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Friday, September 20, 2024

Opinion | Columns

Florida Alligator
OPINION  |  COLUMNS

Florida needs to take control of its future

At the turn of the New Year, Florida’s population surpassed that of New York state, making this the third-most populous state in the country. In recent years, migrants have been flocking to the Sunshine State from the North as part of the expansion of the Sun Belt. 


Florida Alligator
OPINION  |  COLUMNS

As 2014 closes, remember Lennon’s lyrics of ‘Imagine’

Monday marked the 34th  anniversary of John Lennon’s murder. Each year, it’s a somber day on the calendar and a reminder that even the biggest among us can be ripped away. I found myself listening to a Lennon-protest song — “Happy Xmas” — and I considered the year that was 2014. By all measures, 2014 was a lousy experience for the world, and if you were to conduct a poll, 2014 might top a list of worst years in recent memory. 


Florida Alligator
OPINION  |  COLUMNS

Religion’s influence should be remembered

It’s quite an interesting spectacle: My dad’s large 6-foot-4 frame rummaging around our garage, mumbling about measurements and fumbling for mischievous screws rolling across the dryer, which has become a makeshift work table.


Florida Alligator
OPINION  |  COLUMNS

10 percent of youth should be 90 percent of environmental movement’s focus

Climate Change. Global Warming. Sustainability. Environmentalism. These divisive partisan issues form the foundation of a constant debate between conservative and liberal forces. Congressmen and congresswomen on both sides of the aisle carefully select language that resonates with key demographics. While the millennial generation hasn’t been a huge factor in politics in the past, many of these voters make up a large portion of the up-and-coming "rising electorate," the given name to a voting demographic that is comprised of millennials (voters age 18-30), unmarried women and certain minorities (Latin Americans and blacks). The U.S. census shows this group will encompass nearly half of the voting population in the coming elections. As political capital and influence shifts toward the rising electorate, there are important questions about its implications for key environmental issues.


Florida Alligator
OPINION  |  COLUMNS

The power of international solidarity

It’s been more than two months since students went missing in the Guerrero state town of Iguala, Mexico. The young men had confrontations with the police while protesting unfair employment practices for teachers who discriminated against rural applicants and favored urban ones. The police killed three students and three bystanders in their altercation with the protesters. The allegation is that the police then captured 43 of the young men and handed them over to Los Guerreros Unidos, a drug gang, for execution.


Florida Alligator
OPINION  |  COLUMNS

Getting the facts straight is important

During the last few weeks, America has been in an uproar over the cases of Michael Brown, Tamir Rice and now Eric Garner. Many columnists, myself included, commented on these developments as they happened, sometimes with too much haste and without considering their impact. I think it’s important to take a moment to point out when the truth was bent and sometimes completely ignored.


Florida Alligator
OPINION  |  COLUMNS

Ferguson unrest underscores progress

Holidays are treasured in part because they are times, sanctioned by God or the government, for us to reunite with distant and not-so-distant relatives. Unfortunately, this aspect can also make them nerve-racking and awful. You don’t get to pick and choose who your family members are, and the same applies to your family members’ political leanings.


Florida Alligator
OPINION  |  COLUMNS

Merry Christmas versus happy holidays

Although the onslaught of Christmas merchandise that begins appearing in October might have you thinking December started weeks ago, it’s only been here for three days. It is officially the holiday season.


Florida Alligator
OPINION  |  COLUMNS

Black-on-black homicide shouldn’t distract from Ferguson

Do you remember, as children, the many times that we were scolded for something we did? Remember when we would point something out that our brother, sister or classmate did to try and excuse our actions or at least redirect the scolding? Well that juvenile failure to confront the truth is still happening. More recently however, it has made appearances in discussions on FOX, CNN and at dinner tables across the country.


Florida Alligator
OPINION  |  COLUMNS

Traditions, family will always count

This past weekend, still recovering from our Thanksgiving feast, I participated with my family in our tradition of having Saturday morning breakfast at Einstein Bros. Bagels. We’ve been doing this every week since before my younger sister was born — almost 17 years. We’ve cycled through all the menu and manager changes as time has passed and are familiarized as regulars by the staff.


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