Opinions - The Independent Florida Alligator

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Wall necessary until intolerance ends

By Lindsey Parsons | Feb. 5, 2008

The editorial condemning the Writing on the Wall Project was actually proof of its importance. As the editorial stated, we don't live in a perfect world - the sad truth is that discrimination and intolerance are still very prevalent and very real threats everywhere and to the Gainesville community. An even sadder truth is that while some will experience intolerance, there will always be some that never will.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Checking Facebook isn't rude behavior

By Stephanie Powers | Feb. 5, 2008

It's not my problem if irresponsible people have to try to finish their essays one hour before their class.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Transgender ordinance is worthwhile

By Annette Merritt | Feb. 5, 2008

Kudos to the Alligator. Finally an objective analysis of the transgender ordinance and what it really means. Everything else I have read has been slanted and inciting.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Wall not about ending intolerance

Feb. 4, 2008

Ryan Nelson, UF alumnus, former Writing on the Wall, staff member

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Editorial too harsh on wall project

By Daniel Sanmiguel | Feb. 4, 2008

I think you guys were too hard on the Writing on the Wall project.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Bricks meant to symbolize stories

By Jeremy Grossman | Feb. 4, 2008

In a perfect world, our wall would end racism and cure intolerance. Obviously, that is a ridiculous goal, and that has never been our intention.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Manners, etiquette must be reclaimed

By GERALD LILES | Feb. 4, 2008

Imagine that one day you are strolling toward University Avenue, about to grab a bite to eat before your 1:55 class, when it hits you: that first paper is due in an hour.

OPINION | EDITORIALS

Transgender ordinance is necessary for equality

By the Editorial Board | Feb. 4, 2008

The recent ruling of the Gainesville City Commission to approve an ordinance protecting transgender residents from discrimination at local businesses was not a revolutionary move - the commission is just keeping up with the times.

OPINION | EDITORIALS

Wall accomplishes little to end intolerance

By the Editorial Board | Feb. 3, 2008

Last week, the usually tranquil sprawl of grass on the Plaza of the Americas was disrupted by a pile of cinder blocks more commonly known as the Writing on the Wall Project.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Scooter riders have alternatives

By Max J. Krause | Feb. 3, 2008

I don't understand why students are so disturbed by the decal increase. Owning a scooter is a luxury. If you can afford to spend $1,500 on a scooter, then you can afford to pay more than $100 for a decal. If you want to be "green," buy a bicycle. A nice, used road bike costs $150 from any of the local bike shops, and it gets infinity miles per gallon with zero emissions.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Students can use Gmail now

By Kenny Zaron | Feb. 3, 2008

I'm surprised that so few realize that there is already a easy way to get your WebMail account integrated with Google's Gmail. If you set up a Gmail account and then go into the settings, you can set Gmail to check many other mail services, including UF's WebMail. Gmail will check these other accounts, download their messages into your Gmail inbox and also allow you to send mail from any account that you have linked to Gmail. So instead of waiting for UF to make the switch to Gmail, you can make it happen for yourself in a matter of five minutes.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Column insulted men's intelligence

By Neil Cain | Feb. 3, 2008

This letter is in response to Carly Hallam's piece about anti-male advertising. Having worked in the advertising industry for nearly a decade, I've got a possible paradigm shift for Ms. Hallam to consider. Imagine networks have been airing a female-centric show. The show appeals to stereotypical aspects of females. Women will watch this show. It allows them to satisfy their instinctual urges without fear of being judged. Now, after all these weeks, comes the finale of this show. Women around the nation gather, laughing and de-stressing all at once. Advertisers fill the show with inside jokes for those who have made the season a regular entertainment event.Women take a step back and chuckle at just how fun it can be to give in and admit that sometimes, you really like fulfilling the more silly of the stereotypical traits for which your gender is known.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Wall project offers powerful meaning

By VINCENT MASSARO | Feb. 3, 2008

Journalism isn't a real major. You're too quiet. I worry that you'll never get married. Women can't be engineers. Is that a weave you have on? Iron my shirt. Pot-smoking hippy. Fags have AIDS.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Advertisers discriminate against men

By CARLY HALLAM | Jan. 31, 2008

It is only days away.

OPINION | EDITORIALS

Darts & Laurels

By the Editorial Board | Jan. 31, 2008

What a week. One new amendment and a few new city commissioners later, and we're still reeling from all the political madness. As we inch closer and closer to Super Tuesday, presidential candidates have been dropping like flies, and the remaining few are fighting for their lives.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Bright Futures bill is unconstitutional

By RAFAEL YANIZ | Jan. 31, 2008

Sen. Jeremy Ring's Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program bill is unconstitutional, and it violates the equal protection clause of Section 1 of the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Decal increase exploits scooter drivers

By Matthew Smith | Jan. 31, 2008

I am writing about the proposed increase for motorcycle and scooter parking decals. Guess what? If they raise the price of a scooter decal to the same price as a car decal, I'm going to drive my car to campus!

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Not everyone knows Sam Miorelli

By Justin Miller | Jan. 31, 2008

After reading Sam Miorelli's self-important rant regarding the spring Student Government elections, I think I speak for the Student Body when I ask, who is Sam Miorelli?

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Decal increases should be consistent

Jan. 30, 2008

Tina Briggs, UF alumna

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Ring's proposal not a 'pretty good deal'

By Jerod McKinney | Jan. 30, 2008

UF students may be wary of the Bright Futures bill, but incoming UF students should be furious.