Letter: Vote “No” for MontPIRG

Last Tuesday night, MontPIRG had their first public forum since they lost their fee nearly a year ago. Sadly, the issues that caused the students to vote against the fee have not improved. While we did not keep count, the phrase "progressive issues" was brought up quite often while the phrase "student issues" was barely mentioned. Though, this was to be expected from a group that's primarily composed of progressive Democrats. Contrary to what PIRG might think, the student body is neither progressive, conservative, nor libertarian but rather a collection of individuals who are here to advance their futures and not a political agenda. PIRG claims to be in the best interest of the students, but only seems to respond to those that support their ideology.

It was disheartening to see ASUM Senator Travis Suzuki interrupted and heckled for opposing the fee during what was supposed to be public comment. What PIRG needs to understand is that if they are to regain the trust of the students they need to accept every student and not just the ones that they agree with. Until then, it is imperative that students continue to oppose MontPIRG's demands for student money.

Wes Hale, President of the UM College Libertarians, Microbiology, senior

Ryan Hazen, Vice-President of the UM College Libertarians, former member of MontPIRG, Biology and Wildlife Biology, junior