690508 would never fly in federal governmentTo the Editor, As someone who has attended several meetings of Student Congress this semester, I must say that I am discouraged by the congress's attitudes in connection with Resolution 690508 disapproving of how UOSA President Yaffe and Vice President Millben have spent their funding. The resolution says that the money Student Congress gave to the executive branch had been used in an unethical and irresponsible manner; however, Student Congress had no guidelines established for how the executive branch should use the money, nor did they have a definition of unethical behavior. Essentially, Student Congress passed an ex post facto resolution berating executives because of opinion instead of law. Student Congress needs specific guidelines for how student money should be used. They should have a set ethical standard by which to judge representatives and executives alike. However, these are congressional mistakes and responsibilities. I am disappointed that Student Congress would disapprove of the executive branch without recognizing its own failings first. The saddest part about all of this is that OU students know nothing about Student Congress. Nothing, that is, except for those occasional incidents where students hear about Student Congress making a big deal about how it has the power to insult its own members. Student Congress has the ability to accomplish good for the students at OU. I hope all of you will see that this one low point in Student Congress's actions is not the rule normally defining how it works. Student Congress is here to serve the student body, and it will not fail to do this, both now and in the future.-- Norman Maynardeconomics freshmanStudent Congress Resolution accomplished nothingTo the Editor: In recent days students have become aware of the infighting that is occurring in UOSA (University of Oklahoma Student Association), an organization that is composed of every student on this campus. This issue is not about Alex Yaffe or Mary Millben; it is much larger than two individuals and affects the future of student government as a whole. The Undergraduate Student Congress recently heard and passed a resolution "disapproving" of spending by the Executive Branch. The introduction of resolution 690508 hurt the governing bodies of UOSA but more importantly hurt the students of the University of Oklahoma. Resolution 690508 set out to embarrass members of the Executive Branch and had no legal basis whatsoever. In fact, the authors and co-sponsors of the legislation said numerous times during the Student Congress meeting that no rules were broken. The action taken by Student Congress did nothing and will do nothing. It did not punish the executive branch nor did it change any guidelines to make things illegal that were being questioned. The resolution was a tremendous waste of time in Student Congress that could have been devoted to solving problems that are important to students. In light of these events, the office of the UOSA President has begun working with members of student government to propose amendments to Budget Procedures Act and the Financial Responsibilities Act, the rules that govern UOSA spending. Until that point we will do whatever necessary to avoid any further accusations of immoral use of funds. UOSA is a strong organization and is made up of strong leaders, most of whom embody tremendous integrity. You can be assured that together, UOSA will overcome this and get back to doing the work officials were all elected for: the work for the students of OU. -- Alex YaffePresident, UOSAhello there & you too
