Are we scholars?

[BettyO]

I am a published author - I am a scholar; Not a Lincoln scholar, mind you; but more or less a scholar of the assassination - at least I hope to be! I think we're ALL scholars in this sense (or any field we're passionate about and wish to continue learning)....one does not have to have a degree in order to be considered a scholar. As long as one can read, write and has a desire to learn and research, they are scholars in at least once sense. A professional scholar is one who is paid to research, etc. on a continuing basis or is employed by a university/school; at least that is my understanding. It doesn't mean that I'm any better than anyone else. I have a Master's degree in History. That and 10 cents won't buy a cup of coffee nowadays, unfortunately. All I have to show for all the work is a piece of paper to hang on the wall and literally mountains of debt.....