Opinions - The Independent Florida Alligator

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Alligator is a forum for influence

By Nicole Martingano | Dec. 1, 2011

First, it is hard for me to be upset because you have always surprised me and printed my opinions - all of which have focused on the misuse of alcohol by college students at UF. You can be the "cool big brother," and I'll be the "I'm-telling-on-you-big sister." I want to emphasize how extremely thankful I am because the Alligator truly is a stage where I could potentially positively influence even just one student who reads my opinion to think twice before drinking irresponsibly. I understand that you were trying to write fairly, but please, please keep in mind that underage drinkers are the only people who can be underage drunk drivers, and they make up a large portion of alcohol-related fatalities in this state every year.

OPINION | EDITORIALS

Child's play; When is the Florida DCF supposed to care?

By The Alligator Editorial Board | Nov. 30, 2011

A closer look into the Florida Department of Children and Families reveals a troubling history.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Anti-discrimination should be focus for LGBT community

By Justin Soto | Nov. 30, 2011

In the past decade alone, the landscape of the gay and lesbian fight for equality has changed dramatically.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Minority group needs more attention

By Arianna Scalone | Nov. 30, 2011

When you think of a minority, what comes to mind?

OPINION | EDITORIALS

Wrestling with rights; Everyone deserves right to fair trial

By The Alligator Editorial Board | Nov. 29, 2011

On Tuesday, Republican Sens. John McCain, Ariz., and Rand Paul, Ky., went head to head about an amendment to a proposed defense authorization bill.

OPINION | COLUMNS

For society's sake, embrace your inner skeptic

By Justin Hayes | Nov. 29, 2011

While I have tried religion in the past, something has always led me away from faith and toward reason. I found the burden of proof is not on the atheists to prove that God does not exist; it is on the theists to prove the existence of a deity. I just have not been presented with any convincing evidence.

OPINION | EDITORIALS

Misunderstood; Letter writer missed point of our editorial

By The Alligator Editorial Board | Nov. 28, 2011

In Monday's issue of the Alligator, we printed a letter to the editor that we believe needs to be addressed.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Regis' retirement marks end of an era

By Sami Main | Nov. 28, 2011

It's the end of an era, folks.

OPINION | EDITORIALS

Can religious beliefs coexist with science?

By Alligator Editorial Board | Nov. 27, 2011

If you have not seen a "Coexist" bumper sticker with the letters composed of different religious symbols, you have probably never been on or around UF's campus.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Drinking age, drunk driving should not be taken lightly

By Nicole Martingano | Nov. 27, 2011

What's the drinking age for ignorance?

OPINION | COLUMNS

Expansion talk must end before it begins

By Travis Hornsby | Nov. 27, 2011

The most dangerous part of the increased cost of attendance at UF is coming from fees that are carelessly foisted on the Student Body and even more carelessly spent on our behalf. There is talk that our fees should go to a renovated and expanded Reitz Union. This talk must end before it begins again.

OPINION | EDITORIALS

Lying about liberty; Republicans need to do some re-evaluating

By The Alligator Editorial Board | Nov. 22, 2011

Most conservative Republican candidates claim that they believe in individual liberty and freedom - at least when it's convenient.

OPINION | EDITORIALS

Price increase; Higher minimum wage increases unemployment

By The Alligator Editorial Board | Nov. 21, 2011

A recent plan sponsored by Rep. Cliff Stearns, R-Fla., to impose minimum wage laws on disabled workers is bad news for some with disabilities.

OPINION | COLUMNS

We should appreciate those holiday meals

By Sami Main | Nov. 21, 2011

I spend an awful large amount of time looking at food blogs. Like, a whole lot of time. If you looked at my Google Reader feed, it's pretty much mostly food blogs at this point.

OPINION | EDITORIALS

Dose of reality; Pinellas County Commissioner Norm Roche deserves penalties

By The Alligator Editorial Board | Nov. 20, 2011

If you happen to sit on a panel that deals with discrimination policy, you probably also don't want to be posting racial slurs online.

OPINION | COLUMNS

City ordinances too strict for development

By Travis Hornsby | Nov. 20, 2011

We are often implored to look local after graduation to find employment. Gainesville has an entrepreneurial culture and is trying to become a center for start-ups, especially in the tech industry. Unfortunately, the policies of the local government will be sure to stunt Gainesville's growth for the foreseeable future. Gainesville is obsessed with collecting large tax revenues, regulating everything and taking profits from brick-and-mortar businesses to give to imaginary ones.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

The truth about the Florida Animal Rescue Act

By Bill LeFeuvre | Nov. 20, 2011

There is some misinformation circulating about the Florida Animal Rescue Act. Despite claims, Senate Bill 818/House Bill 597 does not force the transfer of "unwanted strays" to nonprofit animal rescue organizations.

OPINION | EDITORIALS

Darts and laurels

By The Alligator Editorial Board | Nov. 17, 2011

Troublemakers around UF might have thought we weren't going to call them out anymore considering we didn't have our traditional Friday editorial last week.

OPINION | EDITORIALS

Student Government has no accountability

By The Alligator Editorial Board | Nov. 16, 2011

If ever there was a moment for the Student Government to turn to Article VII of its Constitution, dealing with impeachment of executive officers, the recent election debacle would be it.

OPINION | COLUMNS

CHOICES is a program worth funding

By Suzette Cook | Nov. 16, 2011

CHOICES saved my life.