Hello Class, I just finished reading Chapter 7 in our book, and I must say so far the reading has been interesting. Looking back on research papers and essays I have done in many classes over the years, one of the most difficult tasks, for me at least, is using sources. It can be difficult not to copy something down word for word, especially when the author puts the information out there in the same way you would have if it was your own original thought. Re-wording and explaining a topic in my own words has been tricky for me, but now I understand why it is so important to do so. The chapter talks about how important it is to cite a source, or rather give the original author credit for their thoughts and ideas. I agree that we should “give credit when credit is due”, I would be upset if someone “stole’ an idea from me and did not acknowledge that I brought that idea to their attention in the first place. Why not expand on their idea or thought, and bring a new light to the topic at hand? Or perhaps a different viewpoint? Lastly, I thought the section about Obama stealing parts of the speech was rather shocking. It really is hard to respect someone who tricks you into thinking they are speaking from the heart, when really they took their words from another person. It is also difficult to trust someone in such a high position if they fail to be honest with you.

Swanson, Troy. “Mash It Up … Gracefully Using Sources.” Why White Rice?: Thinking Through Writing. Dubuque, IA: Kendall Hunt, 2010. 163-173. Print.