opinion - The Independent Florida Alligator

This World AIDS Day, I reflect on the number of people in the U.S. and abroad who contract HIV daily. It’s a staggering number. I also remember those who are currently living with HIV, a disease characterized by stigma and social blame. While originally considered a disease of gay men, many today are living with HIV for reasons beyond their control — including receiving tainted blood transfusions.

Opinion

Dunlap should play in Saturday’s game

By Samuel Thomas | Dec. 1, 2009

While it is sorely disappointing to find out about Carlos Dunlap’s DUI, The Gator Nation should not be quick to judge, and he should certainly remain eligible for the game on Saturday.

Opinion

Alligator should have reported on crash

By Vlad Korepanov | Dec. 1, 2009

I am curious as to why there was no mention in the Alligator of Bernie Machen’s hit-and-run incident and subsequent criminal charges. He received a notice to appear in court on a misdemeanor charge after hitting a parked car and not leaving insurance and contact information as required by law. Something like this is newsworthy, especially given the fact that he refused to admit fault until police got involved and escorted him back to the accident scene.

Opinion

Gainesville gives alumni warm welcome

By Ed | Dec. 1, 2009

Last Saturday’s festivities were a tremendous send-off for a unique senior class. My wife hadn’t been back to the university in 16 years, and the students and fellow alumni we met were all very friendly. We got to tour the dorms still there, the Heavener complex, and met Alberta at a volleyball game.

Opinion

Church sets bad example

By Robert Hewitt | Dec. 1, 2009

Being accosted by crazies of all types, usually benign, is normal in a college town like Gainesville. However, when it’s virulent hatred that evokes remembrance of Nazis persecuting Jews and other minorities, silence is not always the best response.

Opinion

Lessons come from experience, not advice

Dec. 1, 2009

Over Thanksgiving, I got to spend a week with my 19-year-old sister, who’s a sophomore at a state school in the Midwest.

Opinion

Blind Faith: U.S. should remain skeptical about troop increases

By The Alligator Editorial Board | Dec. 1, 2009

In his Tuesday night speech, President Barack Obama outlined his strategy for the war in Afghanistan.

Opinion

D-U-Idiot: UF's prominent figures should set example

By The Alligator Editorial Board | Dec. 1, 2009

Carlos Dunlap, Gators star defensive end, looks sad, resigned, and a little pathetic in a mug shot taken early Tuesday morning after police arrested him on one count of DUI.

Opinion

Fool's flu: UF shouldn't require medical notes for exams

By The Alligator Editorial Board | Dec. 1, 2009

Your mother’s incessant nagging is no longer the best reason to get a flu vaccine. Now it’s grade concerns that will push students into the vaccine lines. (Let’s face it — health worries are never on the top of the list.)

Opinion

Premium Price: Taxpayers shouldn’t pay for lawmakers’ insurance

By The Alligator Editorial Board | Nov. 30, 2009

While Florida lawmakers and top state employees are criticizing Congress’ efforts to extend health care to more poor people, they have fought to protect an entitlement of their own: free insurance premiums.

Opinion

Say what you would regret leaving unsaid

Nov. 30, 2009

I like this question, even if it’s a little morbid: If you knew you were going to die this evening, and you couldn’t talk to anyone between now and then, what would you most regret not telling someone?

Opinion

Republican Party needs to realize all politics are local

By Nick Miner | Nov. 30, 2009

The Republican Party has recently drafted a Purity Resolution. If passed, any candidate seeking support from the Republican National Committee would be required to support at least eight of the 10 resolutions named by the committee.

Opinion

Islam on Campus gives thanks

By Ismail ibn Ali | Nov. 29, 2009

In the name of God, the most beneficent, the most merciful.

Sports

Field goal sinks rivalry to new low

Nov. 29, 2009

Florida State kicker Dustin Hopkins trotted onto Florida Field to attempt a 20-yard field goal with the Seminoles down 30-0 at the end of the third quarter and gave the 90,000-plus onlookers a startling wakeup call.

Opinion

UF should name gate after Tebow

By Victoria Shelly | Nov. 29, 2009

It is my opinion that Gate 15 of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium should be renamed Gate Tebow. If you’re with me, Gator Nation, let’s let the university know.