On most political issues — the economy, health care and climate change — Americans are more polarized than ever before. However, there is at least one subject on which the vast majority of Americans agree: the enormous and inappropriate role that money plays in American elections.
As you have probably noticed by now, we normally go casual on Fridays with a quirky, tongue-in-cheek “Darts and Laurels” summing up the best and worst of the week. But on Thursday night, the Alligator staff was in no mood to chide silliness and applaud reason. Anything we could have written in this space feels trivial compared to what dominated Florida State University students’ thoughts, prayers and social media newsfeeds in the past 24 hours.
On Tuesday evening, the U.S. Senate held a vote on a bill that would have curtailed the extensive and likely unconstitutional data collection programs of the National Security Agency.
Last week, the Alligator published an editorial about Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi’s close ties to the Republican Attorneys General Association — RAGA. The organization is heavily supported by donations from interest groups supporting large corporations and from corporations themselves. RAGA has handsomely repaid the investments made by these corporate groups, fighting against environmental protections, financial regulations and labor rights, all of which threaten corporate profits.
One of the most shameful problems the U.S. confronts today is its massive — and growing — number of homeless people, particularly children. A report released Monday by the National Center on Family Homelessness puts the issue of homelessness in America in stark terms.
Once again, we are approaching the glorious American holiday known as Thanksgiving. Millions of Americans will travel to visit friends and family, gorge themselves on delicious food and watch football. Millions of other Americans will shovel their Thanksgiving meals into their mouths as quickly as possible in order to join the frenzy of shoppers at their local malls.
The partisan makeup of American politics, particularly at the national level, has seen quite a bit of change recently. Congress has transitioned from Democratic dominance to Republican control in just six years.
On Oct. 28, Gretna, Florida, resident Juanita Donald called 911. She was requesting help in transferring her mentally ill son, Kadrick Donald, to the Apalchee Center after Kadrick refused to take his medication.
Last week, 90-year-old Arnold Abbott made headlines worldwide after he was arrested for feeding the homeless in a public park in Fort Lauderdale. The arrest occurred just days after a new city ordinance took effect, making it more difficult for private citizens and charitable organizations to feed the homeless in public.
Last week, Florida voters re-elected Attorney General Pam Bondi in a landslide. Bondi received 55 percent of the vote, while her Democratic challenger, George Sheldon, received 42 percent.
When Alachua County voters went to the polls Tuesday the focus of the media and most voters remained primarily on the hotly contested governor’s race and the proposed “Moving Alachua County Forward” transportation tax initiative.
In September, the Obama administration launched the “It’s On Us” campaign, which aimed at addressing the issue of rape and sexual assault on college campuses.
On Tuesday, Americans went to the polls and voted to give Republicans control of the U.S. Senate. Although many of the races were very close, it was clear toward the end that Republicans had earned a decisive victory at the national level.
After months of campaigning, millions of dollars spent on political advertising and countless debates, scandals and controversies, Election Day 2014 is finally here.
Alachua County is currently facing a massive shortfall in funding for road repairs and other transportation spending. According to The Gainesville Sun, the county faces a $550 million backlog of road repairs, transit improvements and other transportation projects.
In addition to all the races for elected office on the Florida ballot this November, voters will also decide whether to approve three amendments to the state Constitution. Each of these amendments requires the approval of 60 percent of voters to be added.
Next Tuesday, Florida voters will go to the polls and decide whether to re-elect Republican Gov. Rick Scott or replace him with Democratic challenger and former Gov. Charlie Crist.
During her campaign for re-election, Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi has trumpeted her tough-on-crime credentials. In particular, she has emphasized her success in curbing Florida’s rampant “pill mill” and human trafficking industries.
On Tuesday, 18-year-old Shaquielle Olmeda was arrested in Manatee County. According to the Bradenton Herald, police "used patrol units, dogs and helicopters to set up a perimeter" and eventually apprehended and arrested Olmeda.
Solutions by The State News
