Opinions - The Independent Florida Alligator

OPINION | COLUMNS

Getting the facts straight is important

Dec. 7, 2014

During the last few weeks, America has been in an uproar over the cases of Michael Brown, Tamir Rice and now Eric Garner. Many columnists, myself included, commented on these developments as they happened, sometimes with too much haste and without considering their impact. I think it’s important to take a moment to point out when the truth was bent and sometimes completely ignored.

OPINION | EDITORIALS

Harkin’s student loan plan

Dec. 7, 2014

Democrats are generally known for favoring education spending by the federal government, whereas Republicans tend to oppose such expenditures. Many prominent Republicans, including Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.) and former Gov. Rick Perry (R-Texas), have expressed support for eliminating the U.S. Department of Education altogether.

OPINION | COLUMNS

10 percent of youth should be 90 percent of environmental movement’s focus

Dec. 7, 2014

Climate Change. Global Warming. Sustainability. Environmentalism. These divisive partisan issues form the foundation of a constant debate between conservative and liberal forces. Congressmen and congresswomen on both sides of the aisle carefully select language that resonates with key demographics. While the millennial generation hasn’t been a huge factor in politics in the past, many of these voters make up a large portion of the up-and-coming "rising electorate," the given name to a voting demographic that is comprised of millennials (voters age 18-30), unmarried women and certain minorities (Latin Americans and blacks). The U.S. census shows this group will encompass nearly half of the voting population in the coming elections. As political capital and influence shifts toward the rising electorate, there are important questions about its implications for key environmental issues.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Letter to the editor: Krishna Lunch program, UF Foundation working on pedestrian-friendly plaza

Dec. 7, 2014

In his Friday’s letter to the editor, Kyle Gorman expressed concerns about the location of Krishna Lunch on the Plaza of the Americas. Our current location offers sitting places and convenience for students, as well as accessibility for setting up and serving the lunch.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Why blacks in US are angry, frustrated

Dec. 4, 2014

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OPINION | DARTS LAURELS

Doing the right thing, Devonte Hart for the end of the semester Darts and Laurels

Dec. 4, 2014

We’re in the home stretch, you guys. Despite the fact Florida has made a typical 180 in terms of the non-December type weather, there are only a few more days left of classes. Now here’s the game plan: Budget yourselves more Starbucks money than usual and crush those finals!

OPINION | COLUMNS

Millennials: unfairly scrutinized, stereotyped, by media

Dec. 4, 2014

No one ever says, “Wow. That’s just those Generation X kids,” or, “She is such a baby boomer!” In contrast, each member of today’s younger generation is categorized as being just another millennial in a spoiled and dumb youth population.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Boundaries, communication key to BDSM

Dec. 4, 2014

A few weeks ago, I got an email asking for advice on how to practice safe BDSM sex.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Letter to the Editor: Move Hare Krishna lunch to a pedestrian-friendly area

Dec. 4, 2014

It’s a tale as old as time in The Gator Nation. The fierce dichotomy between bicyclists and pedestrians has been going strong as long as I can remember. There has been a constant struggle over who truly controls the pavement and where each party should dominate.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Ferguson unrest underscores progress

Dec. 3, 2014

Holidays are treasured in part because they are times, sanctioned by God or the government, for us to reunite with distant and not-so-distant relatives. Unfortunately, this aspect can also make them nerve-racking and awful. You don’t get to pick and choose who your family members are, and the same applies to your family members’ political leanings.

OPINION | EDITORIALS

Yoho ‘disapproval’ bill impedes real immigration strides

Dec. 3, 2014

Republicans around the country were livid when President Barack Obama announced a plan to greatly reduce the likelihood of deportation for about 4.4 million undocumented immigrants late last month.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Merry Christmas versus happy holidays

Dec. 2, 2014

Although the onslaught of Christmas merchandise that begins appearing in October might have you thinking December started weeks ago, it’s only been here for three days. It is officially the holiday season.

OPINION | EDITORIALS

Florida court case reveals out of control gun policy

Dec. 2, 2014

In 2011, Jared Bretherick was riding in a car with his family near Orlando when another vehicle, driven by Derek Dunning, nearly sideswiped their vehicle.

OPINION | COLUMNS

UF can offer meaningful help to Gainesville’s homeless residents

Dec. 2, 2014

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OPINION | COLUMNS

Black-on-black homicide shouldn’t distract from Ferguson

Dec. 1, 2014

Do you remember, as children, the many times that we were scolded for something we did? Remember when we would point something out that our brother, sister or classmate did to try and excuse our actions or at least redirect the scolding? Well that juvenile failure to confront the truth is still happening. More recently however, it has made appearances in discussions on FOX, CNN and at dinner tables across the country.

OPINION | COLUMNS

GOP, anti-abortion legislation not popular with Americans

Dec. 1, 2014

Last month, Republicans dominated midterm elections across the nation. No one can deny the power right-wing lawmakers will hold once January rolls around as they now enjoy a strong grip on two-thirds of state legislative bodies.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Traditions, family will always count

Dec. 1, 2014

This past weekend, still recovering from our Thanksgiving feast, I participated with my family in our tradition of having Saturday morning breakfast at Einstein Bros. Bagels. We’ve been doing this every week since before my younger sister was born — almost 17 years. We’ve cycled through all the menu and manager changes as time has passed and are familiarized as regulars by the staff.

OPINION | EDITORIALS

McCollum, Bondi relationship corrupt ‘revolving door

Dec. 1, 2014

The Miami Herald published a story Saturday about the close political relationship between former Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum and current AG Pam Bondi.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Reality check: All lives matter

Nov. 30, 2014

Two years ago in Mobile, Alabama, an 18-year-old white male, Gilbert Collar, was shot and killed by a black campus police officer. He was running around campus, high and naked, when he approached the officer at the campus police station. Collar was unarmed, but the officer still deemed him a threat and decided to use deadly force against him.

OPINION | COLUMNS

‘#BlackLivesMatter’ is used for a reason

Nov. 30, 2014

One week ago, it was announced Darren Wilson would not stand trial for the death of an unarmed black 18-year-old named Michael Brown.