Week 3
Rally and March Set for Saturday to Protect State Parks
http://infoweb.newsbank.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/resources/doc/nb/news/15A791D97B0DB0E8?p=AWNB
Florida has proposed to commercialize state parks including Paynes Prairie. Opponents have organized a march for this upcoming Saturday. Their march will include keynote speakers and live music. The event is organized by the Protect Paynes Prairie Coalition along with support from several other local environmentalist groups.
The problem presented here is that Paynes Prairie is loved and enjoyed by thousands of people who would now have to pay money to visit if the proposal is approved.
Environmentalist, locals, students, and myself have a problem with this. The place we all go to distress from work or school, or go for a bike ride with our kids would feel less free if it were commercialized.
Alternatives to Marijuana Arrests
http://infoweb.newsbank.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/resources/doc/nb/news/15A88EA85B0000A8?p=AWNB
Alachua County officials are creating alternatives to arresting people with small amounts of marijuana. They have voted to issue civil citations rather than a court date and jail time. Another practice they've used recently is issuing warnings. Lawmakers and marijuana defenders are pushing to add onto the upcoming ballot and allow people with terminal illness to use pot.
The problem here is that a lot of money is spent on sending people to jail for the small "crime" of marijuana possession, while it is legal in other states. The lawmakers and officials need to compromise on a solution to punishing those with small marijuana amounts.
Marijuana defenders have this problem because they most likely use it and are penalized when caught. Alachua officials also have this problem because they are looking to come up with a viable solution.
Dogs Patronize Gainesville Restaurants, Never Pick Up Tab
http://infoweb.newsbank.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/resources/doc/nb/news/15A88EA81308DD20?p=AWNB
Dogs in restaurants is currently trending in Gainesville. Five restaurants now have permits while others have been allowing it informally. Maude's is well known for being pet friendly. However, dogs must maintain outside or in patio areas for sanitation reasons. Many restaurants who allow dogs informally can face serious fines if an inspector finds out.
The problem here is that several restaurants that allow dogs do not know permits are available and easily attainable. They may unknowingly be forced to pay a fine. Another problem can be losing the business of non-animal lovers or those allergic.
Non-animal lovers and those with animal allergies may no longer be able to attend their favorite eating spots. Restaurants that informally allow dogs also face a problem because they could be given fines if an inspector finds out.
Two More Arrests in Stabbing, One Suspect Off the Hook
http://infoweb.newsbank.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/resources/doc/nb/news/15A88EA7DFD26C60?p=AWNB
The Gainesville police have arrested two more people involved in the home invasion robbery that occurred last weekend. A middle aged man and women forced their way into the home after knocking on the door and the man stabbed the homeowner in the back and sliced his chin. Together they stole a cell phone, cash and prescription pills. The fourth suspect is "off the hook" because he was inadvertently involved and did not know what he was taking part in. The fourth suspect is presumable the man who was expected at his doorstep to buy drugs.
The problem here is the violence that occurred in our city. Another problem posed here is the fourth suspect that faces no consequences. He could potentially cause future harm.
The homeowners who were robbed and attacked face this problem because they are probably shaken up along with their neighbors at the drama that was forced onto them. The police also face this issue because they have to deal with figuring out what really happened that night and enforce the consequences on the right people.
UF Union Presidents: Campus Gun Bill is a Recipe for Disaster
http://infoweb.newsbank.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/resources/doc/nb/news/15A7E65B509B4FF0?p=AWNB
The state legislation has plans of passing legislation to allow guns on campus while 73% of people oppose it according to the University of South Florida Poll. Opponents point out that students are under high stress and face higher risks of suicide, and allowing a gun in their hands will only lead to tragedy. Proponents seem to be the minority with the argument that it will make students feel safer. However, students are untrained while we have trained police forces all over campus.
The problem presented here is the possibility of students having guns on campus. Can you imagine a student sleeping with a gun under their bed in a dorm room? That is what would make students feel unsafe when the whole purpose of the law in the first place would be to make them feel safe.
State legislature faces this problem because it has so much opposition. Organizations such as Graduate Assistants United and United Faculty of Florida also face this problem because they must take action to keep our campus safe and oppose this proposal.
I really enjoyed this post. My favorite opportunity was allowing dogs in restaurants. I am not a dog lover and I respect peoples rights to animals, but I should have certain rights in public as well. Dogs at Starbucks often jump on my legs. This is not okay and most of the time the owner acts like they are just being friendly. Trained dogs would not act like this. This is becoming like the misbehaving kids who terrorize fancy dining rooms. I get it, I have a son. I would never take him to a nice place when I know he has a short fuse. He is older and behaved now, but I chose kid friendly places until he was older. Every dining room and public place is not dog friendly. I am glad you are bringing awareness to the situation.
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