Opinions - The Independent Florida Alligator

OPINION | EDITORIALS

Darts & Laurels

By The Alligator Editorial Board | Sep. 18, 2008

To kick things off this week, we'd like to hand a this-is-a-tradition-we-can-stand-by LAUREL to the Great Underwear Dash 8. We can't believe this thing has persisted for eight separate installations, but we're glad it has. Our only real concern is, if the Undie Dash maintains its current momentum, original Dashers will return in 30 years, strip to their unmentionables and participate in the GUD 38.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Lobbyists muddying energy problem

By JARROD STERN | Sep. 18, 2008

Everyone is all over the fad of hybrid and electric cars offering low emissions and high gas mileage.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Racism does not exist in U.S. society

By Ed Kallal | Sep. 18, 2008

Daniel Seco is writing about a problem that doesn't exist.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Hand scanners a waste of money

By Rory Delaney Rohan | Sep. 18, 2008

At a time of grave financial crisis, record layoffs and severe budget cuts, UF and Student Government have no business allowing the installation of expensive hand scanners in the recreational facilities. Students do not want their money wasted on such technology.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Gator Party stands for status quo

By Mark McShera | Sep. 17, 2008

On Wednesday, Student Sen. Jim Martz alleged that the Gator Party does not enlist all of its support from within the Greek community. On this count he is correct. However, Martz also alleged the Gator Party stands for "service" and "tangible results." He seems to be forgetting the Gator Party's long-standing tradition of incompetence, corruption and nepotism.

OPINION | EDITORIALS

Ctrl+Z: Retractions won’t undo previous damage

By The Alligator Editorial Board | Sep. 17, 2008

For the handful of Gators who don't already know, the drunk-dial is an irresponsible and detestable habit. Drunk-dialing usually occurs after midnight, expressing some feeling or idea that is normally buried beneath sobriety, shame and instincts of self-preservation. The next morning regret sets in, and the dialer typically tries to deny the message he or she could only blurt out while under the influence.

OPINION | EDITORIALS

Double Talk

By The Alligator Editorial Board | Sep. 17, 2008

Student Body President Kevin Reilly is a magic man.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Mocking Andrew Meyer bad journalism

By Noah Beckman | Sep. 17, 2008

Editors of the Alligator, your blasting of former Gator Andrew Meyer was both childish and highly hypocritical. You belittle Meyer for using the non-swear term "blowjob" in a reference to former President Bill Clinton's infidelity and support Accent for cutting his microphone. However, later in the same article you refer to Meyer's actions as "douchebaggery," another offensive term on the same level as Meyer's tame "blowjob."

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Democrats care about America, too

By Jay Jackson | Sep. 17, 2008

When I read Andrew Fells' Wednesday column about sticking to his conservative values, I was surprised to find that I agreed with nearly everything he said. I also want a president who values the Constitution, which is a document Republicans have been using as a snot rag for eight years. Obama, a Constitutional lawyer, will protect the Constitution and everything it stands for.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Racism still plays part in U.S. society

Sep. 17, 2008

Judge Jackie Glass told prospective jurors Monday in Las Vegas, "If you are here to think that you're going to punish Mr. Simpson for what happened in Los Angeles back in '95, this is not the case for you."

OPINION | COLUMNS

Government shouldn’t interfere with women’s access to care

By Natalie Muniz | Sep. 16, 2008

On Aug. 21, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced it is moving forward with a proposed regulation that, if enacted, would jeopardize women's health care by allowing providers to withhold services and critical information women need to make fully informed decisions about their health care. It also treads on democratically enacted state policies aimed at ensuring access to health care for the state's citizens.

OPINION | EDITORIALS

Shock Value: Happy Anniversary, Tasergate

By The Alligator Editorial Board | Sep. 16, 2008

Admittedly, we don't have the best memories.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Middle class needs more than just money

By Sterling Davenport | Sep. 16, 2008

While Nick Fitzpatrick's Tuesday article makes some interesting points, he seems to have missed a few fundamental ones. Obama's tax plan calls for lower taxes on the middle class than does McCain's plan.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Global warming is real

By Lindsay Feinberg | Sep. 16, 2008

When will people realize global climate change is not just a ploy made up by crazy liberals to gain power and freak out the world just for kicks? Yesterday in class I was shocked to hear a classmate refer to global climate change as "that stupid global warming thing." Seriously?

OPINION | COLUMNS

McCain represents Conservative value

By Andrew Fells | Sep. 16, 2008

Every morning when I get to campus, I find an Alligator newspaper and thumb through it. I am never surprised to find this liberally biased newspaper having some type of derogatory editorial referencing Sen. John McCain, Gov. Sarah Palin or the Republican Party.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Gator Party not just for Greeks

By Jim Martz | Sep. 16, 2008

The allegations that the Gator Party is actually the "Greek Party" are ridiculous. As a Gator Party senator, I can say with absolute sincerity that this is not true. The Gator Party prides itself on enlisting qualified and outstanding leaders from different organizations at UF, many of whom have no Greek-based involvement.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Barr should withdraw from race

By Ben Sarbey | Sep. 14, 2008

It is a travesty that Rep. Bob Barr really doesn't stand a chance in the national election. His beliefs more closely coincide with mine; however, I am still convinced that a vote for Barr is a vote thrown away. I refuse to stoop my vote down to the level of mere symbolism. I crave real world results, and I truly want what's best for my country. Thus, I must decide who is the lesser of two evils - McCain or Obama?

OPINION | EDITORIALS

Bringing Sexy Back

By The Alligator Editorial Board | Sep. 14, 2008

While tuning in to see Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin's acceptance speech, we are almost positive that everyone was hanging on her every word, transfixed by her persuasive political statements and promises of change.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

GOP represents middle class

By Nick Fitzpatrick | Sep. 14, 2008

Andrew Coffey asserts that the Republican Party doesn't represent middle-class voters. Does he think Democrats do? Or is he just too politically biased to see reality? Liberals paint the Republican Party as out-of-touch because they know Democrats will lose on the issues. The price of energy is a huge drain on the economy. It is the Republicans, not the Democrats, who want to take actions to immediately reduce the price of energy. Americans want jobs. The Republicans understand small businesses create jobs and support policies that give incentive for creating growth. It is the Democrats who vilify businesses, tax them until it is unprofitable to operate in the U.S. and then complain when they leave.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Barr deserves attention

By Rob Scherban | Sep. 14, 2008

My compliments to Neal Conner, chairman of the Libertarian Party of Alachua County, for his opinion piece entitled "Libertarian Party Stands for Change" on Friday. What a breath of fresh air in this otherwise discouraging election between two candidates who are very close on issues. I can't tolerate another minute of more of the same. Barr is coming to Gainesville soon, and I want to hear what he has to say before I throw away my vote one more time.