By now I am certain most have heard about the fiasco that is CUSA. Some people hate how they politically lean to the left and do so blindly. Others hate that they simply do not think independently for themselves and love to tow the popular line. I personally want to see the day when all student unions and associations come together under one banner on campus and actually work for students instead of against one another. Nevertheless, the new CUSA motion that was put to a vote was to modify charitable work to be more inclusive, however, the bases of said work was done on the motion of Mr. Donnie Northrup’s comments that were false and racially motivated.
If you have not seen the Facebook group dedicated to this blatant racial slam then please go: http://www.facebook.com/ho
The issue at hand was that Mr. Northrup’s statement was not based in reality. A quick look at the facts from the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation would disprove what he was saying and help support his claim. In wanting to include other charities Mr. Northrup wants to remove CF support, but not because it is a disease that can potential (and does) affect the population of Carleton University ... Because the disease in his eyes is that of white males almost exclusively. Including other sorts of charities is fine, but when you exclude people based on gender, race, class and religion you cross a very fine line of morality and class.
There are two very insulting points to all this beyond what has already been said. First factor in Mr. Northrup is a science student. You would think talking about charities based in the sciences that he would at least get his facts straight; that’s a bare minimum. Second, on his own notes section, he feigned that he would not change his position, but rather that he stands by it regardless of being “tired” during “exam” period. I wish I could get away with such blind accusations while writing my paper on the process of multicultural diversity in Canada with such a blanket statement! If you are tired then at least do your homework on a topic before proposing it!
The truth is that CF gets a drop in the bucket of funding. Shineorama is far more than a competition between CU and UofO. It started off with an interesting twist for charity to shine peoples shows and moved on to its modern form as we know it now. It helps to raise awareness and funds for a disease that is multi-ethnic and multi-gender whilst being blind to both of these factors.
Whatever your political leaning is I really don’t care ... but in the very least you should weigh in on this issue. I am calling for an immediate apology from CUSA pending a revote on this controversial topic and the dismissal/resignation of Mr. Donnie Northrup. If he cannot do his home work for his job – which by the way is to support and represent ALL students at Carleton because we ALL pay the fees – he should not have the luxury of said position!
Ps. Don’t make me get politically involved with CUSA. I’d hate to have to run for something just to prove a damn point.... a few of you have already suggested it tonight :P
