Opinions - The Independent Florida Alligator

OPINION | COLUMNS

Connections matter: Keep home roots

Oct. 13, 2014

When freshmen embark on the first semester of their college careers, one of three things undoubtedly occurs: They forget their families at home exist, they become incredibly homesick and call them every night or they cheerfully manage to keep up relationships with their families while also balancing and enjoying school like an ultimate pro. Kudos to those who can swing that. We’ve all been through that tough first break from the comfort of home, whether it’s hardest breaking away from your family, your friends or just your pet. College is always an adjustment period.

OPINION | COLUMNS

We should all be proud Americans

Oct. 12, 2014

Last week, Twitter caught on fire after “That’s So Raven” star Raven-Symoné did an interview with Oprah Winfrey and said she did not want to be labeled an African-American, but rather, just an American.

OPINION | EDITORIALS

Florida public records fees must be kept in check

Oct. 12, 2014

In the technological age of the 21st century, access to public records and information should be a fairly straightforward and efficient process. Unfortunately, in Florida, the methods of obtaining public information are anything but.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Medical marijuana amendment concerns about consequences, meaning unfounded

Oct. 12, 2014

On Oct. 8, Lindsay Alexander wrote a column opposing the approval of Amendment 2, which would legalize medical marijuana in Florida. Alexander’s concerns about Amendment 2 are misguided.

OPINION | COLUMNS

‘Dropped complaint’ vs. ‘false accusation’

Oct. 12, 2014

By now, we’ve all heard about the sexual assault complaint that was filed against UF football player Treon Harris last week and later dropped by the accuser.

OPINION | COLUMNS

War in Afghanistan: 13 years is too long

Oct. 9, 2014

On Tuesday, members of UF Students for a Democratic Society held a rally with anti-war groups from Gainesville — Code Pink, Veterans for Peace, UF Students for Justice in Palestine and UF College Libertarians — to protest our continued occupation of Afghanistan.

OPINION | DARTS LAURELS

Scalia, SCOTUS and Warren Buffet in Darts & Laurels

Oct. 9, 2014

It’s been a newsworthy week. We went from heralding backup Gators quarterback Treon Harris’ commandeering of a clutch win against Tennessee to vetting details of his sexual assault investigation. Wearily, we’re happy to bring you a We-hope-the-investigation-is-carried-out-fairly-and-hopefully-this-is-the-last-time-a-Gator-is-accused-of-sexual-assault edition of...

OPINION | COLUMNS

Diversity means more than an all-black cast

Oct. 9, 2014

As the fall television season continues, viewers can finally see which shows stand out as the winners and losers of the season. After the premiere ratings of primetime network television came in, one thing became crystal clear: diversity works on TV. Among the winners are three shows on ABC: “Scandal,” “How To Get Away with Murder” and “Black-ish.” These three shows premiered strong with a viewership of 11.9 million, 14 million and 10.8 million, respectively.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Your cheat sheet for STI testing

Oct. 9, 2014

The least wonderful time of the year is upon us — midterm season.

OPINION | COLUMNS

‘Twin Peaks’ return bound to disappoint

Oct. 8, 2014

Last Friday, director David Lynch sent out a rather interesting tweet: “Dear Twitter Friends: That gum you like is going to come back in style!”

OPINION | EDITORIALS

New ‘positive’ Scott ad hypocritical and misleading

Oct. 8, 2014

The Florida governor’s race has seen some strange ads this election season. In particular, the recent ad from the College Republican National Committee that compared incumbent Gov. Rick Scott and challenger Charlie Crist to wedding dresses set a new standard for bizarre political advertising. Scott’s “Flippin’ Amazing!” attack ad against Crist also made waves for its strange — albeit amusing — brand of humor.

OPINION | EDITORIALS

Other proposed state amendments deserve attention

Oct. 7, 2014

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OPINION | COLUMNS

Scott, Crist: not leadership Fla. needs

Oct. 7, 2014

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OPINION | COLUMNS

Fla. Amendment 2 medical marijuana regulations, restrictions just don’t cut it

Oct. 7, 2014

Election Day is quickly approaching. On Nov. 4, Florida voters will decide whether to enact Amendment 2: The Florida Right to Medical Marijuana Initiative.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Everyone, stop freaking out about Ebola

Oct. 6, 2014

After the first case of the Ebola virus in the U.S. was diagnosed last week, many Americans were struck with a fresh wave of panic and fear.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Give young adult literature a chance

Oct. 5, 2014

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OPINION | QUESTIONS

The race card is played for a reason

Oct. 5, 2014

The subject of race relations is still a very sensitive issue in the U.S. Anyone believing that we live in a post-racist society should take note of the case involving Jennifer Crambelett and Amanda Zinkon.

OPINION | COLUMNS

BDS threatens prospects of Israeli-Palestinian peace

Oct. 5, 2014

As someone who cares deeply about peace, justice and human rights in the Middle East, I am very concerned about recent events on campus promoting the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions Movement (BDS) against Israel.

OPINION | EDITORIALS

Rick Scott’s shady personal finances reflect behavior

Oct. 5, 2014

The Sunshine Amendment, which was added to the Florida Constitution in 1976, requires all state elected officials to make a “full and public disclosure” of their financial holdings every year.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Tinder: Helpful when used correctly

Oct. 2, 2014

At the end of the fairy tale, Cinderella lives happily ever after. Why wouldn’t Tinderella as well?