Kyle Cox seems to believe he, above respected political scientists, historians and sociologists has full and perfect knowledge of those things that are acceptable to protest and those that are not.
"To Surge and Project electrified probes into your body," should be the new motto for our University Shock Troopers (formerly the UPD).
When I first saw the Andrew Meyer video, I was stunned that a conservative activist could act so foolish and immature. When it was revealed that he is actually a Kerry supporter, the whole ordeal made much more sense.
Reading all the comments people have made, whether online or in the paper, I think that people are somewhat misguided in their anger. What happened to Meyer was wrong, but what didn't happen was even worse.
I just watched the video of Meyer being arrested on CNN, and I was horrified.
UPD was most definitely justified in using a Taser on Meyer. If it hadn't, he might have overpowered those police officers. Who knows what could have happened then - he might have asked Kerry another question.
The broadcast media's spin on this situation is akin to that of a reality television show. Every video I've seen, including on CNN and MSNBC, has shown only the most controversial parts of what happened.
A Taser is hardly "vicious weaponryC as Kyle Cox's Tuesday column stated. The whole point of a nonlethal, safe weapon is to avoid bringing out the actual "vicious weaponry.C
The UF administration needs to Taser UPD after its recent display of excessive force, poor judgment and downright bullying of unarmed student Andrew Meyer. These "officers of the lawC should be ashamed of themselves.
For all of those vehemently against what happened at Kerry's speech Monday, I say this: There are two sides to every story.
The UF student's arrest brought back memories of my years at Florida and students' protests for civil rights. It seems this student was more interested in his 15 minutes of fame than in his message.
I am appalled at the aggressive tactics used by University Police Department officers to remove Andrew Meyer from the presentation by Sen. John Kerry. How does using profanity or asking why you are being arrested justify the use of a Taser gun on a defenseless college student?
The irony of the Taser incident is that it took place on Sept. 17, the day the country celebrates Constitution Day. It is unfortunate both sides could not remain calm and work to a peaceful resolution. But that could be said about anything, including our own national government.
Some people seem to be confused about Monday's events surrounding Meyer, accusing the UPD of censoring Meyer's free speech. This is not the case, so let's give credit where credit is due.
I'm writing in response to Colleen Shea's Friday column about fitness. I can't believe someone is actually complaining about fit people working out at the gym. Um, hello? How do you think they got those amazing bodies? And no, not everyone at the gym looks like bodybuilders, but at least they're trying to stay fit. If you're so insecure that you can't work out with other people, stay home.
In response to Sam Cain's Monday letter about Dr. Jack Kevorkian, I think Kevorkian did nothing to help suffering people. He killed a lot of suffering people, that's true. But he didn't help them. A doctor is successful in helping the patient if the doctor can treat or cure the patient's condition. If the patient dies, then the doctor was unsuccessful. And if the doctor kills the patient, the doctor is not only unhelpful, but also a killer.
On Sept. 11, a number of students came before the Student Senate to voice their concerns about Dr. Jack Kevorkian coming to speak at UF. This is a highly controversial speaker, and I truly appreciate that students felt strongly enough to come before the Senate to speak to their representatives.
It's not that I particularly enjoy rebutting the Alligator editorial board, but once again I find myself in the unfortunate position of having to defend a project I am involved in from its straw-man arguments and misinformed opinions.
As anyone who attended Saturday's Gators football game can attest, it was very hot and very humid. After fighting my way to my seat through my 90,000 closest friends, I was in need of water. So I went to get some free ice. I was refused. Why? "We don't have any cups," said the girl at the stand. Naturally, I assumed she meant, "We don't have the right cups," since behind her, concession workers were busy filling souvenir cups with ice for ,3.50 sodas.
I regretfully read Colleen Shea's Friday column, and I feel she made a mountain out of a molehill. The column started out griping about UF's health promotion initiatives, but Shea spent most of her time exaggerating the gym's atmosphere. Is it bad for UF to promote healthful lifestyles? Is it a problem the GatorWell tents hand out free condoms? And for as many parties as I see on and around campus, can it hurt to educate students about drinking responsibly?
Solutions by The State News
