Mark McShera - The Independent Florida Alligator

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Columnist’s behavior disappointing

By Mark McShera | Oct. 11, 2010

When I first read Bryan Griffin’s Thursday column, I found it encouraging he would attempt to broaden his horizons and break from his normal pattern of beating Republican talking points. However, when it came to my attention Griffin had plagiarized, I could only feel disappointed. Griffin and I rarely agreed on political issues during our four years together as undergraduates, but I always thought he took his paeans to justice and American values seriously. Sadly, I was mistaken.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Student Alliance party has plenty of experience

By Mark McShera | Feb. 2, 2010

Clarification: This is a response to a letter that was originally attributed to UF student Josh Winegar. Winegar informed the Alligator that he believes the letters were sent falsely under his name by members of the Unite Party, who currently hold the Student Government majority. The Alligator does not currently know the identity of the senders.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Crist’s plan not the only solution available for education

By Mark McShera | Nov. 23, 2008

One of the slogans of the faculty union is "Top 10 university on a shoestring budget?" It simply is not possible.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Gator Party stands for status quo

By Mark McShera | Sep. 17, 2008

On Wednesday, Student Sen. Jim Martz alleged that the Gator Party does not enlist all of its support from within the Greek community. On this count he is correct. However, Martz also alleged the Gator Party stands for "service" and "tangible results." He seems to be forgetting the Gator Party's long-standing tradition of incompetence, corruption and nepotism.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

McCain won’t save UF’s budget crisis

By Mark McShera | Sep. 1, 2008

UF President Bernie Machen declared in his State of the University address Thursday that UF lacks the resources it needs because of a "gloomy economy." Perhaps he should have taken this into consideration before endorsing Sen. John McCain in January.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Gator Party shuts out CLAS representation

By Mark McShera | Mar. 25, 2008

On Sunday night, the Student Senate Replacement and Agenda Committee voted on its recommendations for committee appointments. It rejected all four members of the Orange and Blue Party who applied. As Orange and Blue swept the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences last month, this leaves the 12,000 students of CLAS without representation on any of the Senate's five committees.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Florida Democratic primaries still important

By Mark McShera | Jan. 29, 2008

Since Florida won't receive any delegates at the National Democratic Convention in August, some people have tried to claim Tuesday's election won't matter.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Endorsement hurts UF's image

By Mark McShera | Jan. 23, 2008

UF President Bernie Machen's decision to endorse John McCain is an unusual move for a university president. The job of the university president is to serve as an impartial representative of UF, not a partisan politico.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Online SG voting should be an option

By Mark McShera | Nov. 15, 2007

During the fall Student Government election, UF students again resoundingly expressed the opinion that the voting system at UF needs an overhaul. When 14 percent of the electorate trudges through the rain to the polls, it is time for a change.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

New Senate president won't bring change

By Mark McShera | Oct. 11, 2007

After the changing of the guard in the Student Senate, we now have another Gator Party insider attempting to implement the party's failed agenda.