This is in response to Curtis Corson's letter, "Election propaganda shows possible Obama setbacks" (Oct. 7).

In the letter Mr. Corson wrote, "It seems that Obama wants to 'change' America into a communist state." Mr. Corson's despicable accusation exemplifies conservative fear tactic and blather at its lowest. It makes no more sense to compare Barack Obama to Stalin than McCain to Hitler. The Bush administration has more closely resembled the despotic rule and lack of popular accountability inherent to a fascist state.

I will not stand by while two conservative pawns take office. The GOP had its chance, and it has curb-stomped America for eight years. This country is in need of political cleansing, and history, Mr. Corson, shows us that this will come with a transfer of power to those with a contemporary plan for the country and a clear-headed leader at the forefront.

Lauren Graham

senior-international media studies

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I am writing in response to a letter from Curtis Corson, "Election propaganda shows possible Obama setbacks" (Oct. 7), comparing Barack Obama to Joseph Stalin. Besides being ridiculous, it is utterly disturbing that anyone would compare Obama to one of the most evil dictators in history. Most shocking is the alleged basis of this comparison: a poster of Barack and the word "hope." If a headshot with some writing beneath it is all that is required to draw a comparison to Stalin, then apparently high school yearbooks are primarily full of future evil dictators.

Barack Obama has put forth detailed plans to combat poverty, provide health care coverage to millions of uncovered Americans and save our environment by investing in the development of alternative energy. None of those things seem as evil as committing 3 million murders and countless unlawful acts, but perhaps I missed something. Obama believes we have a moral obligation to intervene to stop genocide. So, I guess what I am saying, Curtis, is that I'm having a hard time seeing the connection.

A lot of us will be leaving this place with a mound of debt, and we will be trying to find a job in the middle of the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. This election will probably be the most important of our lives, and we need to be talking about which candidate has the best plan to change the direction of our country.

Liz Vaida

junior-film and video