Opinion | Editorials - The Independent Florida Alligator

OPINION | EDITORIALS

“I got fake people showin’ fake love to me,” and it’s a bigger problem than you’d think

Jan. 28, 2018

When we think of identity theft, we often consider drained bank accounts and staggering credit scores. We think of it as a crime committed for direct and immediate financial gain, not for perceived popularity. But, similarly to what it has done to most aspects of society, social media is changing the standards of identity theft.

OPINION | EDITORIALS

Another senseless murder happened Tuesday. But you probably don’t care.

Jan. 23, 2018

You’re going to read the story and perhaps feel a pang of sadness. You’ll read the names — maybe even get to know their families for a second.

OPINION | EDITORIALS

Doctors shouldn’t deny treatment based on religion

Jan. 21, 2018

News headlines last week were dominated by the government shutdown and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program deals. These big ticket items, as important as they are, have taken away focus from another just as infuriating issue in President Donald Trump’s administration.

OPINION | EDITORIALS

Congress needs to act on DACA

Jan. 16, 2018

Hundreds of thousands of young undocumented immigrants continue to live in fear of impending deportation as Congress attempts to finalize their fate with a legislative solution.

OPINION | EDITORIALS

Joe Arpaio does not deserve the people’s vote

Jan. 9, 2018

It was only a matter of time before the next chapter in the Joe Arpaio saga came around.

OPINION | EDITORIALS

New year, better you

Jan. 8, 2018

It’s that time of the year again. The gym is filled to capacity, the library is surprisingly full and the rude classmate you’ve dealt with for the past three semesters is suddenly rather friendly. It’s a new year, a new semester and a new chance for people to change for the better — or at least for them to pretend to.

OPINION | EDITORIALS

Set realistic goals

Jan. 7, 2018

It’s that time of the year again. The gym is filled to capacity, the library is surprisingly full and the rude classmate you’ve dealt with for the past three semesters is suddenly rather friendly. It’s a new year, a new semester and a new chance for people to change for the better — or at least for them to pretend to.

OPINION | EDITORIALS

Final unsolicited advice from the opinions editor

Dec. 6, 2017

This week and the one that will follow are sure to generate a host of emotions for everyone at UF. We find ourselves faced with endings, goodbyes and new beginnings. Not to mention the stress and anxiety that inevitably accompany the slew of final exams and papers thrust upon us. Needless to say, the vast majority of us are emotional wrecks right now.

OPINION | EDITORIALS

Fear is holding us back from change

Dec. 3, 2017

In our society, there is an epidemic of fear. Fear of social rejection, fear of mockery, fear of being cast as the odd one out. The crippling concern many have for judgement inflicted on them has left a number of bright minds silenced. It’s time we put an end to this epidemic.

OPINION | EDITORIALS

An attempt to prove fake news failed, but are we surprised?

Nov. 28, 2017

A failed attempt by Project Veritas to expose the Washington Post for media bias has the U.S. once again cooing about fake news and the dishonest and corrupt media.

OPINION | EDITORIALS

The challenge in explaining injustice

Nov. 26, 2017

The other day, a friend of the Alligator opinions editor asked her why she wants to fight injustice. Being honest, Abby said herself she didn’t know how to answer the question with anything other than the elementary and unimpressive response: “because it’s wrong.” Now to use one of those activist buzzwords, we at the Alligator are going to “unpack” this question.

OPINION | EDITORIALS

You can only stretch yourself so thin

Nov. 14, 2017

It’s about that time during Fall semester when we all start to lose our minds. The reality of final exams and the end of the semester is looming over us, and the fate of our final grades hangs in the balance of how the next few weeks goes. Needless to say, every student within the general vicinity of UF right now is stressed beyond belief.

OPINION | EDITORIALS

Do white supremacists even believe in white supremacy?

Nov. 12, 2017

White supremacy is on the rise. Not just in the U.S. but in nations across the globe.

OPINION | EDITORIALS

For once, FSU is a role model

Nov. 7, 2017

Florida State University President John Thrasher announced Monday he’s indefinitly suspending all fraternities and sororities at FSU, effective immediately. This follows a slew of appalling incidents within the school’s Greek community, most notably the death of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity pledge Andrew Coffey who was found unresponsive after attending a party.

OPINION | EDITORIALS

Trump does not deserve a double standard when it comes to assault

Oct. 31, 2017

Earlier this week, “Star Trek” and “Rent” actor Anthony Rapp revealed to the public the “House of Cards” star Kevin Spacey sexually assaulted him more than 30 years ago when he attended a party thrown at Spacey’s home.

OPINION | EDITORIALS

We all deserve a Halloween free of sexual assault

Oct. 29, 2017

If you’ve read or watched the news at all over the past few weeks, chances are you’ve seen the words “sexual assault” multiple times. After news dropped about Harvey Weinstein’s appalling past, more and more women from Hollywood have been coming out and sharing their stories. Following suit, millions of other women and men have felt empowered to share their history with sexual assault through the social media campaign #MeToo.

OPINION | EDITORIALS

There is no place for death threats in football

Oct. 24, 2017

Coach Jim McElwain has been under fire since the beginning of this year’s football season. A 3-3 record for the Gators so far this year, including consecutive home game losses, hasn’t caused the public to look upon McElwain any more favorably. In fact, according to McElwain, he, his family and several Gator football players have been receiving death threats in response to the team’s poor performance lately.

OPINION | EDITORIALS

Tolerance and kindness are far from the same

Oct. 22, 2017

In light of recent events on our campus and the current state of our country as a whole, it seems like everyone is aggressively preaching tolerance and dubbing it as the one true solution that will bring our nation back together. Tolerance is a great concept, don’t get us wrong, but it’s not what America needs now in terms of an all-inclusive solution. What America needs is an increase in kindness and a boost in action.

OPINION | EDITORIALS

Thank you for helping spread love

Oct. 20, 2017

On Thursday, in the Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Richard Spencer tried to speak.

OPINION | EDITORIALS

UF should have canceled classes for student safety

Oct. 17, 2017

As we are sure you are all painfully aware, Richard Spencer, a notorious white supremacist, will be coming to our campus to speak Thursday. While writing this editorial, we at the Alligator are feeling a bit conflicted. Should we be giving Spencer attention? Should people speak out in protest or ignore the hate? Does Spencer have a right to speak at all? We’ve watched as many newspaper editorial boards defended the First Amendment and Spencer’s right to speak. We’ve also heard from countless UF students and faculty members who don’t feel safe on their own campus this Thursday. To those who feel unsafe: We hear you. We struggle to find a world where free speech means it’s OK to encourage others to partake in racism with a violent past, present and future.