SGA considers calling for peace

Author: Adam Dede

The Student Government Association (SGA) Senate convened on Sept. 30 to discuss a bill proposed by First Year Senator David Peduto '11, whose goal is to organize students across the country and possibly around the globe in a demonstration for peace. At an agreed upon time, they would all yell the word "peace" in their native language. He hopes to attempt the event on Nov. 11, the anniversary of the World War I armistice.

"I understand that this may sound like a little bit of a romantic hope," said Peduto, "but this world could use more romanticism."

He hopes that, with the help of the Senate, he will be able to organize a group of people large enough to attract media attention and set a world record for the most people ever to say "peace" simultaneously.

Other Senators seemed unsure about the feasibility of the idea. Several people commented on the lack of student motivation.

"There are times when the school seems pretty apathetic," said Inter-house Senator Scott Kessler '08, "Do you think you can get them to do it?"

"I think it's really up to us to invigorate this school," Peduto responded.

Junior Senator Katie Hylas '09 was worried that the bill might offend students who favor the war in Iraq. Peduto was quick to point out that the bill is not directed at the Iraq war, and that even proponents of the conflict do not go so far as to support the general idea of war.

"Even if people support the war, they aren't supporting the war just to have war," agreed Junior Senator Bobby Joe Smith '09.

However, Smith wondered about the logistics of the plan.

"Are we just going to say peace once or what?" said Smith, who was concerned that such a short demonstration would have little effect.

"I'm dead serious that we get Fox News or CNN involved in this and just set it up...on the football field," responded Peduto, "looking out over the mountains and what not. Get a big group of people, and all together on the count of 1, 2, 3, 'peace.' That's it, 'have a nice day.'"

Others disagreed that the Senate should pursue such action.

"I don't think it's worth our time, nor is it worth the students' time, because I don't think you're going to get the effect that you're looking for," said Senior Senator Ashwin Gargeya '08.

Still, Peduto stood by his proposal.

"I know it sounds optimistic, but we're the youth of America," Peduto said. "We're the youth of the world, and I just hate sitting on my hands."

Max Nardini '08, SGA president, said that he liked the idea of the bill but criticized the measure for being too weak.

"It has a very activist bent, but I don't think it goes far enough," said Nardini.

Nardini suggested that Peduto work with the campus organization Hope for Peace, whose name has recently been changed to The Iraq Study Group, to publicize the event and flesh out the exact details.

The Senate voted to table the bill for further discussion at a later date, when Peduto has more of the details of his plan hammered out.

With the "call for peace" bill tabled, Senator Vrutika Mody '10 proposed a bill to put textbook lists on BannerWeb, so that students can find discounts on their books before term begins. The bill passed, but what form the final initiative will take was not decided on.

Nardini then mentioned his position on the Addison Country Transit Resources (ACTR) board. He said that ACTR plans to conduct a survey in the near future about a possible increase in Burlington bus service, which currently only runs on Saturday leaving at 9:55 a.m. and again at 4:00 p.m.