Opinions - The Independent Florida Alligator

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

WUFT-FM should rethink change in format

By Frank Bracco | Nov. 9, 2009

In a report compiled in June, consultants advising John Wright, the dean of UF's College of Journalism and Communications, suggested a format change to WUFT-FM would only lose $52,000 in membership dollars the first year ($26,000 per semester). Sadly, this semester's drive fell short. It represented a loss of more than $49,000 compared to fall 2008. That is a nearly a 40 percent reduction in pledge dollars; the number of pledges fell by 40 percent as well. The fall pledge drive brought in 29 percent less than the much weaker spring 2009 pledge drive.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Republicans aren’t too conservative

By Jenna Kilic | Nov. 9, 2009

Matthew Christ needs to learn a thing or two about the political ideology of Americans before he writes another column. In his latest one, "Republicans should move away from fringe," he seems to be under the impression that this country leans moderate to left, and therefore the Republicans lost the presidential election. With every column of his I read, I find myself questioning his understanding of what a conservative is. He seems to think that we are all "Bible-thumping," overzealous patriots, and I for one resent his attempts to pigeonhole us.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Guest column captures patriotic spirit

By Jote Thompson | Nov. 8, 2009

Bravo to Daniel Rood for his thought-provoking column in Wednesday's Alligator, "Remember the 5th of November." Dan has certainly captured the pulse of the patriotic movement in our nation at this time. I gasp when I think of what could happen in the near future if our constitutional rights are not restored soon. The Bush/Obama/Federal Reserve takeover of our country has been swift and decisive. I believe the revolution to come will be decisive, as well.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Goldstone Report includes firsthand evidence of war crimes

By Christine Schoellhorn | Nov. 8, 2009

Because good journalism always tells two sides of the story, and Friday's guest column by Yoav Mor was less than half of one side, allow me to clear up a few inaccuracies printed in the Alligator. This time, let's err on the side of fact rather than rhetoric.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Library doesn’t need stricter rules

By Nicola Hill | Nov. 8, 2009

I wonder how Don Kershaw expects the libraries to regulate incoming users. Should everyone enter single-file while some hapless student worker swipes IDs and holds up the line writing down identifying information of those without a coveted Gator 1 Card?

OPINION | COLUMNS

Republicans should move away from fringe

Nov. 8, 2009

Conservatives are like a group of elephants being led in circles by circus masters. Slowly, they sway back and forth, huffing and puffing, only to gain little ground after completing a circle.

OPINION | EDITORIALS

Waging War: Farmworkers' wages often forgotten

By The Alligator Editorial Board | Nov. 8, 2009

The closest that the average UF student comes to seeing the working conditions on an American farm is the occasional visit to FarmVille. (Well, for some unfortunate souls, this has become an all-too-frequent visit.)

OPINION | EDITORIALS

Blue-doggy style: Democrats shouldn’t bend on key issues

By The Alligator Editorial Board | Nov. 8, 2009

On Saturday night, the House of Representatives passed sweeping health care legislation in what President Barack Obama called "an historic moment for our nation and for American families."

OPINION | COLUMNS

Goldstone report doesn’t tell full story

By Yoav Mor | Nov. 5, 2009

There has been recent commotion by supporters of the United Nations' Goldstone report spreading half-truths and misinformation by claiming that the report deals with "human rights."

OPINION | EDITORIALS

Darts & Laurels

By The Alligator Editorial Board | Nov. 5, 2009

Things have been extra crazy around campus recently. UF staff members and the public just won't let up with their barrage of absurd actions, baffling the Editorial Board. While we would never wish this feeling of helpless bewilderment on anyone, we do hope that the Student Body shares in at least some of our confusion. And it is on that note that we are proud to present you with a we-need-confirmation-that-it's-not-just-the-sleep-deprivation-that's-confusing-us edition of...

OPINION | COLUMNS

Shands CEO explains AGH closure

By Timothy Goldfarb | Nov. 5, 2009

At Shands HealthCare, we remain committed to caring for all patients in our communities, including those requiring basic health care services and those with little or no health care insurance.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

PETA offers debate with grill group

By Ryan Huling | Nov. 5, 2009

In response to the Alligator article "College Republicans hold 'PETA Barbecue'" that ran on Wednesday, it was surprising to read that members of the student group claimed that "loving animals does not exclude you from eating meat." I surely hope they don't love the dogs they share their homes with the same way they "love" the pigs and chickens they served on the Plaza of the Americas.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

UF should limit library access

By Don Kershaw | Nov. 5, 2009

One doesn't have to look far to see a growing number of incidents involving the general public and university resources. In the last week alone, we have had a man threaten to throw coffee on students in the Marston Science Library and an alleged public masturbator. God knows what else goes unreported.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Pirates should become sea protectors

Nov. 4, 2009

As an unabashed supporter of all things pirate, news about pirates fighting the Mafia has left me nothing short of ecstatic. Additionally, as a shaper of public opinion and a veritable wellspring of brilliant ideas, I have an actionable plan that solves a pressing global issue in one fell swoop.

OPINION | EDITORIALS

Gay rights activists should look to federal government

By The Alligator Editorial Staff | Nov. 4, 2009

The most notable result of Tuesday's election was not the Republican wins in New Jersey or Virginia, but the continued push in voter initiatives rejecting same-sex marriage.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Some Republicans ‘condone rape’

By Erik Nyberg | Nov. 4, 2009

In response to Wednesday's letter to the editor written by James G., you failed to understand an important point, James. I agree with you that Paul's claim of racism in regard to Joe Wilson's remarks is unfounded and silly. I also agree that Paul's slander of the Republican Party in reference to ACORN was unjustified. But when it comes to the issue of Republicans being rapists for not passing "some bill," you showed a complete lack of knowledge about the subject.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Remember the 5th of November

By Daniel Rood | Nov. 4, 2009

Four hundred and four years ago today the infamous Gunpowder Plot to blow up the English Houses of Parliament was foiled, and co-conspirator Guy Fawkes was consequently executed. Though I do not condone acts of violence, this event serves as an important reminder for us all to stay vigilant in the face of tyranny. During the pre-revolutionary era in America, colonists celebrated Nov. 5 to express their anger toward the authoritarian government back in England, providing the foundation for the American Revolution. Today it is celebrated to express opposition to an increasingly belligerent government that not only puts our liberties at risk but also undermines the very principles this country was founded on.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

UPD officer responded well to stolen wallet

By Tina Reddick | Nov. 4, 2009

I would like to thank University Police Department Officer R. Howard for his assistance after my daughter's wallet was stolen. The most important item missing from it was her UF-Georgia ticket. He called the ticket office, and she was able to purchase another ticket. Many thanks from both of us.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Students should vote to bring Weezer to UF

By Elliot Morgan | Nov. 4, 2009

Students should vote to bring Weezer to UF

OPINION | COLUMNS

Column doesn’t present all facts

By Benjamin Camenker | Nov. 3, 2009

Paul Murty's Monday column was so shamefully dishonest that I felt I had to respond. He claims the Republicans are not listening to voters, when it is the Democrats in Congress who have pushed through multiple 1,000-plus page bills they haven't read (and have broken campaign promises by not giving the public time to read them, either). The latest Pew poll shows only 34 percent support for the new congressional health plan, with an opposition of 47 percent. And the opposition is growing. Mr. Murty, it is not the Republicans who are ignoring the will of the people.