EDITORIAL: Second thoughts on UA elections

After meeting the candidates, we've changed our minds about the importance of casting a ballot. Yesterday, we gave this year's UA candidates the benefit of the doubt, urging students that "a vote this week could make a difference in the upcoming year." As an editorial board, we think long and hard about campus issues before taking a stand, and we seldom rescind our positions. But after listening to yesterday's "Meet the Candidates" speeches on College Green, we have to admit the whiners are right. There is absolutely no hope for this crew. The UA elections have been going downhill for years. We thought the UA hit rock bottom last fall with the unfortunately memorable slogan, "Do your Duty! Love that Booty! Don't Forget to Vote for Kewtee." But College senior John La Bombard of Blauhaus fame went to a new low with this year's "I'm Just Glad It Didn't Hit My Penis." Talk about pulling the lever. At any rate, your best bet at this point is to vote in favor of the referendum transferring the $30,000 previously earmarked for the InterFraternity Council to a discretionary fund for The Daily Pennsylvanian. With this money, we can hold a DP open house and let you know what really goes on inside the Pink Palace. We will also be happy to sponsor campus-wide events -- though they may have to be postponed until after our 2 a.m. deadline. And, of course, we will continue as always to represent your views accurately to the administration. While rich, white suburbanites may dominate our staff, at least we can claim a couple women and even a non-Greek among our ranks. Which is more than we can say of the current UA.