Not Making Progress

So, another SG election season is around the corner. Yes, the title to this post is partly an intended pun, as the GDI party this year is Progress.

The GDI movement is in a bit of a transition period right now, and its current leadership is built around left-wing, pro-Palestinian activism. The reason for national politics determining UF politics escapes me, given that central wedge issues on campus are wasteful spending, corruption, and the influence of FBK on SG and on Greek life, not to mention the spiraling cost of tuition, the need to find jobs before and after graduation, and the continued campus support for public transit and safety services. Moreover, the involvement of groups like the JSU and the IOC in SG (frequently working for the same side) compared to the neutrality of College Democrats and College Republicans in the past allowed independents of all types to work together.

In all likelihood, even on a campus and in a city noted for its liberalism, Progress will lose and lose big. The real question is the margin, as it could determine how many Senate seats they collect. But really, the anti-FBK forces need to regroup, rebuild, and relearn that it never pays to fight amongst each other for the GDI nomination, as it’s hard enough to win when they are all together.

Before UF folks do too much complaining here, I know I’ve been away for 9 years, so I’m at least two generations removed from the campus and there is an argument for me not knowing what’s really going on down there. But history has proven remarkably resilient in regards to UF campaigns, and from that I do know what does and doesn’t work. But good luck! Maybe your adventures will help inspire and inform future generations.