In regards to last week’s editorial, “Last Year’s Drama,” there are some who are concerned about making this year better than the last. Learning from previous mistakes is the best way to improve. One complaint often voiced is that the government does not learn from the past and history ends up repeating itself. What kind of government would the Student Government Association (SGA) be if we simply forgot all of last year’s “old news,” if we failed to see the mistakes we made, and decided not to improve upon them? “Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me.” This quote holds much weight when discussing senate or “Bisanz-related drama.” Wanting to keep good order and open, friendly communication with clubs, senators and the student body, is not the same as dwelling on past events. It is a matter of being cautious that we do not have similar events this year distracting us from our main mission as a student body representative group. Do not assume that SGA as a whole has forgotten that we represent students; after all, we are students ourselves. We make mistakes, get caught up in college life and have many responsibilities just like every other student here. However, we have decided to take the time to voice our opinions directly. If anyone is unhappy with the decisions we have made, he or she is welcome to either become a senator, or stop by the office to voice his or her opinions.

Since people would rather talk about the bad and the ugly, few seem to acknowledge the good. Within two senate meetings we have already passed 11 new clubs, most of which raise political and community service awareness. A recycling task force and blood drive are also in the works. Rather than keep a running tally of accomplishments, there are articles highlighting a “bitter,” squabbling senate “shooting down” proposals. This representation is unfair. The reason we debate is because of our differences of opinion, which, as far as I am concerned, are a silver lining in democratic politics. If there were no differences in views, there would be no need for the SGA, or any other club on campus.

Give yourself the opportunity to experience firsthand what happens and voice your opinion. We are cautious of repeating past mistakes and keen on learning from them; that is what is in the best interest of the clubs. It may not matter in five years what amendments were written, what proposals made, or what clubs were started; but these decisions shape my college experience, which is something I do not find “meaningless.”

Ashley Kowal is the Ethics and Conduct chair of the Student Government Association.