Here at the Darts & Laurels department, we realize that our most recent editions have been a bit, let's say, deficient when it comes to laurels. But this week we promise that we will make an effort to be more positive.
In response to the editorial "Concealed weapons do not belong on campus," there are a few things that I would like to say. First off, I feel that my life is worth protecting, be it by wearing a seat belt when driving or carrying a gun.
After reading Thursday's editorial, it is clear that those in charge of the section are driven by fear and not logic with regard to concealed weapons.
The record album, the horse-drawn carriage, the abacus, the establishment of dating - that's just a short list of some things that have become obsolete. And here is a list what replaced them: the compact disc, the automobile, the calculator, high-tech dating.
A nice, traffic-congested drive down Archer Road will reveal to you a beautiful new apartment complex called The Bartram, which boasts lavish, "green" living.
In regards to Ms. Meyerson's letter Wednesday about poor police response to the bomb threat, I agree that perhaps more information could have been made immediately available through emergency channels. But it should also be said that students, staff, and faculty need to use common sense when it comes to fire alarms and announcements to evacuate. The first priority of the police and other emergency responders should be to get people out of the building, with specific information about "why" as a lesser priority.
Marine training not at fault for video
In the wake of recent shootings on college campuses, many have been left wondering what can be done - if anything at all - to make sure students are safe at school.
I'd like to offer a brief response to the socially responsible investment story in Tuesday's Alligator, for which I was interviewed.
When the alarm went off in the Florida Gym Tuesday, it was chaotic. There were no direct instructions other than the standard fire alarm the building is equipped with. All the message said was to evacuate the building. Students and faculty lingered because no one was given instructions.
The actions of the U.S. Marine shown throwing a puppy off a cliff in an Internet video are shameful and denounced by the Animal Activists of Alachua. That a person could take pleasure in the abuse and suffering of an innocent animal is appalling and cannot be justified. Animal cruelty is a felony in many states, and the Marine should be dishonorably discharged and serve prison time if the video is depicting reality. He should not be shown leniency in this matter based on the fact that he is a Marine. In fact, members of the military should be held to a higher standard.
Within the past two semesters on campus, I experienced my second UF professor close to tears when it comes to the budget cuts. The most recent 6 percent cut that departments must meet makes matters even worse at a school that is trying to become a top 10 institution. I want UF to be that top 10 school, and I'm confident that the only way that will happen is tuition is increased to similar rates of other public schools. One can take a look at the University of Michigan. According to its Web site, tuition and fees for in-state students are currently $10,448 for students in their first two years, and $11,776 for students in their third and fourth years. In comparison, UF's tuition and fees are $3,370. UF is an amazing institution, and I'm afraid that without an increase in tuition, The Gator Nation will be at a severe disadvantage in the future.
Though Gov. Charlie Crist would have you believe the state of Florida is not overcome with serious financial difficulties judging by his overly optimistic State of the State speech Tuesday night, a storm is brewing for this legislative session.
The American people have been fed a steady diet of fear for the better part of the last seven years. Since the harrowing hours of Sept. 11, our media and politicians have done their best to scare the living daylights out us by incessantly informing us that its not a matter of if there will be another terrorist attack, but when.
By the time the average reader views this article, most will have seen the supposed video of a member of the United States military throwing puppy off of a cliff in Iraq.
"If you are a whoremonger, you hate Christ, and Christ hates youuuu!"
In response to Jack Davis's guest column Monday, I must say that I could not agree more. As a student within the Department of History, I see firsthand how the budget crisis affects things at every level. Classrooms lack dry-erase markers for the white boards. In one class, our midterms had to be printed on thirds of sheets of paper.
Anyone who has tried to make their way out of Gainesville on a Friday afternoon or has attempted to rush over to The Oaks Mall for that last-minute gift knows that we live in a football town with a major traffic problem.
Somebody save me. I'm having a quarter-life crisis four years too early. I've been in school since I was six. I have nine weeks and two days left until my graduation. But the only number that seems to matter to me is zero. That's how many job offers I've received.
This week was chock full of antics that made us feel like we were drifting back to our days on the elementary school playground. With UF's Student Government elections came the usual name-calling, and there were even a few grown-ups who displayed more than their fair share of immaturity. So, live from the sandbox, we bring you this week's edition of…
Solutions by The State News
