Can anyone give me a good reason to care about my general ed classes?

I’m a software engineering major in my first year at San Jose State University. I’m doing fine in my (more difficult) calculus and engineering courses, but I just can’t stand my general education courses, particularly my speech class, which has sent me on another “research for the sake of research” projects. I’m paying at least 6,000 dollars a semester (I try not to know the price) to come here, and I basically feel robbed. My only consolation is that in that respect I’m better off than most—I passed 9 AP tests in high school and only have 17 units of GE left assuming I pass this semester’s classes.

Yes, this is mostly flaming, but I’m half serious. If someone can give me a good reason I might get some much-needed inspiration.

On another note, where did this tradition of general education come from and how widespread is it?