So, Government of Student Body passed the now infamous resolution authored by Sen. Ginger Cowger, Sen. Brian Hille, et. al.

Essentially, its passage indicates the student approval of any possibility that the Memorial Union Browsing Library and Chapel may be relocated.

While I had intent to divulge the names of all 20 individuals responsible for the resolution’s passage, I can’t. That’s because as I sit here and write this, the GSB minutes from last Wednesday’s meeting have yet to be turned into the GSB office. Oh well, that’s all right — there’s always next time; those 20 psuedo-politicians (held accountable for their actions) aren’t off the hook just yet.

In a disturbing display of maligned power, a majority of the GSB ignored two starkly clear definitions of our society. The first one is of the word “represent” which means to symbolize, act as embodiment of, stand for, correspond to, fill place of, be substitute or deputy for, or be entitled to speak for.

By voting for the resolution, 20 members (including President Dan “357” Mangan) effectively stated the following: “I, as a GSB Senator who voted for this resolution, do not care what my constituents are voicing their concerns for. It means nothing to me that I was informed that 80.71 percent of students in random polling requested to leave the BL/Chapel alone.

It means nothing to me that petitions with hundreds of signatures demanding retainment of the status quo were placed before me. It means nothing to me that Senate debate and input from the student quorum was dominated by those against relocation. It means nothing to me that I, as a representative who garnished less than one-half percent of the student population’s possible vote, am talking trash when I say that I know what ‘best interest’ means.”

To further exemplify the flagrancy, ignorance and disrespect shown at last Wednesday’s meeting, consider the second definition forgotten that night. The word “memorial,” which means something meant to keep remembrance alive, was rendered impotent in its power.

Twenty members of a governmental body stated: “I, as a GSB Senator who voted for this resolution, do not care about the preservation of history. It means nothing to me that fellow men died so that I can today shine in the spotlight of continued personal freedoms embodied within artistic, literary and religious culture. It means nothing to me that a memorial is meant to be forever, always preventing the fallen from being forgotten. It means nothing to me that memorials are holistically sacred and not piecemeal constructions to be desecrated at convenient will. The blood of countless veterans means nothing at all.”

Ludicrousy has spoken. Although 20 people have made an irreparable wound in this university’s pride, integrity and humanistic respect, the issue of relocation is not yet over.

Movements have sprung up to preserve the memorial in the nation’s first Memorial Union. Calls have gone out by various persons from lawyers, to the American Legion, to the Department of the Interior. Last week many people made some noise. Now, my friends, it’s time to actively turn up the volume.

Do not allow your voice to be ignored by your so-called “representatives.” Do not allow them to disrespect you. Do not allow your cherished ideals of freedom to be crushed and scattered randomly. Do not allow your history to be altered for the sake of a few who are out of touch with priority.

On Dec. 7, the Union Board of Directors will make their recommendation on the Browsing Library/Chapel issue, one which will be subsequently forwarded to the Board of Regents. Challenge the current 27 voting members to dare ignore the student body’s real feelings on the issue.

Call Student Union Board, get the list, and sound off. A lot. Faculty are not exempt from this invitation either. Show us students what you’re worth; be the leaders you think you are and deserve to mold our image in.

Don’t expect someone else to do the work. This matters, and it’s time to show how much. Remember WOI and how it was lost? Make this an even more important fight than that — a memorial that true representation of the student body should never be taken for granted again.

Power is there; I just beg you to wield it and to swing as hard as you can.

David Ptak is a senior in philosophy from Long Island, New York.