Charles J. Grapski

Address:    24-36 Bidborough St. 
London, UK WC1 H9DL

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Just a little information -- I received my first bachelor's degree from Auburn University in Microbiology. BS Microbiology - 1988

At the University of Florida I have studied Philosophy, History (particularly American) and Political Science. I am currently completing my PhD in Political Science BS Philosophy - 1997; BS Political Science - 1997; MA Political Science - 1997.

At University College London I am completing a Masters in Legal and Political Theory. This degree will be awarded in September 1998.

WHO AM I? -- Info On Me

INDEPENDENT STUDENT COALITION

The Independent Student Coalition Home Page provides a great resource for student issues and student politics both on the UF campus and in the nation (and world). The Independent Student Coalition (also known as ISC) is a student organization dedicated to a better Student Government on the UF campus and to the active involvement of students across the nation in the democratic process as citizens of the U.S. and in the events that are shaping the world around them.

Too often students do not particpate politically while in College. Then when they enter the "real" world they contribute little to our society and humanity. The potential for learning and our ability to impact the future that is presented to us on university campuses is invaluable -- and we tend to waste it. We at ISC hope that we can change this -- and then maybe one day the world will be a better place. Idealistic? Definitely.

I founded ISC in 1989 for that very purpose. To seek the ideal. Too often people criticize the notion of ideals and idealism as being "pie-in-the-sky" or "utopian" -- in a sense, unrealistic. I vehemently disagree. By definition an ideal is something that can be achieved. It is not a fantasy -- but a potential reality. It is that potential that I believe we always need to be striving towards. This is the goal of ISC -- to strive toward the ideal society and to teach others the value of such a goal. In the end, while we may not necessarily get to the actual ideal, we will always be progressing toward it.

If you would like to send a complaint or suggestion to those in power, this is the place to do it -- send to:Executive Branch PeoplePlease send me any comments on this topic you have or send them to the ISC page.

S.O.S. -- SAVE OUR SCHOOLS

S.O.S. is a signal of distress. The state of education in America and in Florida is one of crisis. For that reason myself and Piet Niederhausen formed S.O.S. in the Spring of 1995. S.O.S. is committed to getting students (of all levels), faculty, adminstrators and staff, parents, and members of the community ACTIVELY participating in reversing this declining trend.

Education is at the heart of our society. It is the foundation upon which all else is built. If we allow things in education to decay further -- our society cannot stand long. And if we do not first fix education, we will never progress to where we ought to be.

Again, feel free to e-mail me comments on this topic and/or send a message to the S.O.S. Home Page.

((Still in progress))S.O.S. Home Page

The INDEPENDENT MAJORITY

The INDEPENDENT MAJORITY is a political party (that is opposed to the notion of political parties) at the University of Florida, dedicated to a responsible Student Government. Responsible to the Student Body, the Campus, the Community, the State, the Nation, and the World. We believe in an IDEAL Student Government -- but anyone who takes a close look will see how far from the IDEAL the actual "monster" really is. Corruption is rampant and so is Coercion. This has been the legacy of over 75 years and it is time it came to an end.

This issue is very serious and it affects more than just students at the University of Florida. It affects all of Florida, for this is the breeding ground of state political corruption and this is the home of the very much alive "Good `Ole Boy" Network. And it affects us all, no matter what state or country we reside in. Please take a look and make comments.

The Independent Majority Party, while no longer actually existing as such, has continued to participate in the process. In the Spring 1995 election we succeeded in winning a few seats in the Student Senate. Through that voice, as well as the voice of other members from positions of active and participating citizens, we continued to strive to correct the decades of injustice perpetuated by the Florida Blue Key political machine at UF.

In the Spring of 1996 we formed the core of the Students' Party and continued this legacy of active and quality involvement. This Spring we intend to do the same. Look for the site of this new effort to appear in the next weeks.

BLUE KEY National Honorary -- University of Florida

Blue Key is a national leadership honorary. It was founded in 1923 at the University of Florida. It is not, however, to be confused with Florida Blue Key -- a pseudo-leadership honorary that is more of the Good Ole Boy Network of Florida than a true leadership organization. "Florida Blue Key" is in no way affiliated with the national organization or its chapter at UF. The founding chapter of the legitimate Blue Key at UF was re-established by myself, Todd Underhill and Piet Niederhausen during the 1994-95 Academic Year. Stop by and visit our Home Page. As we are just now in the process of rebuilding any suggestions or comments would certainly be appreciated.

((STill in Progress))

DEMOCRACY and STUFF

Democracy is a concept that I hold dear. Unfortunately, in America, everyone has heard about it, most people claim to cherish it, but few know what it is. Democracy is an ideal -- a form of government in which the people themselves (all of the people) are sovereign -- THE PEOPLE RULE. The word "democracy" has been paid alot of lip service by world and American leaders -- especially since WWI. BUT in America, we DO NOT have a democracy.

I believe, however, that one day we can. But that is going to require the education of the people and the action of the people. So here I will try to compile resources that will allow ourselves to become educated, informed and active in our government -- the necessary components if we are ever to succeed. Please take a look and feel free to discuss any of the ideas with me.

STV, PR, and VOTING PAGE

Alot of useful and interesting resources -- take a look.Click Here This is a resource that provides information and resources on methods of voting, including the Single Transferable Vote -- what I consider to be the fairest possible system and one of the most important topics for American government --, other forms of Proportional Representation, and Voting. Nothing is more essential to the governing process, particularly one "desiring" to be democratic, than the electoral mechanisms. This is the foundation upon which all else rests -- if it is failing (and it is in the U.S. with the extremely unfair Single Member Plurality district system) -- then the system necessarily fails too.

U.S. GOVERNMENT RESOURCES

This page contains many different resources such as links to the White House and Congress. Click Here to view them.

FLORIDA GOVERNMENT RESOURCES

This page contains many different resources for the state of Florida. Click Here to view them.

CHINESE DEMOCRACY MOVEMENT

In 1989 the world watched as millions in China -- many students -- stood up to their government and demanded reform. We then witnessed that government massacre thousands of those brave people. Click Here for resources regarding the Chinese Democracy Movement and the events at Tiananmen Square.

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LEGAL SCHOLARSHIP AND RESEARCH RESOURCES

Provided on this page are numerous resources to assist in legal research. They can help the student, the scholar, the legal professional, or the involved citizen.

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SCHOLARSHIP

This is a list of resources for scholarly and academic purposes. Click Here to use it. I hope people find it useful. Any recommended additions would be more than appreciated.

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OTHER RESOURCES

Simply just an amalgamation of other things that I find to be helpful. Such as in building Home Pages, Programming, etc. Or simply just interesting.

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FRIENDS and ACQUAINTENCES

This is a listing of my friends and acquantences that have Home Pages that may be of interest to you. Click Here to see this page. Many of them have several resources and information that I do not. Plus you can learn alot about somebody from the people he or she knows. Enjoy!

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Feel free to drop me a line anytime...grapski@nersp.nerdc.ufl.edu Just click here to mail me know :)

This new counter was installed on 5/10/98.

Initial Design by Charles Grapski (7/6/95)
Last Update by C. Grapski (5/10/98)