Opinion | Columns

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OPINION  |  COLUMNS

We’re not the heroes if we strike Syria — but hey, that’s alright

Sep. 3, 2013

You’re probably sunburned beyond recognition from Labor Day weekend, still nursing the hangover you’ve been avoiding since the Friday pregame. Slowly, the haze is clearing from your college football festivities, and you’re just barely slogging through your classes. Back to reality — and I hate to tell you this, but it’s not pretty.

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OPINION  |  COLUMNS

Taking a closer look at the labor in Labor Day is disheartening

Sep. 3, 2013

According to the Department of Labor, in 1884, the first Monday in September was selected to commemorate Labor Day, a “workingmen’s holiday.”

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OPINION  |  COLUMNS

To fix Washington, get rid of lobbying and executive jobs for retired politicians

Sep. 3, 2013

A poll conducted by Public Policy Polling in January found that a whopping 85 percent of Americans distrust their member of Congress. In June, Gallup reported a Congressional approval rating of just 10 percent.

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OPINION  |  COLUMNS

Before deciding about Syria, Obama needs to understand that America shouldn't be police force of the world

Sep. 2, 2013

The tragic events in Syria have dominated the news as of late. Thousands of people have died in this conflict. The world is wondering whether the American government will intervene.

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OPINION  |  COLUMNS

Breaking Bad is an insightful critique of American health care

Sep. 2, 2013

SPOILER ALERT: If you haven’t watched the show “Breaking Bad” and are interested in doing so, this probably isn’t the column for you.

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OPINION  |  COLUMNS

Miley Cyrus' VMA performance isn't the problem — it's the bad example she's setting for girls growing up that is

Sep. 2, 2013

Nothing new can be said about Miley Cyrus’ racy VMA performance, and the world is sick of hearing about it anyway. All six and a half minutes of uncomfortable dancing have been broken down, mocked and raked for deeper meaning.

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OPINION  |  COLUMNS

U.S. should boycott 2014 Winter Olympics over Russia's anti-LGBT views

Aug. 29, 2013

Contrary to popular belief, the Olympic sporting events are quite political.

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OPINION  |  COLUMNS

America, keep your nose out of Syria's business and avoid another pre-emptive war

Aug. 28, 2013

While everyone else was distracted by Miley doing the dirty at the VMAs, Syrian civilians suffered a totally different kind of dirty — chemical weapons.

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OPINION  |  COLUMNS

After government missteps on student loans, Obama speech is step in the right direction

Aug. 27, 2013

One of the most significant challenges facing young people in America today is the rising cost of higher education.

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OPINION  |  COLUMNS

Is it in the food? One columnist's attempt to understand Middle East violence

Aug. 27, 2013

Something must be in their food. Or maybe it’s the heat. Who knows?

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OPINION  |  COLUMNS

Americans need to be informed, eliminate partisanship and vote to fix government problems

Aug. 26, 2013

Low congressional approval ratings seem to be the norm as of late.

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OPINION  |  COLUMNS

Chill out, Internet: Ben Affleck isn't as bad of a choice to play Batman as you think

Aug. 26, 2013

Last week, Warner Bros. announced Ben Affleck will play Bruce Wayne opposite Henry Cavill’s Clark Kent in the coming Batman vs. Superman movie.

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OPINION  |  COLUMNS

Changes to the Voting Rights Act damage Martin Luther King, Jr.'s dream

Aug. 25, 2013

“We cannot walk alone. And as we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall always march ahead,” Martin Luther King Jr. said to hundreds of thousands who joined the March on Washington on an August morning in 1963. “We cannot turn back.”

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OPINION  |  COLUMNS

On the eve of the "I have a Dream" 50th anniversary, civil rights still not fully realized

Aug. 25, 2013

Wednesday marks the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington. It was a watershed moment in the history of the United States, culminating with Martin Luther King Jr.’s landmark “I Have a Dream” speech. Given all the advancements in civil rights over the last 50 years, many believe Dr. King’s dream is fully realized, but I’m here to tell you, we still have a long way to go.

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OPINION  |  COLUMNS

Increased whistle-blowing leads to a decrease in accountability by governments

Aug. 22, 2013

A recent surge of whistle-blowing puts personal liberties into question.

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OPINION  |  COLUMNS

UF should follow in FIU's footsteps on tuition equity for undocumented students

Aug. 22, 2013

Over the summer, Florida International University took a big step forward on an important issue.

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OPINION  |  COLUMNS

CNN's Sanjay Gupta reverses position on medical marijuana, now endorsing legalization

Aug. 21, 2013

The debate over the legalization of marijuana may have just received an unexpected boost from a prominent news organization’s medical correspondent.

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OPINION  |  COLUMNS

UF Dean of Students: take advantage of the many resources UF provides for new students

Aug. 18, 2013

Dear UF students:

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OPINION  |  COLUMNS

What to expect from dorm life — practical rules to go by

Aug. 18, 2013

There are a few basics to successful dorm living. Follow this advice, and you’ll survive with some money to spare. Don’t, and you’ll be broke. Simple, right?

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OPINION  |  COLUMNS

Bernie Machen: Florida getting better, UF heading toward top 10

Aug. 18, 2013

Welcome, Class of 2017, to the University of Florida, to Gainesville and to the start of your college experience.