Opinions - The Independent Florida Alligator

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Materialism fosters apathy

By Dustin Rivas | Sep. 26, 2007

Yesterday during the SG-sponsored Student Speak-Out on the Plaza of Americas, I watched as the organizers struggled to get the numerous onlookers to voice their opinions. Some asked why this was a problem. And as I watched many students walk by with their new technologies and material assets, it became clear - materialism took precedence.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Jean shorts spark 'intellectual nerve'

By Benjamin Branoff | Sep. 26, 2007

There are very few subjects in our collegiate media circuit about which I've contemplated voicing my opinion. Certainly one would think police brutality, UF Playboy models or racial controversy would garner my voice. Sadly, for me, they did not.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

No progress with Gator

By Ben Cavataro | Sep. 26, 2007

I was appalled to read Yooni Yi and the Gator Party's position that a one-party system in Student Government "isn't problematic."

OPINION | COLUMNS

RTS drivers should be more punctual

Sep. 26, 2007

It's big, fat and slow. It's never there for you when you need it. It shows up at the most awkward of times. It's very gassy. It's not your ex-significant other. "It" is the Regional Transit System.

OPINION | COLUMNS

SG voter apathy hints at U.S. election

Sep. 25, 2007

The Gator Party's domination of Student Senate seats made me wonder about the 2008 election.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

UF soldier makes students proud

By MATTHEW RAPSON | Sep. 25, 2007

I just wished to express my gratitude and appreciation to Kori Frederick and the Alligator for the wonderful piece on Adam Stout. Whatever your feelings about the wars in Iraq or Afghanistan, this piece brought the reality of warfare home. As most of us lit Christmas trees on fire and climbed poles on West University Avenue, this student was protecting our liberties and serving his country. Such dedication is admirable, and I'm proud knowing that we have such moral fortitude alive within our university. So thank you for a wonderful piece, and thank you, Adam, for all your sacrifice. I look forward to reading more such stories in the future.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Smart students don't wear 'jorts'

By EMILY FRYE | Sep. 25, 2007

As an avid jean-shorts hater, I can not thank you enough for Kyle Cox's column, "Jean shorts hurt Gators' credibility," in Tuesday's paper. Having friends who attend the University of Georgia and as a regular attendee of the Florida-Georgia game in Jacksonville, I am so sick of being ridiculed for going to a school known for wearing jorts.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Underage drinking not cause of death

By Ian Fisher | Sep. 24, 2007

UF President Bernie Machen's logic was off on blaming Andrew Enriquez's death on underage drinking. The fact that Enriquez drank while 20-years-old is not what killed him. He may, however, have been intoxicated while driving. Such was the case when Austin Wright hit Gainesville Police Department Lt. Corey Dahlem on that tragic April night.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Columbia U. commended for speaker

By Benjamin Dictor | Sep. 24, 2007

I was offended last year to hear that Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was questioning the historical accuracy of the Holocaust. On that note, I would like to take the opportunity to commend Columbia University for allowing him to address students Monday in an open forum.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Brains more impressive than breasts

By Chris Cano | Sep. 24, 2007

So the Gator gals can flaunt their chests. Big deal. Not worthy of a full page story, in my opinion. Show me a woman with a brain who's changing the world with her ideas, and then I'll be impressed.

OPINION | EDITORIALS

Undemocratic

Sep. 24, 2007

One-sided SG hurts students

OPINION | EDITORIALS

Slowing the Towing

By the Editorial Board | Sep. 24, 2007

Score one more for students.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Jean shorts hurt Gators' credibility

By KYLE COX | Sep. 24, 2007

There was a great disturbance this weekend. Every Gator felt it, and it showed during the football game on Saturday. The team struggled more than the three previous weeks combined. Urban Meyer will look to the footage, but the real problem is much easier to pinpoint.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Never forget last week's Tasering

By VINCENT MASSARO | Sep. 23, 2007

Today, we mark the one-week anniversary of the Tase heard 'round the world.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Police officers' actions could inspire Taser free-for-all

By TOSHA SKETO | Sep. 23, 2007

The outrage over Monday's incident at the Sen. John Kerry lecture has gone as far as inspiring protests on campus. Students are livid about the actions of the University Police Department.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Police work hard to keep everyone safe

By Tamar Carter | Sep. 23, 2007

When I saw the aftermath of the police Taser incident, I thought to myself, something is not right. Why has this occurrence become such a huge cause to fight for? Why is this student getting all this attention?

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Crude language didn't warrant Tasering

By Bob Freeman | Sep. 23, 2007

"Blowjob." That's the obscenity Andrew Meyer uttered that resulted in him getting Tasered at a free-speech event.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Taser incident seen from both angles

By Steven Mossburg | Sep. 23, 2007

It is true I am a retired University Police Department officer. It is also true I am a Gator graduate (class of 1975), and I can see things from a student perspective as well as from a law enforcement perspective.

OPINION | EDITORIALS

UF Takes It Off

By the Editorial Board | Sep. 23, 2007

When we heard seven UF women are featured in this month's issue of Playboy, we immediately ran to the nearest gas station to buy a copy for our office.

OPINION | EDITORIALS

Darts & Laurels

By the Editorial Board | Sep. 20, 2007

It would be an understatement to say we're glad it's Friday. This all Andrew Meyer, all the time coverage has just about driven us here in the Department of Darts & Laurels over the edge. But nonetheless, we're here for this week's recap of Tasergate. So read on, brave souls. If you don't, we might Taser you. Enjoy this week's "Don't Tase me, bro" edition of…