n Usually, I am a pacifist. I am not known for speaking out against something that bothers me. But when I read Adam Chartoff’s merciless rant against the column written by Justin Marble, I decided to be uncharacteristically forthright (“Our differences define us,” Oct. 18, p. 6).

Personally, I rather enjoy Marble’s column. I find it a witty and enjoyable to read. Chartoff, however, has made it clear that his opinion of the weekly feature is less-than-favorable. That’s fine.

I’m not here to tell people what they should and should not like. It is the way in which Chartoff addressed his grievances in his letter to the editor that has me so incensed.

So here are a few points I would like to go over with you, Chartoff.

First, I highly doubt that it was Marble’s intention to offend you personally, as you seem to imply. He does not worship the Citgo Sign, so what? Neither do I. Does this mean that I make it my goal in life to upset everyone who does? Certainly not. For the most part, I have better things to do with my time.

Second, I find it a little distressing that you devote so much time to complaining about Marble’s piece. You described in your letter your weekly ritual of reading the column and then moaning about it to anyone who would listen. Why? Maybe with all that time you could write your own column, one that is more to your liking. Or maybe, if it irks you so much, you could just not read it at all.

Third, I note that you are in the College of Communication, and to that I say, shame on you. Chartoff, you seem to have ignored one of the most important lessons an aspiring journalist learns: Not everyone will like to hear your point of view. I would think that you would keep this in mind and show compassion to your fellow COM undergrad. Just remember, there might come a time when someone sits in a public place and rails on your opinions.

The last issue I have with you is your closing remark about differences. I cannot help but find it overwhelmingly hypocritical. You state that it is our differences that define us, and yet you slam someone for viewing the world differently than you do. Sounds a little contradictory, don’t you think?

Samantha Barbosa

COM ’10