As the University of Oregon braces itself for another round of ASUO elections, a critical examination of the candidates reveals a concerning trend: incumbents from the current student government seek re-election under the guise of community improvement. However, their track record tells a different story, stained by disastrous planning decisions such as the mishandling of NASU's oldest tradition and the disenfranchisement of students during the winter term election. This year, three slates vie for student votes: FlockForward, OurUO, and UO Student Power. Amidst promises of change and progress, it's imperative to scrutinize the credentials and actions of each candidate to ensure that history doesn't repeat itself.

ASUO Accused of Cultural Insensitivity and Budgetary Neglect. Last year, ASUO allocated $252,000 for the concert, while this year's concert budget has increased to $350,000. In contrast, NASU received only $675 for events outside the Mother's Day Powwow… ASUO then scheduled a concert on the same day as the Powwow.

The Board of Trustees at the University of Oregon is a governing body established partially through lobbying efforts by Phil Knight, operating as an entirely undemocratically appointed entity. This board holds significant financial power and is crucial in appointing the university president. Notably, their decisions offer insight into their priorities, exemplified by the appointment of an economist with ties to the Bush administration (John Scholz), all transpiring without direct student input. Student frustration caused by the absence of democratic processes in the board's composition and decision-making led to an upcoming organized student action during the board's public meeting this Tuesday.

If the recent Angela Davis talk at Straub Hall proved nothing else, it’s that there are thousands of people on campus interested in what a lifelong radical activist has to say.

The lucky few hundred who managed to snag a seat were treated to a long talk during which she shared insights gained from her decades of work and hopes for the future. But for all she talked about, she kept circling back to one overarching message: nobody can accomplish anything alone.