Opinions - The Independent Florida Alligator

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Grad students can’t afford new fee

By Matthew Smith | Nov. 17, 2009

As a graduate student, the dream of being financially solvent seems a distant one. Most grad students live below the poverty line. Yet, once again, UF is attempting to raise student fees — this time to pay for the renovation and expansion of Reitz Union. And these fees will affect graduate students differently; we actually have to pay for our fees (unlike undergrads who receive Bright Futures and/or prepaid).

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

‘War on terror’ not a war

By Patrick Poage | Nov. 17, 2009

This is in response to Tuesday’s guest column, “Trials give terrorists better treatment than they deserve.” While most of Warren Rhea’s opinion was intelligently argued, the final paragraph certainly gave me pause. Speaking about the Bush administration’s war on terror, he wrote, “It’s a war, let’s start treating it like one.” I disagree with this.

OPINION | EDITORIALS

Congress should end travel restrictions to Cuba

By The Alligator Editorial Board | Nov. 17, 2009

This week, Congress is taking up the issue of the Cuba travel ban, part of an embargo started against the communist country in 1960. For nearly 50 years, it has been effectively illegal for Americans to travel to Cuba.

OPINION | EDITORIALS

Privacy should be given greater value

By The Alligator Editorial Board | Nov. 17, 2009

Several weeks ago, I showed up to my friend Katie’s house to watch TV.

OPINION | EDITORIALS

Mammogram guidelines should follow international standard

By The Alligator Editorial Board | Nov. 17, 2009

Conservative horror stories about Obamacare run amok are finally coming true in the minds of some.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Meyer, Spurrier can’t be compared

By Carol-Anne Dowling | Nov. 16, 2009

I wanted to thank Mike McCall for his article in Monday’s paper, “Meyer, Spurrier not to be compared,” which was about comparing the “Old Ball Coach” to Urban Meyer. It is like comparing apples to oranges.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

T-shirts do not degrade women

By Erik Nyberg | Nov. 16, 2009

This is in response to Desi Krell’s letter to the editor on Friday, “T-shirt displays offensive messages.” As a supporter of feminist causes, I’m a little more than embarrassed to see that you’ve chosen an establishment that is so non-threatening toward women to attack and boycott. The T-shirt in question shows a woman wearing underwear, which you failed to mention, implying that she was nude. You also completely ignore the fact that the shirt is mocking tentacle porn, which was created in Japan.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Trials give terrorists better treatment than they deserve

By Warren Rhea | Nov. 16, 2009

This is in response to Matthew Christ’s Monday column, “US should give terrorists civilian trials.”

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Station to increase student staff

By Paul Gordon | Nov. 16, 2009

Station to increase student staff

OPINION | EDITORIALS

No Telling When: Obama must follow through on promise

By The Alligator Editorial Board | Nov. 16, 2009

A recent study by UF professor Bonnie Morad, in cooperation with the RAND Corp., a nonprofit research institution, revealed that veteran support for the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy has fallen sharply since it was introduced in 1993. By 2006, only about 40 percent of Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans supported it — down from 75 percent in 1993.

OPINION | COLUMNS

For friends in need, love can ease pain

Nov. 16, 2009

It’s difficult when a friend tries to take his or her own life.

OPINION | EDITORIALS

Obama shouldn’t take middle road in Afghanistan

By The Alligator Editorial Board | Nov. 15, 2009

The human cost of the Afghan war has risen sharply in recent months, as evidenced by the headlines that appear all too frequently. But the financial cost of the war, another mounting problem, has received less coverage.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Gay marriage is inevitable

By Nick Miner | Nov. 15, 2009

Gay marriage recently suffered a devastating setback in Maine. This loss was made all the worse because it not only amended the constitution to outlaw gay marriage, it was also in a state that previously allowed it.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Obama’s hesitation deserves acclaim

By Mark Spivey | Nov. 15, 2009

An Associated Press article Thursday stated that Barack Obama’s hesitancy on Afghan war buildup implies weakness. I wish world leaders had more of that kind of weakness. President Obama does not want to send soldiers into harm’s way without a clear goal, a solid plan and an exit strategy.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

E-cigarettes shouldn’t be banned

By Stephen Clay | Nov. 15, 2009

I support the campus smoking ban and free cessation classes for employees, but proposed regulation UF 2.022 should not ban e-cigarette usage for simply looking like smoking.

OPINION | COLUMNS

US should give terrorists civilian trials

Nov. 15, 2009

On Sept. 11 we lost not just lives and concrete buildings, but a way of life.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Muslim beliefs not reflected in shooting

By Nora Zaki | Nov. 12, 2009

May Peace be Upon You.

OPINION | EDITORIALS

Darts & Laurels

By The Alligator Editorial Board | Nov. 12, 2009

This week the world celebrated momentous changes in history, and America celebrated some changes of its own. By contrast, things have been a little slow around the Alligator; the most noteworthy thing to happen this week is the mysterious disappearance of the friendly rats that live in our walls (if you’re reading this, we miss you). These epic world events only make the mundane state of affairs in Gainesville harder to bear. With that in mind, we are happy to present you with a don’t-let-the-small-town-blues-get-you-down edition of...

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

T-shirt displays offensive messages

By Desi Krell | Nov. 12, 2009

On Tuesday night, The Laboratory, a local bar/cafe on University Avenue, unveiled its new promotional T-shirts. One of the T-shirt designs was offensive and misogynistic, portraying a woman’s buttocks (her face was not shown) as she was entangled in tentacles. The accompanying caption read, “The Laboratory: more fun than a night in Japan!”

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Letter generalizes conservative principles

By Sean Gellis | Nov. 12, 2009

In response to Frederic Spieler’s letter, “Republicans aren’t actually conservative,” Spieler asks what the conservative principles are. I would like to try to answer that. Conservatism operates off the ideas of personal freedom, limited government interference in the daily lives of its citizens and a strong capitalist society. It also stands for fiscal responsibility and strong national defense. The government shouldn’t help those who aren’t willing to help themselves. Sorry to bust your ideological bubble, but there are people who, no matter how much help you give them, will continue to be self-destructive, make bad decisions and contribute nothing to society. They should not be given a free ride on everyone else’s dollar.