On Wednesday your paper endorsed Sen. John Kerry ("America should elect Sen. John Kerry" Wed., Oct. 27 ). As an alumnus and a parent who pays tuition and fees, I was appalled at this undertaking by the Collegian editorial staff. I understand that newspapers across the nation will support a political candidate. If I do not agree with that stance, I can elect to buy a different newspaper, and I most certainly would. However in this situation, there are no other newspapers for the student to read that differ with your biased stance. Historically, The Daily Collegian has probably endorsed presidential candidates. I was a student here during the 1984 election, but I do not recall an endorsement from the Collegian. My point is that I think it is a gross error in judgment for this newspaper to endorse a political candidate. I understand that your readership is overwhelmingly Democrat. But what about those readers who are not? In a free market, there is no problem because they can simply pick up a different paper. That option does not exist here. If you want the rights a free market society affords, then deal with the consequences of a free market society and earn your own way. Then and only then can you endorse the presidential candidate of your choosing. My son can then choose to read the other student newspaper that endorses his candidate.