Freedom of Speech

I had a recent encounter with a particularly ignorant individual that I feel the need to rant about to you, Reader.

Though I was not discussing writing or blogging with this man, a young marine who had not introduced himself to me or my conversation interrupted upon listening in with:

"You take an actual class on blogging?"

"Yes, I am an English major," I replied promptly.

"You waste tuition money on a class on blogging?" he said. Not really a question at all.

"Yes I do. I am a writer," I explained.

"I am sorry to hear that," he said as he laughed. Mocking me.

"I am sorry to hear that it bothers you," I told him before turning away.

I overheard him later explaining to no one in particular, "When shooting, it's best to shoot from a place of pain than of fear."

Dearest Marine,
If after serving our country you feel the best you have to offer is stale language about firing guns or misplaced judgment about how I use my freedoms to write, then I suggest you stay out of my conversation. You weren't invited in the first place, and you may have noticed I did not ask what you go to school for free to do because I do not give a fuck.
Sincerely,
Concerned American Woman