Opinions - The Independent Florida Alligator

OPINION | COLUMNS

Obama needs to convert platform to policy

Feb. 16, 2009

The first 100 days of a new presidency are supposedly a telling period, a unique window of time in which a president can enact big change. It's a completely arbitrary deadline, devoid of any real significance, but it has become conventional wisdom nonetheless. Why do we accept this absurd notion that only in the shell-shocked aftermath of an election can meaningful policy be shoved through our cantankerous political system?

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Drugging concerns belittled

By Leah Greenblum | Feb. 16, 2009

Monday's article titled, "Women drugged in bar" belittles the issue of how completely disgusting it is to drug anyone in an effort to make them unaware of their actions and have no memory of what has happened to them.

OPINION | COLUMNS

No chance for Enron 2.0 under Obama

Feb. 16, 2009

The Enron-aissance may finally be over.

OPINION | EDITORIALS

High school athletes no longer face drug screens

By The Alligator Editorial Board | Feb. 16, 2009

As economic woes ravage Florida, cutbacks in the state's public school system abound.

OPINION | COLUMNS

SG online voting has dirty little secret

Feb. 15, 2009

In 2007, UF students Tommy Jardon and Sam Miorelli, both current leaders of the Orange and Blue Party, started to renew efforts to make online voting the norm for Student Government elections.

OPINION | EDITORIALS

Gainesville officer nets more than 100 DUIs

By The Alligator Editorial Board | Feb. 15, 2009

For many UF students, the words "police officer" conjures imagery of underage alcohol violations and tickets for jaywalking.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Hygiene not cause of virus

By Sharon Stone | Feb. 15, 2009

An article appeared in your publication recently detailing the outbreak of the norovirus in our house that I felt warranted a response.

OPINION | COLUMNS

It’s OK to bullshit with strangers

By ADAM WYNN | Feb. 15, 2009

People have forgotten how to talk to each other.

OPINION | EDITORIALS

Babies having babies

By The Alligator Editorial Board | Feb. 15, 2009

Word across the pond reveals news of a 13-year-old who became a father after his girlfriend gave birth last Monday.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

DUI punishment more than fair

By Nicole Martingano | Feb. 15, 2009

UF students who are academically sanctioned for driving under the influence are generally only suspended for one semester, a slap on the wrist when put into perspective.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Ads fuel body insecurities

By Jennifer Goetz | Feb. 15, 2009

I would like to follow up on the letter about the Gainesville Health and Fitness ad from last week. The attention that has been brought to this issue could not come at a better time.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Democrats will eliminate bipartisanship

By BRANDON SACK | Feb. 12, 2009

The recent debacle in Congress over the economic stimulus bill has finally dashed the faint light of optimism and faith I had in our elected officials.

OPINION | EDITORIALS

Darts & Laurels

By The Alligator Editorial Board | Feb. 12, 2009

After a week highlighted by a confession from baseball's biggest star, we can only pray this weekend's unofficial start to the sport's season brings hope for renewal. While A-Rod may have given into the urge to use steroids, the Department of Darts & Laurels proudly admits we haven't succumbed to the temptation of "artificially" bringing you the best college paper possible.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Alligator to host SG debates next week

Feb. 12, 2009

I've got one reason why you should care about Student Government elections, and it's worth $13 million.

OPINION | COLUMNS

America’s most powerful must set good example for public

By ERIC CHIANESE | Feb. 12, 2009

Here's a joke: What's the only thing former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle and notorious gangster Al Capone have in common?

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Woman’s courage helps many others

By Ashton Alexander | Feb. 12, 2009

I wanted to commend the courageous woman who spoke out against the offensive ad run by Gainesville Health and Fitness.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

UF shouldn’t punish students for DUIs

By Lawrence Mackey | Feb. 11, 2009

In reference to Wednesday's article about DUIs, I was encouraged that the rate has, at the moment, decreased. However, I was appalled to learn that a student who is dumb enough to receive a DUI not only faces charges from the government but has to submit themselves to UF's discipline.

OPINION | EDITORIALS

It’s Just A Game

By The Alligator Editorial Board | Feb. 11, 2009

The Editorial Board loves playing practical jokes on each other during our rare moments of free time.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Guns have a rightful place in schools

By JONATHAN LOTT | Feb. 11, 2009

A Gainesville teacher was arrested on Monday after he was found to be in possession of two loaded firearms - a small one in his pocket and a larger one in his car.

OPINION | EDITORIALS

Education takes a backseat to progress

By The Alligator Editorial Board | Feb. 11, 2009

Wednesday afternoon brought word from Washington of an oh-so-close deal on the proposed economic stimulus package.