By letter to the editor 2

Editor:

Having read Christina Coloroso’s article regarding the legitimacy of the Associated Students of the University of Utah (“What have you done for me lately, ASUU?” Aug. 7), I feel the need to respond. Coloroso’s claims of illegitimacy stem from two major points: the poor voter turnout for ASUU elections and the inability of a government lacking in “diversity” to represent its constituents. Neither of these arguments holds any weight when you look at the facts instead of speaking in generalizations.

Admittedly, the turnout for voters in the ASUU elections is underwhelming, but a shortage of numbers does not equate to a lack of legitimacy. Both of the major political parties in this nation have abysmal voter turnout for primary elections. Does this make the candidate selected any less legitimate? Does this mean the government should be criticized because its constituents can’t be bothered to get up and vote? Of course not.

The other major misconception is the lack of diversity in ASUU. This argument is doubly false. Coloroso claims that ASUU’s top members are disproportionately unrepresentative, both by ethnicity and gender. For the 2006-2007 school year, the attorney general, student outreach, government relations and diversity board directors-as well as the Senate chairwoman and ASUU General Assembly vice chairwoman-are all women. Additionally, the attorney general, Senate chairwoman, Assembly vice chairwoman, campus relations, diversity and technology board directors are all minority ethnicities here at the U.

Coming from a different background-be it ethnicity or gender-automatically gives someone a different outlook toward life. The color of one’s skin does not affect the content of one’s brain. To suggest otherwise is the epitome of racism.

Madson Thompson

Sophomore, Physics and Mathematics

ASUU Assembly, College of Science