On Sept. 11, 2001 terrorists threatened America’s freedom, and on Friday afternoon an angry American threatened my personal freedom.

As a writer on the Talon Marks newspaper staff, I have an opportunity to voice my opinion in a public forum. Last week, I wrote an editorial titled, “Justice- not revenge”.

In it I explained my frustration with the recent terrorists’ attacks on America and I expressed my feelings that rather than start a war, America should find the responsible party and bring them to justice.

Since the publication of the editorial, many people on the Cerritos College campus have told me they agree with me.

Others have informed me that they respect my opinion, but still think America should enter a war. However, one fanatical American did not agree with me and felt the need to tell me in a confrontational manner.

As I entered the school parking lot on Friday afternoon, a student who recognized my face from the picture that accompanied my editorial, approached me and said, “You’re that traitor who wrote that article.”

I replied, “Yes, I wrote the article, but I’m not a traitor.”

Upon hearing that, the man became very agitated and came within inches of my face.

“You’re not a real American,” he said, “if our country was run by people like you, we would all be killed by terrorists.”

Feeling threatened, I quickly removed myself from the situation and went immediately to my car and sped away.

As I drove home, I began to think of how hypocritical that crazed man was.

One of the benefits of living in America is being free to express your beliefs and to feel confident that even though your ideas differ from the popular majority, you will not face retribution.

By putting me into a situation where I felt threatened, that so-called “patriot” threatened the same freedoms as the terrorists who devastated America.

As a personal note to that fanatical American: America holds a vast number of cultures, religions and ideas.

But using intimidation tactics to try to force your personal opinions on upon those whose ideas are different than yours, not only impedes on the freedom of other but also portrays your ignorance.

On Sept. 11, 2001 terrorists threatened America’s freedom, and on Friday afternoon an angry American threatened my personal freedom.

As a writer on the Talon Marks newspaper staff, I have an opportunity to voice my opinion in a public forum. Last week, I wrote an editorial titled, “Justice- not revenge”.

In it I explained my frustration with the recent terrorists’ attacks on America and I expressed my feelings that rather than start a war, America should find the responsible party and bring them to justice.

Since the publication of the editorial, many people on the Cerritos College campus have told me they agree with me.

Others have informed me that they respect my opinion, but still think America should enter a war. However, one fanatical American did not agree with me and felt the need to tell me in a confrontational manner.

As I entered the school parking lot on Friday afternoon, a student who recognized my face from the picture that accompanied my editorial, approached me and said, “You’re that traitor who wrote that article.”

I replied, “Yes, I wrote the article, but I’m not a traitor.”

Upon hearing that, the man became very agitated and came within inches of my face.

“You’re not a real American,” he said, “if our country was run by people like you, we would all be killed by terrorists.”

Feeling threatened, I quickly removed myself from the situation and went immediately to my car and sped away.

As I drove home, I began to think of how hypocritical that crazed man was.

One of the benefits of living in America is being free to express your beliefs and to feel confident that even though your ideas differ from the popular majority, you will not face retribution.

By putting me into a situation where I felt threatened, that so-called “patriot” threatened the same freedoms as the terrorists who devastated America.

As a personal note to that fanatical American: America holds a vast number of cultures, religions and ideas.

But using intimidation tactics to try to force your personal opinions on upon those whose ideas are different than yours, not only impedes on the freedom of other but also portrays your ignorance.