Guest (16 Sep 11 - 3:55 pm) --

You're right: I have experienced those things, and I could write a song based on my experiences. But if I were to write a fresh song, with fresh anger inspired by stories about this kid's life,* it's just a matter of respect to ask for his input -- especially since he is so rarely consulted on things that matter.

*(surely, you've experienced that, too: sometimes, it takes witnessing injustices done to others in order to recognize injustices suffered by yourself)