LETTER: B.U.S.Y. slate's Assed aims to clear his name

Editor,

Last night, as I was on my way out the door, my exit was interrupted by a telephone call. I rushed to my phone and picked up. It was none other than Andrew Webb, a Daily Lobo reporter. He asked me for comment on the new rulings of the ASUNM Elections Commission on the misconduct of the Connection slate.

The way he inquired seemed as though he was looking for a tooth-baring cry of displeasure. Being the person that I am, I would never let myself appear as anything less than a gentleman. I simply replied to what he asked, "I trust that the Elections Commission has made a fair decision, and I hope the new Senate represents the student body well. I wish them the best of luck."

The conversation came to an abrupt end with a customary, "Thank you, goodnight."

Early this morning en route to class, I snatched a Daily Lobo out of the bin and flipped through searching for my chivalrous comment. With surprise, I found my name yoked with insinuations of cheating and back-stabbing.

The Daily Lobo printed, ".candidate Yousef Assed was seen entering the polling area at Johnson Gym," and "the commission confiscated 112 fliers with Assed's name circled." In response, I would first like to say that I fully recognize the freedom that allowed the Lobo to print whatever they want about whomever they want, but I also feel the need to clear my name in the minds of the students and explain further what I was accused of doing.

Being within 25 feet of a polling area is a violation of Election Code. There is an exception for those who have pre-scheduled activities within that perimeter. On Nov. 14, election day, there was an International Fair inside the east gym of Johnson Center. The Muslim Student Association, which I am an active member of, hosted a booth at the fair. I used the only entrance available to me and took part in congregated Muslim prayer at the event.

And as far as those infamous flyers are concerned, I had no knowledge of them prior to Thursday's publication, nor did anyone on the B.U.S.Y. campaign. It was rumored that the fliers weren't even the same color as the ones myself, other B.U.S.Y. slate members and those campaigning for us were handing out.

I am a righteous individual who prides himself on doing things the right way. My religion and family upbringing instilled in me high ethical standards. Frankly, I'm insulted, but by the information you printed.

Yousef Assed

Fall ASUNM candidate