Originally Posted by MD-L

Just saying, the thread title is Thoughts on Vishal.....why is it so wrong when others ask questions or state their opinion.....Why are we trying to handcuff people from criticizing someone who is payed for with their money, for an organization they are a part of when all they are asking is what has he done, or saying how they think.

Fair enough. I think I've said everything I needed to say anyway

Originally Posted by LeannaT

Fair enough. I think I've said everything I needed to say anyway

You've said basically nothing.

We've given up on speaking our minds about this issue because you are so stubborn that you wont listen to anything. Quit being so rude...this was a thread that was supposed to be nice and you had to turn it into yet another criticizing one.

Originally Posted by KaylaG

We've given up on speaking our minds about this issue because you are so stubborn that you wont listen to anything. Quit being so rude...this was a thread that was supposed to be nice and you had to turn it into yet another criticizing one.

I thought it was "thoughts on vishal" not "good thoughts on vishal" or "thank you vishal"

I for one will thank Vishal for his services...and it has nothing to do with what he has or hasn't accomplished. I will thank him simply because he decided to take a year off of his studies to serve his school...not too many people would do that.

Personally, I think one year is waay too little time for anyone coming into a new position to make a big impact, especially when you have a small budget to work with.

Oh, and 8.35 for nachos isn't all that bad...there are far worse rip offs on campus and off campus

Originally Posted by lmasud

I for one will thank Vishal for his services...and it has nothing to do with what he has or hasn't accomplished. I will thank him simply because he decided to take a year off of his studies to serve his school...not too many people would do that.

...
you are now on the same level as LeannaT, KaylaG and lawleypop.
just saying

oh for crying out loud, for someone who is so against Vishal you certainly spend a lot of time and effort on these boards, criticizing.

wut
He thanks Vishal for a dumber reason than why you thank him.

Every MSU president takes a year off. They're paid as if it's a fulltime job, not "go to school and be MSU president on the side"

Originally Posted by LeannaT

oh for crying out loud, for someone who is so against Vishal you certainly spend a lot of time and effort on these boards, criticizing.

That is the very essential point I think you're missing.

If someone is "against" Vishal, they are allowed to critisize him. We basically pay for him to be our MSU President, so we can talk about him and his accomplishments/failures.

Dear all,

I feel an overwhelming need to write something here. This is not meant as a blanket "Vishal is wonderful" statement - rather, I am just contributing to the conversation. I encourage you to keep being critical. One thing I found from campaigning is that perception is a crucial problem; what students see of their student leaders is highly varied. As important as it is to question the President on their job performance, I think it is also important to highlight positive aspects of their character and achievements. This is not soley for the sake of the person themselves; it also helps reduce cynicism among students, and encourages students to be constructively critical rather than jaded and resentful.

I'm not the best person to comment on Vishal's job performance (Vishal himself or a member of the BOD would be the most qualified), but I'm also not a bad choice considering how carefully I've been considering his role over the past few months. In terms of tangible changes he has implemented, the thread "Calling out Vishal Tiwari" has some constructive comments. As well, he has worked on building community relations and on reaching out to students via his open air office hours.

I am glad to see this forum was created as it raises a very important issue that I hope to address with my platform; there needs to be some way to communicate with students what the President is doing/has done with regards to their platform and yearplan. I'd like to address this by maintaining a consistent blog/time log.

I also think there is something to be said about "soft skills". Though they might not be tangible, they should also be considered in a comprehensive discussion of a President's success and failures. One thing Vishal has done is empowered those around him. I think he has done so with his BOD as well as various students. He was one of the first people who made me feel like a part of the MSU; as I came in and out of the office in my 3rd year with charity ball duties, he was one of the only people who got to know me. To me, THAT is what the President of the student body should be - someone who makes as many students as possible feel like they matter.

Again, I'm not trying to promote Vishal as flawless or suggest that anyone should refrain from their criticisms. I'm also not saying that the points I've highlighted should override any other considerations - just that in order to get the big picture, there are multiple things to consider. I realize my perspective is biased, but I think it is a valid one nonetheless. In a debate such as this, all perspectives should be heard.

Part of my desire to respond was entirely selfish; I want to set the tone for the year to come. I want to help students be as well-informed as possible about what the President does, is doing and should be doing. I look forward to debate and differences in opinion, but I hope that we can work towards maintaining a well-balanced dialogue.

Thanks for reading,

Mary

Originally Posted by FireDragoonX

wut
He thanks Vishal for a dumber reason than why you thank him.

Every MSU president takes a year off. They're paid as if it's a fulltime job, not "go to school and be MSU president on the side"

This is pretty ridiculous...what I can't thank someone for doing their job? Policmen get paid, firemen get paid for what they do, so should we stop thanking them also?

The fact is that the guy, for better or for worse, is putting us (the students) before him...which I consider a selfless act, and I will thank those that do that

I don't get something though...if he is such a hated person, than how the hell did he elected?

Originally Posted by lmasud

This is pretty ridiculous...what I can't thank someone for doing their job?

You can, but only if they do something positive at their job.

What you thanked him for was taking a year off school. They all do that

Originally Posted by lmasud

Policmen get paid, firemen get paid for what they do, so should we stop thanking them also?

Yes!
Finally, someone agrees with me. They are paid to do their job, we should stop thanking them. "Oh you were there at 9/11, thank you so much for you work", they are paid to help people for ****'s sake.

http://www.careerbuilder.com /Artic..._dangerous_job

list of the most dangerous jobs, people should be thanking those guys instead of pathetic police officers and firemen.

Originally Posted by lmasud

The fact is that the guy, for better or for worse, is putting us (the students) before him...which I consider a selfless act, and I will thank those that do that

selfless? hahahahahaaaaa
1. he's getting paid
2. he's putting it on his resume

Originally Posted by lmasud

I don't get something though...if he is such a hated person, than how the hell did he elected?

he got elected when only 12% of the student body voted. He himself probably got less than 1000 votes.

12% of the population votes for who's president. The other 88% doesn't give a shit and think the MSU is a waste.

Originally Posted by FireDragoonX

12% of the population votes for who's president. The other 88% doesn't give a shit and think the MSU is a waste.

I would say oblivious. There are waaay too many people I know that had know idea the elections were occurring.

I can't even figure out HOW that is possible, considering how many people invite others to the Facebook groups and had photos for the candidates etc. And also the brightly coloured posters everywhere.

Quite honestly I'm ashamed to say that me and you go to the same University. If it wasn't for police officers and fireman who would save YOU from a burning building. I can't believe how ignorant you are. While 9/11 was happening and you were sitting at home watching on the news, those who went out to save people and ended up losing their lives were not thinking of the money they were making while doing so, they were thinking of the people they were reaching out to.

Wow, I can't even believe that this conversation has turned from a discussion about our president to a bashing session on firemen in 9/11. This is a shame to our university....you really have no idea how pathetic it sounds. Enough already.