Opinions - The Independent Florida Alligator

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Fundraising money should be better spent

By Taylor Moore | Oct. 2, 2008

After reading the articles on our Student Government candidates raising a couple thousand bucks for their ever-important T-shirts and buttons, I couldn't help but think about how much money Americans waste by giving to political campaigns. For the 2008 election thus far, all of the candidates have raised over $1 billion (McCain = $230 million, Obama = $454 million). Why?

OPINION | COLUMNS

Energy technology not efficiently used

By LANCE LEGEL | Oct. 2, 2008

Reclining on your couch, 36 years from now and 360,000 Chinese yuan in debt, you learn that the oceans have accelerated their flooding of coastal regions across the world. Suddenly, a deafening roar shatters all of your windows and throws you from your couch. A few miles away, a dark and expanding nuclear mushroom cloud beckons for your life.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Amendment 2 about curbing rights, not protecting marriage

Oct. 2, 2008

I'm against Amendment 2 because I believe Florida should stand up for the gay community.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Voting a choice, not duty

By Tolulope Bukola | Oct. 1, 2008

Wes Hunt's rambling denunciation of the ignorant voter was hilarious but misguided. The essence of democracy is choice - including the choice not to participate in the political process or to select the dumbest candidate.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Handlebar mustaches represent power, freedom from razors

By James Caven | Oct. 1, 2008

I was cutting myself shaving this morning when I wondered, "Why isn't crazy facial hair popular anymore?" It certainly looks better than a face full of bandages.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Alligator not biased

By Nate Juster | Oct. 1, 2008

I encourage my fellow readers to avoid fallacious attacks on the Alligator and to stop implying a false political dichotomy when it is perfectly possible to be moderate in reporting.

OPINION | EDITORIALS

We Buy Ugly Houses

By The Alligator Editorial Board | Oct. 1, 2008

Who said the economy is crushing the housing market? Fannie Mae who?

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Biden should go easy on Palin

By Matthew Schwarz | Oct. 1, 2008

Nobody expects Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, Sen. John McCain's comically incompetent running mate, to put up a fight against Sen. Joe Biden at this Thursday's vice presidential debate - unless it happens to involve blue lines and slap shots. As this crucial milestone approaches, I would like to remind those hoping for an Obama victory, including the charming yet tempestuous Sen. Biden, to tread carefully.

OPINION | EDITORIALS

Chinese gymnasts competed, won fairly

By The Alligator Editorial Board | Oct. 1, 2008

More than a month after the dust from the Beijing Olympics has settled, we have been alerted to a refreshing ending to one of the Games' most controversial issues.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Little man shouldering economic woes

Oct. 1, 2008

All right, I've had enough with the "Barackin' the Vote" and "McLeading the Polls."

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Republicans deflect volunteers

By Michael George | Oct. 1, 2008

For students annoyed by the registration volunteers, there is a solution that will prevent them from coming anywhere near you - wear a McCain/Palin shirt.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Alligator biased, brainwashing institution

By Elliott Morgan | Sep. 30, 2008

I would like to thank the Alligator for its constant liberal bias. Being an avid supporter of infanticide and having a general distaste for racial equality or national security, I am, of course, a big-time Obama supporter.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Elderly voters care about future, too

By Ethan Stonerook | Sep. 30, 2008

In response to Wes Hunt's column, "Ignorant electorate bound for failure," I must say I agree that young people should vote, but it is unwise to declare that citizens older than 50 are just "the old" and have "no stake in the future of the nation beyond the next two to three, maybe four presidents."

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Political volunteers are needed

By Alden Gillespy | Sep. 30, 2008

In response to Casey Peterson's letter, "Political volunteers pester the masses," I ask if Casey has, in fact, registered to vote in Alachua County. If not, his fellow politically minded friends may want to encourage him.

OPINION | EDITORIALS

Fundraising beefs up Senate campaigns

By The Alligator Editorial Board | Sep. 30, 2008

From middle school class president races to the race to become the United States' head honcho, all campaigns require financing.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Reforming elections would improve SG

Sep. 30, 2008

No one should call for change without outlining an alternative, which is why I thought it was worth spending an additional column to detail an alternative to the current Student Government electoral process.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Volunteers help unregistered voters

By Lindsay Webber | Sep. 30, 2008

Yes, I am one of those people pestering you as you walk to class. And yes, I see the look on your face as I approach you - it translates roughly to, "Not again! Why won't you leave me alone?" - excluding profanities, of course.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Drinking policy should apply to everyone

By Jennifer Allen | Sep. 29, 2008

As a recent alumna coming back to UF to tailgate, I was caught off guard by a new campus rule. While playing beer pong with friends, we were accosted by two members of the University Police Department who said we had to break up the game immediately, wrote down all our names, took our pictures and said if we were caught again they could arrest us for trespassing.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Ignorant electorate bound for failure

Sep. 29, 2008

Many of you may be preparing to skip the first election in which you are eligible to vote. Congratulations, it's quite the milestone in your life of civic irresponsibility. May I suggest a way to celebrate this momentous occasion? Turn on CNN on election night, and every time Wolf Blitzer or one of his minions says the phrase "best political team on television," take a drink. You'll be plastered, hungover and sober again well before anyone knows who won Florida.

OPINION | EDITORIALS

Vice presidential debate may get ugly

By The Alligator Editorial Board | Sep. 29, 2008

With the McBama undercard bout out of the way, we can settle into our beer-stained, fifth-hand couches with a pint and a bowl of Cheetos to plunge ourselves into Thursday's vice presidential debate. We think it's going to be a barn burner.