Opinions - The Independent Florida Alligator

OPINION | COLUMNS

The negative mental health effect of an unwanted pregnancy is worse than that of an abortion

Mar. 18, 2018

A new landmark study by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine shows that abortions in the U.S. are safe and have few complications. It examines the four major methods used for abortions in this country, as well as women’s care from before the procedure through follow-up care.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Are alligators more dangerous than you think?

Mar. 18, 2018

In 1947, Dr. Ross Allen, founder of The Reptile Institute at Silver Springs, donated an alligator nicknamed “Albert” to the University of Florida. Before kickoff of every home football game, Albert was strapped to a leash and would lead the team onto the field. He was then kept on the sidelines for the rest of the game. A chain-link pen was even built near Century Tower to keep the gator.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Here are some reasons you should care about Student Government at UF

By Zachariah Chou | Mar. 15, 2018

Perhaps you’re just a plebeian, going in and out of the Reitz Union and Southwest Recreation Center, showing up to various general body meetings of clubs and riding the bus. Maybe you’re a power user of Student Government services, taking advantage of our school’s free New York Times subscriptions and subsidized late-night Uber services (Google “UF Safe Rides” if you don’t know what I’m talking about, and thank me later).

OPINION | DARTS LAURELS

Darts & Laurels: March 16, 2018

Mar. 15, 2018

Like most college seniors about to graduate, you want answers. You need to know where you’ll be in a few months. Realizing you don’t have the power to see the future, you seek out someone who does: a psychic.

OPINION | EDITORIALS

Politicians are trying to limit access to information. Let them know you're watching.

Mar. 13, 2018

Whether you realize it or not, you benefit from and want there to be open information laws.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Don't be paralyzed by the unknown, but rather inspired by possibilities

Mar. 13, 2018

In a culture that worships people who “have it together,” it seems as though today’s millennials and Gen Zers have been conditioned to fear uncertainty as if it were the plague.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Let's fight for women to be heard — and when the time comes, remembered

Mar. 13, 2018

Charlotte Bronte, Henrietta Lacks and Ida B. Wells: You’ve probably heard these names because of the notable contributions they gave the world during their lives. However, they were forgotten after they died. At least by one of the country’s most widely circulated newspapers.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Trump’s presidency has become reality TV

Mar. 13, 2018

One of the main points of criticisms I hear of President Donald Trump is his unseemly and unpresidential behavior. He is not a smooth talker. He tweets more than a teenager does, gives disparaging nicknames to his political opponents and is drowning in scandal. The list could go on for miles. Trump, a reality TV star who once made an appearance on World Wrestling Entertainment, does not fit the position of president of any country, let alone the United States, people often say. And I agree with them.

OPINION | EDITORIALS

Adding more guns is not the solution

Mar. 11, 2018

On Friday, Gov. Rick Scott met with the loved ones of the 17 people who were murdered in the Parkland school shooting last month. After these meetings in Tallahassee, Scott signed a law that will create stricter measures for gun purchases across the state.

OPINION | COLUMNS

We must continue our activism efforts on gun reform

By Mia Gettenberg | Mar. 11, 2018

Two facts. First, last week Gov. Rick Scott signed a bill raising the minimum age for purchasing rifles in Florida from 18 to 21. The bill also expanded the handgun waiting period to cover long guns, ban bump stocks and create a program allowing some school personnel to carry guns (I guess we can’t have it all).

OPINION | COLUMNS

Women of color are fundamental to feminism, which is for all women

By Madisyn Jones | Mar. 11, 2018

As you scrolled through social media Thursday, you probably noticed a post here and there about someone’s mother, sister or best friend. The post likely acknowledged their strength, beauty or any of their characteristics.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Hostage situations happen in real life, not only in books and movies

By Taylor Cavaliere | Mar. 11, 2018

This past Friday, four people died after a hostage situation emerged at a home for veterans just north of Napa, California.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Trump’s infrastructure plan inadequately addresses America’s situation

Mar. 1, 2018

President Donald Trump recently revealed his plan to improve America’s infrastructure. I believe the plan falls short when it comes to solving problems. Infrastructure can be defined as anything from bridges to electrical grids, but I'll focus on three sectors in desperate need of reform: roads, dams and water systems.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Does Trump’s cabinet represent America or just people who are like him?

Mar. 1, 2018

Representation matters. It's almost always clear if an organization is hiring enough people of color or isn’t helping them ascend to leadership roles.

OPINION | DARTS LAURELS

Darts & Laurels: March 1, 2018

Mar. 1, 2018

It’s finally Spring Break. After spending the last two weeks cooped up in Library West, you come to find you’ve forgotten what it feels like to breathe in fresh air or to feel sunlight on your skin. Needless to say, you have been in desperate need of some rest and relaxation, far away from UF’s campus.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Celebrities’ opinions make or break marketing

Mar. 1, 2018

“So does anyone else not open Snapchat anymore? Or is it just me... ugh this is so sad.”

OPINION | EDITORIALS

This Spring Break, act responsibly

Feb. 27, 2018

We’re almost there, just three more days until Spring Break. Some of you may be ducking out early. Some of you may be extending yours into the next week.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Don't let the opinions of famous people shape your worldviews

Feb. 27, 2018

I’m not sure there are people who know what they are talking about when talking about politics. Even the experts, the ones who were so sure of a Clinton victory that they would have given you the deed to their houses if she lost, seem to be grasping in the dark at times.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Don’t forget to remember self-awareness in the pursuit of self-care

Feb. 27, 2018

Whether you namaste or “namaste in bed,” the concept of self-care means something different for everyone.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Why are strong female songs written by men?

Feb. 27, 2018

“Something about you makes me feel like a dangerous woman.” These lyrics, sung soulfully by Ariana Grande, have become an anthem for women that transcends age, relationship status and worldview.