Opinions - The Independent Florida Alligator

OPINION | EDITORIALS

Miley Cyrus grown up: she's trying too hard to be a bad girl

Aug. 26, 2013

The world — but more importantly, Will Smith’s family — gaped at Miley Cyrus’ lecherous performance, heavy on twerking and foam-finger humping, at the MTV Video Music Awards. After everyone had a chance to absorb what happened on stage, the jokes flowed freely. The highlights: Robin Thicke’s Beetlejuice suit, Cyrus’ uncanny resemblance to Angelica Pickles’ Cynthia doll and that busy, lizard-like tongue.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Changes to the Voting Rights Act damage Martin Luther King, Jr.'s dream

Aug. 25, 2013

“We cannot walk alone. And as we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall always march ahead,” Martin Luther King Jr. said to hundreds of thousands who joined the March on Washington on an August morning in 1963. “We cannot turn back.”

OPINION | COLUMNS

On the eve of the "I have a Dream" 50th anniversary, civil rights still not fully realized

Aug. 25, 2013

Wednesday marks the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington. It was a watershed moment in the history of the United States, culminating with Martin Luther King Jr.’s landmark “I Have a Dream” speech. Given all the advancements in civil rights over the last 50 years, many believe Dr. King’s dream is fully realized, but I’m here to tell you, we still have a long way to go.

OPINION | EDITORIALS

Churches still need tax-exempt status, despite economic gains to the contrary

Aug. 25, 2013

Houses of worship in the United States — from churches and temples to mosques and synagogues — are considered tax-exempt entities by the federal government. This week, the writer behind Slate’s financial blog, Matthew Yglesias, argued that exempting churches from taxes is counterproductive.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Increased whistle-blowing leads to a decrease in accountability by governments

Aug. 22, 2013

A recent surge of whistle-blowing puts personal liberties into question.

OPINION | COLUMNS

UF should follow in FIU's footsteps on tuition equity for undocumented students

Aug. 22, 2013

Over the summer, Florida International University took a big step forward on an important issue.

OPINION | EDITORIALS

Darts & Laurels 8/23/13

Aug. 22, 2013

This weird mini-week is coming to a close, and if you’re already feeling stressed, remember: It only gets harder from here!

OPINION | COLUMNS

CNN's Sanjay Gupta reverses position on medical marijuana, now endorsing legalization

Aug. 21, 2013

The debate over the legalization of marijuana may have just received an unexpected boost from a prominent news organization’s medical correspondent.

OPINION | EDITORIALS

The sequester is about to get even worse

Aug. 21, 2013

Brace yourselves — another wave of sequestration is coming. And no, it has nothing to do with horses.

OPINION | EDITORIALS

The Alligator wants Fall columnists

Aug. 20, 2013

Welcome back to Gainesville, Gators! Did you miss the soupy weather? The dependable afternoon monsoons? The herds of lanyard-wearing, starry-eyed freshmen around every corner? Of course you did!

OPINION | COLUMNS

UF Dean of Students: take advantage of the many resources UF provides for new students

Aug. 18, 2013

Dear UF students:

OPINION | COLUMNS

What to expect from dorm life — practical rules to go by

Aug. 18, 2013

There are a few basics to successful dorm living. Follow this advice, and you’ll survive with some money to spare. Don’t, and you’ll be broke. Simple, right?

OPINION | COLUMNS

Bernie Machen: Florida getting better, UF heading toward top 10

Aug. 18, 2013

Welcome, Class of 2017, to the University of Florida, to Gainesville and to the start of your college experience.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Mayor Ed Braddy: Civic pride and duty starts with students

Aug. 18, 2013

Welcome to the City of Gainesville, one of the ﬁnest college towns in the United States! We are very proud of our institutions of higher learning — also among the nation’s ﬁnest — and as Mayor I am committed to maintaining our strong partnerships with the University of Florida and Santa Fe College to offer you unique ways to enrich your experience.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Rape Aggression Defense course can teach you how to fight back

Aug. 18, 2013

BAM, I’m in the air. Establish a base, head butt, elbow to the face, elbow to the groin, shin scrape, foot stomp — I’m free.

OPINION | EDITORIALS

Take it from us: tips on how to become a grown-up in college

Aug. 18, 2013

For most of us, college is a special time. Perhaps for the first time ever, we get to experience the unbridled freedom of adulthood while still being afforded the tether of financial support. Without parental supervision, a new student might feel inclined to do anything and everything, if only as an experiment. Other students might feel frightened and lonely without the support and comfort of their loved ones.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Farewell Part 2: We are stardust, realized

Aug. 7, 2013

On Tuesday I wrote on the importance of maintaining Internet freedom — if only for the most excellent ability that it gives us to spread information. I would like to explore this concept a little more deeply but from a different perspective.

OPINION | EDITORIALS

Darts & Laurels 8/8/13

Aug. 7, 2013

Summer’s finally winding down, and you made it.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Farewell Part 1: “Turnkey Tyranny”

Aug. 5, 2013

I’ve been working with the Alligator for nearly a year, first as a columnist and now as Opinions editor.

OPINION | COLUMNS

On encouraging courtesy

Aug. 5, 2013

“Doctor Who” fans around the world tuned in to various BBC outlets on Sunday to find out who would play the role of The Doctor’s 12th incarnation.