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Sunday, April 19, 2026

Opinion

Florida Alligator
Opinion

Government should require health care

In response to the letters today regarding health care, I think it is unfortunate that some think this way. What about children - do they not have a "right" to health care? They can't go out and get a job, and often their parents won't spend money on something that is not mandatory. They would rather go to the emergency room uninsured, and guess who pays the bill for them? We do with our hard-earned taxpayer dollars.


Florida Alligator
Opinion

Time allotted in Growl uneven

I know Darts & Laurels doesn't come out until Friday, but I'd just like to give a spot-on-nail-on-the-head-explanation laurel to Delta Upsilon President Matthew Panzano.


Florida Alligator
Opinion

Loss of control can create obsession

Four years ago this week, my mom sent me a Halloween care package. It included Halloween decorations, a haunted house soundtrack for our dorm party and a tin of cookies.


Florida Alligator
Sports

Addazio should be blamed for game plan, not execution

Somewhere between christening Mike DiFerdinando - our often overly optimistic friend and colleague - "Butters," and trying to fit our group dynamics into that of the wildly popular TV show South Park, it occurred to me.


Florida Alligator
Opinion

Case against marriage equality faulty

Maine voters will go to the polls on Nov. 3 to vote on Maine's Question 1, a referendum that, if passed, will reject a state law that legalized gay marriage earlier this year. And through this prism, the refusal of Keith Bardwell, a Louisiana Justice of the Peace in Tangipahoa Parish, to sign an interracial couple's marriage license earlier this month becomes a lot more interesting, and not in a good way.


Florida Alligator
Opinion

Alligator overreacted to Greek jokes

I understand the fact that many students did not get the inside jokes about certain Greek organizations spoken during the Weekend Update at Gator Growl, but from the editorial "Let the Greeks Growl," the Alligator seemed very upset by this. I actually thought that the members of the Alligator would love this part the most, seeing as they appreciate any jab taken at the Greek community.


Florida Alligator
Opinion

Balloon hoax family deserves no attention

You probably heard about the "balloon boy" and his family. You know, the 6-year-old who was thought to be soaring over Denver last week in a giant helium balloon invented by his father. It turned out he never was in the balloon. In fact, he was safe at home the entire time.


Florida Alligator
Opinion

Homecoming attendees show cruel side

I was excited to go to the Homecoming Parade. I think of it as an excuse for all of Gainesville to come out and celebrate, regardless of our differences. I thought it would be a nice occasion to take my dog out. But, in doing so I was exposed to some of the worst manners residents have to offer.


Florida Alligator
Opinion

Gator Growl disappoints alumnus

I am a Florida alumnus and have attended Gator Growl for the past 11 years. This year I left sorely disappointed. My first and foremost complaint is that there were no fireworks. This is a tradition that we look forward to every year. Not to mention that the marching band didn't march, and the cheerleaders didn't cheer.


Florida Alligator
Opinion

Online commenters show cowardice

Johnathan Lott is the vice chairman for the UF College Republicans, my fraternity brother and good friend. On Wednesday, he wrote a biting but respectful response to the column bashing the "No More Che Day Protest" my club hosted. I am glad we got heated responses to our visibility stunt. We hold these events so that people staunchly set in their ways will have to at least consider their viewpoints again to form a concise, respectful, educated (and sometimes misguided) argument in return.



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