Letter from the Editor | Back in the spring of things

I came to one conclusion after watching President Obama plug Obamacare on a hilarious episode of “Between Two Ferns” with Zach Galifianakis: My disillusionment with our political system has reached an all-time high. For someone who even considered running for political office one day, I’ve never been less hopeful about the ability of our legislators to bring about meaningful change, or change at all for that matter.

My sentiments toward our student government, particularly the Undergraduate Assembly, mirror those same feelings that I now have about the federal government. The most troubling thing is that I do actually feel like the UA has made significant contributions to student life on campus aside from allotting money to groups that bring us luxuries like Fling artists and “Parks and Rec” actresses. Unfortunately, it appears that those who the UA represents don’t feel as if they are a part of the UA’s vision.

This is why we have partnered with the Nominations and Elections Committee to host the UA Presidential Debate this Wednesday at 7 p.m. in Steinberg-Dietrich 215. Like everything we do at the DP, we want you to be a part of the conversation. People don’t realize that the things about Penn they often wish for are issues for which the UA can advocate. Better dining hours, more study spaces, improved mental health resources: These things are all achievable. So come, ask your questions, make an informed decision when you vote next week and be sure to hold our new student government accountable.

Additionally, we hope that you continue to hold us accountable as well as we try to provide engaging information that will improve your Penn experience. Along with our daily paper, we have launched Pennlets to help you find or sublet a place for the summer - or even for next year. For all you sports fans, you have until Thursday to enter our DP Bracket Challenge for a chance at Copa gift cards or Wishbone mini pies. 34th Street is ringing in the season with its own Fashion Guide, followed by our annual Best of Penn contest.

Finally, I have been impressed with the Penn community’s willingness to be a part of many important conversations that we’ve seen play out this semester. Many of them are still ongoing thanks to your stories and contributions. Our staff, which has been hard at work, finds nothing more rewarding than listening to your feedback. We hope you keep sending tips and guest columns, commenting online and letting us know how we can continue to be relevant to you.

Taylor Culliver

Executive Editor

Please note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.