Fuzzy Bear

Gonzo1, (No Ginsus used) Let me be perfectly clear on this issue. I believe that the Republicans have been good for the country in many ways. They have helped to upright the balance on several issues that seemed to have been right at one time but went terribly wrong later. Newt and his Contract with America is still a landmark set of goals worth remembering their importance. Welfare was one issue. I have changed my position now to, instead of giving people money to watch Springer and eat bon-bons to helping train people for jobs that will pay more than minimum wage. I believed that

I remember a few adults talking about earning the Eagle when I was a youth. I thought then that it would be much easier for an adult to earn MB's. Today the idea seems ridiculous. It is strange that an adult would read the rules and see that there wasn't an age limit and dig-in. Maybe Scouting encouraged it so that adults would remain in the program. It makes me wonder. I may have to get out a few of the old books and do some reading. fb

Gonzo1, I see we disagree again. I would like to encourage you to write down some of your ideas about what you think would make this country a better place. I realize that we are not on the same side of the aisle but I still want to extend the good hand of bi-partisanship in these matters. The voters need to see that we are working together. Arm Chairman of the Sideline Committee, fb (I won't take office for a couple of months; just measuring the drapes.)

Don't know the answer to your question. Scouting is great guns in our part of the nation. We had record numbers in all categories for the past few years. I suppose we are doing something right. Scouting is alive and well here in spite of all of everyones efforts to pull our meat out of the fire. Thanks, fb

The Fuzzy Bear Plan for a better Tomorrow Right now, our money turns out too many (high school kids) that cant get through the next level, meaning Vo-tech, Community College, Private programs, etc. If the minimum wage was stopped, it would force people to turn/return to school to upgrade their skills. For those with low achievement skills, they would be forced to remediate, sign up for Adult Ed, Literacy programs, etc. High schools could upgrade their programs and integrate higher Ed programs so that when a student graduates, they would be ready for the job market. Employers could be

Minimum wage works a little different since food, clothing, shelter, transportation and all related utilities, and maintenance must be subtracted as well. If the person gets sick or has a problem with the car, then they find themselves below $0 which looks allot like poverty to me. They are forced to ask for social services which puts a tax back where it all started, on those who voted for poverty wages in the first place. Wal-mart adds in a health insurance policy which looks good until a person actually uses it for anything other than minimal health issues. If the person gets sick

Greg was one of ten Webelos Scouts in the Den and lagged behind on most projects both years. Sometimes, I would help him and sometimes the Assistant would help and sometimes other Scouts or parents would help. It was the same with some of the games and other things that don't seem so important now. Greg completed every requirement because we all agreed to do it together. Greg passed everything but he could not remember the ideals of Scouting because it involved memory work and Greg's ability to remember was his weakest area. It was time for a home visit. I spoke with his Mom, so sh

Being that my right knee and left shoulder suffers periodic weakness from doing the job(s) alone, I now spot my fall toward the softest areas prior to any fall while working on the roof or in trees. The last incident happened after climbing into a tree in the backyard and splitting the crotch out of my pants. While standing astraddle two limbs, my new neighbor came over to inquire about my doings. Since I had my ear muffs on and the chain saw roaring, about all I could do was give the thumbs up as she walked away with a strange look on her face. I proceeded to cut the appropriate limbs off

The Democrats came to the table to win an election not win policy changes. They stepped up and put money down on high probability bets only. The electorate was ready for changes in policy not just to win an election. The D.'s miscalculated and will only hurt themselves in the next election. Their conservative strategy will drive those in the liberal middle and edges to vote for Independents in '08 thus reducing their advantage and returning the election back to the R.'s. Listening to the electorate is always better even if you lose. People will believe that you are representing t

bolin, Welcome to the electronic campfire. Come on in and rest a spell. I hope you enjoy your stay. I disagree with Eamonn about those that are here that don't abide by the Scout Oath and Law. There are those that speak their minds and that rubs some the wrong way but all of us will heal. Forgiveness is something that everyone here must learn because this is a mode of communication that prevents physical contact which tends to increase misunderstanding and decreases polite conversation. Excellent written communication takes time which most find to be a scarce commodity. So, we hope yo

Lisabob, B.A.U.- Business as Usual In spite of the election results- means that the policies that most felt that should be addressed will be ignored and the policies that most felt the least about will be raised to the top of the flagpole to be saluted by the new Democratic majority. They will march in lock step and hail the beginning of a new day. When they will be asked about the War or the Economy, they will proudly point to their new commission on studying the war and they will attempt to raise the minimum wage so that people can still live in poverty. About all that ca

SSS, We covered a good deal of material in this life situation over 7 days. I am unsure how long it would take for the same role play in real time. Since you do this at your work, I am interested in how it is done, time limits, types of question, ground rules, etc. To do this well, people need to know background regulations and it helps to have experience, although it would be interesting to see how a new person reasons. I could see mixed groups of four playing it and then comparing the results afterwards. Points could be given knowing the rules and for innovation or possibly reasoni

Bev, I disagree (with some reservations). I believe that the material is proactive and describes what to do and when. The point being is that leaders are in charge and should have an active planned program to prevent such incidents. When incidents do happen, then it also describes actions to be taken after the incident, such as getting parents involved and going before the committee. I don't believe that there should be extensive step by step instructions. The training is long enough without going into more details. There is a section on discipline that explains to the leader

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I read through this after reading Eamonn's about him Knowing about Leaving a Legacy and so forth. I noticed that your thread is spun from Knowing When to Step Down. I will go ahead and just say a few things here. The first one is that if someone has not already made the patch, there are dozens of companies out there that will do it for you but will want you to order 50 or 100. I will bet that you could sell all of them in short order if you made a run. Just copy the SM patch and add the words with a small rocking chair between them. Most of us have watched "Follow Me Boys" and remember.

The Cub Scout Leaders Guide is an introduction and cannot possibly cover an in-depth analysis of all of the problems that a person might encounter. It has a large array of relevant issues for many situations and programs. I respect what Scouting has done in writing their training manuals because they limited it but not at the expense of essential data. So, what does the CSLG say about this situation? These vwere gleaned from many chapters. One reason to have policies: To protect the Health and Safety of all members and assure them of a program that will hold their interest.

We have managed to soundly beat the Air Potato or is it Potatoe? incident into its proper consistency. Here is my air-head conversation with myself in a simulated situation. There were two incidents and several were in on the problem. Everyone involved should be brought to justice. People should not be throwing things at anyone for any reason at anytime. Nobody should use a knife or any kind of instrument to inflict or threaten violence. Fighting with fists is not allowed either. Boys should ask, Yes, but what if I am in danger? The answer is that we do not prepar

I taught a shop class for five years. I had kids with many kinds and types of disabilities and ESL kids, (did I also say they were in Junior High?). Sometimes, I could not speak their language and some had no expressive skills, so I resorted to using hand signs and whatever resources I could muster. Language and disability barriers are correctable (*decreased) by a host of various means but one of the most effective is to let the kids know that you love them so much that you will go to whatever lengths to get and keep their attention. Speak, correct, redirect, pay attention, make sure they

Let's take a few issues: War- the new members won't speak. Few of the new or old will vote to cut funding. Stay the Course will be the vote. They will most likely set a date (two years) to bring the troops home. This will be hailed as a great victory. Strengthening the military and their equipment will more likely be the big issue. Abortion- the new members stand with many of the R.'s and it is the law and the R. court won't act, so it will not make the list. Gun Control- so few votes that it will not be on the agenda. Taxes- no change. The deficit- t

Boys need a reason to be there (*the Scout meeting). Look for these symptoms: Little action with allot of screaming versus Allot of action and screams of delight (*the # 1. intended symptom goal) Boys need a reason to communicate (*the #1. intended symptom goal is reason enough) Boys need a reason to dress appropriately (*closely connected to symptom goal #1.) To figure out the target goals of Scouting which we agree that are important, they must experience many successful symptoms of goal #1. This fun approach to Scouting includes such things as orderly openings a

We still have a Republican majority in both houses for the next two years in spite of the elections. Nothing on the horizon, Sir. B.A.U. fb

Gonzo1 As far as expressing personal opinions, you may want to learn all about how the military is under the civilian rule of law in the United States. You are probably thinking about one of the countries where contrary opinions are put permanently to rest and the military controls the government and all of its' voices. Over here, we believe in freedom of speech which allows me to have an opinion no matter what kind of boots I wear. It really is a good way to live. I hope that you are able to help your government acquire such knowledge one day. Keep the faith! fb (This message ha

Welcome to the all night electric campfire. It keeps you warm in the summer and cold in the winter. Notice all of the wide eyes in the dark sitting and staring? Well, it is not always this quiet. Just join in and speak your mind. Somebody will respond. They always do. fb

Today was a red letter day in Washington.... Rummy is the greatest one for the job! Rummy will be by my side till the day I walk away from here. Oh, by the way, here is your replacement, Rummy. Well, I didn't want to say anything because I didn't want to disturb the election process. Oh yea, I am now a born again non-partisan kind of guy. Let's all work together. I can really hear the voters today. That is the kind of silly nonsense that we have come to expect. I suppose he wasn't lying either. By the way, the "no nation building" speech was made after 9/11. Ther

Brent, I didnt and dont support Clintons infidelity or his lie about his infidelity. He lost my respect for him as a husband. There are plenty of Republicans, Democrats and Church leaders with dubious family morals. I dont understand their family/personal problems, especially when they constantly puke morals all over the public. I want my leaders to be great in every way but I know that they are just people with problems that are in office for awhile. Bush said that we are not Nation Builders and now we are trying to build a nation where people dont support it. We a