Re: Clinton meets with boy scouts
Jim McMaster (mcmaster@SWENG.STORTEK.COM)
Fri, 22 Mar 1996 12:01:37 MST
Bob Sargeant <SARGEANT@cua.edu> said:
>
> George,
>
> I am way behind in my reading of Scouts-L, but could resist expressing
> a concern about your comments concerning scouts and political activity.
> Your post seems to imply that it was "ok" for scouts to appear with the
> President when it concerns families and values. At the same time it is not
> "ok" for appearances with other candidates. I would suggest that when we
> are in a political year like this one, Boy Scouts should be clear that boys
> not appear in uniform at any event that could in any way be viewed as
> political. The President is a candidate for reelection and we need to
> steer clear of appearances or political support. The line between political
> event and official duties can be hazy at times. I hope we error on the side
> of none appearance when there is any question.
>
> Just my humble, but strongly held opinion.
>
> Yours in scouting,
> Bob Sargeant
>
I disagree with your assessment. One of the advantages of incumbency is
the ability to hold "official" events. The President, acting in an official
capacity, can appear with scouts in uniform. He still cannot have scouts
in uniform acting as ushers at a campaign rally, nor can any other candidate
for office.
An example...what if an Eagle scout asked the President to present his
badge at his Court of Honor and by some incredible circumstance, the
President agreed? Surely, the press would attend, and the publicity might
be good for the President. Would this be allowed? Would it only be
allowed in a non-election year?
As an aside, President Clinton has not officially declared his candidacy
yet. He is not legally a candidate as of this date. Another advantage of
incumbency.
Jim McMaster
mcmaster@tonagra.stortek.com
SM Troop 70
WL Pack 179
Boulder, CO
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