"See? There's always a Hitler, or a Castro."

While I do respect your opinion as an individual, a sociologist, and a professor, I would appreciate it if you refrained from comparing me to lunatic murderers and communist dictators. I have a great deal of respect for you, and while I know our opinions differ on a myriad of different issues, I think it would be best if any further comments like that remained unsaid, if only for the sake of professionalism.

See you in class,
Benjamin Miller

*****

Let me put this in context...

My sociology professor subscribes to the belief that no one can truly win a war, because both sides experience loss of life and resources. He believes that everything can be talked out and that there is no reason that anyone should ever take up arms. Speaking to the person sitting behind me, he said, "... but there will always be people who believe that war has a purpose."

I raised my hand.

He pointed to me and spoke the words that begin the email I sent to him a few minutes ago. Being no fan of Hitler or Castro, or anything they stood or stand for, I was somewhat taken aback. Seriously? I'm being compared to foaming-at-the-mouth lunatic murderers and communist dictators for a belief I wasn't even given a chance to spell out in detail? For all he knew I WAS talking about carpet-bombing the world whenever there's a problem, but I was never given a chance to explain that war does have meaning, if only as a last resort. I think that's a reasonable stance, don't you? Now my entire class will equate me with swastikas and crazy Cubans. Great.

I really should not have to send an email like this. A professor with his credentials (sociologist, doctorate degree, works for multiple colleges and public schools, former government employee) should be just a mite more professional than to say something like that, shouldn't he? Tell me if I'm overreacting.