Opinion

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Nothing after 1980 compares to old rock

Gay marriage views influenced by statistics, representation

I found a chart online recently consisting of two pictures. The top picture had a map of the United States with states highlighted where gay marriage was legal: Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa, Vermont and New Hampshire. Pretty simple picture — five states. The picture below it was the same map but with a lot of states colored. That one? States where it’s legal to marry your first cousin.

America should drop Tiger Woods fixation

Remember that YouTube video starring the overly concerned Britney Spears fan begging the American public to just leave the pop princess alone?

Political gaffes grow more rampant

It was a banner week for bipartisan tomfoolery, culminating on Friday and coming from both Republican National Committee chair Michael Steele and Democratic strategist James Carville.

Baby daddies

We know it’s not time for Darts and Laurels yet, but the Editorial Board would like to commend state Rep. Christine Johnson for agreeing to carry a child for a gay couple in Utah — one of only six states in the U.S. to explicitly ban gay adoption.

Jumpball: Gymnastics the sport to watch in the spring

Just because football season is over, doesn't mean your Gators clothes have to stay in your closet until next August.

Darts & Laurels

Welcome back to a new semester, a new decade and a new onslaught of laughs, tears and things that’ll just plain piss you off brought to you by yours truly.

Obama faces tougher crowd than Bush

I can’t help but wonder why President Obama has received so much more heat from certain members of the media and from certain factions of the country than any public figure I can remember. The recent attempted bombing by a Nigerian terrorist has prompted those members of the media to come out from the woodwork to –- yet again –- criticize Obama. This time it is because he took 72 hours to publicly respond to the situation, after consulting with security teams from Christmas until Dec. 28.

Capital punishment inhumane, unethical

John Walsh Needs to Keep His Mouth Shut. It’s not that his crime-fighting endeavor “America’s Most Wanted” hasn’t proven to be successful — it has, most recently with the capture of Jupiter massacre suspect Paul Mehinge — but rather that he, in his position of influence as a popular television host, should stop trying to be judge, jury and executioner, as he did recently when he called for capital punishment for the above suspect.

Alabama will claim another title for SEC

An undefeated season and the chance to win a second BCS National Championship in the last five seasons gives Texas a lot to play for today.

Still too soon for 9/11 jokes?

The question is, nearly a decade later, is it still too soon for 9/11 references?

America has soft spot for aging rockers

The end of a decade is naturally a time for reflection, and the end of this decade has inspired overwhelmingly bad reviews from everyone who has taken the time to ponder the last ten years of depressing suckitude.

SG minority parties smart to rejoin

It’s almost that time again. That time when no one is safe from the mass of blue, orange and red fliers.

Hoops team better than expected but needs work

Thank God for Chandler Parsons.

Dr. Dummy

Remember the Octomom?

Americans should not be shocked by appointment

To say that living as a transgender American is difficult is probably an understatement. But with the national spotlight beaming down on you (not to mention press camera lights), it just plain “sucks,” according to Amanda Simpson.

Last decade produced culture of fear

Last decade was not a fun decade in which to grow up.

Claim that doctors are problem is false

This is in response to Kenneth Maness’ letter in Tuesday’s Alligator asserting that “doctors are the real problem with health care in America.” His broadside contributes nothing to the serious debate about American health care reform. Further, he demonstrates the epitome of ignorance about a health care system that involves countless parties: doctors, patients, insurance carriers, malpractice attorneys and dozens of state and federal government agencies, each of whom contribute to how health care is provided and consumed in America and each of whom impact the cost of that care.

Congress should reinstate estate tax

On New Year’s Day, the estate tax, an essential part of the U.S. tax system for almost 100 years, disappeared because Congress failed to act in December.

Meyer needs trip to Bourbon St.

As expected, the Urban Meyer situation dominated the talk leading up to Florida’s Sugar Bowl matchup against Cincinnati.