The Independent Florida Alligator should know its own history. The whole reason behind the "independent" in its title is because it could no longer associate itself with the university administration due to its commitment to investigative and unrelenting reporting on controversial issues in the 1960s and '70s.
Lately, though, all it seems to produce are lazy and complacent news reports, such as the coverage of the "No War, No Warming" protest.
Instead of a not-so-subtle attempt at infantilizing the anti-war movement, why not treat it as what it is - exciting, progressive political activism provoking student thought.
The Alligator's role should be to foster discourse, not to make it cute by featuring 9-year-olds rather than the people who spent endless hours planning the event.
Criticize it if you want, but investigate the subject further. Yes, free speech is a great thing, but the Alligator must have forgotten the part about freedom of the press - and journalistic integrity at that.
Come on, Alligator. You can - and have - done better. Until things improve, I propose a new slogan: We selectively and irresponsibly inform. You can decide - if you feel like it.
