Letters to the editor

Sudden departure justified in debate

Walking out in the middle of the candidate debate Thursday night
was a drastic move on my part, but it was the right thing to
do.

A USAC presidential debate must be meticulously moderated so
that every candidate is given equal opportunity to represent his or
her views. In this regard, it is crucial that the order in which
candidates answer questions is consistent and, most importantly,
non-negotiable.

Arbitrarily allowing one candidate to temporarily pass on a
question and then come back to him later once he is more prepared
is unacceptable. It was especially appalling that my voice was
ignored by the moderators when I tried to bring this to their
attention. I walked out because I had no control over an unfair
situation and could no longer legitimize it with my presence.

Nathan Lam Fourth-year, anthropology Elections Board
chairman

Bruins United truly represents students

I appreciate the Daily Bruin Editorial Board commending my
commitment to reform student government, which is undoubtedly the
most important issue facing USAC today. I am the only candidate who
has stood with students in advocating for needed changes ““
changes my opponent has obstinately rejected in order to pander to
her Students First! slate (or Student Power!, or whatever).
Considering most students have no relationship with USAC, such
actions should not be tolerated by voters.

I am the only presidential candidate supporting the creation of
a senate, the only candidate who has fought to ensure fair funding
for ALL student groups, and the only candidate who throws the
world’s greatest tostada parties (and if I win, you’re
all invited).

Bruins United is composed of the most diverse and most qualified
student leaders at UCLA. We are the only party that is advocating
for real issues that students care about ““ from the creation
of a bar in Ackerman to lowering the cost of education. When we
have earned the support of the Bruin Democrats and the Bruin
Republicans, the Greek system and On-Campus Housing, religious and
cultural groups, it is obvious Bruins United best represents the
UCLA campus.

Alex Gruenberg USAC Financial Supports commissioner and
presidential candidate

United States should stop taking sides

People like David Keyes seem to have trouble differentiating
between the interests of the United States and those of Israel.
Like most Americans, I don’t think the United States should
be “passionately attached” to Israel or any other
nation. Our government should stop taking sides in this conflict by
ending its over $8 million dollars per day to Israel.
Shouldn’t our tax dollars be used to solve our own problems,
not to fight other countries’ wars?

Sarah Weir UC Berkeley alumna

Candidate Tseng would fill vital need

The Daily Bruin Editorial Board failed to recognize in
Monday’s endorsements the vital need for an internal vice
president who will advocate tirelessly to ensure that our
university meets student needs.

Student Power! IVP candidate Tommy Tseng not only has unmatched
experience and concrete goals, but he also embodies the
determination and diligence necessary to be a real student
advocate. Tseng is more than simply a “diplomat;” he is
a true leader who is not afraid to demand accountability of an
administration that continuously implements negative policies like
Expected Cumulative Progress and a new late drop policy that
changes the deadline to drop classes from 10th to fourth week.

This year, as director of the ECP Task Force, Tseng has
demonstrated his ability to coordinate grassroots campaigns.

In addition, Tseng has successfully advocated for a fair
workers’ contract and restoration of outreach and Labor
Center funding.

As the Daily Bruin mistakenly calls for additional bureaucracy
it titles “reform,” Tseng will continue to lead efforts
toward true progress on campus, including heightened safety,
increased meal-coupon values and the repeal of ECP.

Jenny Wood USAC general representative and presidential
candidate