Gator Corner: How about some news?
A restaurant is a place to eat; a university cafeteria is something more. Gator Corner Dining Center can be compared to the taverns of the revolutionary period, where politics were discussed, ideas were refined and news was spread. Unfortunately, managers take for granted what they decide to put on the eight TV sets that are the focus of the main dining areas. Often, every TV will be set to a sports channel, or worse, ESPN’s “SportsCenter.” College students need news!
In less than a month, students will elect the next United States president. Gator Corner, a university institution, should do its best to support a politically conscious Student Body. Upcoming election aside, students should always be encouraged to keep up on current issues, both domestic and foreign. The news inspires thoughtful conversation. It’s easier to talk about the news than it is to talk about “The Dressmaker of Khair Khana.” The benefits of following the news cannot be disputed, so I won’t keep on about it. I would rather stress the fact that college students are all about convenience.
Newspaper racks around campus provide free issues of The New York Times and the Alligator. When the papers run out early in the morning, there’s no more convenient access to news. Busy college students don’t have time to search for news. I would greatly appreciate it if I could walk into Gator Corner and kill two birds with one stone — my appetite and Anderson Cooper.
Once I gave the manager the old compliment sandwich; “Hi, the food here is great. I just think you should put the news on. The service here is good, too.” For a short time, Gator Corner had CNN on one TV, and people appreciated it. Then, things went back to “SportsCenter.”
To the managers of Gator Corner, please be conscious of your institution’s role as a political center at UF. Put the news on. And I like the food.
