First, it was President Machen's bonus on the eve of a budget crisis that angered those of us who have put in many years of hard work into this university.
When we were informed of our $1,000 bonus, we complained but like good team players, we accepted it. After all, what else could we do? The paltry after-tax sum was better than nothing, and if it meant saving a few jobs, fine.
Now we have the case of state Sen. Mike Haridopolos, who, with no Ph.D., was hired as a lecturer in the political science department in the midst of a budget crisis and will earn a salary much higher than other lecturers who do have a Ph.D. Does this "team" really exist or is it just a figment of the imagination?
It is only natural, especially for those who have worked at UF for many years, to assume that before filling a position such as lecturer or faculty member within a department, the input and support of the faculty would be considered before making a decision.
The fact that this did not happen sends a disturbing message we have heard and seen all too often in politics: "Do as I say, not as I do". The rules do not apply to those at the top.
During my military service and in the years afterward, I learned the concept of "lead by example." You do not ask your troops to do something that you yourself are not prepared to do.
The only way to get others to follow you is to show them you're in the trenches with them, and where they go, you will lead them in the fight.
Right now the "team" is being told it will have to make sacrifices that will hurt initially but have to be made.
We want to all chip in and do our part for the good of the university, and we all want to save jobs, retain enrollment, and remain a top-notch institution.
However, the sacrifices of the team mean nothing if those asking us to make them are not prepared to do it themselves.
