Opinion | Columns - The Independent Florida Alligator

OPINION | COLUMNS

Writers should be compensated for work

Nov. 3, 2013

Everyone knows the world we live in is increasingly centered on technology — its invention, design, construction, marketing and — most importantly — its use. Science, technology, engineering and math careers abound and STEM-major students receive incentives for choosing more “worthwhile” tracks. Such a society denounces the humanities and its subfields.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Saudi women rebel — from the driver’s seat

Oct. 31, 2013

There is a wonderful movie called “Wadjda” that traces the plight of a young girl determined to get her hands on a bicycle.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Media searches for truth, not impartiality

Oct. 30, 2013

Journalism is dead, and we all know it.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Guest column: How citizens can help the nation

Oct. 29, 2013

Now that the government shutdown has ended, it’s time to focus on what we informed citizens can do to further our government’s stellar financial standing and its excellent track record of international diplomacy.

OPINION | COLUMNS

McDonald’s relies on government to subsidize its workers

Oct. 29, 2013

It is no secret that the high levels of profitability among many large American corporations stem, in part, from their low labor costs. According to Reuters, the current federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour is “one of the lowest minimum wages” among industrialized countries.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Public sector should emulate America’s private sector

Oct. 28, 2013

In 2008, then-candidate President Barack Obama was a tech pioneer. He utilized social media and the Internet to spread his message of “Hope and Change” to millions of Americans. His Internet-money campaign was unbridled. Because of his many online successes, media outlets dubbed him the first social-media president and the man who would usher the federal government into the 21st century.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Guest column: ‘Rape culture’ label ignores root cause

Oct. 28, 2013

In recent years, stories on rape have become increasingly formulaic. We’re given the same statistics with absolutely no analysis of the cause of rape or real solutions.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Stop and smell the roses, busy Gators

Oct. 28, 2013

A good friend of mine carries home a new stack of books from the library every week. She reads all the time, maintains good grades and serves as an event director for one of her extracurriculars. One of my favorite things about her is that, no matter when I ask her to do something, she’s ready. I’ve never heard her say, “I can’t, I’m busy.” She has just as much to do as everyone else but makes time for the things she enjoys, like reading Jacques Lacan and taking photo excursions.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Guest column: Iran nuclear challenge a win-win?

Oct. 27, 2013

Iran‘s nuclear program became a challenge 10 years ago. Some parts of the international community, represented by the permanent members of United Nations Security Council and Germany (P5+1), are exposing their concern about possible military dimensions of Iran’s nuclear program, and Iran is operating on peaceful purposes of its program.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Saudi women drive rights argument home

Oct. 27, 2013

A revolution can start with the simplest of actions.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Guest column: You say you want a revolution? You should start with music

Oct. 24, 2013

Music has lost its revolutionary power, and it’s your fault.

OPINION | COLUMNS

America’s policy on Pakistan: A love/hate relationship

Oct. 24, 2013

Shortly after the U.S. government shutdown ended, American officials announced Pakistan will be receiving more than $1.5 billion in military and economic aid.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Republican political strategy relies on misinformation, deception

Oct. 22, 2013

During a recent discussion with medical students at the University of Louisville, Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) inadvertently gave rare insight into the political strategy employed by him and his fellow Tea Party politicians.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Guest column: Inside the mind of a bomber

Oct. 22, 2013

This column is a response to a guest column published in the Alligator: “Palestinians are people with a voice”

OPINION | COLUMNS

Clues in ‘The Shining’ reveal the moon landing was faked

Oct. 22, 2013

Stanley Kubrick was one of the most evocative and accomplished directors in history. Even his worst movies were great, and his best movies pushed filmmaking into territory that was previously unthinkable. Even in death, he continues to influence directors and writers, and people still debate what his films mean to this day. He also secretly directed the Apollo 11 moon landing.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Accent is rife with corruption

Oct. 22, 2013

A strange set of events unfolded last week. In just hours, all 1,700 tickets were taken. The next day, an eager audience packed the Phillips Center for the Performing Arts to listen to the words of a frail 84-year-old speaker. Who was this old geezer?

OPINION | COLUMNS

‘Created Equal’ makes some women feel less than equal

Oct. 21, 2013

If you had to make the unfortunate trek through Turlington Plaza last week, chances are you caught an eyeful of the Created Equal movement’s aborted fetus posters and stand-ups lining the walkways. The “graphic images ahead” signs weren’t quite emphatic enough to prepare us for what was there.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Tea Party strategy is flawed, but it has good reason to be upset

Oct. 21, 2013

With the government shutdown behind us, the media are declaring winners and losers. No matter what poll or TV station you turn to, there always seems to be universal disapproval for the House Tea Party Caucus.

OPINION | COLUMNS

The ‘stateless’ Dominicans need international citizens to speak up

Oct. 20, 2013

While U.S. policies aren’t anywhere near perfect, they are progressive in comparison to situations abroad.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Guest column: A call for employer nondiscrimination

Oct. 20, 2013

In 2009, testifying in front of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, then-Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) insisted he finds it hard to argue for legislation that bans discrimination. He commented it was hard not because he in anyway condones discrimination, but rather that it was hard due to nondiscrimination being so self-evident.