opinion - The Independent Florida Alligator

Opinion

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

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

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

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.

Sports

Nelson reaches out with scholarship fund

Nov. 4, 2009

A year and a half ago, I had the pleasure of interviewing Stacey Nelson for a feature story, and she told me about her love for Africa and helping people.

Opinion

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

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

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

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

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

Students should vote to bring Weezer to UF

By Elliot Morgan | Nov. 4, 2009

Students should vote to bring Weezer to UF

Sports

Glamorous wrinkles not always the answer

By CALLOVI< | Nov. 3, 2009

Urban Meyer loves adding new wrinkles to his team's game plan.

Opinion

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.

Opinion

Israel not being held accountable for actions

By Alex Salam | Nov. 3, 2009

Israel has repeatedly defied United Nations resolutions. What other developed country in the world would be allowed this lawless refusal to abide by UN resolutions? Moreover, since its occupation of the Palestinian Territories in 1967, Israel has not implemented one single resolution stipulating its withdrawal from the occupied territories and refraining from all activities in these territories.

Opinion

Machen responded well to rusting bicycle problem

By James N. Beeler Jr. | Nov. 3, 2009

This letter is to commend President Bernie Machen for an extremely prompt response to an e-mail I wrote to him regarding the rusting hulks of bicycles that have dotted campus since I arrived in fall 2008 as a graduate student. I wrote this e-mail Monday afternoon expressing my dismay at having to constantly dodge the rusty carcases of abandoned bikes, and was pleasantly surprised to receive a personal response that evening. Further, a phone call came from the appropriate person at UPD the next morning, with a pledge that the issue would be handled immediately. When I arrived at ARCH today, the worst of the problem was gone. Kudos to President Machen for making the time to care about the small problems.

Opinion

Murty’s statements about Republicans biased

By James G. | Nov. 3, 2009

This is in response to Paul Murty's article on Monday that could only be described as a "slaughter of logic." Paul, your article was nothing short of a biased attempt to prove that the Republicans are all evil, racist Halliburton employees who rape women. I am not kidding. At one point in your article, you somehow deduce that U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson was a racist for saying "you lie" to Obama.

Opinion

Library patron should be commended for reporting lewd behavior

By Kenny Picciano | Nov. 3, 2009

I am writing to give my full support behind Tuesday's Alligator editorial, "Public Porn." Reading that a brave patron of Library West had the courage to turn in this "jerking-class hero," Christopher Wallace, did nothing short of erect a smile on my face.

Opinion

Good riddance to judge who refused to marry interracial couple

By The Alligator Editorial Board | Nov. 3, 2009

Last month, an interracial couple seeking a marriage license was turned away by a Louisiana justice of the peace on the grounds that their marriage was "mixed." The refusal was met with an eruption of criticism from civil rights groups and public officials, including Louisiana's governor, Bobby Jindal.

Opinion

IM language doesn’t make literature

Nov. 3, 2009

I don't know when we, as a culture, got this idea that reading in any form is better for kids than watching TV or playing video games.

Opinion

RTS must act to make crossing streets safer

By The Alligator Editorial Board | Nov. 3, 2009

The death of Erin Pelton Monday night is a tragedy to say the least. A 2008 UF graduate with an animal biology degree, she aspired to become a veterinarian, and friends say she had a promising future.