In response to Brandon Sack's July 1 column entitled "U.S. could learn much from Argentina," I have just a couple of questions: What happens when social activism goes wrong? If you want to see activism go too far in a Western nation, just look at France.
Fire up the grill, and light up the sparklers and fireworks. It's time to celebrate America's birthday! Independence Day provides Americans young and old, of all races and religions, backgrounds and regions, the opportunity to do what we excel at: enjoying copious amounts of red meat and alcoholic beverages and, of course, blowing stuff up. But before you get started on those burgers, brews and combustibles, we at the Department of Darts and Laurels offer you this week's red, white and blue edition of …
For the past two weeks, I was down in Argentina on vacation. This has kept me far away from my usual regimen of American politics and news. But while there, I found that Argentina's national political scene is almost as hard to stay away from as the red wine and grilled beef.
It is nearly impossible to find a silver lining in $4-a-gallon gasoline. But if one is to be found, it is in the fact that skyrocketing prices at the pump â€" and the resulting anger and discontent felt by Americans from sea to shining sea â€" are forcing our politicians to finally have a much needed debate on what should be done to solve the nation's dependency on foreign oil.
Summer break is within sight, and it comes not a moment too soon. We at the Department of Darts and Laurels have been waiting with baited breath for the chance to recharge our collective batteries with a week of rest and relaxation. However you choose to spend your downtime next week, we hope you will play it safe. With that said, it's time for the last-of-summer-A edition of …
Last week, the Supreme Court turned its back on the American people. In a 5-4 ruling, the court held that prisoners at Guantanamo Bay have the right to habeas corpus. In English, this means that prisoners are allowed to hear the evidence against them, and President Bush is prohibited from declaring anyone an "enemy combatant" and detaining them indefinitely without charge.
Last week marked the dawn of a new era for Florida's higher education system. Whether it represents a breakthrough or another example of political expedience, grandstanding and shortsightedness remains an open question.
This week, the Sunshine State hasn't exactly been living up to its moniker. Gainesville's newfound preoccupation with precipitation has left us at the Department of Darts and Laurels running for cover. Don't get us wrong, we're all about "Singin' in the Rain" when the opportunity presents itself, but the ominous dark clouds and violent thunder storms of these past couple of days have left us singing "Gimme Shelter" instead. We hope you've been able to keep dry these last few days, but if not, don't fret, 'cause there's always "Sunshine After the Rain." But just in case this somber weather has got you down, we have a brand new, waterproof edition of Darts and Laurels for your enjoyment. Now "Who Do You Love?"
Edward Miller, 4LS
Valerie Little, 3LS
Nuclear energy not completely safe
The true measure of any college's or university's success is found in the quality and dedication of its faculty members. While a prescient administration and an intellectually eager and engaged student body are also essential elements of a successful institution of higher learning, without committed professors who challenge us academically and inculcate a life-long love of learning, the university system fails.
Mark McShera, UF College Democrats Editorial Chair
Hurricane season is now upon us. June 1 marked the beginning of what experts predict will be an active storm season, with an estimated 15 named hurricanes on the horizon and at least one major storm in store for the Eastern United States. We at the Department of Darts and Laurels take hurricane season and hurricanes seriously, and we advise you to do the same. We strongly recommend that you stock up on those hurricane-survival essentials. You know, flashlights, bottled water, canned goods, transistor radios and, of course, drink mixers 'cause what's a hurricane (the storm) without a hurricane (the drink)?
Last week, over 100 countries met in Dublin, Ireland, to sign an agreement banning the use of cluster bombs, weapons invented by the Soviet Union during World War II. Cluster bombs are large single bombs that release a number of "bomblets" over a vast area and are usually intended for anti-personnel use.
Joshua Niederriter, CLAS Senator, Orange and Blue Party
Jonathan Spiewak, 2LS
Filup Molina, 4LS
David N. Tostenson, Philosophy Ph.D. candidate
Solutions by The State News
