Sound Bites

It's the new year. What changes would you like to see in U.S. or world politics in 2008?

Bob Ericksen, director, Dashew Center for International Students and Scholars

I would like to see the United States adopt a comprehensive policy in support of international education — a policy which would welcome international students to our nation and provide incentives for more U.S. students to seek education abroad. This is a potent form of public diplomacy which could begin to address the dismal perceptions of the U.S. held in most parts of the world.

Maria Wilcox, senior site/academic coordinator, UCLA Early Academic Outreach Program

It would be wonderful to see our country engage in international peace. What better way to start the peace process than by extending our political arm in peace not only in Iraq and the Middle East but in Latin America as well. As humans, we learn in our families social interaction with others who are different; yet we respect each other for who we are. Politics can be a means to this same end — a way to govern and structure rules in society to help citizens interact with others in a civil, courteous and respectful manner. Regardless of who you are and where you are headed, the realm of politics plays a major role in this process, whether you are an avid politician or a concerned citizen.

Susan Sassoon, administrative specialist, Molecular Biology Institute

I would like to see a new (Democratic) president/ administration so that government employees won't keep getting criticized by the Republicans for having good employee benefits, which they deem as "costly to business." Every working American deserves the benefits that we are so fortunate to have here at UCLA. And, contrary to popular thinking, having access to excellent health, medical and vacation benefits drives employer healthcare costs down, not up. Hopefully, a new administration will finally put employee healthcare benefits as a top priority for change.

Janet Bartholomew, programmer, Registrar's Office

I would like to see corporations out of the center of politics in the U.S. Corporations fund election campaigns, and this influences who gets into the race as well as who is most likely to be in the lead. Elections should be fully funded by public money, and this should be an issue in the 2008 presidential campaign. Public funding could result in a greater variety of people running for office and more accountability. Corporations also spend a great deal of money on lobbyists. Their interests outweigh the voice of those without that kind of money.

Answer our next question:

The state budget shortfall is a major concern for all of us. In trying to make up for a $417-million gap in next year's budget, UC regents are beginning to weigh priorities. What do you feel is UCLA's top priority that should be protected from budget cuts?

Please respond by Jan. 28. E-mail today@support.ucla.edu. Include a digital photo of yourself if you have one. UCLA Today looks forward to hearing from you.