Noah and the Constitution...blog8

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703466704575489572655964574.html

1. This article is an 'editorial' from the Wall Street Journal that talks about the possible proposition of a 'Repeal Amendment' that means ""Any provision of law or regulation of the United States may be repealed by the several states, and such repeal shall be effective when the legislatures of two-thirds of the several states approve resolutions for this purpose that particularly describe the same provision or provisions of law or regulation to be repealed." Basically, the author believes that this would be a good step towards checking federal power (which is what Federalist No. 51 and the Constitution is all about), and that, even if the law were passed, it requires too much of a majority to be effective (an 'amendment convention' could also be called with 2/3 of the states consent--it's never happened). It is, in a sense, an "anti-Federalist" paper, but it talks more about power-abuse limitations than total states'-rights. In addition, the article explains that even if the bill were passed, it would serve more as a check/balance and less as a states'-rights power.

 

2. The article references specific parts of different amendments:

 

"The 13th and 14th Amendments limited the original power of states to violate the fundamental rights of their own citizens, while the 15th and 19th Amendments extended the right to vote to blacks and women. The 21st Amendment repealed another "progressive" reform: the 18th Amendment that empowered Congress to prohibit alcohol."

[examples of constitutional amendments as necessary]

 

The article sums up the main reasons why, in the author's opinion, the amendment would be good:

 

"The Repeal Amendment would help restore the ability of states to protect the powers "reserved to the states" noted in the 10th Amendment. And it would provide citizens another political avenue to protect the "rights . . . retained by the people" to which the Ninth Amendment refers. In short, the amendment provides a new political check on the threat to American liberties posed by a runaway federal government. And checking abuses of power is what the written Constitution is all about."

 

3. I thought that this article made a very convincing argument that was rational and logical, even if it could be called one-sided. Several quotes argue better than I can:

 

"Congress could re-enact a repealed measure if it really feels that two-thirds of state legislatures are out of touch with popular sentiment. And congressional re-enactment would require merely a simple majority. In effect, with repeal power the states could force Congress to take a second look at a controversial law."

 

"Perhaps its most important effect will be deterring even further expansions of federal power. Suppose, for example, that Congress decides to nationalize private pension investments. Just as it must now contemplate a presidential veto, so too would Congress need to anticipate how states will react. "

Blog #7

I am learning lots of new writing tips like 'make meaning early,' 'activate your verbs,' 'the loop,' etc. These have helped my writing skills and made my sentences more concise and powerful. I can build on this success by making the use of tips a habit so that all of my writing reflects their important suggestions.

In order to make the most of my oppurtunities, I can:

1. Learn everything that is taught in class by taking notes and incorporating it into my work (once again, like writing tips)

2. Do and turn in homework on time so that I won't get behind and can learn the most out of what I'm doing

3. Try and know the subjects instead of just learning it for the tests and grades

4. Like #3, doing my best for the sake of doing my best...not for the grade

 

My goals for this class are to--yes--get good grades and to learn a lot about American History, which is actually one of my favorite subjects.

Final Picture? It must be.



Artist's Statement Draft 5

My Inspiration

By Noah Schlottman

Hundreds of stars look down on a warm summer night. The smell of salt and kelp wafts in off the surface of the ocean, which is a black hole that stretches into the distance towards the non-existent horizon, where sky and sea become one. The soft roar of small waves breaking on the sand, on each other, is the only sound besides the muted voices of the bright city that rises from the shore. The warm waters of the Pacific wash over me and I feel freedom, release from school, work, conflict—the world. And most of all, I feel close to nature, and even closer to God, the creator of life, the world, the universe. I imagine the vastness of earth in the daytime, at anytime, and think of the first verse of the inspired Word of God (the Bible): "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth."

I love music, the ocean, nature, athletics, photography, and creative writing. So I chose the Bible as my icon. To me, it means all of those things and more. I love to read the Psalms and imagine David, unable to sleep, with a stringed instrument in his lap. He looks out at the false sunrise that paints the eastern sky and sings to the God he knows and loves: “My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music…I will awaken the dawn.” The music that I write and play praises God, His Son, and everything they have done for me. I breathe in that cold, ocean air and thank God for granting me the gift of life and freedom, but even more, a chance to know Him and His Son through His Word, the Bible. For, ultimately, that is what the Bible represents to me and billions of others: God as Creator, full of mercy and grace; Christ as His son, who sacrificed himself to grant us salvation; and everything within as examples of God’s glory since the beginning of time.

The Bible has shaped my life. It has made me who I am in every way. It has fashioned my mind and how I think; my heart and what I feel; and my soul—everything about me. I want to give every day of my life to God's will, glory, and commandments—whether that entails writing music to praise Him or applying his morals and commandments to everything I do. I am not perfect, but when I sin and fall away God has always brought me back and always will. I feel His love and guidance in a way words can’t describe. If they could, they would be words about love, humility, mercy, and grace; selflessness, repentance, challenges, and ultimate triumph…Words that describe the life of Jesus, who I strive to be like. Millions of Christians have faced the same pressures and temptations to not stand by their beliefs, but Christ never abandoned God’s plan or purpose, even when it meant his own sacrifice on the cross.

The power of the ocean’s waves beat down the coastline before me, the sky is illuminated by innumerable stars, and I know that I will never desert the God who created all of this for me and the others that follow His Word in the Bible, and put their faith in His Son. Every conscious moment I live, I realize that without God, the author of the Bible, there would be nothing: No music to play and listen to, no ocean to wash over me, no nature to find peace in, no place to run and jump for joy, nothing to photograph, and nothing to write about. I have asked myself many times before, what would I be without God? And I know that if God, Jesus, the Spirit, and the Word did not drive and motivate my life, I would be empty—without a plan, a purpose, or a goal. My life as a follower of Christ doesn’t permit mediocrity. It demands improvement in all areas of my life; it demands spiritual growth and determination. So I won’t give up; I’ll strive to follow in the footsteps of those believers before me and in the ways of Christ, who is the perfect example. I will stand by my faith, my beliefs, and my convictions so that, ultimately, I can be like him.

Blog #5:

1. Originally, I was unsure what American Icon I was going to choose. I knew that I wanted to write about something that meant a lot to me--something like music or the ocean--but I didn't know anything that was iconic and encompassed all of my passions. However, when I thought about it for a considerable amount of time, I knew that the driving force of my life was what caused and (yeah, I'm gonna say it) allowed me to pursue my dreams. God created everything and, yes, allowed me to come into existence; he even gave me free will. Jesus Christ sacrificed himself so that I could know God and the truth--a chance at salvation. The Spirit (God's power) has helped guide my life and decisions. I enjoy all of nature--the waves of the ocean, the smell of the forest before dawn, the feel of the night chill on my skin--and all of it was created by God. I love music, and songs of praise and poetry are used to worship the Lord. What better icon could I choose than the Bible--which is a collection of God's inspired Word, telling all about his works, glory, mercy, grace, judgement, and love; a testament to Christ's life and sacrifice; a guidebook that contains the morals I live by? Because of this opportunity to use the Bible as my American Icon (yes, it is important to America), I have been able to witness God and his Son before the world. It isn't always easy being a Christian when many look down upon and even condemn Christianity, but this is a chance to tell others about how I feel Christ and God in every day of my life. It's uplifting, encouraging--Christians can make it too without leaving behind their identity.
2. "Make Meaning Early" has been the most helpful writing tip for me because I am prone to make never-ending sentences that run on and on, and even though they are coherent, they are not as succinct and concise as they could be (especially since you have to figure out where to put all the commas,,,).
3. Randy told me that I should show progression and character development in my Artist's Statement, but that has been difficult because there has never been a time I did not believe--only times that my faith was confirmed. The only times this character (me) develops is when I have realized how amazing and true the Bible, God, Jesus, the Spirit, and the truth are. It could be considered a gradual change from what could be called blind faith to full knowledge that all I knew to be true is true.
4. The Loop has probably been hardest for me because in nonfiction I usually introduce everything in the intro, drive it home in the body, and tell everybody that I've been proved right in the outro. I still face that dilemma when it's not creative writing.
5. I am curently working on a new intro (since the first one told all, which I guess is too much), so I'm going for a vignette sort of thing that talks about my wonder with God's creation (with nature I feel closer to God):

Hundreds of stars look down on a warm summer night. The smell of salt and fresh kelp wafts in occasionally off the surface of the ocean, which is a black hole that stretches into the distance towards the nonexistant horizon, where sky and sea become one. The soft roar of small waves breaking on the sand, on each other, is the only sound besides the muted voices of the bright city that rises from the shore. The warm waters of the Pacific wash over me and I feel freedom, release from school, work, conflict--the world. And most of all, I feel close to nature, and even closer to God, the creator of life, the world, the universe. I imagine the vastness of earth in the daytime, at anytime, and think of the first verse of the inspired Word of God (the Bible):
"In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth."

1. Does this pull the reader into the story/paper...do they, at least, want to hear more?
2. Is it a personal enough general experience to make it mean/contribute something to my Artist's Statement?
3. Does this paragraph alone give you an idea of what my American Icon is?

American Icon Photo Necessities:

Image must be...

Black&White
2400x3000 pixels
8x10 inches
300 pixels/inch

...before printing

Blog #4 the LOOP (Intro and Outro of my Drafts)

Intro:
The Bible has shaped my life. It has made me who I am in every way. It has fashioned my mind and how I think; my heart and what I feel; and my soul—my being—and how I want to give every day of my life to God's will, glory, and commandments. For, ultimately, that is what the Bible represents to me and billions of others: God as Creator, full of mercy and grace; Christ as His son, who sacrificed himself to grant us salvation; and everything within as examples of God’s glory since the beginning of time. These beliefs were key to the birth of our nation and the revolutionary changes that separated the United States of America from the rest of the world.

...............................................................................................

Outro:
The colonists and founding fathers stood up for their natural rights—endowed by the Universe’s greatest Power—in the face of the destruction by the world’s “greatest power” (Great Britain). Likewise, I will stand by my faith, my beliefs, and my convictions under the onslaught of persecution, disapproval, and discrimination, just as the first Americans did long ago. For if I practice my faith in the Bible, which I know is right, I will be following the hopes, dreams, truths, and beliefs of the people that made the United States of America—what greater legacy could there be?

................................................................................................

1. I chose this opening and closing combo because it identified my icon, big ideas, and links to America, and then touched back on those same concepts in the end. The 1st paragraph doesn't have action, it is a factual statement, but the last paragraph is less passive and shows how I will put those big ideas into action.
2. Both the intro and outro include almost all my Big Ideas (the Bible, God, Christ, the USA, and how the Bible was America's inspiration).
3. I hope they think about the American legacy (perhaps American Dream) and how I identify myself as a part of that continuum. Maybe they'll wonder where their place is and how their inspirations are an integral part of American culture.

In-class feedback (Verbatim)

Peer response to prompt questions by Shyana:

1. What does this Icon represent, according to the author?
It is a little unclear who your icon is because you talk about God and how you believe in the Bible, to your parents. So, I'm guessing the Icon is yourself?!? ...What it means to you personally.
2. Cite specific sections (sentences, phrases, quotes, etc.) of the writing that communicate the "big ideas(s)" that this Icon represents.
I like the way you relate to the Bible giving specific reasons why you feel the way you do about what God has commanded you to do.
3. What is the author's place in a continuum of American Icons?
He states in the last paragraph that the founding fathers stood up for what was right and did what they felt was right. So, he says that he will do the same by standing up for his hopes, dreams, and simply what's right!
4. Cite specific sections of the writing that communicate the author's place in the continuum of icons.
The last paragraph.
5. What is the "best" part of the writing so far? Why?
Like I said before, I like how he talks about a variation of things, but they all tie into how he knows his purpose and what he's going to do with that.
6. What is the most important next step for this author?
To make your icon a little more clear, but other than that it is Really good! Good Job!

Click here to refer back to Noah's "Artist's Statement Rough Draft."

Part 2 of Blog 3--Resources

The Bible. Print.
...It is my icon, after all.

"Colonial Life In America." All About History. 2002. Web. 07 Sept. 2010. http://www.allabouthistory.org/colonial-life-in-america.htm.
This resource helped me identify with the colonists and their diverse backgrounds. It gives a short summary of how the colonists had a hard life in the New World, but were able to draw on their desire to live and succeed in order to survive.
The American Colonist's Library-A Treasury of Primary Documents. Rick Gardiner, 2005. Web. 07 Sept. 2010. http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1294965/posts.
What we read defines our interests, goals, or personality. Therefore, it is important to know what the colonists read if I want to know how I connect and identify with them...

Chandler Hood's Artist's Statement also helped me identify my place in the continuum of my icons and examples of what sorts of big ideas could be identified in my own statement.

In addition, Ana Forsythe's Artist's Statement was even more useful because she compared herself to her icon and identified with Linda McCartney, elements I have tried to incorporate in my Artist's Statement.

Part 1 of Blog #3--American Icons

Part 1:
My Artist's Statement has many different elements: The Bible, God, Jesus, the founding fathers, the Revolution, the USA, the diversity of the colonists, etc. all of which tie into being an American. The Bible is an icon of my Christian beliefs in God and Jesus, and their commandments that have shaped me and my goals. The Revolution, founding fathers, United States of America, and colonial diversity represents my deep connection with the people of Early America and the laws that shaped our country. My Christian beliefs and multicultural background connects me to the colonists that decided to stand up for their God-given rights and rebel against tyranny. I am continuing the legacy of the colonists by upholding my beliefs even when everyone around me thinks differently and even puts down my faith. In addition, my Thai and Italian heritage links me to the diverse backgrounds of the colonists; but what they could all agree on was Britain's injustice and their natural rights as human beings created by God. I am glad to know that the Bible was an integral part of America's fundamental ideology and feel I am doing what the colonists would have done if they were in my shoes. I will not give up in the face of the world, but will stand by what I know is the truth.

Noah Schlottman’s Artist Statement (Rough Draft)

The Bible has shaped my life. It has made me who I am in every way. It has fashioned my mind and how I think; my heart and what I feel; and my soul—my being—and how I want to give every day of my life to God's will, glory, and commandments. For, ultimately, that is what the Bible represents to me and billions of others: God as Creator, full of mercy and grace; Christ as His son, who sacrificed himself to grant us salvation; and everything within as examples of God’s glory since the beginning of time. These beliefs were key to the birth of our nation and the revolutionary changes that separated the United States of America from the rest of the world.
For these reasons, when I think of all the great freedoms, rights, and opportunities of America, I look up to the God of the founding fathers and see his guiding hand in all of it. The first sentence of the Declaration of Independence justifies the formation of the USA as an entitlement by the Laws of Nature and Nature’s God[1]. The second sentence is even more striking and inspiring:

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

I know that I am part of the American legacy. I am sure of my place in the world as a man equal to all others, endowed by my Creator with the unalienable Rights of Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. Our country was founded on the concepts stated in the Declaration of Independence, which embodied the ideas and beliefs of the men that stood up against tyranny and fought for their rights. Just as the justification of their actions was based in the precepts of the Bible and the God of the Bible[2], my faith and decisions throughout life are based on my Biblical convictions in God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.

I have been called to know our Creator and His son, Jesus, through God’s inspired Word, the Bible. I have tried to love the Lord my God with all my heart, soul, and mind[3]; and I feel a deep sense of pride and heritage when I know my goals and principles are the same as the great men who gave birth to this magnificent nation. Moreover, I have an even deeper connection to the men and women of the thirteen colonies. My mother is a Thai citizen whose father is Lao and mother is Thai, and my father is a 3rd generation Italian-American. Their roots lie in countries thousands of miles away, but they have come to a place where different cultures, religions, and identities can coexist. Not only are they examples of the immigrants from England, Scotland, Ireland, France, Germany, and Holland that came to America in search of freedom from persecution of just a better life, they also possess an important element the made E Pluribus Unum[4]: my parents believe in God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and the Bible. This was a common link between the majority of the colonists who, although from many different backgrounds and cultures, all knew that their beliefs were based in the same inspired book: the Bible.

The colonists and founding fathers stood up for their natural rights—endowed by the Universe’s greatest Power—in the face of the destruction by the world’s “greatest power” (Great Britain). Likewise, I will stand by my faith, my beliefs, and my convictions under the onslaught of persecution, disapproval, and discrimination, just as the first Americans did long ago. For if I practice my faith in the Bible, which I know is right, I will be following the hopes, dreams, truths, and beliefs of the people that made the United States of America—what greater legacy could there be?

Appendix to Artist's Statement

[1]: refer below↓


[2]: It has been argued that the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and other important documents were not at all based on Christian doctrine of beliefs because of the faithlessness and unbelief of several of the founding fathers. However, in addition to the fact that the documents in question contain proof of their Biblical basis (I’ll come back to that); the documents were written to encompass the consensus of the colonists’ beliefs. Almost all the colonists were Christian and although they were divided three ways in regard to the American Revolution (Patriot, Tory, and Pacific), all the ideological concepts that served as motivating factors for the revolution were theologically based. As a result, throughout the Declaration of Independence (which served as the fundamental document in which all American ideals and post-revolutionary documents are based) we can see examples of acknowledgement of the existence, providence, and importance of God. In a sense, America was proof of how Biblical concepts are very rational and sensible. The precepts of America are both reasonable and logical in an agnostic sense as they are also undoubtedly true according to God’s principles as laid out in the Bible. Both of these forces combined were able to create a declaration that embodies current and colonial American beliefs (75% of America remains Christian today) and rational explanation of Revolutionary action (for those like Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Paine, etc. that were not religious). However, it remains true that the Christian element, predominant among colonial patriots, was more of a driving force than that of the non-religious colonial population. Moreover, the appeal to God throughout the Declaration probably depicted the feelings of the revolutionaries as they went to fight for their Creator-endowed rights and entitled independence according to the “Laws of Nature and Nature’s God.”

Following are excerpts from the Declaration of Independence:

[1] “When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.”

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

“We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare…”

“And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.”


[3]: Luke 10:25-28:

On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
“What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?”
He answered: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ”
“You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.”

Also, Matthew 22:34-40:

Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question:
“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”


[4]: “E Pluribus Unum” or “Out of Many, One” is the de facto motto of the U.S. and is on America’s Great Seal, currency, official documents, and government buildings, and can be interpreted to mean that out of many different and diverse peoples, cultures, races, and religions has come one nation and people.

American Icons Project Idea 3: The Struggling American Artist

Imagine: a young man's fingers dance along the black and white keys of the piano with grace and ease. A small jar awaits fulfillment as it sits beside him. He is the epitome of aspiring musicians--the struggling artist. His dreams and the fantasies of those like him do not often come true, but they continue to strive towards their passion, their goal. His music will change people, trends, perhaps society if the world ever recognizes his greatness. Because music, and especially music like his, will make the masses hear what he hears in his head, feel what he feels in his heart, and learn all the things he knows to be true. Music is his soul's conduit, and has been a means of communication for other artists for thousands of years. The fingers manifest the sounds of his heart--sounds that will mean more to him and a few others than words can say, even if they are rejected by the world. It is a way of life; to imagine a melody, a harmony, a symphony...and make it come to life. It is an existence that is not successful by material standards, but brings more joy to those who live it than anything else in the universe. And it is, for them and me, an American Dream.

"Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" are attained....what more is needed? I have dedicated my life to composing the notes that are already imprinted in my mind; my liberty to create and write to the best of my ability is granted; and I have almost caught the happiness I pursue. It matters not if I am white, black, Asian, Hispanic, or multicultural--if I have a dream to pursue, a goal to catch, and am willing to pay the price--I can chase my fantasies until I make my big break. Or, never get that break at all. And if I do succeed in terms of popularity, affluence, and recognition I will have made a mark in American culture. My signature will be left behind in the archives of those who struggled and finally made it before me. Somewhere in the annals of history my music will remain, for some future listener to appreciate and know that this was a composition by Noah Schlottman--the young man who struggled and finally broke through.

I look to the stereotyped, struggling artist and realize that despite the generalization he/she is an essential part of America. These are the men and women that make up American culture, direct society's trends, thoughts, and feelings with their music and lyrics. These are the people that are striving to make their mark on the world, starting with America, and are trying to attain the greatness that their predecessors achieved. And though few succeed in this dream, they are an inspiration to scores of talented others who will look up to them as an icon of what they want to be. A premonition of what I know I'll be.

American Icons Project Idea 2

As a native of San Diego [and I mean real San Diego, not east or north county], I have swam in the Pacific Ocean my whole life. I love San Diego's beaches more than any other California beaches because ours are always diverse with so many different things to do--surf, boogie-board, skim board, snorkel, SCUBA, cliff-jumping, distance-swimming, spearfishing, and so many other water sports and fun. The ocean--not just the beach--is where I love to be. My father taught me to love the sea and the power of the water. He showed me how to swim through the biggest of waves and observe the small and amazing ocean life, little of which is left. When I dive my head under the blue, I can feel the life-force of the ocean's current wash over me. When I surface, I breath in the smell of the cold, saltwater that blows into my nose from an offshore breeze. Just being close to it makes me feel better, complete.
The Pacific Ocean greatly affects American culture even today. The fun and freedom provided by beach activities is a popular ideal--a lot of people want to get tanned, learn how to surf, watch babes, etc. But the aspect that appeals to me is the peace I feel when I do anything at all in the ocean. I feel whole again and the all my problems, fears, concerns make sense. The ocean holds appeal for Americans of every kind--thrill seekers, tanners, socialites, swimmers--and, thus, Americans pioneered beach culture, which started on the shores of the Pacific.
...

I have often think about what my more material goal in life is. Spiritually, I want to love the Lord my God with all my heart, all my soul, and all my mind. And love others as Christ loves me. Materially (job-, money-, house-wise, etc.), I have determined that I want to make a career as a School Psychologist. But often I wonder how amazing life could be if I was just a beach bum of sorts: living on the sand, swimming all day, and sleeping as a trade wind blows above me. I would be able to enjoy my favorite part of God's creation each day. [And to whoever is reading this: I am proud to be a Christian who can grow and prosper in a high school like this--although I wouldn't mind if I had to leave it all for a place of wind and sea.] Somewhere, where there's a wave with my name on it.

American Icons Project Idea 1

The Fender Stratocaster shaped American culture and society througout the 20th century and continues to operate as an outlet of emotional, creative, and political expression for both professional, amateur, and beginner musicians. When I was about six years old, I expressed my desire to learn to play guitar. My father bought me a Squier Strat (Squier is a Fender brand). Unfortunately, I never got around to guitar lessons and my green and white electric guitar remained unused for years. Although I have always loved listening to and discovering music, my inspiration for writing was ignited when my father bought Cakewalk Music Creator. Even though I didn't know how to play the guitar and was not going to record actual instruments, the door for composing was opened. One day I would be like all the greats who wrote their own music and played on their Strats: Buddy Holly, Jimi Hendrix, George Harrison, Eric Clapton, John Beck, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Mark Knopfler, and many more. I could see my name with theirs, in the annals of great singer/songwriters that made rock and roll what it is today. The Fender Stratocaster, which was the predecessor of my Squier, was a symbol of what I could be--the heights I could attain as a songwriter. I attempted to teach myself guitar through tenth grade and received help from one of the teachers at my old school. Now I am still passionate about writing and playing music, and continue to teach myself guitar and piano (which supplements my guitar songwriting). And when I look at the Fender Strats and the list of amazing musicians that played it, I know that when I am an established musician I won't be playing their songs...I'll be playing mine.