Don't blame me, I voted for Kodos!

Sheesh. Two-party politics at its finest. A classic line: "If McCain is nominated, I'm voting Democrat. I'd rather see a Democrat mess up the nation than a Republican." Or equivalently, swap the two parties and replace McCain with Hillary. I think all these people should relax and enjoy a rousing episode of the Simpsons. I suggest "Treehouse of Horror VII."

Some people look at the 2000 election and say, "See how much your vote counts? That election was decided by fewer than 500 votes!" I say, "499 people could have stayed home that day and the result would have been the same!" Or even better than staying at home, try looking at some less-funded independent. Seriously. Sure there's no chance he'll win, but at least you don't have to vote for Kang or Kodos, and maybe some lucky non-major party might qualify for some funding for the next election. Or do you believe that only the rich and/or well-connected are qualified to be president?

Lars E. Olson, ABD

Two proposals in the space of one month would normally cause trepidation in the most fearless of hearts. And for good reason. Proposals require you to put your innermost soul on display for the unfeeling public to trample down and leave you to recover (or languish) in the solitude of your own personal prison.

And by that, I mean that my thesis proposal was accepted. There were a couple of sticking points that were criticized, and probably deserved to be, but overall they were enthusiastic about the project. Dr. Gunter even said that it was the best proposal he's seen recently. Which shouldn't be a huge surprise; after all, it's been in the oven for more than a year.

I do feel a little disappointed that Sarah still gets to become Dr. Olson before I do.