Opinion | Letters To The Editor - The Independent Florida Alligator

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Cutting post-doctoral health care benefits will hurt research

By <a mailto:"UFPostDocAssembly@gmail.com" Drs. Aaron T. Dossey | June 16, 2010

We are writing as current postdoctoral associates and concerned members of the UF family to communicate concerns about the upcoming change in postdoctoral health care benefits. We believe this represents a step backward in UF’s mission to become a top-tier research institution. Cutting postdoctoral benefits will make UF much less competitive in attracting the best and brightest researchers. Postdoctoral associates are the driving force behind all aspects of research, including research training for undergraduates and graduates. Postdoctoral associates complete a majority of the research that brings millions of dollars in federal research grants, and they write a significant portion of those grants.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

‘Good Life’ course serves a purpose for freshmen.

By Ben Sarbey | June 16, 2010

The Editorial Board misunderstood the purpose of the course, ‘The Good Life.’ The course would challenge students’ views about what ‘the good life’ is and to think about whether it exists. The class doesn’t just “give incoming freshmen a chance to bond over coursework” but has the noble goal of making students reflect on their commonly held notions.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Pro-life reader responds to Gov. Crist’s veto of House Bill 1143

By Dianne Skripek | June 14, 2010

As a realistic pro-life Catholic, I expected Gov. Charlie Crist’s veto. Regardless of the throngs of national callers, obviously he’d opt for the majority opinion of Florida residents.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Writer used ad hominem attacks in retort to Griffin’s column.

By Patrick Fitzsimmons | June 14, 2010

It is a sign of intellectual vacuity when a writer has to resort to ad hominem attacks.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Reader says that smoking Gainesville Green Sense is unsafe.

By Joan Chambers | June 14, 2010

Responsible reporting carries the weight of presenting all facts concerned with the subject matter.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Government should handle alcohol and marijuana the same way.

By Alan Martin | June 14, 2010

Our government’s attempt to prevent people from getting high is a dangerous and futile exercise.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

City commissioner stands by underage drinking ordinance

By Jeanna Mastrodicasa | June 9, 2010

Tuesday’s editorial asks the question about underage drinkers caught in bars: “Why doesn’t the city implement a huge fine and prohibit them from going into a bar again?” The answer is simple: in Florida, only the state legislature can make laws such as these, not local government. Local government can only do two things: regulate the hours, and regulate whether the bars can admit 18-20 year olds or if they have to be 21 and up. Only the state can take away a liquor license through an administrative proceeding or make harsher punishments for violating state laws.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Alligator overlooks mental health fee

By Zoe Ziliak | June 7, 2010

I wanted to comment on the new fees and on the Alligator’s commentary on them. First, let’s look at the mental health program fee the Alligator failed to comment on: “But until evaluations of UF’s mental health care finish, the money is given to SG.” What?! The Alligator accepts this?! “We want to use this money for mental health later, but for now, let’s go ahead and collect the money and throw it at SG. It’ll be fun!”

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Gulf oil spill is a call to action

By Aaron T. Dossey | June 7, 2010

Attention Congress,

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Fee increases strain students

By Don Kershaw | June 7, 2010

I have one question to the administration, Student Government and anyone in favor of the 25 percent hike in fees: Are you crazy? I mean are you that out of touch with reality that you would endorse such an irresponsible hike in one sitting? These tough economic times call for every American, Floridian and UF student to cut back, tighten their belts and use common sense when it comes tuition increases. I know this is a new concept for many in the upper echelon of the university, but it’s called fiscal responsibility. We should be cutting back and limiting non-educational services, not expanding them at the costly expense of Joe and Jane Student. People could argue that progress comes at a cost. I push back by saying that there is nothing wrong with delayed, systematic progress. University officials need to stop, think and then spend instead of this reckless attitude that seems to get worse with every passing school year.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Group asks residents to protest Israeli assault on the Gaza Freedom Flotilla.

By Joe Cenker | June 2, 2010

The Gainesville branch of the International Socialist Organization is calling on Gainesville residents, religious groups and student organizations to come out this Monday to publicly denounce the illegal Israeli assault on the Gaza Freedom Flotilla in international waters Monday.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Fat Tuscan restaurant owners can’t complain about zoning restrictions

By Robert Hueckstaedt | May 31, 2010

If the zoning code hasn't changed, then the owners of the Fat Tuscan have no argument.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Officers’ claims of self-defense do not justify student shooting

By Andrew Lapetina | May 31, 2010

Bill Cervone's statement clearly indicates that he believes police officers can, in the name of self-defense, shoot any person in their presence armed with a possibly deadly weapon - such as a cane, which is hardly different from a table leg - and wielding it in a dangerous manner.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

UF Supreme Court nominees lacked basic knowledge about FERPA.

By Alan Martin | May 31, 2010

David Nigliazzo was not the only controversial nominee.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Donating hair to oil spill effort wasn’t done in vain

By Christopher Day | May 31, 2010

I cut off 8 inches or so and donated all my hair to the group in the plaza Thursday.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Bus customer does not deserve refund for his missed flight

By Karl Bruno | May 31, 2010

This headline, "Bus customer demands refund for missed flight," makes it sound like the bus didn't get him there on time, in which case he would be right to demand a refund.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Student Health Care Center offers services for sexual health

By Laura Mize | May 26, 2010

After seeing the column ‘Sexual health care on the cheap’ in the May 13th edition of the Alligator, we’d like to remind readers that the UF Student Health Care Center also offers a full range of sexual health care services available to students.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Resident disagrees with State Attorney’s decision regarding student shooting.

By Andrew Lapetina | May 26, 2010

Gainesville residents who walk with canes are advised not to lift them above their waist in the presence of law officers. Doing so may result in you being legally shot, or so argues Bill Cervone in his statement regarding Kofi Adu-Brempong.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Friends of Lamar Abel share memories

By Erica Loewe | May 26, 2010

Dear Lamar,

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Adult entertainment industry veteran explains .xxx domain

By Mike South | May 24, 2010

As a 20-year veteran of the adult entertainment industry, I can tell you this isn't about controlling access to adult material. This is about money, plain and simple.