Opinion

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OPINION  |  LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Salary could be better spent

By Scott Erker | Nov. 18, 2007

In light of the fact that funding for many UF departments is being cut to the bone, UF professors are underpaid and overworked, state funding for higher education is being cut every year and our economy is, by many estimates, on the verge of entering a recession, isn't it good to know that we here at UF have one of the highest-paid university presidents in the country?

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OPINION  |  EDITORIALS

Machen's moolah is through the roof

By the Editorial Board | Nov. 18, 2007

UF President Bernie Machen makes a lot of money - more than three-quarters of a million dollars.

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OPINION  |  LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Meyer doesn't deserve coverage

By MEGAN HERON | Nov. 18, 2007

Why are we still mentioning Andrew Meyer in the Alligator? Sure, he gave you plenty of stories, but it's over.

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OPINION  |  LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Meyer doesn't deserve our attention

By Michael Bosworth | Nov. 15, 2007

In response to Thursday's guest column, I challenge Andrew Meyer to keep his mouth shut for once.

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OPINION  |  COLUMNS

Get your mind off of holiday weight gain

By COLLEEN SHEA | Nov. 15, 2007

Why is everyone on a diet all of a sudden?

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OPINION  |  EDITORIALS

Darts & Laurels

By the Editorial Board | Nov. 15, 2007

Thank God - it's finally starting to feel like a season other than summer. It's time to put the sundresses and shorts in the back of the closet and break out the sweaters and scarves. It's time to put on a pot of chili and sip some hot cocoa. It's time to trade in the Corona Light for a dark, wintry ale. It's time to stop going to class and stay under the covers instead. But most of all, it's time to read this week's frost-covered edition of…

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OPINION  |  LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Online SG voting should be an option

By Mark McShera | Nov. 15, 2007

During the fall Student Government election, UF students again resoundingly expressed the opinion that the voting system at UF needs an overhaul. When 14 percent of the electorate trudges through the rain to the polls, it is time for a change.

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OPINION  |  LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Don't perpetuate stereotypes, Alligator

By Sean Hipworth | Nov. 15, 2007

I found myself a little surprised after reading "Overheard in Gainesville" in Thursday's Avenue section. The final quote, by a "sorostitute," would have little apparent humor apart from the girl presumably being in a sorority. Some people might find it funny, but why not throw in hilarious quotes about other people?

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OPINION  |  LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Meyer's call for voters filled with irony

By Taylor Clarke | Nov. 15, 2007

I can only hope Andrew Meyer's guest column was published with ironic intent. The guy who helped perpetuate the idea that political protesters are shrill, self-important fools wonders why more students aren't involved?

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OPINION  |  EDITORIALS

Happy Trails

By the Editorial Board | Nov. 14, 2007

Two officers from the Florida State University Police Department will trek by bicycle from Tallahassee to Gainesville on Monday as part of the "Road to Responsibility Challenge" to discourage drunken driving and alcohol abuse for next week's traditionally rowdy Gators-Seminole clash, which also just happens to fall on Thanksgiving weekend.

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OPINION  |  COLUMNS

Andrew Meyer challenges you - to vote

By ANDREW MEYER | Nov. 14, 2007

I challenge you.

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OPINION  |  COLUMNS

Proposed stadium a waste of state funds

Nov. 14, 2007

The other day, Gov. Charlie Crist rubbed his magic funding bottle and a little legislative genie popped out and granted him one wish. Unfortunately, Charlie exchanged his other two wishes for visits to a tanning salon.

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OPINION  |  EDITORIALS

Biodiesel conversion good for Gainesville

By the Editorial Board | Nov. 14, 2007

We've all heard of the french-fry automobiles that drive across the country, powered only by grease and oil from fast-food restaurants.

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OPINION  |  LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Gonzales' actions do not warrant speech at UF

By Laurel Hammond | Nov. 14, 2007

In my fourth year as a UF student, I am insulted and ashamed my Activity & Service Fee is helping pay for Alberto Gonzales' legal bills as he faces impending criminal prosecution.

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OPINION  |  COLUMNS

Study abroad gives more than just credit

Nov. 13, 2007

The Gator Nation is anything but, thanks to a study showing UF is a top-20 university for studying around the world.

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OPINION  |  EDITORIALS

Donation Nation

By the Editorial Board | Nov. 13, 2007

Kudos to the student volunteers who care enough about their community to try to make a difference in it. Specifically, we're talking about the nearly 1,000 student volunteers who showed up to Gainesville's "Homeless Night Out and Service Fair" last week.

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OPINION  |  LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Use fewer - or no - grocery bags

By Joe Uong | Nov. 13, 2007

I am writing in response to Tuesday's guest column, "Cloth bags a more environmental, more practical choice." I am an employee at a local Publix. When customers buy fewer than three items, I ask if they need a bag.

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OPINION  |  EDITORIALS

Discount day won't provide much relief

By the Editorial Board | Nov. 13, 2007

So this is the part when we're supposed to congratulate the Gator Party on accomplishing another one of its platform goals for getting the UF Bookstore to hold a student discount day. Gator says this will alleviate some of the financial burdens of the holiday season.

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OPINION  |  LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Phones prevent us from communicating

By Rory Rohan | Nov. 12, 2007

A very noticeable trend in campus life is the overwhelming presence of students attached to their cell phones or encapsulated by the earbuds of their iPods. Not only does this trend essentially shut us off from the world that is within our gaze, but it nearly destroys any attempts one student may have at communicating with another.

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OPINION  |  LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Gonzales not a controversial speaker

By William Foster | Nov. 12, 2007

Why are we paying ,40,000 to hear Alberto Gonzales speak? Accent claims it is bringing another "controversial speaker" like Janet Reno. Reno was controversial because of policy in the Elian Gonzalez and Waco raids. Alberto Gonzales is controversial because of his alleged illegal actions.