Opinions - The Independent Florida Alligator

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

The hidden truth about thin privilege and how you can help

Jan. 6, 2015

I bet I can predict at least one of your New Year’s resolutions: working out more, eating healthier, losing weight? If I was right, it’s nothing to be ashamed of. This time of year brings a tsunami of reflection that inspires change. This specific tsunami, however, is fueled by a toxic epidemic that has taken hold of our society: thin privilege. On the flip side of discrimination rests a collection of benefits known as privilege.

OPINION | EDITORIALS

New year, new opportunities at the Alligator

Jan. 5, 2015

Man, does it feel good to leave 2014 behind.

OPINION | COLUMNS

In defense of Uber despite past flaws

Jan. 5, 2015

The new year has just begun and Uber is already facing a fresh wave of criticism and complaints.

OPINION | EDITORIALS

An end-of-semester thank you to our readers

Dec. 9, 2014

Well, this is it.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Students come first: Protect Pell Grants

Dec. 9, 2014

As student loan debt continues to spiral out of control, a new proposal may make the situation even worse for struggling college students.

OPINION | COLUMNS

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

Dec. 9, 2014

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.

OPINION | COLUMNS

One editor’s last walk down the Avenue: Take a breath, take a break, move on

Dec. 9, 2014

One thing my parents always taught me was to stop, take a step back and look over my work.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Religion’s influence should be remembered

Dec. 8, 2014

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.

OPINION | EDITORIALS

Scott’s Ebola fanfare masks real health care issues

Dec. 8, 2014

I

OPINION | COLUMNS

Don’t let finals get you down: Winter Break is coming soon

Dec. 8, 2014

Starbucks has a line of customers out the door, Study Edge is clogged with students and everyone is talking about their grades — it must be finals week.

OPINION | COLUMNS

It’s time to say goodbye, leave home

Dec. 8, 2014

In the four years I've worked at this paper, I've never used the word "I" in a published sentence. So when I decided to write my goodbye column, it was hard to get started.

OPINION | COLUMNS

The power of international solidarity

Dec. 7, 2014

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.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Getting the facts straight is important

Dec. 7, 2014

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.

OPINION | EDITORIALS

Harkin’s student loan plan

Dec. 7, 2014

Democrats are generally known for favoring education spending by the federal government, whereas Republicans tend to oppose such expenditures. Many prominent Republicans, including Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.) and former Gov. Rick Perry (R-Texas), have expressed support for eliminating the U.S. Department of Education altogether.

OPINION | COLUMNS

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

Dec. 7, 2014

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.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Letter to the editor: Krishna Lunch program, UF Foundation working on pedestrian-friendly plaza

Dec. 7, 2014

In his Friday’s letter to the editor, Kyle Gorman expressed concerns about the location of Krishna Lunch on the Plaza of the Americas. Our current location offers sitting places and convenience for students, as well as accessibility for setting up and serving the lunch.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Why blacks in US are angry, frustrated

Dec. 4, 2014

A

OPINION | DARTS LAURELS

Doing the right thing, Devonte Hart for the end of the semester Darts and Laurels

Dec. 4, 2014

We’re in the home stretch, you guys. Despite the fact Florida has made a typical 180 in terms of the non-December type weather, there are only a few more days left of classes. Now here’s the game plan: Budget yourselves more Starbucks money than usual and crush those finals!

OPINION | COLUMNS

Millennials: unfairly scrutinized, stereotyped, by media

Dec. 4, 2014

No one ever says, “Wow. That’s just those Generation X kids,” or, “She is such a baby boomer!” In contrast, each member of today’s younger generation is categorized as being just another millennial in a spoiled and dumb youth population.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Boundaries, communication key to BDSM

Dec. 4, 2014

A few weeks ago, I got an email asking for advice on how to practice safe BDSM sex.