Opinions - The Independent Florida Alligator

OPINION | COLUMNS

Trump’s presidency has become reality TV

Mar. 13, 2018

One of the main points of criticisms I hear of President Donald Trump is his unseemly and unpresidential behavior. He is not a smooth talker. He tweets more than a teenager does, gives disparaging nicknames to his political opponents and is drowning in scandal. The list could go on for miles. Trump, a reality TV star who once made an appearance on World Wrestling Entertainment, does not fit the position of president of any country, let alone the United States, people often say. And I agree with them.

OPINION | EDITORIALS

Adding more guns is not the solution

Mar. 11, 2018

On Friday, Gov. Rick Scott met with the loved ones of the 17 people who were murdered in the Parkland school shooting last month. After these meetings in Tallahassee, Scott signed a law that will create stricter measures for gun purchases across the state.

OPINION | COLUMNS

We must continue our activism efforts on gun reform

By Mia Gettenberg | Mar. 11, 2018

Two facts. First, last week Gov. Rick Scott signed a bill raising the minimum age for purchasing rifles in Florida from 18 to 21. The bill also expanded the handgun waiting period to cover long guns, ban bump stocks and create a program allowing some school personnel to carry guns (I guess we can’t have it all).

OPINION | COLUMNS

Women of color are fundamental to feminism, which is for all women

By Madisyn Jones | Mar. 11, 2018

As you scrolled through social media Thursday, you probably noticed a post here and there about someone’s mother, sister or best friend. The post likely acknowledged their strength, beauty or any of their characteristics.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Hostage situations happen in real life, not only in books and movies

By Taylor Cavaliere | Mar. 11, 2018

This past Friday, four people died after a hostage situation emerged at a home for veterans just north of Napa, California.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Trump’s infrastructure plan inadequately addresses America’s situation

Mar. 1, 2018

President Donald Trump recently revealed his plan to improve America’s infrastructure. I believe the plan falls short when it comes to solving problems. Infrastructure can be defined as anything from bridges to electrical grids, but I'll focus on three sectors in desperate need of reform: roads, dams and water systems.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Does Trump’s cabinet represent America or just people who are like him?

Mar. 1, 2018

Representation matters. It's almost always clear if an organization is hiring enough people of color or isn’t helping them ascend to leadership roles.

OPINION | DARTS LAURELS

Darts & Laurels: March 1, 2018

Mar. 1, 2018

It’s finally Spring Break. After spending the last two weeks cooped up in Library West, you come to find you’ve forgotten what it feels like to breathe in fresh air or to feel sunlight on your skin. Needless to say, you have been in desperate need of some rest and relaxation, far away from UF’s campus.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Celebrities’ opinions make or break marketing

Mar. 1, 2018

“So does anyone else not open Snapchat anymore? Or is it just me... ugh this is so sad.”

OPINION | EDITORIALS

This Spring Break, act responsibly

Feb. 27, 2018

We’re almost there, just three more days until Spring Break. Some of you may be ducking out early. Some of you may be extending yours into the next week.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Don't let the opinions of famous people shape your worldviews

Feb. 27, 2018

I’m not sure there are people who know what they are talking about when talking about politics. Even the experts, the ones who were so sure of a Clinton victory that they would have given you the deed to their houses if she lost, seem to be grasping in the dark at times.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Don’t forget to remember self-awareness in the pursuit of self-care

Feb. 27, 2018

Whether you namaste or “namaste in bed,” the concept of self-care means something different for everyone.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Why are strong female songs written by men?

Feb. 27, 2018

“Something about you makes me feel like a dangerous woman.” These lyrics, sung soulfully by Ariana Grande, have become an anthem for women that transcends age, relationship status and worldview.

OPINION | EDITORIALS

UF must treat OPS workers better

Feb. 25, 2018

Beneath the surface of UF’s seemingly well-run campus are the people who make it happen. We are talking about the secretaries, the adjuncts and even the custodians who work every day to make sure UF students have the best experiences possible.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Let’s show compassion to those who survive tragedies

Feb. 25, 2018

Last semester, I wrote a column urging stricter gun control measures after the horrific shooting in Las Vegas. Since the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School two weeks ago, I have struggled to find words.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Diversity rises in the Winter Olympics

Feb. 25, 2018

This year’s Winter Olympics exhibits more black athletes than we’ve seen in previous years. Not only that, but these games have smashed the stereotype that black athletes solely dominate in basketball or track and field. Black athletes represent less than 3 percent of all Winter Olympians this year; however, their increasing attendance challenges the classic image of a winter athlete.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Stop the conspiracy theories and start showing support for crisis survivors

Feb. 25, 2018

Whenever there’s a big enough crisis, there is a good amount of collateral to follow. The media explodes, and conspiracy theorists fly into the picture from every direction. Was Lee Harvey Oswald the only gunman involved in former President John F. Kennedy's assassination? Was 9/11 an inside job?

OPINION | DARTS LAURELS

Darts & Laurels: Feb. 22, 2018

Feb. 22, 2018

After you dodge the gaggle of fraternity men, begging you to give them the “I voted” sticker you’ll get after casting your ballot, you find your place in line and dig through your backpack until you find your rarely used Gator 1 Card. You dust it off and mindlessly scroll through social media on your phone until you reach the front of the line.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Politically fueled late-night TV will not last forever

Feb. 22, 2018

Late-night television is strange. Thirty years ago, it satiated the same need that late-night web surfing does today: mindless entertainment to help you unwind at the end of the day. Despite the exponential growth of other nightly entertainment sources, late-night shows are still chugging along.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Black Panther shows movies with diverse casts can be successful

Feb. 22, 2018

$202 million.