator (me) and a spring senator was exciting. However, on slating days I wasn't allowed to be involved in the slating decisions (see below for more detail). Concurrently, Boyles was in Senate that night and couldn't have as hands-on of a role as he would've preferred. The result was Swamp not slating Justin, and instead slating a random member of my fraternity for the BCN seat who had only come out to boost our slating numbers.

When I called Jeremy, an avid Jared supporter even when it was Jared-Goldberg for the Gator nomination, he went crazy. He tried to organize an emergency chapter meeting that night @ 2am asking that we publicly switch our support to Jared. I bartered back and forth and eventually got Justin an APC position, and the assurance that our house still had reason to support Boyles regardless. Jeremy finally agreed with me and we were fine.

3) For the next 2 weeks I tried effortlessly to get involved and help at every turn, but was never "allowed in the room" metaphorically. I wanted Swamp to reflect my views as a veteran SG politico, and I wanted to build the party with my ideas. None of that happened. Examples were having no interaction at the Swamp Party Campaign meeting when Lydia/Moseley were announced @ Patrone's place, and not even knowing about the party announcement (you can still see pics of that day on facebook of me and Boyles @ Writing on the Wall (with me wearing my Swamp Party sticker), and the meeting @ Hillel with Weiss/Mierley @ the front of the room running the senate candidates (his job also covered this).

I had no involvement in the party, no one listened to my ideas, and the platforms were both hollow. The only thing I had going for me was my belief in John.

4) Exactly 1 week before the election Adelle Fontanet contacted me and asked me to go to ice cream. She cut right to the chase and asked why I was still with Swamp. I answered, "Boyles." She asked why else, and Ihad no answer. After she left, I called Jeremy and asked for advice and he told me it was a horrible idea to jump ship this late in the game. He still liked Jared, but without political cover for switching (like going with a few other IFC houses) it wasn?t a good idea. I slept on it.

The next morning I passed Eric White on the 3rd floor (Growl producer and a friend of mine since elementary school) talking about how his fraternity brother Agrusa was Area Director for Reitz. I hadn't been asked, and I was fed up with just being another volunteer during my 6th semester in SG. It was the straw that broke the camel's back.

That was the day of the FLC debate in the Amphitheatre, which I attended and told Jared afterwards that I wanted to meet with him. I met him @ his house that afternoon. He, like John, promised a fair chance @ Pro-Temp without any promises. He also offered me a position as Volunteer Coordinator and help in running Unite. He and Nikki also disclosed a list of the positions Swamp had promised out. In retrospect, every one of those came to fruition. I told Jared then that I wanted to support Unite. That night was Senate, and I left early to go help with Unite. I called John @ about 11pm to tell him. We talked for about 2 hours, and ended the conversation cordially. He called back and offered me a spot on exec "right up in the front with Weiss" in exchange for continued support. I declined, ironically, as Mofsen was sitting next to me flipping through the 700 codes writing election complaints. I never reported it.

2 days later I showed up in Turlington wearing a Unite shirt, and wouldn't change it for the world.


TR: While many critics within what is called the GDI movement criticize the Boyles'-led Swamp Party, you actually interviewed over 200 prospective Swamp candidates; with the benefit of hindsight, why exactly were you allowed the great honor of interviewing candidates but denied the right to decide on which candidates the party should run?

Ryan Nelson: I actually found one of my interview files the other day. I interviewed some names you might recognize: Ryland Rogers, Jen Gurland, Dipesh Patel, Lou Delgado, Latia Wade. Let's use Ryland as an example (mainly because I like the kid and think he has potential): I interviewed him alone, and he had admitted he had no interaction with anyone in the party except me (I don't count Ghering, and Joe was on his way out). He was slated because Phi Delt needed a senate seat, the interview meant nothing. He's a great kid and a prominent senator, but the distinction is that his interview meant nothing.

I wasn't allowed in the slating room because 1) Laura's Eva-Peron personality (needing to be in charge of everything); 2) I wasn't on exec. Plus, the way FBK-Party slating works is the most important houses get the first positions, and then it's a trickle-down effect for less important houses and orgs (sorry Black Caucus, but guess why almost all of your slated senators for Fall '06 were in the most vulnerable district: Dist D). I guess it makes legal sense - the less people in the room the more plausible deniability.

TR: Were you reprimanded by party officials when you wouldn't settle for the runaround or the system-red-tape surrounding why you were being kept out?

Ryan Nelson: Not that I know of. They just told me "you know that?s not how it works."


TR: Like the 24hr bus service, universal grade forgiveness, and a 'more honest SG'....parties have been recycling tempting-but-usually-bogus campaign promises, promises that with their great-relevance to the general student body almost always guarantee plentiful vote-returns. The Sunday Bus Service issue, first flagged by the UF Voice Party (Spring 2005) had been copied by Impact and later other parties -- but little was ever done about it. Tell us about your work on the Sunday Bus Service Bill, what obstacles you were faced with, and what all came as a result of it.

Ryan Nelson: Lol, nice plug for Voice.

I wanted to really accomplish something big on our platform, so I asked Boyles to head a committee on SBS. He paired me with Agrusa and we set to work. The result was 2 months of research and a resolution in favor of SBS that Treasurer Cosimi and I sent to the FDOT. This was instrumental (as told to us by RTS officials later) in getting the FDOT Grant for a 2-year trial period of a SBS. Obstacles were few -most of the promises we make in SG can be done if you just spend a few hours a week working. I treated SG like a 3-credit class (and during election time a 192 credit class). I spent at least an hour a day calling university officials or doing research on past bills, calling RTS, etc. Agrusa helped a lot with this bill too, and I owe its success equally to his work with me.

TR: You are a member and past president of Phi Sigma Kappa, tell us what your fraternity means to you and what's done for you. There are few tried & true Indie Greeks, but most folks assume one has to be either or, when this is clearly not so. Your take?

Ryan Nelson: My fraternity is one of the most important things in my life. Quick fun vignette for those interested.

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I was never supposed to be a Phi Sig. My roommate freshman year was Kyle Epting who would later be a Cabinet Director and Kevin Reilly's opponent running for Theta Chi president. He and I went to Theta Chi together the first night of rush for 3-4 hours and loved it. He got his bid and afterwards the same guy asked me to follow him upstairs, but we had to leave for a floor meeting in Hume. The guy who had taken Kyle just told me to, "make sure I come back tomorrow." That night a friend of mine called me and congratulated me on getting into Theta Chi..? I had asked her to check with her ex-boyfriend who was a brother, and he had checked their list confirmed that I was good to go the next day. I went back the next night and some guy playing Frisbee in the front yard told me to come back in 5 minutes when they were open. I kinda wandered around frat row for a few minutes, and got a call from my ex-girlfriend who told me to stop by Phi Sig. Thinking what the hell, I walked down the row into Phi Sig, and never left.
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I served as everything in my chapter, and was named nationally as one of our top 10 leaders. Phi Sig gave me a home away from home, my lifelong best friends, and so many life lessons. Unless you go Greek you really can't explain your devotion to your chapter. It's a tradition in my family (my uncle was a KA here, my aunt an AOPi, and my sister's a ZTA), so that made it all the more important to me. My best memories with my family were with Phi Sig, my most trying and successful leadership roles. I wouldn't be who I am without it.

You cannot be accepted by mainstream Greeks and mainstream Indies. Of the 100+ members in each, I dare you to name 1 AEPi, SigEp, Sigma Chi, ATO, DG, DDD, ZTA, KD, etc. who is also an Indie SG supporter. The cultures conflict too much. You can, however, be Greek (not a mainstream, social house though). Bigger houses regulate your lives more (ask ATO about their pledge dress-code) and thus have a bigger say in who you support politically. With Unite, we had 7-8 houses behind us, including a very confused ATO who actually tripped and fell after the election results they were running back to Swamp so fast.

There will always be a Greek party because Greeks are so socially adept. We clump together socially (e.g. Swamp Monday nights) so it only follows that we, for the most part, do so politically as well. Its not bad until we start requiring voting and telling our members who to vote for (party and person).


TR: Josh Czupryk wrote a letter to the Alligator accusing you of making claims that only students involved in Greek organizations had the motivation necessary to get involved in SG. Did you say or imply such a thing, were you taken out of context?

Ryan Nelson: Josh and I may have been good friends in another life. He's a Greek, Christian, Democrat - and those 3 things are huge parts of my life. Anyways?

My article was not taken out of context, and some of Josh's points were valid. Here was my point, and you can decide: 73% of cabinet can be filled by qualified Greeks (this was how much of cabinet was greek-appointed by Swamp). It is possible, and I know a whole lot of Greek students who could do the jobs well. Let me make this clear - THEIR BEING GREEK HAD NO EFFECT ON THEIR QUALIFICATIONS. But that number is ridiculously unrealistic as an appropriate cross-section of our campus. I did the math and sent it to John (public request his email) you are more likely to die 3 times by getting struck by lightning than that cabinet happening.

It led me to research their applications in depth, and many were bad. I'll use Athletics Cabinet Secretary Chris Marhefka as an example because he chose to chastise me on his facebook profile for weeks afterwards. He had no experience with UAA or RecSports, and what the hell has been done by that cabinet now 6 months into the term? Nothing. He was and is not appropriate for the position.

He was given the job as one of 15 who applied of those 13 positions. I asked that Boyles reopen applications and maybe use the commercials advertising budget he fought do dearly to keep to better advertise the positions (I know he tried, but it wasn't good enough). I thought it was a legitimate request since applications for the Cabinet Directors for Greek Affairs and Multicultural Affairs went through this process since not enough qualified applicants applied. Boyles declined.

My argument was that not every student has a listserv or chapter meeting to benefit from. You think Marhefka would've applied if he wasn't in SigEp and Mose/Clay hadn?t told him to? Please.

TR: An anonymous reader of TR submitted this. 'When your term in senate came to an end, you wrote a nasty to email senators attacking the body and expressing disappointment at others individually. What did you hope to accomplish by sending this email and/or your behavior towards the end of your term?'

Ryan Nelson: My speech in chambers was inappropriate, but my email was not. The style of my speech was critical - and I guess it was flat out revenge. No nice sugar-coating. Swamp made my life hell for 6 months (destroying every bill I wrote, blocking me from Pro-Temp, Judiciary Chair, and VICE-CHAIR for God's sake, and keeping my fraternity brothers out of every SG appointed position since then (not to mention the fun barbs I suffered every Tuesday) so I figured making them mildly uncomfortable for 5 minutes would make me feel better.

I apologized for my speech in my email, and again here I apologize for the style but none of the sentiment. People like Keith - I apologize for calling you out publicly, no one deserves that. However, my email was exactly what I thought of everyone. What I hoped to accomplish? Getting everything off my chest (showing everyone that their actions do not go unnoticed), closure.

To those offended by my email - welcome to public office. I have always, always maintained a separation between business and personal life. I suggest you do the same. If you want to make friends, join a fraternity. If you want to work and be honest about your work, join SG.

I don't know why it was considered "nasty"? It was mostly individuals that I had something to say to, and did... I just re-read my email, and I don't think I was rude at all. I didn't call anyone hollow names, but I sure as hell categorized them as I saw fit:

1) I called Swamp leadership liars for putting tuition in their platform when the Fall elected officials have no control over that. The survey is all well and good, but that was happening with or without a fall Swamp majority. Oh, and we used to have surveys of what the students thought back in the day, we called them elections.

2) I told Keith he was subservient and trite, and that he (almost single-handedly) made me hate SG and politics entirely.

3) I asked John to go back to his days in Senate (e.g. SNAP busses Summer 04) and produce something with his position of influence, because he hasn't yet. John may have been implicated in promising away more positions than ever, but damnit can he accomplish some good work when he puts his mind to it. He hasn't yet as SBP.

4) This one was nasty, I was pretty pissed at Weiss, and most of this was out of jealousy that he was being treated to the climbing-of-the-ladder I thought I had earned. It's still true, but just worded way too harshly. Josh is amazing (Indies?get to know the kid first) but I swear he couldn't bend over backwards for FBK more. Stand up for policy in chambers, Josh, not just politics.

5) I told Arturo and Sam why I thought they weren't qualified for their jobs. If you find this rude, then please read a dictionary definition of public office.

Other than that I mainly told people why they were good, or why I admired them. I blasted moderates for not speaking up when they knew better, and to this day I swear that is the problem with SG and Government in general.

TR: Citing Sen. Gavin Baker (UNITE) from his official homepage, Mr. Baker states: (a) "Action had a very tough time getting quality candidates." Is this statement accurate & if so, what factors contributed to the shortcomings of the latest GDI venture?

Ryan Nelson: Tommy and Gavin never saw eye-to-eye, but I think Tommy ran the party very well. In fact, we ran the party exactly as we hoped we would (minus, of course, the winning aspect). Seriously though, we wanted to run a party based 100% on factual, realistic platform points and an aggressive advertising campaign for the average, non-SG involved student. We did just that, but realized it was to no avail versus the system.

TR: Tell us about your run for senate president and what obstacles stood in your way. What is it like trying to speak to your colleagues on a one-to one basis? Did you run into a lot of partisan-loyalty and/or subtle intimidation tactics? Also, just because you didn't win the senate presidency race doesn't mean you can't tell us what you would have done, had you been elected, so tell us.

Ryan Nelson: I never ran for Senate President; I ran for Pro-Temp. Speaking to new senators 1-on-1 is futile - they are scared senseless and I have never once seen a new senator vote against party lines for Senate Exec. The only Swamp-supporting senator to my knowledge that voted for me for Pro-Temp was Lindsey Johns, and I respect her dearly for it. I was in Senate 3x as long as Josh and wrote tons more legislation qualitatively and quantitatively. But I wasn't an AEPi. Kinda sucks. Josh is great, but he needed to wait his turn. Ceste la vie.

Intimidation tactics? Yeah, I'd say so. Sundeep called Jeremy offering 2 taps into Key if we put up a Swamp banner and condemned me as "not speaking for the house." Carmody told me I would be blackballed forever, as would all my fraternity brothers. Can't imagine why I'd want to leave SG.

Whew, what I would've done as PT and subsequently Senate Prez. Started PT-ordained committees for some revolutionary ideas, reapportionment with facts, separated Greek housing from Districts A and B, the bus trip to Jax/Tally, eliminate Senator-privileged VIP tickets to Accent shows, establish an auditor and comptroller for the Finance Office, perform a 3rd party analysis of SG Org Budgets using Zero-Budgeting, contract the CoE?s IPPD Program to fix RTS Busses internally instead of just throwing money at the idea, instituted a cap on SG finances, redone all the statutes with all the senators voicing their opinions in a special senate meeting on any night that wasn't Tuesday, requiring bills include legislative and budgetary effects when presented, eliminating I&C and recommending a Press Secretary for all of SG instread (a lot more but its all written down on an excel spreadsheet on my broken laptop).

TR: You have told me privately you will not be running for president in 2007. But, between candidates that fear running for office, candidates that do as they're told by their elitist-secret-masters, candidates that are driving whatever's left of the Access/SA GDI-Party-Template into the ground, and candidates that run with Indies b/c Greeks don't want them...you could actually be a really viable, strong, passionate, and motivated leader. Why have you decided to kill a bright career of public service? Are you going to let the playground bullies and the 3rd floor shit-talkers get you down?

Ryan Nelson: Sadly, yes. I'm not as strong as I wish I were. They are not at all the only reason, nor even the major one. I came out of the closet this summer, and in doing so scared my mother beyond belief regarding my holding public office. Stories like reading "Spic" on the side of La Casita when Gil Sanchez ran for SBP are very real threats, and we were both scared of those possibilities - especially since to my knowledge I would be the 1st openly homosexual candidate for SBP in UF history. We like to think we're progressive, but I don't know if I trust all 50k students with my personal safety just for SG's sake.

Also, on paper I'm another Jared. Frat boy gone Indie. A Frat President, too. I want the Indie's to win, and truth is they already face votes against them because of me.

Plus, I work 20-30 hours a week to pay for school. My Dad is a hospital technician, and my mom is a nurse. We have 4 kids in my family. I pay for my fraternity with my Nat'l Merit Scholarship, and right now I have no idea how I'm paying for rent in December. I don't have $10,000 lying around to donate to my campaign like John did -his dad is a prominent Orlando lawyer who can help him with $ issues. I just don't have the money.

Also, I flat out refuse to promise a damn thing to anyone at all. I don't know what support, if any, I would have (just reliving Action this fall).

And finally, I'm just too tired. I can't take those people anymore - it just wasn?t worth it to me. All my friends outside of SG, and all my family, beg me on a regular basis to get out of SG and I finally listened to them, and it feels great. Believe me, at least 5 times a day I think about the changes I could make and how fighting the good fight is almost worth it even if we loose, but I?m just not strong enough for that.

TR: As we near the end of our Q&A, I'd like to list a few names and beside these names I'd like it if you could say a few words on either what you think of them or what comes to mind. Names without comments beside them will be omitted all together from the interview.


Ryan Nelson:

Gavin Baker: Indie to the core. Kevin Bacon syndrome (burned out too fast). Great mind for budget.
Nikki Grant: Tactful yet true at the same time. Best upholder of Senate Rules I know. Best friend to others I've seen.
Josh Weiss: Best political mind in SG. Mediocre execution of his influence on policy. Will be more of a Joe SBP than a John SBP (i.e. he's corrupt, but at least he'll do things)
Mike Patrone: Nice guy, but not a politician. His bills were good-hearted, but lackluster. A reverse victim of circumstance.
Andrew Hoffman: The enforcer! Great senator, opinionated and powerful.
Chris Chase: Concrete vision for Cabinet gone for naught. Best debater I've seen.
Ben Grove: Future Indie leader. Motivated and dedicated to the cause, not the position.
Tommy Jardon: The next Karl Rove. Cunning and bold in his actions. Afraid of no one.
Adam Roberts: Who I'd like to become (well, an Adam-MacKenzie hybrid of sorts). Devotion to public service (TfA), candor, and passion. It?s weird, but once you meet him he doesn?t resemble ragweed at all.
Lauren Mierley: Screwed worse than me this spring. Not a great public speaker, amazing at budget work and policy work (i.e. the 800 codes committee with Lola).
John Boyles: Talent gone to waste in an overly-politicized environment. Exodus 20:16.
Nina Dejong: One of my only SG crushes back in the day, lol. Part of the indelible Access Fall 04 crew. Saavy, organized, and focused. Great future.
Bruce Haupt: Absolutely, 100% crazy. Damn I love the kid. He'll stand up for you in a pinch.
Arturo Armand: Great guy, one of the nicest I've known in SG. Not most qualified for VP. Greta public presence.

TR: What would you say has been the highlight of your career in public service so far? What piece of legislation that you either wrote or sponsored, are you most proud of? Lastly, whether it passed or failed, what bill would you say you had to fight the absolute hardest over?

Ryan Nelson: I was most proud to a piece of legislation that failed. When I spoke against Act of God - man that was a good time. As a new senator only weeks into my term I opposed Crystal, Bryson, Pughe - the whole bunch. Vocally too! I remember Nina giving me props and Hoffman shaking my hand afterwards; those were the days. Substantially though, I would say my resolution with Paden Woodruff opposing the Academic Freedom Bill in 2005. That was such a rush and accomplished so much. I'm also really proud of my work on apportionment this fall: to all those Swamp Party senators reading - say what you want but I owned that debate and you all know it, lol. You didn't have a foot to stand on, and I was pretty damn proud about how thoroughly I worked on that bill.

TheRadkial is laughing at the modesty...

I had to fight the hardest over a TSF Special Request last fall. Treasurer Cosimi wasn't the best at communicating, and she changed her opinions haphazardly on the floor many times. The bill was rough, but it finally made it through line item vetoes and all. Also, my apportionment (although it failed) was horrible. As soon as Agrusa et al realized how right Rose and I were it took them 3 months to concoct some half-ass reasons why our idea wouldn't work (which of course had nothing to do with losing a Business and Journalism Seat and gaining Graduate Seats). We worked really hard on that one, and if anyone is up for it I still think it should be challenged in the Supreme Court.


TR:Thank you for doing this Q&A. What advice would you give students looking to get involved in SG and/or in other campus leadership capacities? Is there anything you'd like to say to the current members of the UF Senate that read this blog? And finally, what are you doing with your free-time from public office?

Ryan Nelson: Don't get involved in SG, lol. If you want to go to Law School then fine, but don't give it any more credit than it deserves. Spend time going to Senate meetings as a citizen, learning the ropes of campus, and innovating your ideas where they can't be exploited and/or blocked for the political gain of others.

To the current members of Senate: I do not hate any of you (no, not even you Keith). Don't get me wrong, I want nothing to do with most of you ever again, but civility is preferred over awkward silences. If I'm making your pita @ Pita Pit you can say hi. I'm not going to spit in your pita. I promise. (TR: HAHAHAHAHAHA)

Just remember this. Don't be assholes in chambers. I don't care if you defend your bill or your party, but you know the difference. Ryland supporting a static apportionment sucks, but he wasn't an ass about it. Patrone supporting his bill by mocking Action's platform and laughing at me in front of senate - that's being an ass. Not answering my emails until I cc the Alligator - that's being an ass. Pretending to be Colbert in some attempt to exact revenge - that's being an ass. Don't do it.

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Also, know when something is serious. Why oh why do we debate the placement of a comma for 1 hour, but the budget for 10 minutes?

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Never argue against something because it may cause "precedence" or a "slippery slope." You look stupid.

Don't "echo" what another senator said.

Don't boo, ever.

Don't ask questions designed to argue pro-con.

Don't leave after public debate to get Wendy's.

Don't ask to be added as a sponsor to a bill you didn't work on.

Don't speak/write about non UF/SG related issues.

Don't vote by looking at what the older senators are voting for. Don't be intimidated (the vote on paper is what matters, not raising your hand).

Don't mock the other party (this goes for everyone). Both parties want what's best, and are legitimately trying hard to do so. It's the top 10 officials on each side that steer the car, everyone else is just a passenger.

Sorry for that exhaustive list, I rant, go figure. In my free time I'll be planning a big philanthropic event for next fall. I don't want to divulge it yet for fear of it being destroyed out of lingering spite for me, or getting picked up as a platform issue or something. I want to use my time, treasure, and talent for something positive while I'm still here.

Anyways, to everyone reading, if you made it this far, know this. SG is a microcosm of the real thing. Right now it's cutting a deal for SAE to get support for the fall election. 30 years from now it's a special interest group offering votes for political support. Right now we're just requiring our pledges to campaign and vote for SG. 30 years from now we're committing voter fraud with the deceased voting in NY. Right now its Boyles putting in Arturo instead of Vanessa. 30 years from now it's Bush putting in his buddy as FEMA Director.

Just reflect daily on your morals, and ask what is the ends to be attained. And if the means justify them.


Contact Ryan

Racial Tensions

I can't continue to ignore the phenomenon taking over this nation, starting with the fascists at Fox News & spreading like wild-fire through the annals of society, internet chatrooms, blogs, newspaper editorials, classrooms, the work area, and the neighborhood. In a few short years Hispanics will become the largest minority group yet every day we hear more anglos using terms like aliens and illegals inconspicuously. They claim to be addresssing the problem of illegal-immigration, yet they use the cause as a soapbox to lash out against Spanish in schools, to push for English as the official language of America, to stress untruths and seeking to cause friction between Hispanic-Americans & Black Americans.

There is animosity between African Americans and Hispanics in this country and this animosity will only grow worse in the coming years. Don't base your opinions on La Casita & the IBC, educated people will always have the rationale and the mental preparation to look through racism...but on the streets, in the projects, in the neighborhoods the animosity runs so deep that most major networks have already touched upon it on several of their most prominent programs.

As the old saying goes...first they came for the communists....and it ends with...then they came for the Jews and no one was left. The problem in the Latino community is that Mexicans are suffering undue bigotry, aside from D.C.'s desire to clamp down on illegal immigration, we don't see Cubans or Boricuas or Dominicans or Nicas or Colombians rushing to Mexican-American's aid. During the Hermanos shoot-down or the Bush/Clinton policies of touching surface on Cuban exiles, Mexicans did not rally to help Cuban-Americans. The Hispanic Community is sub-ethnically divided across the United States.

Hispanic Culture is under attack. The Anglos wish one day every Hispanic will have a Hispanic last name (i.e. Hernandez) and not speak a word of his language or practice any part of his culture, they preach assimiliation but what they want is Americanization, they want Hispanic Americans to become gringos, they wish they could load us into ships, have us travel so far we'd literally lose touch with our roots, water down our culture, and force us to adopt their own. African Americans were practically re-programmed culturally...the Anglos almost succeeded had it not been for courageous authors, musicians, and poets that kept the struggle alive for centuries. I don't think Hispanics should bow down, this is our country too.

I am so sick of getting stared at for speaking Spanish or told to speak English. I was born in New Jersey and I do love this country, pero yo soy Latino tambien and don't you forget it :).

Alice In Wonderland
I got to catch this play at the hipp with my soon-to-be girl and it was absolutely one of the best plays I've seen in the last three years, I totally recommend it. The Queen of Hearts was FABULOUS, lol. If you're planning on 'catching a movie,' splurge a few more bucks and sit in for a play.

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Danny Rolling: Hymns of a Serial Killer
Kudos to the Interfraternity Council for maintaining the mural-memorial to the five slain victims of the Gainesville Ripper. You know...I've driven past the wall countless times in five years and even put up murals for Voice & various other groups (see Filibuster, UF-Silas, etc) and I can't say I've ever really paid much notice to the mural kept up by the IFC, I guess I've overlooked it for so long that when I finally looked for it, it was almost surreal to see it there. Does the Alligator praise the IFC for this work? No. The Alligator doesn't praise Greeks, it's not as fashionable as lambasting them.

I find Rolling's lack of remorse chilling and his choice of last words even more creepy...in fact Rolling chose to sing a religious hymn. While I'm normally opposed to the death penalty, I would have been happy putting Rolling on the electric chair, this man got off way too easy for all the horrors he committed.

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Will The Real Charlie Crist, Pleaase Stand Up!

I would also like to comment on the latest batch of hateful commercials from Charlie Crist. I recall speaking with my good friend James Argento, early on, about how Crist intrigued me. I was fond of his moderate stance on key issues, I truly liked the fact he was speaking bi-partisanship and I honestly, for the first time in my life, was considering giving my vote to a member of the Republican Party over a democrat. Then....then the anti-liberal commercials came out, once Gallagher had been remvoed, the true Charlie Crist emerged. And this past week, we've seen the Moral Majority in the Crist camp emerge; his latest commercials assert, Crist is:

• Against Same Sex Marriage
• Against Stem Cell Research
• For Family Values

These are the same vague, Bible-Belt issues that the GOP has somewhat effectively used against Democrats, demonizing liberals almost as badly as McCarthyism demonized communists in the 1950's.

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What exactly is the Gator Nation to believe here? SB President John Boyles' pathetic excuse for Chomp The Vote's non-existent budget -- or the pleas of an inexperienced bureaucrat, appointed to an office mainly out of necessity as opposed to merit. Dare I say that the Boyles Camp could have easily found a worthy appointment in the opposition (e.g. Tommy Jardon, Rosemarie Clouston), but probably opted to remain consistent with party-appointments and opted for inexperience as opposed to bi-partisanship.

To read the highest Student Government officer defend his failure of an appointment solely on the merits of being turned-down by his initial candidate is absolutely pitiful. While Swamp clearly enjoys the benefits of operating a well-oiled campaign machine, they have very little sense insofar as their public image. Not only has the Boyles administration earned itself the distinction of being perhaps one of the most despotic in SG history, it's in a comfortable lead for being the most incompetent.

ARGENTO CONFIRMS RADIKAL Q&A

In what promises to be another memorable Radikal interview, I started chatting with the old SG legend James Argento. When my old mentor started asking me about who my next interview guest would be, I knew... When he told me he wouldn't be opposed, I was all over him like FBK on SG-Growl-money.

This interview will surely be one of the giants, but I want to do it a little differently. I plan on asking 5-7 questions, however, I want the interview to consist of roughly 12-15 questions. So, that means I will need Y-O-U!

As is the policy of this blog w/ Q&A, the guests are given a pool of questions and they decide which they will answer, so for the public's half of the interview I will need no less than a dozen quality submissions. I will accept only submissions from people that put their name beside their question and have no problem with appearing as the interviewer for that question on the finished product. Of the public's half of the interview, I will accept only two ANONYMOUS questions, if and only if the subject matter warrants it. All questions should be sent to: Chris@ChristianDuque.com

The interview release date is scheduled for mid-November.

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Pedro Morales

I love this kid. I also loved your letter titled 'Propotional Representation' Pedro. Yes, I agree with you wholeheartedly and will touch on this matter in a future Radikal entry. If it were up to me and not saying this is your plan at all, UF is a school of 50,000...it's larger than some cities! I would not be opposed to the UF Senate (which seems to love the D.C. model so much) to help create a UF House of Represenatives that TRULY meets with Proportional Representation.

Is it unheard of for one branch to create another? No. The U.S. Congress created the Judiciary Branch and honorably made government a three-body institution from a two-body one. Would a UF SG House serve a purpose than senate cannot? I believe it would.
More on my thoughts on this & Pedro's email/suggestions coming up soon.

Thanks by the way, for an excellent letter my friend. :)

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Five Palm Trees

Five innocent college students lost their lives in 1990 at the hands of crazed serial killer. For over a decade-and-a-half the families of the victims have had to live knowing that the killer of their loved ones remained alive, making a mockery of the legal system. The families of three others, a man, a woman, and their eight-year-old child not only had to live knowing this monster was alive, but they had to live knowing that the State where they lived knew who the killer was but couldn't convict him.

Tonight, the Gainesville Ripper Danny Rolling may finally receive justice. I for one, would never celebrate the death of any man, even one whom it would seem deserves it. What I will say, is my heart goes out to the victims' families and I hope justice is done.

Overcoming Obstlaces

Ok...what if Lauren won't run? Then what? Bruce is a great leader but like Dennis Ngin his indecision might trumpet his downfall. I remember sitting at Bennigan's with a former colleague and Dennis around this time 2004 and us telling him to run and him just replying "I don't know, ah, I don't know." Nothing more demoralizing to hear, than a leader unsure if he's a leader. How do you build morale in a situation like that? Then on the other hand you got a candidate that wants office so bad that upon not getting it sheds tears-of-disappointment. On the one hand we chastize a dopey candidate and on the other we chastize a passionate one. Interesting logic.

GDi's are in a very strange situation right now. There is no question that there will always be an 'Independent party' and that that party will have candidates, however, how many defeats must the opposition to endure before its leaders fully understand that in order to reach power, they need to broker a coalition with stronger forces. Is this 'selling out', slightly, but Indies need to reach positions of power and if GDI's strike a deal with a progressive mainstreamer they may not have to sell themselves very much (or at all).

I believe wholeheartedly that GDI's are making a huge mistake in not digging deeper for better candidates. There is no racial formula behind a winning ticket...you look at the Gator ticket, gender matters little, look at Swamp and it's three-mail-executive. What would happen if Indies ran someone like Sam Green? Would African Americans still support Josh Weiss or Ryan Moseley? Would Asian Americans support Josh or Ryan if Fei Long ran? Would Gays & Lesbians support Swamp if Chris Chase ran (wait...he did run and they did support Swamp). Point is this... you can't rune a black person and win black votes or run an Asian and win the Asian block...people seem to think that's why Black voted for Access...'oh they ran Jamal, so all the blacks came out in droves,' I can't tell you how much I've heard it and I find it to be utter bullshit.

When I did my 40+ Org. Tour during senate run, I was told by Jamal and Andre not to hit up NPHC org's and/or the council, but hit them I did. I spoke out about the party's initiatives, I took questions, I gave handout and took phone calls. Why? Because as I told them, "I respect you, I respect you enough to come here and fight for your vote, others....outside, they say you will vote because Jamal is black, because he comes from your council, well I come here to you, to your chapter meeting, on this Sunday evening with the permission of your Executive Board, to fight for your vote." That, if I may so, is what you call RESPECT. Don't run a black person for black votes, run a quality candidate and fight for every vote...then you'll win your hearts & minds. Several members thanked me for showing the NPHC fraternities and sororities, respect, both w/ Access & Voice. Did Impact, Unite, or Action visit NPHC fraternities/sororities individually and present before the council? I was a lone senate candidate, if I did, why hasn't a party? RESPECT

GDI's need to focus here. ENOUGH of failed campaigns. The time for a coalition is NOW. But not a coalition of solely GDI's, rather a coalition between GDI's and moderates in FBK. Moseley seems slightly more favored than Weiss, but neither of these men are suitable, they are what you call favorites. GDI's need to dialogue with moderates in FBK and scout for rising stars. Lauren would be a wonderful pick for president. Ryan Nelson definitely remains a great choice for executive office. I would keep Andrew Hoffman's name handy, he could win you the election if he was properly courted. And...don't get accustomed to only running folks one time. There's some names from the past at UF and eligible to run...why do you have to always pick new names?

p.s.

As much as I love NORML I was not stoned when writing this post, I just didn't choose to proofread and make corrections. Ahhhh the memories of the great steps leading to Century Tower, stumbling to a class where our teacher rambled on about his time in Malawi....on and on and on and on about a bunch of people that prolly wanted to lynch his western butt...I'd stare at his head and wonder how funny it would be if all of a sudden he said LOOK AT ME! took out a huge stereo and started stipping, giving lap dances to all the tools that sat up front and repeated his every word and sand him praises; sometimes I'd just laugh and the slightly chubby DZ whom sat in front of me would turn around and laugh too...sometimes I'd look over at Marycarmen...what a cutie... am I thinking of two different classes? Seri was the woman, who was the guy? OH who cares. Enjoy School:)

Why Not?

I know many members of FBK, in fact Charlie and a group of us would have dinner many Wednesday nights at Cafe Gardens. Once done with R&E at Swamp I'd head over, have some beers and talk FBK, politics, SG, everything. I believe that FBK is more than a 'leadership honorary' and I believe there are good people involved that are elitist, yes, but are also wholesome, upright, and progressive.

Some members of the student and alumni camps would agree with me, others would refute this notion entirely, but there is a tug of war in the Greek system between the large houses, the medium houses, and the small houses -- not to complex to categorize houses. Genereally the big and medium houses are one bloc and the small houses another. Small houses today are much easily indentifiable because today there are many 'houses' without a house. Like the tug-of-war amongst Greek houses, there is a tug-of-war in FBK, there is a tug-of-war in senate, there might even be a tug-of-war in the Quilting Club.

The entirety of my point with Lauren Mierley and Bruce Haupt is that this potential ticket, if properly put together, could have incredible Indie support, incredible PC support, favor in the IFC, it could bring in fringe support, and it's Coalition atmosphere would be prime for cultural organizations to stake a claim in, and this wonderful group of groups under one common flag would be very reminiscent of Access 2004 and I don't think....that after 2004 FBK would want to be on the losing side again. I also, and more importantly, think that unlike 2004, the rebels in FBK would be louder and harder to suppress. Larger houses or not, FBK isn't just Greeks and thanks to Nina's efforts, Greek women are by no means inferior at the polls to Greek men as far as electability goes. There is no reason why ANYONE could readily say TODAY that FBK would pass on Lauren for either Josh or Ryan. We are talking about THREE competent candidates and the haste of those to dismiss Lauren so quickly makes me think they either FEAR HER or they FEAR HER.

The GDI's cannot run another campaign, the machinery still works but the parts need oil. GDI's have not been part of a winning team in almost three years, Tommy...Nikki...Ben..."it's time."

Grapski Enters Not Guilty Plea!

This is surely a very complex case involving alleged election abuses and/or alleged criminal behavior on one or more parties. Alachua City Manager (whom also serves as Police Commissioner) permitted Charlie to record a conversation some time after it started because he claimed to one newspaper that 'he had nothing to hide.' Since the article claims Watson has cited that Florida Sunshine laws note it's illegal to record state officials, I find it unusual he would have allowed any recording to have been permitted in the first place. I am not sure if this constitutes entrapment (allowing for something, knowing full well it's illegal, and then using the permitted act as grounds for detainment). From what I understand there is also a phone call recording in question.

Now I know many of you see Charlie as nothing more than a trouble-maker, filing suits left and right, but let me try to enhance your outlook. A lot can be accomplished with a court ruling, it sets precedent, and in many regards its far more difficult to overturn, than say a law passed in the legislature. For the legislature (be it a city or county commission or a state or federal legislature) to deem and PROVE a court ruling to be unconstitutional is no small act, in fact, few legislators would even dare meddle in court matters. They would have to dissect the ruling, find several EXTREMELY questionable areas, and give such an impressive presentation they'd have to get either a majority or a super-majority of their colleagues to chuck the court decision's validity. Again...some people choose law suits to make their political points, others go through the lobbying frenzy and hope for legislative bills.

In a way....lawsuits, could be construed (at least in my book and under certain conditions) as Judicial Lobbying, with court fees usually footed by the plantiff (making "the trial" a paid service for one of the three branches to hear the (new & ) proposed interpretation of the law)and court decisions such as Roe v. Wade or Brown v. Board of Education changing the status quo forever. >>>>Comments?<<<<

Do I think Charlie is innocent? That's not really important in the scheme of things. I lift weights and I know a lot of muscleheads, Watson was an old Mr. Gainesville and a part-owner at Gainesville Gym (my old haunt). Charlie is family, I love him, and I want to see him found innocent. I believe the case is complex, but this is an Indie site and fully supports Charlie. Talk to Charlie, visit his site found on my link-area, because you'll have to travel many miles and talk to many people across this fine nation to find another reformer of his caliber.

The Full Read: http://www.alligator.org/pt2/061018grapski.php

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An Interesting Bill
I was pleased to read about Former Sen. Fei Long working on a very timely piece of legislation involving int'l students directly. There have been notable instances where the UF Senate oversteps its boundaries and enacts resolutions that have little-next-to no importance beyond its own chambers at the Reitz Union. However, the bill authored by Long, Brett, et. al. hopes for influence as opposed to power. If the University follows the UF Student Senate's lead, then U.S. embassies & consulates may add more credibility to parents invited by a prestigious upper level academic institution state-side. Whether the bill affects UF's 6% Int'l Student population or not, this is a sound & necessary piece of legislation.

GOOD WORK!

For The Full Read: Issue Goes Beyond UF

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Sad, But Is It True?

Several of my best sources have remained mum on this one, but some time ago I was informed by a good friend that fmr. Democratic Gubernatorial candidate Rod Smith (eliminated in the Party primary) and/or many of his campaign's top brass weren't truly supportive of DNC candidate Jim Davis and are allegedly supporting GOP candidate Charlie Crist. I would not be surprised if these rumors about Rod Smith are nothing more than an anti-FBK witchunt, however, after viewing Smith's own website, I can tell you his support of Davis seems visibly-lacking. Anyone that has any information on this matter, please post and/or email me.

Clarification
Again, the initial paragraph is solely aimed at fact-finding as the original text and title suggest. However, a good friend of mine whom works in the Davis campaign believes what he believes. I also found a portion of this article unusual:

"In addition, several key personnel from Smith's primary campaign have decided to support Crist -- not Davis -- in the general election campaign."

Source: http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/legislature/sfl-felxdavis27sep27,0,7624414.story?coll=sfla-news-legislature

So yes, I'd like more info on this. I'd like to know why Rod Smith's main page has no mention of endorsing Jim Davis and why media opposing Davis has not been removed. Perhaps I'll never know and/or perhaps my friend, the article, and my own curiosities are all unfounded, but telling me to shut up never worked with anything I've ever shown interest in before.

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Bruce & Lauren!

I hope Bruce doesn't get mad at me for posting this, but this is SG's premier blog, so I feel I must. I ran into the PANTS candidate at yesterday's career fair and we spoke for a few minutes. Let me say this and let me hammer it away.

I was never on the ground, I heard about PANTS antics and I thought they were both funny and silly, but I endorsed Bruce over Chris, over Nina, and over Arturo because I see a great deal of potential in this student leader and I think the way he felt yesterday and the ambitions he has, prove it! Bruce is not another Dan Fitzpatrick. Dan wanted reform and wanted change and his efforts shouldn't be mocked, because he made his point and he succeeded at his goals, but, there's more to Bruce than what you saw this past election and I for one want him to live out his dreams, because they will really benefit the student body.

I would also like to see Lauren Mierley run. I think if anything, Nina proved that the sororities can be moblized and that a female candidate is viable, so viable that she can take out the indies...that's no small feat! Nina defeated the GDI's and even though her numbers fell considerably below Swamp --- Nina ran sans party and sans senate candidates to help her draw votes!

Lauren could bury Josh Weiss & Ryan Moseley in a debate. I've campaigned several times alongside her and she has what it takes to win over people, her good looks aside, she could easily force FBK to support her, they would be fuckin stupid not to. I met Josh once (thanks to Lydia Washington) and I think the kid's great, very humble, very soft-spoken, totally professional, but I don't see him as a SBP, not yet.

Did I sidetrack here? No. I don't believe Lauren to be an FBK/Greek puppet, I believe she's a real person and could do great things (even if she were to secure FBK support). Additiionally, I know she wants to be SB President and I believe she would have no better runningmate than Bruce Haupt.

Bruce going to Tommy's party would be a waste of time, not because of chances of victory or professionalism or any of that, but rather because I don't think they would mesh right. I don't know how to explain it, but the mold of the GDI's after '05 (Ngin, Hernandez, Chase) isn't one that a guy like Bruce seems right to follow in.

Lauren should seriously consider a run and should really have her people look into Bruce Haupt. A fmr. cabinet director, an active Greek, very socialable, very hard-working, with strong Indie ties, and a passion not only to serve, but to reform! I think a Mierley/Haupt ticket would surely be an unstoppable force. I believe they would secure the largest number of IFC/PC houses and bring about a sizeable split in the GDI community.

I believe that if properly negotiated we could see what is currently-dubbed-Action and a rebel-FBK class (that wants to finally clean house) shake, on a potentially strong union between Keys that want change and Indies that want another shot at a power-sharing government as in Summer 2004. I would love it if this could happen. I would love to have Lauren & Bruce just kick this around, it could just work. It would be wonderful if next semester Tommy Jardon would be seen walking beside Lauren Mierely reading out her day's engagements from his blackberry and me blogging about how progressive FBK has become.

Just because we fucked up Summer '04, shouldn't stop progreesive Indies & Keys from giving teamwork another chance this upcoming election. United we stand, divided we fall. I got news for you, there are Keys that want change and I think the new FBK leaders just might deliver. How great would it be to be a Florida Gator if this dream of mine came true. :)

But what about your boy Ryan Nelson? What about Weiss & Moseley? All great names, but with Lauren in the picture they all have to sit down and wait. In my book, with Lauren in the game all is changed, w/o her in the running, I would go with Nelson. I believe the threee I named to be great picks, but Lauren would be the best pick. Things don't always work out in paradise, but I think Nelson would have been a great senate president.

POST 100

The Tommy Jardon Interview


TR: As I recall you were in a class with me (and Becca Guerra) during the triumphant Spring 2004, I also remember working with you on a certain project over the summer, but what were you upto Fall 2004? What happened that Fall that somehow saw you as a top dog in the following Spring Impact Party?

TJ: The person that got me involved in Sg in the first place was Lowell Wong. Lowell had been in SG at USF, transferred up and was actually a greek (don't remember which house). I knew Lowell through College Republicans sicne he was an active member and he repeatedly tried to get me involved. Even before then I would have to say that my first exposure to SG was during the Spring of 2004 when I put together a debate between Jamal and Scott. It got me introduced to Andre Samuels, Mike Schuster and a whole cast of characters I wouldn't know better until later that same summer.

That house would be Lambda Chi Alpha
The project over the summer you mention was the first push toward Online Voting in a long string of recent efforts. I became involved in that again, in part, because of Lowell Wong but also because one of my better friends at the time was Ignite Senator, Theta Chi, and chair of Allocations, Brian Gibson. Brian, Lowell, and I were all having lunch together at Wendy's on campus when the topic of the committee came up. They asked me if I'd even be willing to chair the committee since I was an outsider and, believe it or not, rather impartial at the time. Long story short, I just ended up helping on the committee (including Andrew Hoffman, Becca Guerra, Adam Roberts, and one Christian Duque).

Over the fall I fell into Bush-Cheney responsibilities and so saw my Sg involvement decrease. Once we came back for the Spring, however, and the Access name had been taken by FBK, Lowell invited me back in to help the then-named Phoenix Party and Dennis Ngin win the Spring election. I was strictly an advisor then. Even so, the following day i received a call from Fall Access Senator Laura Gonzalez "guaranteeing" me a CLAS senate seat from none other than Joe Goldberg. I declined, my lost was cast with the indies, and the rest is history.

When Elda Auxiliare and Diane Kassim ditched, Ally Cullin and I along with David Meyrowitz, Nick Campiz, RJ Peterson, Becca White, Andrew Hoffman, Kevin Bacon and John Malanchuk took the reins of what was left.

TR: Back in the day, which name did you prefer for Dennis & Co.: Phoenix, Unite, or Impact & why? Is it true that the Impact name was created at the Lambda Chi house as a joke involving a certain sexual act?

TJ: - When I walked into my first meeting of the Phoenix Party at Jessica Goodwin's apartment, the first thing I was asked was, "When you hear the word 'phoenix' what do you think?" I said, "giant, flaming bird." And the name was effectively scrapped from then on. We spent the better part of the next week combing through dictionaries and thesauri for different words with both punch and meaning. At the end of the week, we were all so delirious that heading into the party convention (where the name would be voted on and decided) we all acceded to Robert Mack's suggestion that we call it the Support Party. I'm not going to try and do it justice; you'll have to ask Mack for that.

At the party convention, however, a young man by the name of Robert Agrusa proposed we use the name Impact. The "delegates" attending thought it was a great idea, attempts to redirect their opinion were fruitless and the final vote yielded the name Impact.

I never heard the Lambda Chi rumor until just now - clever though.

("Delegates," indeed. They allowed 2 Voice'ers in to vote, very classy.")

TR: When the dust cleared and the numbers were announced Spring '05, Impact was trailing Gator considerably, hardly reason for Dennis to proclaim the party #1. So, when Voice endorsed Impact but the Progress' leadership remained almost deceptively neutral when addressing it's members, how'd that make you feel as the Impact leader? We all know that Voice & Progress kids were indies, what were you thinking when the leaders of Progress did nothing to publicly support your candidates?

TJ: - We were furious to say the least. There were all sorts of rumors and conspiracy theories about Mackenzie being bought off by Joe for one thing or another (FBK among them). To date, I'm not sure what the reason for his silence was. I don't think it was malicious or meant to sabotage Dennis. My own opinion is that Mackenzie just thought it wasn't Progress's place to endorse anyone; their supporters were smart enough to decide on their own.

TR: In regards to the Fall 2005 election, my sources say that bi-partisan control of the Opposition Party worked well for the most part, but that by Spring 2006 you were forced out by Adam Roberts from the major decision-making-end of the Executive. Did you in fact abandon your post in the Unite! Party Executive over inability to properly communicate and work with Adam Roberts?

TJ: I characterize the power structure in the Fall '05 campaign as a triumvirate (a word that literally means "three men" in Latin - interpret that as you will). Ally and Adam negotiated the terms of the Impact-Progress marriage (referred to amicably by those of us involved at that point as Propact). Once they agreed that we would take the Impact name, mostly because we were more pigheaded then than Adam and Susan, we all got together and set about the campaign. There was always a tension between the Impact and Progress kids. I think the fact that the Impact name was used had a lot to do with that. It made us, the Impact kids, feel like we had a majority stake in a party that really much more closely resembled Progress. Adam threatened to quit weekly but we managed and got 6 senators elected, a Fall record for an opposing Indie party.

After the election, with Ally now occupying the position of Impact Party leader in Senate, it upset the balance. Our senators were dissatisfied with her leadership in chambers and would fall back to Adam with their complaints. I found myself playing mediator more and more often between Adam and Ally for their frequent disputes. Amidst the pains of figuring out how to create a permanent Indie party the task fell to us to choose between John Boyles and Jared Hernandez. This is what eventually split me from the party.

After interviewing both (under rather awkward circumstances) we decided that John was a Greek in Indie clothing and that Jared was actually a greek with a soul, we decided on Jared. At that point, I started taking my orders from Jared. And there were some things I did under Jared's orders, which I agreed with, that Adam didn't appreciate (such as calling Joe Goldberg and letting him know that Impact had chosen Jared over John). The breaking point came after the Alligator's David Cohen asked me the question and I said yes, I support Jared and so does Impact. Adam second guessed me in print. < http://www.alligator.org/pt2/051202potentials.php>

Shortly thereafter I renounced all claim to party leadership for the Spring and returned to where I started in College Republicans

TR: In regards to the Unite! campaign, were there any efforts by yourself, Adam Roberts, or the MVP bloc to suppress Access Party President, Fmr. Sen. Ansell Fernandez from putting forth the idea of running Herenandez under the Yellow & Blue flag. Why was the name Access rejected for the name Unite!?

TJ: I actually don't know why they didn't run under the Access name and had no idea Ansell was still involved. I had checked out well before the name Unite was even mentioned once. I left Impact, I never attended a Unite exec meeting.

TR: Final direct question on Unite! Is it true that you and a select few from Impact/Progress met several times (or even a single time with John Boyles, with sole purpose of recruiting him to your side for a presidential run?

TJ: Yes. We met with both of them as Impact at that point. We even had several meetings. I must say that I was very enthusiastic about the possibility of running John Boyles, a qualified Indie (an unheard of thing) for SBP. John's fall from grace came when he admitted to those of us present at our meeting with him that in order for him to win, he had to make deals with the greeks. This was an untenable position for me. No deals with the greeks or FBK could be made. Jared refused to make such deals and told them so directly. Hence the Indies ran a Greek and the Greeks ran an Indie.

TR: have never been fond of using rogues as Indie candidates, you know this very well, but my next question involves party loyalty. Insofar as Indie politics go, I think we can all agree that Impact-I/P/V-Unite-Action has been the natural progression of major indie parties. This having been said, how loyal and/or supportive was Dennis to Jared and Jared to Chris? Or do your rogue candidates go back to the FBK side once they get trounced on?

TJ: Dennis wasn't around for Unite, so I don't know what his thoughts were. But I know that Action was looked on favorably by both Dennis and Jared. The only person that has ever truly turned from the Indie cause has been Lindsay Johns, but that's more out of a personal love for John Boyles than anything else I think. She always took umbridge to my assertion John had sold out; she only followed John's footsteps last Spring.


TR: Chris Chase served as a director of Gator Growl (an event that many hardline Indies believe has marred the A&S Budget for years and is nothing more than a remnant of FBK's Good Ole Boy Network), yet he was the Indie frontrunner? And Action didn't even make a secret of it, it was right there on the main page? A little brash wouldn't you say?

TJ: Yes. The fact he was a Gator Growl director speaks to his qualifications and experience as a leader. Whether or not Growl should get the help it does from SG is a different topic those of us who are Indie have not changed our opinion on.

TR: What are your views and/or impreesion of President Boyles? Man of the people? Slave to the Greeks? FBK Puppet? Vague? & Why.

TJ: Ahh, John Boyles. Tool. Enough said. He is the most ineffective, insecure, and pitiful representative of the Student Body I have seen or heard of in my time at UF. He has only his own ambition at heart. He is not afraid to lie, cheat, or bargain for power. And the most dangerous thing is that where others would admit they stop at little-to-nothing (think Marc Adler, Joe Goldberg) John denies it to everyone's face in exchange for the usual bullshit about only wanting to be a preacher in North Carolina. My ass.

TR: What purpose or accomplishment do you see in the race of Nina DeJong and why did you lose Kevin Bacon this term? Seems Sen. Bacon has been with you from Impact to Unite and back, how come he left your side this time around? And would Nina be a name on the top of Action lists for a possible V.P. slot in the Spring?

TJ: I think Nina ran for her own reasons, I never bothered questioning her or her supporters about it. it was evident enough they saw being a woman as enough of a qualification to hold office. More power to them. I never asked Kevin why he helped her. I'm not big on catering to individual needs or egos. If people offer their opinions, I'm happy to listen and always try to adopt every good idea that comes my way. But I won't sacrifice what I deem to be a good idea for the sake of forced consensus and inefficiency.

TR: We often hear about names of folks that would be great president, I know myself I've named both Gavin Baker & Ryan Nelson, but let me ask you this, what are your thoughts on Andrew Hoffman? A law school colleague of yours, Standing Committee Chairman, fmr. CLASC President, heavily active w/ Impact and well-liked pretty much by all who interact with him. What qualities do you see in Andrew and why (or why wouldn't he in your opinion) make for a stellar frontrunner in 2007?

I think Andrew would tell you Law school is enough of a drag on time as it is. I think in order to run for something like SBP you have to want it. Ambition and desire are the best motivators to go out there and campaign 24/7 as you have to in order to win. If Andrew wants it, I think he'd make a great SBP. If he doesn't want it but still chooses to run...he's bound to face a much tougher battle.

TR: I think my time has come and gone. I help as far being able to provide institutional wisdom for the Indie movement. We don't have an FBK alumni base from which to draw on for the purposes of knowing what works and what doesn't. I stick around to help those who deserve to take up the baton. I'm afraid that if I run I'll be crowding out the next generation of Indie leaders we need in order to unseat the dirtbags in there now.

TR: What is Florida Blue Lightning? And what motivating factors present you with the desire to resurrect Blue Key (not FBK) on campus?

TJ: Florida Blue Lightning started out as a joke name for an organization founded solely for the purpose of securing tabling permits and such for our planned petition drives. That idea eventually turned into using it as a Student Advocacy group outside of the framework of an SG political party since it might otherwise be construed as campaigning according to the 700 codes. I think you've seen the last of FBL.

Email Tommy

Ok, I'm not going to preach, but I will say this. Whether or not Josh Weiss wins or loses, I find it pathetic that term-after-term no one man's up (just a figure of speech) and runs spontaneously...you know...just gets up and decided right then and there to throw their hat into the ring, to roll up the sleeves, give a powerful speech and be placed next to the shoe-in candidate.

Now you'll hear the defeatist anthem..."we're in the minority, we have to work with them,", that's just plain bull-crap-pola. A bully knows his business, he'll go kid-by-kid shakin them up and taking whatever he wants -- because he CAN. But then there's this one kid, he's tougher than this kid, he can beat this kid to a pulp, but the little guy fights back, the little guy will break his fuckin nose and make him bleed all over himself, he'll lose the fight but he'll break the bully's fuckin nose before he goes down. The bully fears no one, but he respects the tough little jerk that won't tremble, won't fold, won't bow down based on the simple fact that no matter what the circumstances of the fight-- he'll lose.

All it takes is one senator. One senator has the right to run and the right to speak. I hope there is one tough little kid left in senate because I can't tell you how sad it is to read in the Alligator about how parents are flown in, elections are decided before the election, and SG and its vital Student Legislature have become a $12 million tourist attraction. It's just plain pathetic.

Good Election
Well it was a good election to read about. Bravo to the Election Committee for their diligence and expediency in handling the matter at hand. Congratulations to Vice President Arturo Armand and his Swamp machine. But also...congratulations to Nina Dejong whom proved that not only can you be Greek & Independent but you can be at the top of your game as a Greek and be an Indie.

Last but not least, a special salute to outgoing Senator Ryan Nelson of the Action Party for his outstanding leadership, convictions, and selfless service to his constituents. Although I didn't endorse Action 100%, one can only hope that from the pool that includes both Ryan Nelson and Gavin Baker, that we see both this upcoming Spring as executive candidates.

It will take a Nelson/Baker ticket to finally get me to SHUT THE FUCK UP about how Indies should be, b/c that would be the ticket that would make me go APESHIT, 110% behind Action (or w/e they call it), give money, give time, call people blah, blah, blah but some good ass BLAH let me tell you.

A True Ticket:

Ryan Nelson or Andrew Hoffman - President
Gavin Baker - Veep
Kevin Bacon or Tommy Jardon - Treasurer

Fire Tommy from exec and put that kid on a TICKET, he can debate, he can add, he's in law school and he can win. :)

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Just In -- Tolbert will NOT be certified until October 10th

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From: Senate President
Sent: Tuesday, October 03, 2006 12:27 PM
To: Glenda Frederick
Subject: URGENT- Senate Meeting Tonight


Senators,


The Elections Commission has not reached a recommendation for validation of the election results and they are unable to meet before Senate tonight because they have to give 24 hour notice before any meeting. As this is the case, we will not be having the double meeting tonight. We will have the recommendation from the Elections Commission by next week so next Tuesday, October 10, we will be having the double meeting (swearing in the new senators, electing a new Senate President and Senate President Pro Tempore, etc). I am sorry for the late notice but I just found out about this also. See you all tonight for a normal (and brief) Senate meeting!



Mike



Michael R. Patrone

Student Senate President
University of Florida
300-54 JWRU Room 307
PO Box 118505
Gainesville, Fl 32611-8505
(352) 392-1665 ext. 295
SenatePresident@sg.ufl.edu

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Election Comission recommends to validate everything but Tolbert

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In a very real way, the fight for Tolbert could be Action's Iwo Jima, only they won't have the luxury of multiple photo shoots. When allegations were made, they demanded at least one shred of proof and apparently that shred came by way of SAE/Rm.12. Arturo and Swamp could have won by 90% and taken every seat, but from a PR standpoint, Action can seriously put Swamp's supremacy in serious question by re-claiming what could possibly be the third Action victory, the Tolbert Area! Remember, the Texans weren't winning the war...in fact Santa Ana had them all but annihilated, but a valiant stand at The Alamo changed the tide of the war and won Texas their national freedom; who knows if Action repels the mighty Swamp from Tolbert, if in one semester's time Ryan Nelson won't have WHIPPED both Josh Weiss and Ryan Moseley for the SB Presidency?

It is absolutely critical that the Action Party leadership make a strong stand for this seat. If the Party gathers proof, real hard evidence and Chris Cupoli, the Senate, and/or the student courts won't listen, then file for an injunction with a real court. There are $12 Million in student funds on the line. Despite the fact that the Justices were appointed by Boyles and rubberstamped by his Gator/Swamp Senate, no Bench will refute hard evidence and/or suppress a valid case!

If Gator/Swamp make the mistake of hastily confirming ALL, then Unite & Independent senators should rise in protest, exhaust all methods at slowing down the process (go till 8am if you have to!), and make for damn sure that those Pro'ing and championing the cause to certify Tolbert regardless of proof be well documented on paper and once the case is solved, put all those Hawkish senators before the Student Conduct Committee and demand that they be castigated for consipracy to undermind the will of the Student Body.

As a FIji I was always taught that you can't spell ASSHOLE without S,A,E but that's besides the point. I don't want the members of the rejected Fiji pledge class from way back when to hold me in disregard. However, I would like it to make a bold statement:

I am not accusing anyone of double voting. However, I am suspicious of students that can vote in two respective area races and use only the need of their party as a determining factor in which one they will cast a ballot. I find that morally unethical and I leave it to Action & their counsel to make the case for this being illegal (shouldn't be too hard).

The election-power of Arturo Armand and his Swamp Machine is not in question, what is in question is the Tolbert Area. Some info to date as of today.

A). An anonymous source confirms that John Boyles had no knowledge of any possible tampering. Further, according to other sources, it would be almost impossible to infiltrate the Housing voting sheets, because they are produced by DOH, not the Registrar. Until Action can produce the voting sheets and start showing names of people who are not paying rent to live in the Tolbert Area, this story warrants no further attention.

B). A member of the Action Party provided TR with at least one incident, involving the resient of Room #12 at the SAE House...whose also listed as living at East (but...doesn't).

C). Action cadres have taken the matter formally before Chris Cupoli.

Whether anything comes out of this, I believe that it speaks to the courts. The UF Supreme Court has the power to nullify any election certification and must act if it's provided with real, hard facts and evidence. If foul play can be proven to have taken place at Tolbert, then it is the opinion of this blogsite that the entire election be thrown out!

D). Go back to "A." I am a bit uncomfortable with the part that reads "are not paying rent," does that mean if they are still paying rent (moving to their Greek house mid-way through their lease at on-campus housing) that they can effectively vote in 2 races or vote in the race their party needs them most? THIS SOUNDS LIKE LEGISLATION THAT SHOULD BE WRITTEN. But for now...I don't think that can hold water, I think ethically you can only vote where you reside.

Hundreds of Greeks leave their dorms to live at their Greek houses - some can square away Gator Dining and Housing costs by having them transferred to G.House coffers meanwhile many others simply pack up and move into the Row; this makes it possible for hundreds to be eligible to vote in 2 diff areas (in Fall) and quite frankly this may be the case w/ Rm.12.

Question is...if foul play took place, will Action fight? And will the courts listen?

Do YOU Know What Happened @ Tolbert?
If So, Please Email Me: Chris@ChristianDuque.com

Time To Turn The Page

Well I guess if the students are going to turn the page, so should I. I think for next few weeks The Radikal will cover local & nat'l elections in addition to discussing global politics. I've had enough of reading the Alligator and pointing out the flaws of mainstream opposition politics. Perhaps a third-place finish for an organized political army will be the epiphany of humility, a humility the Independent movement at UF has not seen since Student Alliance/Access days. Then again, we're talking about legacy-indie-leaders grandfathering in the latest generation of leaders, so in all likelihood the mainstream-indies will require a loss to Bible-Man before re-assessing their objectives. Either way, it's great to have six pages of Alligator hits next to your name...only thing is, it stinks you can't run a party. (This isn't aimed at any one person, consider it 'aimed' at about half-a-dozen).

In the end a lot can be understood by simple mannerisms and personality traits. John Boyles lighting a cigar after Armand's victory...that's gangster...but not in the good way. A man lights a cigar after his son is born or after he makes a killing and Swamp -- they made a killing. A letter in today's article lays claim that Armand didn't mention his rivals in a speech, that he ignored them (who cares, but couple that with the cigar smoke and you start thinking you've just woke up at the country club). Whether it be FBK or FBL, it seems everyone wants to be elitist, either privately or publicly everyone wants to feel better than the next guy and that's particularly why groups like the Iron Fist & the Pants Party might have made far greater contributions than you are willing to admit. What's to say that a kid really inspired by two former groups won't form his own party next year, inspired by Dan&Bruce but with the intensity of a S.A. or an Access? Only time will tell, but for the sake of the Indies, I hope that new leaders come about and that the indies finally see a real candidate they can rally behind, not a Jared, not even a Dennis, I mean another Jamal, another Eric Gordon, someone that has a real vision, not someone that's running out of necessity, guilt, or for pure popularity's sake.

I'm currently working on this little conspiracy theory, so if you'd like to shoot over an email, I'd love to hear your thoughts on the matter. The title of the presentation is:
Did Unite! Hardliners Sandbag Chris Chase?

I'm also in the process of securing an interview with a top cultural official whom was offered a gesture of good faith -- this being careful terminology in a game called legal-dodgeball. I am sure you (and some folks that light up cigars alike) will seriously enjoy what this top-level official has to say. It's jaw-dropping, so let's hope he delivers the goods.

I hear Lauren Mierely wants to run for president? Is this true? I wonder...will she put up like Nina Dejong or shut-up like Elda Auxilaire...oops did I just say that? I'm sorry. Nothin cooler than a strong woman, nothing sadder than one whom bows down, take a hand-out, and then goes back to her nose-bleed-seat in the peanut gallery.

Revlon or Women's Rights
Not much of a decision for some.

Congratulations Arturo!:
Somebody Recount Them There Ballots. (LOL)

Worse thing that Action could do now is not question the elections. Can the good neighbor politics of phoning in-to concede the election or the 'we are all Gators' crap, this election seems very fishy. Either (A) Arturo is more popular than Jamal Sowell at an NPHC 2004 reunion celebration or the old-school Unite! kids royally screwed Chris & Co. over. Either way, what the hell happened? Even the stray houses that supported Unite and the lone LChi's of Impact days don't seem to have been around for Chase & Action.

Congrats Arturo, how you did it, not really sure.

---

Does anyone remember a letter written by one "George Bunker?"
Awesome letter: Click Here

Does that style of writing remind you of anyone? Wouldn't it be funny if the author of that letter had married George Jefferson w/ Archie Bunker and written that from a computer at FIU in Miami 400 miles away? That would be funny, but I doubt that's the case, just a funny letter I wanted to showcase for y'all.

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IDK...

I don't know, but it seems the election results have left me with more doubts than the number of Chin's in a Chinese phonebook. How on Earth do you have a 4-way race and no run-off? How is that possible? I am even interested in paying the $5 and getting copies of the election results. I have emails showing tepid-at-best support for Swamp in three aforementioned houses, I have the emails of two top level cultural leaders supporting Action, I have people in all three parties, and last of all, I have serious reservations about any candidate getting 50+% in this sort of an election. I congratulate both Arturo & Swamp, however, I hope that a serious re-count is underway. Yes...I'm sorry to say it, but I did say re-count.

I don't think a re-count would necessarily give us a new winner, however, I am curious to see the final #'s so if anyone would be so kind as to mail me those, I'd be very grateful. Nonetheless, I find it extremely difficult that Swamp pulled this one w/o a run-off.

Congratulations Arturo & both Swamp & Action candidates. Congratulations to Nina for making a stand! Congratulations to Bruce & PANTS for being fringe at a time of what seems to be cookie-cutter politics.

From multiple sources and from counting on my own gut instincts here's how I see the breakdown:

1st Place: Nina Dejong
2nd Place: Chris Chase (by 1 or 2 %pts.)
3rd: Arturo Armand
4th: Bruce Haupt

The Breakdown

The Greeks are literally split in 4-ways, with the major chunks going to Nina & Arturo. Arturo is not popular with southern houses (ATO, KA, AGR) for a variety of reasons; Chris is not popular with many Greek houses; Bruce is Greek & will carry Keg'esque Greek support [i.e. Greeks openly supporting Bruce/PANTS will not get the guilt-trip they would supporting say Action], and...NINA...she's popular from Theta to Kappa Sig to Pi Lam to Pike basically the entire GREEK perimeter. So that puts her over Arturo.

Additionally, we've all seen gentlemen such as this one at right and no one wants to the be the jerk to cite reality out loud, so I'll volunteer for the job. Any remotely attractive & bubbley female campaign worker that talks her game to a guy that looks like this, puts a sticker on his shirt, and shakes his hand will get not only this man's vote but marriage proposals. These cats aren't Indies, they're just horny and hard-up, and we A-L-L know about these poor souls. And these guys will vote for the pink or the reptiles, bank on it. PANTS mud-wrestling could have seriously contended for this key, gritty demographic.

*

*

Runoff Predictions

I believe Nina will come in first but will be lacking enough support to win without a run-off. I am hoping that PANTS will give serious consideration to endorsing if they are eliminated -- this is the RESPONSIBLE thing to do. However an endorsement does NOT have to come at the Orange & Brew, it can take days and special debates and/or party meetings can and should take place. Aside from this responsibility, I am hoping that PANTS will give Equal consideration to the parties/candidates in the second round of the elections.

Do I believe PANTS can win? Yes. But will they, probably not since they are so fringe. Do I believe Swamp would endorse Nina if eliminated? No I do not, I believe Swamp would endorse ACTION to teach the sororities a lesson. If Action were eliminated then I believe Action & Pants would endorse Nina. If Action and Swamp were eliminated and it was NINA and PANTS, Action would go to Nina & Swamp would sit out the election. Make any sense to you?

Yes...I said Swamp would back Action over Nina, that wasn't a type o.

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Amateur Night Is Over
GIVE UF's INDIES
THE BEST MAN FOR THE JOB!!!

Multiple personality disorder (MPD) is a psychiatric disorder characterized by having at least one "alter" personality that controls behavior. The "alters" are said to occur spontaneously and involuntarily, and function more or less independently of each other. The unity of consciousness, by which we identify our selves, is said to be absent in MPD.*

Queen Nina
Alligator picks DeJong for vice president
Url: http://www.alligator.org/pt2/060925eddy1.php

Days ago, hardly even a week, the Florida Alligator bashed independent candidate Nina Dejong for essentially milking her gender for votes, standing on a vague platform, they inserted sarcasm throughout an article that should have been solely biographical, but today... today they give her a warm endorsement? What gives?

Many of us hold today's Alligator staff to the standard of years past, but the sad & obvious reality is that these current Alligator reporters have very little experience and knowledge of SG history. They know that Action was Unite, Unite was Impact, (here they get lost), they know Access came from Ignite & yes...Student Alliance (they get lost here as well), and so on. You can't understand the inner working of student leadership unless you have a clear understanding of the history and these writers seem to have taken nasty potshots on all four candiates and all three parties and now, when push comes to shove, when the smoke clears, they don't want to look stupid so they picked a name out of the hat.

The general pattern of Alligator reporting to this point (as carefully studied/documented throughout several of my most recent posts) would have had the Alligator giving Action a resounding endorsement. For weeks the student-paper has trashed Swamp and its cadres, intermittently mocked PANTS (even though PANTS loves having a good time -- any real reporter can see they are the MOST revolutionary party in the running b/c underdeath the Pants on the flagpole, these kids are just acting out their frustrations with a system that has WRONGED the Student Body in several (not all), but several regards and they want to GET ACROSS BY ANY MEANS CONCEIVABLE!); whew!. The student-run paper has also questioned the integrity of the young woman that today they praise and endorse.

BUT, even before Action was born, the Alligator was celebrating everything from FBL to Action. I've said it many times. It should have been Ryan Nelson or Gavin Baker; Action had the right people and they had the right time, but they messed it up. However, all the while I was mourning Action just barely missing it -- the Alligator was praising their name.

So...today's endorsement, while a fair one in my eyes, makes me think Stephanie Garry and her staff members suffer from MPD.

* - www.skepdic.com/mpd.html

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& NO PIC FOR SENATE?

1. Do I feel the Independent Florida Alligator looked at a every candidate, studied every bio, bothered to contact every candidate? No

The Independent Florida Alligator has said it many times and now their actions are speaking even louder than their words. This newspaper is a FARSE, they are a BUSINESS, they sell ad-space and they make MONEY! They are not student-run and SG should fund a real STUDENT-RUN newspaper -- funded with STUDENT MONEY!

Create a new agency...bigger than Accent...bigger and badder than SGP...the M-O-T-H-E-R of SG Agencies: THE STUDENT RUN, DAILY N-E-W-S-P-A-P-E-R!!!!

The Alligator is insensitive to 14% of this University's population (Greeks), this newspaper has attacked the character of the two major parties, the two independent candidates and quite frankly has made it a almost a career at slinging mud & misleading articles against the popularly-elected government of the student body of the University of Florida, en masse. The Independent Florida Alligator should be rivaled by a REAL student-alternative.

Again - part of the Alligator's incompetence stems from historical ignorance; But another part of this incompetence stems from a general disregard of student' interests. The Alligator will always be on campus b/c that's just the norm and it's better to get your ads right and sell, sell, sell than listen, listen, listen and actually do some honest, fair, and professional reporting.

p.s.

I SUPPORT THE PANTS PARTY

A Thought

Part of me wishes I were still a student @ UF, so I could vote, work the campaign, and be in the thick of it all. On the other hand, I know and hang out w/ people in BOM and in SG and they find it very boring as of late. Now yes, I attacked the Alligator for attacking SG based on questionable grounds, however, I have concerns with the candidates of my own. Ironically, the joke candidate seems to be the best candidate and the two major candidates pale in comparison.

Swamp's candidate agreed to do an interview and included that I not feel bad to bug him about getting it done; sorry Arturo, I liek you and all, but do you need people to routinely bug you to get things done? Then I misquoted and said Sent Action's Chris Chase interview questions. I rectified the misquote and sent him questions...he replied after a few days later only to excuse himself out. All candidates were sent messages via facebook and/or email, only Bruce Haupt replied. Only Bruce Haupt was able to quickly provide answers to all of my questions and I think this says something about this young man.

Open Letter

Date: Fri, 22 Sep 2006 19:49:06 -0700 (PDT)
From: "Christian Duque" [chris@christianduque.com] Add to Address Book Add Mobile Alert
Subject: The Alligator
To: alaska85@ufl.edu


Editor:

I'm writing simply to let you know that as a former student senator and an alumni of UF, I find the latest direction of the Independent Florida Alligator appalling and I regard you as one of the worst editors this publication has ever had. You have used the shortcomings of Student Government (a time-honored tradition at your offices) and the stereotypes of IFC/PC Greeks in gross proportions to keep your paper viable. I've read fiery articles attacking every candidate, every party; your paper has surely done more to discourage future student leaders from roles of service than any secret leadership honorary or the status quo could have.

Student Government as an institution provides an invaluable service to the Student Body. Student leaders budget and allocate funds that keep many critical components of Student Life available to all, they represent their constituents, they work behind the scenes, they sacrifice grades, money, and time to serve, to serve in the thankless capacity of cabinet director, senator, committee member, panelist, etc. Your newspaper doesn't care about the $3,000 lost at the Awards Banquet, you just want to make SG look as badly as possible, that is my opinion.

You've attacked one candidate for not being a femenist -- who made you the judges & jury of the Women's Movement? You attack another candidate for the clothes he wears, how superficial is that? Are you also dressing student leaders now? In recent memory, this paper offended large segments of UF's African American community, it was boycotted a couple of years ago by many leaders of the Jewish community, it is considered trash in many fraternity houses across campus, and today you've attacked all four parties under very questionable terms.

What kind of paper is this? What kind of editor are you? I'm sure, as in years past, you get flattered left and right, but I'm graduated and find your leadership to be mediocre-at-best, I lament the direction this publication has taken.

The Alligator was always kind to me, but this new direction is depressing.


Good Day,

Christian Duque
Fmr. Student Senator (ACCESS)

Root Of All Evil?

The Independent Florida Alligator needs to learn the definition of the term restraint; when you've got Christian Duque teaching you restraint, you've sure got problems buddy. For one thing, as more students enroll at UF, the A&S Fee pot will obviously grow and so to will the resources of Student Government. The paper does a good job of breaking down the many things students could do with A&S Fees instead of paying them. Sure....I know people that could prolly buy a new car, take a vacation, and remodel their kitchen next year if they did't have to pay their taxes, but then again, where would we be as a society sans public services? No police, no fire, no EMS, no one to pave the roads, no one to pay teachers, no one to pick up the garbage in public areas, we'd lose out on national defense (which is important though not more than education and medical care but I digress). The Student's Government, like the Federal Government, has many responsibilities including the running of the largest Student Union the nation, of SW Rec, of the budgets of hundreds of student org.'s, in addition to a myriad of other financial & social needs to be answered. But you all know this, it's the Alligator that doesn't seem to.

I am of the opinion that they really don't care about Gavin's efforts, rather, they've used what otherwise would have been a minor detail ($3k out $12M) tha should-have-been-resolved but wasn't, as a way to title yet another anti-SG article that will no doubt further alienate Student Leadership and hurt the institution next week at the polls. Shame On The Alligator.

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VP debate skirts academic issues

Oh my gosh....I really don't want to get sued here, but in my opinion I think we call know that BSU does not make discreet endorsement decisions due to debates, touche to the current members of the FIST.

I wish I didn't have to work so much, this year has SUCKED, having to work shitty jobs b/c I didn't apply to schools on time. I wanted to be there soooooo bad :o(. )

"SG courts the Greeks and it courts the student organizations. I think in general, SG doesn't reach out to the normal student." -- BRUCE HAUPT


"Leadership is an award itself," Chase said, adding that he hopes to drastically reduce SG's award funding. -- CHRIS CHASE

Again -- I don't want to minimize the need of fiscal responsibility in SG, however, I don't think Action should partake in any grandatanding, especially not over an issue worth 3k out of $12m+. Yes it's important but don't let SG Funding become your battle cry, there are many more needed reforms. Personally, I would have used the FLC Reform item, using the article to focus on Action's desires to include Freshmen into SG as opposed to babbling about an SG Award budget that maybe four students reading the paper this morning are privvy to. Remember, opposition parties (except Access) usually fair poorly with first & second year students; use you FLC item to garner some attention with freshmen, it's a good idea.

Source:http://www.alligator.org/pt2/060921debate.php

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Fun Time

If the election were held to today, solely based on my mailbox & limited phone calls/articles, etc this is how I'd call it for the first round:

Arturo Armand: 45%
Chris Chase: 30%
Nina DeJong: 15%
Bruce Haupt: 7.5%
Other: 2.5%

+2.5/-2.5 MoE.

If you attended today's Protest March @ Tigrit Hall (CLAS), please email your thoughts to me!!! LS 4 LIFE!

First & foremost my apologies for not proofreading the previous entry, however, I can't stop myself from venting against the editorial on Nina Dejong. Just when Action releases its platform, citing the need to educate professor's on issues relating to LGBTQ, it seems that one party should take upon itself the task of educating Alligator writers on what it is to be a Femenist.

The editorial on Nina seems to be more of an attack that an expose. Check out some of these cites:

Cite A: For starters, DeJong - who is, like, totally not a feminist - hasn't explained how her vice presidency would be any different from a man's.

Fuckin idiot...who wrote this? The insertion of the word "like" in my honest opinion insults the candidate's intelligence, capacity, and integrity. It makes her sound stupid, it makes her sound like a complete fake. Why can't she be a feminist? Because she doesn't have underarm hair like the women on the French Riviera, because she doesn't memorize Ani DiFranco songs, because perhaps she doesn't want to castrate SG's 88% male majority? Give me a break!

The POINT fuckhead of electing a woman, is that a woman would NOT lead any differently than a man. The POINT fuckhead is that a woman can do the job AS GOOD (if not better, but not necessarily drastically differently) than a man. To expect a woman to do better - OR - to expect a woman to do worse is SEXIST. To expect a woman to do the same as a man is to be fair. The underlying principle here is not to elect radical women -- but to elect more women. To make the playing field level, you should have a more balanced body, not necessarily a more radiKal one.

Cite B: In fact, if Nina DeJong were Nick DeJong, a fraternity president instead of a sorority president, she'd be just like everyone else in SG. Take away the pearls, hand her some wraparound shades, and - voila! - you've got a run-of-the-mill Greek candidate. Same pink polo shirt and everything.

More anti-Greek sentiment. Who is working at the Alligator these days? I take great offense to the idea that a Greek-affiliated person cannot be given a fair shake. I was Greek/Indie, so was Ricky Caplin, so was Jamal. You look at Caplin....a house treasurer (the #2 in many houses including my own), a committee chairman, popular and sociable and one of the MOST free-thinking, Independent members of the ACCESS PARTY.

I have always advocated being independent but Greeks are a bloc of the Campus population and no bloc should be denied a voice, even the bloc that is believed to control it. Democracy shuts out no one.

Aside from all that has been said, you'd think the Alligator would know whose backing the Ms. DeJong, people that have done a great deal of good by the side of various Opposition parties. The Alligator seems to be anti-Swamp, amused by Pants, in love with Action, and disgusted by NINA. Unusual mix I must admit.

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Swamp aims to fix academics

• Ensure that every student has access to the quality education they deserve through fair tuition policies.

****The ruling Swamp Party's platform is truly both boring and in parts outlandish.

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Arturo, Where Are You?

Some nineteen days after receiving Radikal Questions the fmr. HSA leader has not been able to reply. Bruce Haupt, candidate of the PANTS Party, returned questions in less than 24hrs. Armand is without a doubt a first-class leader and would make one hell of a Vice President...but as a law student, does he really have the time for this kind of a commitment? The jury is still out on that one.

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Senate OKs largest budget in SG history

"Baker asked the Senate to consider taking $3,200 from SG's award funding - which SG spends on itself - to distribute among student organizations. He argued that no organization is given anything close to the amount of money SG gives itself for awards."

**Baker shows the consistency of a True Indie. Senator. Between Baker & Nelson, the Dynamic Duo leave little doubt that Action would be the choice-party to vote for in Senate elections. Both leaders have tirelessly fought for the best interests of their constituent, while the bureacurats insist (as in this very article) "it would take too long" or "it's too difficult."

GOOD WORK Sen. Baker!

Opposition Inc. Returns To Indie Roots

If we were in chamber and I had heard the Plan of Action in person, I'd jolt to my feet and give it a standing round of applause because this truly speaks volumes about an organization I believed to be nothing more than Unite with different colors. The Action Party proposes some very interesting ideas:

• Allow all interested freshmen to participate in the Freshman Leadership Council by eliminating the selections process. (A)


• Include Cabinet directors in Student Government outreach events and tabling to solicit students’ suggestions for programming. (B)


• Start a “Fix This!” website that allows students to submit concerns to the appropriate Student Government entity. (C)


• Increase co-programming with the Institute of Hispanic and Latino Culture (“La Casita”) to supplement for the recent funding cut. (D)


• Hold classes to teach students how to use specialized computer programs.


• Facilitate a discussion between faculty members, professors and students to raise awareness of LGBTQ issues faced in the classroom. (F)

Key

(A) This clearly has Chris Chase written all over it. This is as internal as Internal Cabinet Reform can go and quite frankly, it's an idea I'm sure will be stolen from Chase/Action in the final hours of this campaign. Grade: A

(B) Not to quote one Suzy Liebermann....something along the lines of Chris being too strict was reported to the Alligator upon his resignation/termination under Joyce Medina. While this move will not be a popular one with Swamp-appointed FBK/Greek bureaucrats; it will surely serve student' interests. Grade: A+

(C) This one seems to be more of a Clouston/Jardon/Baker initiative but a very good one. A little on the stale side but as far as accountability goes -- damn good. Grade: B

(D) A nice touch but I don't think this will offset the massive success of Armand's SLB/GE connection. Stilll......it's good to mention La Casita/IBC/ Grade: B-

(E) OMG I think I just orgasmed! THIS concept I love. The idea of Student Leaders allocating money to teach their constituents a skill that might actually be of some use outside -- in the real world. Fuckin Einstein Shit Right Here. Grade: A+ + 10extra credit points.

(F) I WANTED TO SEE THIS FROM DAY 1 w/ ACTION. When we ran ACCESS, Allison Andrews made damn sure that the Y&B paid attention, took care of business. We live in a society where most student have no clue who Matthew Shephard was, they have no clue about the term Transgendered means, we live in a society where people simply do not understand that homosexuality has been with us since the beginning of time, that Gays & Lesbians can be found in every career path, every nationality, every ethnicity, in the Republican Party, the Democratic, etc. We live in such a technologically-modern society where almost everyone can send an email but where millions are still living in ignorance and passing it on to their children, professors passing it on to their students. I like this, I like that ACTION is embracing some REAL LIFE SOCIAL ISSUES and not sticking to the safe agenda ala Swamp. Grade: A+

GOOD WORK ACTION!

Continued Election Babbling

Interviews

BRUCE HAUPT - PANTS PARTY (Completed Interview)
ARTURO ARMAND - SWAMP PARTY (Accepted 9/1)
CHRIS CHASE - ACTION PARTY (No Response)
NINA - IND. (No Response)

Party Platform

ARTURMO ARMAND - SWAMP PARTY -
*Safe, vague. Mentions areas out of Student Leadership's control. Swamp is pushing a strong Veep candidate with ties to the MGC, FBK, & older schools of SG.

Strong senate slate.

NINA - Ind.

I have seen nothing here. The former leader of the first sell-out, second-wave Access Party has not released a platform that I have seen, fails to respond to messages, and seems to have the support of only a handful of younger Greeks. Still, I admire her drive and wish her the best. Were her efforts being led by others I'm sure I would have a lot more information on her plans, but que sera, sera.

CHRIS CHASE - ACTION PARTY


Being Christian Duque is what I do best. This having been said, I wanted nothing more than a party like Action in the Spring 2005. Had Access become Action, there would never have been Progress or Voice. HOW_EVER, a party that cannot or will not take constructive criticism to heart but rather to offense, will not garner the needed support to bring about an upset.

Action needs to be constantly re-defining itself -- this is not to be interpreted as 'flip-flopping.' What I mean is very clear. If Action strives to undertake the very serious charge of representing the Independent community, then its leaders shouldn't have released a pre-fab platform or had the gaul to release a Bill of Rights that speaks of trusting elected leaders when party members cannot seem to trust that their own Party Exec. won't exclude them from the defining hour that is to be the basis of their struggle.

How on Earth can a student fight for a platform they had no say in? Greeks can fight for their party because it's business, the loyalty to the house outweights the loyalty to whatever party they may paint on their respective banners. However, when dealing with INDEPENDENTS the PARTY is THE INSTITUTION, it is what binds everyone together, it is the base, the foundation that upholds the discipline to work, the pride to preach, the values to be identified with. When you cut the STUDENT OUT...how can that student fight?

Fair Senate Slate

BRUCE HAUPT - PANTS PARTY
I am very impressed with Bruce and in him I see perhaps the only real Independent candidate. I see right through the laughs and truly believe this young man would enhance SG Cabinet like Lydia Washington would have had she been able to serve her entire term.

Bruce is social and personable but is not limited by that. His campaign is widely entertaining in the Keg-vein, wholeheartedly grass-roots in the Voice/Student-Alliance-vein, with some Greek ties in the Access-school, and very much a real threat to both Action A-N-D Swamp.

Although PANTS does not have Gavin Baker, Ryan Nelson, or Rosemary Clouston, it has at least one strong leader in Bruce Haupt and many, many friends open to hear what the students have to say and very much naive, innocent if you will, to the excesses and the shortcomings of SG at UF. As of right now, if I were a student I would support PANTS. However, as campaign seasons are known for their often, wildly-chaotic natures I won't endorse now, only say what I have and hope to hear from the other candidates as well.

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Chris Chase: "Cabinet Platform", Just Received.

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