What being an American means to me.

This is a speech I wrote for a Boy Scout Speech competition in 7th grade.

What does it mean to be an American?  That is a great question of our day.  Let us examine things that we hold sacred to help us define ourselves.  Let me start with our beginning and our most cherished statement.

It typifies that indomitable spirit of determination brought to my land by Christopher Columbus and by all my forefathers - the Pilgrims, Puritans, settlers at Jamestown and Plymouth.
It is as old as my nation.
It is our heritage to stand erect, proud, and unafraid.
It is our heritage to think and act for ourselves; to enjoy the benefits of our creations, and face the world boldly and say, "this is what we have done, we have built a nation from scrap and protected it from all threats."
In this declaration we established that America will not cower before any threat, We made our Declaration of Independence!  We fought England for our freedom.  We have been an example to other countries - for France and its "equality, liberty, fraternity", and for Latin America's revolutions that freed them from Spanish rule.

Next, let me speak about the soul of our nation.  The thing that binds us all together in this great nation.
It represents these eternal principles: liberty, justice, and humanity.
It embodies American Freedom: freedom of speech, religion, assembly, the press, and the sanctity of the home.
It is our birthright, our heritage of liberty, purchased with blood and sorrow.
It's voice---Abraham Lincoln's philosophy: "A government of the people, by the people, for the people."
It is your title deed of freedom, which is yours to enjoy and hold in trust for posterity.
If we fail to keep this sacred trust inviolate, if it is nullified and destroyed, you and your children will become slaves to dictators and despots.
It is our nation's law: The Constitution of the United States and the Bill of Rights.

Now we look to our first and foremost symbol.
It stands guard over our nation's schools, the seedbed of good citizenship and pure patriotism.
It is displayed in every schoolroom throughout my nation and thousands upon thousands of boys and girls pledge their allegiance to it and their country every day.
It has its own law- Public Law 829, "the Flag Code"-Which definitely states its correct use and display for all occasions and situations.
It has its special day, Flag Day; June 14 is set to honor its birth.
It is not always respected, it is burned and walked upon by both our citizens and our enemies abroad.
It shelters those who fought for our country in countless grave yards both here and on foreign lands.
It is the sacred emblem of our country.  The American Flag is the symbol of our nation.  It is adorned with thirteen stripes and fifty stars.  The stripes symbolize the thirteen original colonies, the stars, the fifty states.  The red stripes proclaim the fearless courage and integrity of American men and boys and the self-sacrifice and devotion of American mothers and daughters.  The white stripes stand for liberty and equality for all.   The  blue is the blue of heaven, loyalty, and faith.  Americans, as you see it silhouetted against the peaceful skies of my country, remind yourself that it is the flag of your country. That it stands for what you are- no more, no less.

Eternal vigilance of our ancestors was the price of our freedom.

Today, Americans do not shrink in times of trouble.  They face problems and thresats head on.  We help poorer countries, and defend smaller ones.  we fight for what is right.  We are still fighting for freedom by combating world terrorism with help from our first enemy and now most trusted friend, Great Britain.

Today Americans will now trade freedom for benefits, but work to be free.  We do not trade our dignity for a handout.  we prefer the challenges of life to guarenteed life.  Americans seek opportunity not security. We build and take risks,.  We work for what we have, and we are free to help each other. We vote for what, who, or anything we want.  I believe that America is the land of opportunity, but I believe that we have to use the opportunities our country provides so so that e benefit not only ourelves, but our fellow citizens.  That is what being American is all about.

Recent events have demonstrated that eternal vigilance is our price of freedom.  Fellow Americans now risk their lives as I speak to defend not only our freedom, but the freedom of all like-minded countries and their citizens.

Guard it well, lest your freedoms perish from the Earth.

Not bad for a 12 year old.

Byron Siwelnor

Big News, Jim Tressel, embattled coach of that school down south, has resigned. It seems that he resigned after a meeting with the Athletic Director upon returning home from vacation.  Sports Illustrated gave OSU a preview of an expose that they are printing in the next issue.  This begs the question, what else did that team do?  I for one can't wait to find out.

Byron Siwelnor

Forever Go Blue!


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American Troops

God Bless our troops out there and everything you do for our nation.  Freedom isn't free and many men and women fought and paid the ultimate price for our freedom, so God Bless you all, God bless America, and take some time this memorial day to remember the sacrifice made for our freedom.  

Latin Bureaucracy in Puerto Rico

Some say that a big reason that the Spanish colonies didn't do as well as the English colonies is the bureaucracy inherent in Latin culture.  Here's a great example.  In Puerto Rico, the children have rights in their parents property after the age of majority.  So after the age of 18, you have rights to your parents property.  If a parent wants to sell their home or car, they have to get permission from all their children.  That is the most backwards thing I've ever heard.

Right now, mi Abuela (grandmother) is trying to close a deal on her house.  She has all my aunts and uncles in Puerto Rico right now to sign over their rights in the property.  My mother, who lives in Michigan, is not there.  She filled out a pastille document to sign over her rights and power of attorney in Puerto Rico three years ago, in front of an officer of the court, for the express purpose of not having to go back to Puerto Rico over any property.

Well guess what.  Apparently she has to be there in person to close the deal.  Except nowhere in the law does it say she has to be there.  The law only requires that the attorney knows that she signed the document.  He has a copy of the document, with her signature and the signature of the attorney who witnessed it, but its not good enough for him?  They want mom to fork over $2000 to fly to Puerto Rico to sign some papers.  The law requires that the parents have power of attorney to sell their property, and mom signed it a long time ago.  This guy is a joke.

Here's the best part.  He didn't know who mom was.  She has the paper signed under her legal name, and she is on birth certificates under her maiden name.  (Duh)  He didn't figure that the two people with the same first name, from the same family, couldnt' be the same person.

These people are idiots, and it's amazing any homes are sold in Puerto Rico.  There are a whole lot of Puertoriquenos  who live off the island, how do they deal with this garbage if they can't afford to come back?  They sign over the power of attorney just like mom did.  Stupid as hell.   This guy just wants to be un gran puta.

The law is stupid for requiring kids to allow their parents to sell their homes, so that they can preserve their inheritance.  The lawyer is stupid for requiring people to jump through hoops.  One more reason why my mom left,  and why I could never live in a Latin country.

Now mom has to either go or hire a lawyer to represent her because the family didn't take care of the original document that they don't even need legally.  I feel bad for mom.  Ignorant morons.

Now the lawyer says mom needs a photo id with her maiden name!   She's been married for 24 years.  She doesn't have one.  WHAT THE HELL!!!

Oh and she can use the power of attorney form to verify that she is who she is for the signing, but not for the closing of the house sale.   AGAIN, WHAT THE HELL!!!!!

10 cents a minute

10 cents a minute

I wish this was me. A toast to this awesome Byron who holds up the name's awesomeness.

Ladies

Obvious Winner - So Easy To See The Awesomeness - ow - Nerf Gun Battle Proposal is the Most Romantic Start of the Year

If you love your guy, do this for them and they will be forever at your beck and call.

Going a bit crazy here.

OpenCola (drink) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

I'm a Linux fan boy. I love my Arch Linux laptop, and I love playing with my OS and breaking and fixing it. I enjoy finding new FOSS software, and I live by the KISS principle. That being said, Open Cola is pretty crazy. I admire what they are trying to do, but what is the point of starting a company to sell it. People will just make it themselves or buy Coke or Pepsi. Same with the Free Beer. Anyone who can make it will, or they won't care enough to bother. Were talking about consumables here, not computer programs. The open source movement is about sharing ideas to make a better product. Open Cola should just make their own company or make a website for people to share recipes. To build a factory to make this stuff is just crazy. I don't know. I guess the idea has merit, but the economist in me doesn't see it. Open Source to me is the freedom to customize for yourself. Customization is important in technology for productivity. I don't know....

Byron Siwelnor

Science and Religion

Bill Nye Boo'd In Texas For Saying The Moon Reflects The Sun - Think Atheist

People, I would like to pose a though so controversial that people will yell at me and troll the comments. (or not)

Here is this crazy statement: Science and Religion can coexist peacefully and explain each other to certain extents. Why do some religious people ignore evidence, leading to people discrediting their religion and labeling the followers as crazy. God made the moon. OK that's all well and good, but why does it have to shine by itself. We can still call a reflected light a light. I don't know, but it bothers me.

Byron Siwelnor

Bill Bill Bill Bill Bill Bill Bill Nye the Science Guy.

Apple, kings of extortion.

randompics.net :: random funny pictures

Read this article. As an economist, I just don't understand how people can be so irrational as to buy a Mac when they overcharge for everything, and they actively participate in planned obsolescence. I mean you can buy a brand new PC for a lot less, and keep it working for longer buy treating it like Frankenstein. Also Microsoft already gouges us for office, why should Apple charge so much more? Also considering you can get similar software from Linux or FreeBSD, Apple is a bunch of extortionists. What do you think?

What you are paying for when you buy a Mac is the name. It's cool to own a Mac. It's so hip that if you were any cooler, you would be floating in a vacuum. Also Mac users talk with their hands...:)

Rapture Fail.

As a Catholic...wait that could lead people astray...as a Christian who just happens to be Catholic, I am morally opposed to and offended by people who go around telling others the world is going to end on DDMMYYYY.
We don't know.  We aren't meant to know.  The end of the world will come like a thief in the night. All these people do is stir the cauldron and drive away potential Christians.  They also help opponents of Christianity stick the crazy label on us.  Did they give all the money that their followers donated for the rapture signs back?  Nope.  Sorry.  Now the good Reverend is saying, not for the first time, that he made a mistake and the end is coming in October.

But wait, he is also quoted as saying that May 21st was the spiritual judgement and that we are already judged.  Isn't that a bit misleading as well?  Where's his biblical evidence for that?

Another thing that bothers me is those fire and brimstone preachers on the Diag who continually yell hateful things at the crowd and inspire antagonism and retaliation.  Instead of the hate speech that inflames people against God, Jesus, and us, try a little tact and understanding.  It goes a long way.  Maybe some people need to hear what you have to say, but one on one, not in the middle of the crowd.  Also I really hate the "Catholics are going to hell" rants.  I'm a Christian just like you, and my salvation is between God and I.  You have no say in my , or any other peoples salvation.  Lead people to God, don't drive them away.

Byron Siwelnor.

First Class, the path of the leader begins again

The First Class rank is the first step of the leadership pole.  Most First Class Scouts will have completed a few merit badges, learned all about first aid and scout craft, and they will be the Patrol Leaders and Assistant Patrol Leaders.  They may also hold positions such as Bugler, Quartermaster, Librarian, or other leadership positions.  These Scouts are preparing to enter the stage of Scouting where they lead the troop.  Boy Scouts are Scout led. The Scoutmasters are only there as advisers, teachers, and guides, as well as to ensure safety and security for the Boys.  The Scouts themselves decide where to go, what to do, and how to do it with input from the adults.

This very system is why the Scouting movement produces such great leaders like most of the Apollo Astronauts.
It forces boys to make mature decisions for themselves and others, and teaches democracy as well.  Each position in the troop is elected by the troop.

By this point I had learned lots of scout craft and I was still learning more.  I focused myself on building leadership qualities.  I served as Troop Bugler and performed in many flag retirement ceremonies, and flag raising and lowering ceremonies.  I then became the Troop Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, and helped lead my troop for a whole year through the Star Rank.  After my one year term of office was up, I was appointed to be the Junior Assistant Scoutmaster (JASM) with my old friend Eugene, who was the SPL.  It was a good leadership experience and taught me a lot about myself, and how to lead large groups of people.  I took that experience with me when I led my high school band as the Drum Major, and when I led the high school tech crew.

These experiences are important in the development of boys into men. Boys who develop leadership skills in their teen years will continue to lead others as adults.

Byron Siwelnor, Eagle Scout

Roundabouts

We need more roundabouts in metro Detroit.  We see a lot of congestion on busy roads resulting from the Michigan Left backups on large busy streets, while allowing for smoother flow of traffic on the smaller streets.

For those of you who don't know what a roundabout is, its basically a traffic circle where you drive up to it, you yield to circle traffic and you merge on in, then you get off at the road you want.  This makes U-turns and left turns easy and right turns are not harmed.  The only downside is that you have to slow down to go around to the other side, but if you factor in the fact that you would stop periodically anyway, it does not matter.  Also, traffic circles are safer because on average they have less accidents and the accidents are less dangerous because impacts occur at angles rather than head on as well as at lower speeds.

The Ann Arbor, Ypsi area has used them in a limited capacity for awhile, and I love them.  Many people don't like them because they are not used to them, but studies show that approval of the system rises as people get used to the system.

What are your thoughts?

Byron Siwelnor

Double Whammy

Double Whammy

Wouldn't it be nice if the meter maids actually used some common sense when issuing tickets rather than just looking for any way to screw the vehicle owners. Car knocks the parked car onto the sidewalk. Ticket! That's not right.

Edit:: Just to confirm, that is not my car and I did not crash it.

Second Class Scout (Rank not inferiority)

The Second Class badge consists of the scroll of the scout insignia.  It is turned up in a smile to remind the Scout to smile when doing a good turn.  The knot hanging from the badge is a reminder to do a good turn, and the Scout Motto, "Be Prepared", is inscribed on the scroll.

At this stage the Scout has learned to navigate with a map and compass, pitched a tent, worked with wood-tools, built a fire, participated in flag ceremonies, participated in community service, learned how to track animals and recognize plants, learned first aid, and demonstrated safe swim defense and participated in an anti-drug program.  These skills build confidence in the boys.  They also begin teaching the younger scouts new skills.  

I remember that as a Second Class Scout, I worked hard at first class, the first step towards leadership within the troop.  I learned so many things, and felt like I could take on the world.  I learned to shoot guns and bows, how to make a fire without matches, and I gained increased knowledge of the wilderness.  I got stronger from all the exercise of carrying water, paddling the canoe, and hiking far and wide.  I saw many beautiful landscapes and many a starry night.  I hope one day to have sons of my own to take camping with their troop.  To show them the wonders of this world and teach them all the skills I learned.

And now may the great masters of all scouts be with us until we meet again.

Byron Siwelnor.

Jerry Springer Scandals

So mom gets a good laugh during the day by watching Jerry Springer and Steve Wilkos.  This show just makes me wonder two things.  One, how can people be that stupid?  Two, why the hell would you go on tv to deal with your stupidity?  Must be really good money.  Its a lot like the Judge Judy shows where both sides get money for being on the show.  Anyway, wake up world.  If you have a baby, take care of it.  If you are going to cheat, break up with your significant other so its not cheating anymore.  Also, speech lessons would be helpful to people who appear on these shows.

All sizes | Left vs Right: US Political Spectrum | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

All sizes | Left vs Right: US Political Spectrum | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

This chart show's what is wrong with politics in this country. This chart shows two extremes, and the people we elect seem to toe the line of these extremes lately. We need to take parts of each side and meld it together on a case by case basis. We should not say all taxes are bad. Some are good and some are bad. We can't say all the homeless are lazy people with no sense of shame, nor can we call them all downtrodden victims of the system. There are homeless people who fit in both catagories and neither. We can be individually focused and still help society. Also the parenting models are not mutually exclusive. My parents were nurturing and strict, and I became self reliant. There are many other examples, but I believe that people are intelligent enough to see them themselves. Ok maybe not if you're a politician...

Screw stairs: German university installs gigantic slides | DVICE

Screw stairs: German university installs gigantic slides | DVICE

Michigan Really needs to get these for Dennison and the stacks.

I wouldn't mind having that in New York Either:)

Lazy Culture

"Where's my check!"  That phrase seems to be a synonym for the American people.  We're all looking at how we can get rich quick, or make a quick buck.  We want to get things for free.  It seems the only thing the government is good at is writing checks.  I heard a story from an anonymous worker at Ford saying that the company was trying to hire engineers but they were having problems getting them. The biggest reason all the potential employees did not come back was because they were recieving unemployment from the government and they didn't want to get a job until after the government stopped paying them to do nothing.  That story dumbfounded me.

I respect that unemployment is important, and that many people do get laid off, especially in this economy, and they need to feed their families until they get a new job.  My problem is with the people who abuse this government service.  They are offered a job, but don't take it because they don't want to loose their unemployment!  I'm sorry but that's abusive.  

Why do we expect everything to be handed to us on a silver platter.  We expect the government to hand us everything we could ever need, and then we cry because the government raises taxes.  Grow up America!

Here's another fact for all those people out there who expect handouts, and for the rich to pay for it in taxes while no one else pays anything.  The taxes are raised on the rich, they pay 35-40% in federal income taxes, about 6% in State taxes, then you add in property, sales, and business taxes at say 10% and the rich are taxed at least 52% of their income.  Now remember that this same income is often partially used for philanthropy and investment in companies.  When someone invests a lot of money in a company, that money frees the firm up to do more work and create more jobs. 

What happens when taxes go up?  The rich and the big companies now have an incentive to offshore their income.  That means lost jobs and lost tax revenue. 

  "Since 1984 the JEC has provided factual information about the impact of the tax cuts of the 1980s. For example, for many years the JEC has published IRS data on federal tax payments of the top 1 percent, top 5 percent, top 10 percent, and other taxpayers. These data show that after the high marginal tax rates of 1981 were cut, tax payments and the share of the tax burden borne by the top 1 percent climbed sharply. For example, in 1981 the top 1 percent paid 17.6 percent of all personal income taxes, but by 1988 their share had jumped to 27.5 percent, a 10 percentage point increase. The graph below illustrates changes in the tax burden during this period." Source http://www.house.gov/jec/fiscal/tx-grwth/reagtxct/reagtxct.htm

Now obviously the website was written during Republican congress, so they will have a conservative slant, however this all makes perfect sense from a human behavior and economics point of view.  I will stake my economics degree that that is what actually happened.  

So my point is if you are offered the job, take it and stop taking the milk from those who need it.

Byron siwelnor.

The New Scout and Tenderfoot.

The new scout has the rank of Scout when he joins.  He is working towards his Tenderfoot rank by learning outdoor skills and scoutcraft.  These boys are new to the wonders of camping, and with their patrols they cook, clean, and camp together.  These scouts will learn such skills as how to use wood tools, how to tie knots, and pitch a tent.  These activities build confidence and self esteem and prepare the boys to learn more advanced Scouting lessons.  They are also learning the Scout Oath and Law and they are expected to live up to both in their everyday lives.  These early ranks have the largest number of scouts, and also the largest number of dropouts.  These ranks begin to teach responsibility.

I remember when I was a scout, on my first camping trip, my patrol was supposed to make chilly, and I was responsible for bringing the meat.  Let's just say I forgot, and the patrol had to settle for bean soup.  That lesson stuck with me through my whole life.  Even though I still would loose my head if it weren't attached, I make sure I have everything I need for whatever I'm doing.  Be Prepared.

Another big difference is that in Cub Scouts, the parents where more involved because the Cubs didn't go to very many long camps, but in Boy Scouts while there where lots of involved parents (The program would not run without them) they don't go on every outing with their son.  All that separation comes to a head during the week long summer camp.  During that week, the boys are expected to work on merit badges, and rank advancement, as well as have fun.  About halfway through, several of the scouts will be homesick and they will ask their parents to pick them up.  They usually start to have fun again within a day but it is a big adjustment to be away from your family for a long time.

Scouting is a great experience for all the boys who join.  You will not find very many people who regretted being a Boy Scout.  In fact many people regret quitting.  Parents get your kids into Scouting, if they like it and work at it, they will grow into great men.  

Byron Siwelnor

Scouting is Valuable

I'm an Eagle Scout.  That statement does not signify my rank in some boys club, nor does it imply elitism.  It is a way of life.  I started my scouting trail as a Wolf Cub Scout because the Tiger Cubs were not in our Pack.  (They might not have been created yet).  I eventually got the Arrow of Light and started my Boy Scout Career.  Throughout that time of my life, my experiences and the leaders along with my own leadership responsibilities shaped me into the person I am today.  I plan this to be the first of several posts about the worldwide scouting movement and why it is beneficial.

Byron Siwelnor

Power Rangers in my mind

Many of us grew up with the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, and I will admit that I have nurtured a guilty pleasure of watching each season/series after the first.  There is something nostalgic about seeing the group fighting for all that is good.  I remember me and my friend Jon Gil used to pretend to be the "Boys Team" which fought the Evil Girl Cooties Team (hey it was elementary school)

So I was thinking about how cool it would be if we all drew in more inspiration from what we admire and spread it.  For instance, following the Power Rangers' principles of only using weapons for defense, and helping others, and being good citizens.  Also be kind to bullies like Bulk and Skull, and they might turn out to be great cops someday.

Also I kind of wish that they had Ranger Powers in the middle ages so that the rangers would have real armor and not the weird space suites, and if each ranger had a class like in DND.

Just a thought.

Byron Siwelnor

Rent is Too Damn High

I would totally join the Rent Is Too Damn High Party because looking at the rent for these

apartments in New York, it is ridiculous.  Hopefully I can find a place.  Here's crossing my fingers.  

Peace and Good Will

Accountability and coins

Today I went to the bank with $50 in coins that were rolled and sorted by a machine before I brought them.  They charged me 10% of the total to deposit the coins.  Here's my question; why the hell do we need to pay to deposit money.  Its money.  I'm not asking them to hand count them, they have a machine if they want to check my accuracy, but I removed the problem of counting if they didn't care.  Its all about making money, but they discourage getting the money they use to make money(our deposits).  It's ridiculous.

Zero Tolerance for Bumper Stickers

Today I have two topics for the masses.  The first is bumper stickers and the second is Zero Tolerance policies in schools.

I was driving to the gym today when I saw some liberal bumper stickers saying things like Buy American, something about PITA, and I AM MY OWN GOD.  Now I know there are many ridiculous conservative ones as well, but those were just the ones I saw today and got me thinking.  It seems to me that the back of your car is not the place to advertise your political beliefs.  In fact if you can sum up your position on a bumper sticker, odds are you might not have considered all the angles.  Without facts, no one will change their minds, and quite frankly their are many people who would deny facts if they slapped them in the face.  Bumper stickers do not list facts.  They list your opinions and serve only as a big attention getter.  Perhaps that is what the world needs, but I feel like there are better ways to spread opinions.

The thing that got me today was the Buy American bumper sticker.  Here is my position.  As long as the American automakers continue to make cars that are inferior to the foreign cars in looks or engineering, why should I choose to buy something less than what I want.  Why are American cars so ugly.  Granted their are good looking cars and Ford especially is improving their quality, but here's the sticker for me.  The argument for buying American is that it saves American jobs.  Wrong.  It saves Detroit jobs, and the problem isn't completely with people buying foreign cars, but with the workers charging more for their labor than someone in the southern United States will.  There is a Honda Fit in my driveway right now.  That car was build in Georgia.  Honda and Toyota produce the cars they sell in America in America.  Why don't they produce in Detroit?  Because the farmers of the South work for less with a stronger work ethic.  I guess this post evolved into a union talk because the Unions have to work with the automakers or both will fall. Also the designers have to make cars that look good next to my Fit.  Most don't look as nice and the Fit is cheaper than most.

Here is where I admit that American cars are starting to look better, especially Fords (except the ugly grill).  They are also getting better gas mileage every day and performance is increasing as well.  However many of these cars are at higher price levels than the similar foreign cars that are produced here.  Why?

Anyway back to the bumper stickers.  I feel like they cause people to put a label on your beliefs.  Beliefs can change but the bumper sticker is stuck to your car (unless you pull it off and buff out the residue but that's rather hard.  I think we as a people, especially the politicians, need to be more open to seeing new ideas and putting themselves in others viewpoints.  Trying to understand where the other side is coming from is a great way to strengthen your own stance, or to change it.  Remember if you ignore evidence to keep your superior feeling, your not smart, your an ignorant person.  Enlighten yourselves with all opinions and ideas, and choose the ones that make the most sense to you.  However, don't turn your backs on where you come from either.

Wow this post has evolved rather quickly.  Now to the second (well it was supposed to be second anyway) topic.  Zero Tolerance policies are wrong.  Here's a thought experiment for you.  Jonathan is picked on all his life.  The school does nothing.  His dad tells him that if he stands up for himself, then they will leave him alone. The next time he is getting beat up, he fights back.  Then the school officials suspend them both.  Where is the justice.  This is a justice free system.  Jon starts to feel like he has no recourse within the school system.  He eventually goes Colombine on the school.

That's what happened with most of the school shootings.  Kids get picked on and no one stops it, and they retaliate.  Perhaps if the schools stopped the bullying or allowed the picked on kids to fight back just once, if they gave the picked on kids half the free rides that the bullies got, then Colombine would have never happened.  I was watching Boston Public a few months ago.  There was an episode where a kid had been bullied without recourse to the point where he had a hit list.  He was transfered and bullied at the next school some more.   No one ever bothered to fix the real problem.  We need to fix the holes in the system rather than patching over them.

This is Byron Siwelnor Signing off.

Labels are limitations.

I forgot to put into my last post that labels are limitations.  When you name something, you only confine it to that label.  For example a car is never used as a can of fish despite the fact that we can very easily seal it up with alot of fish inside.  Also a sports car can be driven at moderately slow speeds, yet when you say sports car, you think of a sexy Porshe going at breakneck speeds around the twists and turns of some mountain road in the alps.
When you think of a toothbrush, you do not picture it as a torture device to be used by children against their fathers to get dad to squeal like a pig.  Existential much....  However while form, along with names, follow function, function is not completely limited by intentions.  An Italian super-car can be a very expensive family sedan.  A toothbrush can be an instrument of torture.  As demonstrated by the Joker, a pencil can be a weapon.
The same can be said about people.  Many adults get sucked into one aspect of their life while neglecting the other.  Family's sacrificed to work; work to families; life to television and video games.  Embrace it all.  Give what you can where you can and don't be afraid to pursue everything that makes you you.  Break the label.

On the next post, my thoughts on zero tolerance rules at schools.

How to break out of your definition of self.

I'm a musician.  I have been one my whole life.  My classmates from Huron School District in New Boston, Michigan will tell you that I would often sing loudly in my very bad voice.  They would also probably tell you that my song preferences were ancient.  I grew up listening to Frank Sinatra, Perry Como, Dean Martin, ect.

Then when Junior High came along, I joined up with the band.  I started playing my trumpet in fourth grade, and continued my dedication to my craft through High School.  (Horn playing started in eighth grade)
After High School I joined the Michigan Marching Band and fulfilled one of my dreams from childhood.

Why am I writing all this?  Each step of my life, I have been a member of a great group of people; a family if you will.  This family gave me a purpose and filled in my heart a happiness and feeling of fulfillment that saw me through my undergraduate education.  Now for the first time, I am disbanded.  (Bad pun I know)
I find myself without a purpose, without that which has defined me for so long.  I play the music but the music does not build a sense of purpose, but one of reflection and remembrance.  It was not the music that I loved (though love it I did).   It was the family.

My sister and I recently spoke about the differences in our educations.  I was always a part of a large group, from the Boy Scouts, to the band, to the tech crew family.  This group provided an excellent support structure.  My sister moved from school to school never really being a part of a large group.  This led her to be more daring, but also more shy in ways.  She is not afraid to go to travel far and wide and leave her friends behind, while I struggle to maintain old friendships while expanding my support base.

Now I am going away for the first time to a new city to live.  I am going to have to build a new support structure, and I wonder if I should.  Should I allow a new definition to cover me, or should I break from all definitions.  I choose to ignore the concept of a definition and just be what I have always been.  Horn player, Eagle Scout, Lighting Designer, all these titles are simply extension of who I already was.  Myself.

We are a society of complex individuals.  We must reject the labels we are stamped with, while enriching that which makes us who we are.

This is the purpose of this blog.  To break the limits of my identity and of society.