Opinion | Columns - The Independent Florida Alligator

OPINION | COLUMNS

Loyalty shouldn’t be top political priority

Nov. 20, 2008

Early in the presidential campaign, when then-Sen. Barack Obama was asked to describe the model of presidential leadership he hoped to emulate, he cited Doris Kearns Goodwin's book "Team of Rivals." The book describes how Abraham Lincoln filled his cabinet with people who were selected for competence, not loyalty - peers and adversaries alike. Lincoln knew the gravity of the times called for far more than an administration of yes men.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Handouts won’t save auto industry

Nov. 19, 2008

As Detroit descends upon Capitol Hill desperately seeking a handout to rescue the flailing automotive industry, we must consider redefining the American dream.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Flings no substitute for relationships

Nov. 18, 2008

I was talking with a friend the other day about how she met her boyfriend of three years. As I get older, I turn more of my attention to these stories because they have become almost as important to me as politics.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Bible archaic, full of contradictions

Nov. 17, 2008

As an atheist and a divisive jerk (which are not mutually inclusive), there's not much that I enjoy more than watching a fundamentalist Christian argue a modernized Christian.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Sports not worth risking health, girlfriend

By Sarah Petersen | Nov. 17, 2008

I don't get it. I can't count how many times I repeated this to my sports-obssessed ex-boyfriend during the year we dated. People go nuts for tailgating, body paint and Super Bowl parties. This behavior makes them look like ridiculous, idiotic monkeys running around in jerseys.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Fla. votes on Obama, Amendment 2 clash

By Todd Portnowitz | Nov. 17, 2008

After awarding its 27 electoral votes to the incompetent George W. Bush in 2000 and 2004, Florida has finally shown signs of maturing. In 2008, our stubborn state budged, proving itself open-minded enough to support a progressive black man who is the antithesis of "W."

OPINION | COLUMNS

Tuition hike would protect degree value

Nov. 16, 2008

It's your typical Monday morning: You grudgingly fight your way out of bed, stumble across campus to class and slump into the first seat you can find in the back of Carleton Auditorium. Your professor walks in and somberly approaches the lectern.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Media bias not cause for McCain’s loss

Nov. 13, 2008

In politics, as in life, you can usually identify losers by their tendency to blame the messenger.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Obama presidency bad for comedians, good for country

By Alexandra A. Petri | Nov. 12, 2008

Obama isn't funny. There, I said it.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Intolerance opposes American values

Nov. 12, 2008

America's drunken love affair with the notion of change has led the nation to completely overlook the shortcomings that continue to ravage our country.

OPINION | COLUMNS

White House should represent America

Nov. 11, 2008

The U.S. was founded in a revolutionary spirit. This American brand of patriotism insists that our citizens constrain the power of our leaders, in spite of impulsive emotions and desires. Throughout their political experience, Americans are encouraged to openly challenge their leaders.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Upholding Constitution part of president’s duties

By Daniel Rood | Nov. 11, 2008

As you were all out celebrating President-elect Barack Obama's victory early into the morning on Nov. 5, many of you let an important day in history pass without recognition.

OPINION | COLUMNS

McCain can lead Republican Party following presidential loss

Nov. 11, 2008

Sen. John McCain finally gave a speech worthy of a presidential candidate. He spoke to Americans like adults and forsook the aggressive and counterproductive assaults that defined his campaign.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Part–time pundits ruin election season

Nov. 9, 2008

Finally, they are gone.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Election celebration shows enthusiasm for change, Obama

By ANDREA WILLIAMSON | Nov. 9, 2008

As an American, the proudest moment of my life came on Tuesday night.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Anti–Palin views do not count as sexism

Nov. 6, 2008

It's strange, really. I don't feel like a sexist.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Republican Party should return to its conservative roots

By JONATHAN LOTT | Nov. 6, 2008

I think everyone in this country can agree to just be happy the election is over. Granted, some of us, namely those who supported Sen. John McCain, are bound to be disappointed. An objective analysis of the situation shows us that, despite our best efforts, the election was ours to lose. The future of our party is clear and hopeful.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Obama win brings hope to Americans

Nov. 5, 2008

Sitting on the floor against the wall in the Reitz Union Grand Ballroom, I had separated myself from the masses and slowly began to grasp what President-elect Barack Obama's victory meant to the black students at UF.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Rental bicycles won’t lower car use

Nov. 4, 2008

When I first saw a front-page story about a UF program encouraging bicycle use, I was more than excited. I am a huge cycling advocate.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Spreading wealth helps middle class

Nov. 3, 2008

In the last three decades, conservative leaders in this nation have done something remarkable. They have convinced Americans that equality is bad, specifically economic equality. Anything remotely resembling a progressive tax system is labeled as socialist and radical.