Following a trend that has become the standard for most major schools, Florida has become a one-party university. Swamp Party dominates UF politics in every way, from Senate to the Executive ticket, running practically unopposed this Spring. While this is being celebrated by Swamp as a unifying movement in the Student Body, there are many dangers that come with such a powerful party.
When one party is so heavily the majority, we run the risk of becoming a “machine-like” government to the likes of the University of Alabama. Opposition can be silenced, platforms can be skewed, legislation can be passed at a whim. When one party is this powerful, we lack necessary checks and balances. Without opposition, who is there to say, “stop”?
I vote for Swamp Party candidates. I am in full support of their Spring platform, but I also appreciate valid opposition. How can we have the necessary debates our university needs to have when we’re arguing with ourselves?
[A version of this letter to the editor ran on page 7 on 2/14/2014 under the headline "The dangers of a one-party university"]
