Opinions - The Independent Florida Alligator

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Video portrays misleading image

By Irina Grinberg | Apr. 8, 2009

I would like to point out that using the "Harvest of Fear" video as the sole determinant of one's position on genetically modified (GM) crops is to be misled. Those familiar with the movie know that its directors resort to scare tactics and doomsday music, which attempt to simplify the complex issue of genetically modified organisms. Surely, interviewing organizations like Green Peace (who believe agribusinesses are conspiring a world takeover of GM seed production) on GM foods is enough to freak out the average American.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Tobacco tax OK, but for pot: no taxation without legalization

By BRITTAY YURKOVITCH | Apr. 8, 2009

I disagree with Tommy Maple's column that addresses how the increased tax on cigarettes is wrong.

OPINION | COLUMNS

DREAM Act will contribute to economy

By JONATHAN LOTT | Apr. 8, 2009

I have very mixed feelings about SG's proposed resolution in support of the DREAM Act.

OPINION | EDITORIALS

Surf’s Up

By The Alligator Editorial Board | Apr. 8, 2009

Free from the risks of bone-crushing shark bites and devastating sunburns, the latest surfing sensation sweeping the world has less board and more couch.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Money–hungry insurance companies continue to play games

By BRANDON SACK | Apr. 7, 2009

Health insurance companies are scared shitless.

OPINION | EDITORIALS

Kudos to Kumar

By The Alligator Editorial Board | Apr. 7, 2009

From channeling his inner stoner in "Harold and Kumar" to portraying a doctor on "House," Kal Penn has displayed an ability to play a wide array of different personalities throughout his career.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Brown’s promising future now in doubt

By NAUDIA JAWAD | Apr. 7, 2009

Chris Brown catapulted to the highest heights of fame at the age of 16 for having "the dance moves of Usher and a voice all his own." Three years later, he was charged for domestic violence against long-time girlfriend and fellow R&B singer Rihanna, to which he pleaded not guilty.

OPINION | EDITORIALS

Governor veto no match for same–sex marriage

By The Alligator Editorial Board | Apr. 7, 2009

Starting Sept. 1, the state of Vermont will legally recognize same-sex marriages, thanks to legislative action, rather than a court ruling.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Cut expenses, not faculty

By Anna Warner | Apr. 6, 2009

In my opinion, the impending budget cuts show what each department and the university values. Here is a recent example of misplaced values.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Curving is grade redistribution

By Deeb Paul Kitchen II | Apr. 6, 2009

Johnathan Lott ought to get his facts straight before trying to be cute. UF does have a grade redistribution system. It is called curving grades, which literally means you force grades in to a normal distribution; they are fit to the bell curve. Many of the university's most commended students would fail out if they were graded merely on their raw percentage scores rather than on a curve.

OPINION | EDITORIALS

Acts of intolerance have no place in Gainesville

By The Alligator Editorial Board | Apr. 6, 2009

News of inflammatory graffiti on the side of a UF fraternity house has the Editorial Board dismayed by such thoughtless actions that only serve to oppress and spread ill will.

OPINION | EDITORIALS

Mean Beans

By The Alligator Editorial Board | Apr. 6, 2009

With final exams and projects looming on the horizon, the Editorial Board would like to take the opportunity to encourage you to consume massive amounts of coffee and don't stop.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Homeless need better food

By Trimaine Sheffield | Apr. 6, 2009

In response to an article regarding the ongoing debate about policy concerning the act of feeding the homeless, I feel obliged to speak about a recent experience that may provide some insight for others on this situation.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Potheads targeted by new tobacco tax

Apr. 6, 2009

Judging by how our national press covered the G-20 summit, President Barack "Blue Steel" Obama was off in Europe refereeing his wife's Zoolander-esque "walk-off" against French First Lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Genetically modifying crops produces plentiful, resilient food

By AUSTIN GIOVANETTI | Apr. 6, 2009

Before watching the video "Harvest of Fear," I had never heard of genetically modified organisms.

OPINION | EDITORIALS

Media must pay homage to shooting victims

By The Alligator Editorial Board | Apr. 5, 2009

Friday's tragic shooting in Binghamton, N.Y., serves as yet another reminder to Americans across the country of the fragility of life.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

ISIS scheduling errors are unacceptable

By Chris Brennan | Apr. 5, 2009

I received an e-mail Thursday afternoon from Dr. Creed Greer, assistant program director of the University Writing Program, informing me that due to a "scheduling error," the Writing for Pre-Law section I registered for nearly a week and a half ago was closed and would not be held in the fall.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Answer lies in merging, not eliminating

By Speech–language Pathology Graduate Students | Apr. 5, 2009

Do you know someone who has or had Parkinson's disease, cerebral palsy, ALS, autism, Alzheimer's disease, a stroke, a traumatic brain injury, a hearing impairment, cochlear implant, a cleft lip and/or palate, dyslexia, stuttering, or head and neck cancer?

OPINION | COLUMNS

New GOP channels its inner Populist

Apr. 5, 2009

The Populists are ruining everything.

OPINION | EDITORIALS

Killer Apps

By The Alligator Editorial Board | Apr. 5, 2009

Beyond inventing a beer that helps people lose weight, is there really any way to strike it rich during America's current run of economic downturn?