Last week, the Government of the Student Body debated a bill that formally “censure” the Iowa State Daily.

The bill was written and introduced by Senator Mark Holm, who represents the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Three other senators added their names to the bill. If you didn’t know, a censure provides no action but serves as a formal statement of their displeasure.

But I imagine most people across campus who read about the bill in the Daily figured GSB was once again making itself look bad by debating pointless topics.

First of all, a censure is supposed to be directed toward an individual, not a group. Also, a censure is supposed to be directed toward someone within the government issuing the censure.

Calling for a censure against an outside organization only shows the students of ISU that some senators are wasting the GSB Senate’s time.

The actions of those senators who signed the bill go against the ideals of a democratic government.

It’s called Freedom of Speech and Freedom of the Press. GSB’s constitution requires it to follow the U.S. Constitution.

Passing a censure bill against anyone outside GSB, whether it is the Daily, Jischke, or Joe Student, would abridge Freedom of Speech and Freedom of the Press.

The Daily chooses to be objective; GSB does not require it.

If the Daily chose to not be objective, GSB still couldn’t take action based on our coverage.

This is according to a U.S. Supreme Court decision when the University of Minnesota tried to zero-fund the Daily Minnesotan because of its news coverage. The Supreme Court ruled that the action was a violation of the First Amendment.

I suppose GSB would like to see the Daily as a public relations branch. But it would be a tough job trying to put a positive spin on many of the things it does.

GSB should look into more important things.

One area of concern should be curriculum changes at ISU. This is something the Faculty Senate often questions.

GSB could also review the performances of administrators who spend a lot of time with students, just like the Faculty Senate follows the performances of people like President Martin Jischke or Provost John Kozak.

GSB should also look into the residence hall student security system after the recent Deantrious Mitchell incident.

What are the hiring practices for the guards?

Why don’t the guards stay in pairs? I’ve seen guards hanging out at Kwik Shop. Are the guards allowed to slack off?

How safe are the students living in the residence halls if the guards are screwing around?

I am completely baffled about why no senator has not brought the subject of the ineffective GSB Supreme Court to light. I think GSB should take immediate actions to make this branch of student government function once again.

And nobody should move the Jack Trice statue anywhere.

He was a scholar more so than an athlete and we should leave him next to Beardshear Hall.

After all, he’s not in his football uniform, but he is in student clothes and carrying his books and football cleats.

But I do think we should name the stadium for him.

Wake up, GSB, and act like a government that is concerned about its constituents, not its public image.

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Tim Frerking is a senior in journalism and mass communication from Pomeroy.