Re: Beaded OA Sash

Pat, I think this can be filed under the same heading as wearing district
insignia (q.v.). Some people are going to do it no matter what the
Insignia Control Guide and the "rules" say. Wearing my commissioner
hat for the nonce, I have to say that yes, I agree, the rule is the
rule and the wearing of district insignia and beaded legends, etc.,
should be actively discouraged. Switching hats to OA advisor, I
have mentioned many times that wearing the beaded sashes is not
sanctioned (and have done so in the presence of "old-timers" who
did not necessarily agree with me--"Who cares what National says,
I'm going to wear this legend anyway"), and have also led the charge
against boys draping the OA sash over their belt when wearing the
merit badge sash (which is also a no-no).

What it comes down to is that those of us who are aware of the rules have
to set the example and <live> the rules in such a way that by our own
actions we encourage compliance. I believe that this is important in
a society that teaches our children to do whatever they want because
it "expresses" who they are, without bothering to weigh in with the
concept that a certain amount of conformity with the rules is necessary
to prevent anarchy. The uniform is too much a part of the Character
and Citizenship goals of the Scouting program to simply let it become
"non-uniform" without a struggle.

BITNET: NBRINDLE@INDYCMS -------------------- Internet: NBRINDLE@IUPUI.EDU
Nathan C. Brindle, Student Activities Office, IUPU-Indianapolis
Let's see...North Star District, Crossroads of America Council: ASM Troop 18,
District Committee Member, Assistant District Commissioner, OA Chapter Advisor
I used to be an Eagle (C-28W-93), and Bachelor of Commissioner Science, 1994
Disclaimer: My opinions are my own. Indiana University can speak for itself.
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