John-in-KC

No, I'm not comparing Obama to either dictator. I am comparing socialized medical care, where the private provider was nationalized, to the health care systems of the Soviet Union. If anyone (to include the advocates) thinks when all is said and done, the US will have perfect health care, I propose a huge re-think. The actions Congress posits depends on lowering the cost of furnishing care: In most cases that means lowering reimbursements. I've heard not one bloody word about lowering the cost of doing business, to include tort reform or malpractice rate cap. Mark my words: If the proposals in front of Congress go through, there will be a bigger disparity between the "haves" and "have-nots" than there is now. Does anyone think all physicians are altruistic? If they see their personal exposure to life-changing legal action increasing, they will stream to the exits. Guess what will be left uncovered? That's right, the inner-city and the rural markets. So yes, I do compare socialized single payer health care to the health care established in the former Soviet Union. Lest anyone forget, google on Congress and "single payer" and watch the names of Congresscritters come out of the woodwork. There are folks on your side of the debate, Lisa, who insist that universal single payer is the only way to go. Gonna tell you something: My sainted Mom's last two major surgeries were done cash in hand because Medicare denied coverage. Thank the good Lord Mom and Dad had the wherewithal to make that happen.

She'd have been closer to right if she'd said Leninist or Stalinist policy... Unfortunately, Americans don't seem to want to know history, by and large

Actually, while conceptually I agree with Frank, the reality is it's time to find ways to "make it work." That means more than a little bit of planning on the DL/ADLs/Den Chiefs part. There are common achievements in both years program. With planning, the Den can do things to support both Advancement sets. More important is the "Family involvement" method. Parents cannot rely on this being "babysitters of America." Parents have to understand they are part of the equation, both for the boy and for the group. Otherwise... let's just say it won't look pretty. Keep us informed, please

Even I can agree with both of those!

shortridge, Once upon a time (1970 or so), Scout hi-socks were wool-blend, over the knee as you put them on, and used a garter to stay in place. Those were Scout socks

In addition to everything Eagle92 just said, I'd have your IH/COR call the SE and ask "Where is the unit service that is your end of the charter agreement? Do you want me to drop this charter and disband this unit immediately?"

It sure is something for an Oklahoman to say words like that about a Texan

ahofer, Scouting is supportive of Buddhist faithful: The National Council authorizes the religious emblem/adult religious award squre knot for Cub/Webelo Scouting: Metta Boy Scouting, Varsity Scouting, and Venturing: Sangha Adults: Bodhi http://bcascout.webs.com/index.html Scouting is supportive of Hindi faithful: The National Council authorizes the religious emblem/adult religious award squre knot for: Cub/Webelo Scouting: Dharma Boy Scouting, Varsity Scouting, and Venturing: Dharma or Karma to 14, Karma 14-21 Adults: Saathi/Bhakta http://www.naha.us/ When a Hindu or a Buddhist signs an adult leader app, accepting the DRP, BSA accepts it within the contect of their faith. I've made no secret of my Christian faith. In the Scouting context, though, I don't care what your faith is, as long as you are faithful to it. I won't make you come to my worship setting (and that includes "generic" Scouts' own services for mass audiences such as Camporee. If you have an issue of how your unit handles matters of faith, that's an adult discussion between parents, the SM and the COR. Christianity does not get to impose itself on other faiths in the Scouting context; it asks that other faiths honor that as well. YIS. Now, what was your objection, again?

OK, geekster failed THAT test of being a Brother.

If you do not think Mr Obama, Mr Gates and General McChrystal have not talked about a gross number of people and a pretty good idea of the type and number of commands needed, I have some land to sell you in the Bermuda Triangle. Just because the formal request is classified something above "eyes only to God" does not mean the key players don't know the bottom line. Changing strategy every six months reeks of Viet Nam micromanagement by the DC Rear Echelon (those who have been around might remember a 4 letter word starting with RE... but it's not for polite society). I can't wait to see how things shake out this round.(This message has been edited by John-in-KC)

CP, I'll agree that the SM should generally sign blue cards more often than not, far, far more often than not. I'll even admit that here, gatekeeper isn't the best word... "keeper of the flame", "quality assurance officer", or even Guardian is more like it. I also teach this stuff monthly at RT and as needed at other forums (this fall I'm doing a UOS gig). There, working with new folks who don't understand the program yet, gatekeeper connects the concepts ... and that's my job, to get the concepts across to new MB Counselors (and Scoutmasters as I get the opportunity). Of course, the best part of this is honing all our minds

I remember the emails, a decade ago, of the things the Taliban did to women. I remember the emails, a decade ago, of life in the 'stans... period. What frustrates me is the man doesn't seem to think through his promises very well. He, as the Candidate, chose Afghanistan over Iraq as "the good war" ... not realizing that no war is good ... they're all messy and victory is never a done deal until the surrender. Truth be told, the kind of pumping in the force basis should have been set in time for the national elections. I guess I shouldn't be complaining. From where I sit, O is doing a fine job of becoming Jimmy Carter. The Administrations' concept of "Surgical Strikes" sounds just like Desert One

The Admonition is definitely, positively: "DB Cooper, you are a friend of mine." geekster: I take it you've lost the Arrow again?

He needs to be worrying about making a gut-check decision: Does he fill General McChrystal's request for troops, or does he let Osama and the Taliban win? Doing the comedy shows when deciding about sending troops in harm's way is just wrong. I remember "surgical" cruise missile strikes in the Clinton Administration. They got us the USS Cole and the preliminaries for September 11. The man is spending his political capital faster than he's spending the money of his Chinese bankers. Sooner or later, both notes will be called. Of course, if he retreats from Afghanistan, it becomes very easy to break out the "politicians lost the war for us" label set.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't PSR set a limit (below 50%) on the adult-boy ratio??

Best solutions I know for falling Boy Scout membership are: - Help tend the seed corn. That means deploying Den Chiefs to Cub Dens, and sending an ASM to provide support to both the Den Chiefs and to collect Pack needs from the Troop (of course, the Pack needs to help the Troop as well, now and again). - Leverage the Patrol Method to support Outdoors Method, and get the kids camping often! "If you give the youth great program, they will come" - H Roe Bartle

HUH??? I have never, in my 52 years on God's Good Earth, heard of an "Advancement Campout." I have heard of camps where the PLC established emphases, such as land navigation, which supported T-2-1 advancement items. I have heard of PLs, knowing Billy needs his campout being the cook to meet 1C cookery requirement, set Billy as the cook for the camoout. I'd let the PL or the Guide re-test. To me, the other Troop smacks of "Eagle Mill." I would look into this lots closer before ever letting another Scout go (short of a camp with a friend).

Why is your DE telling you to do this? Are you a Scoutreach unit? If the kids aren't ready to move up, don't move them up. Are there not age and grade requirements for joining? (duh, yes) Do the kids meet them chronologically? What about maturity?

Just because the Obama Kool-Aid being served is "Happy Days Are Here Again", does not mean I have to believe it. Reality is the economy still sucks. Yeah, it's not surprising to see the Regional offices close. You can lay off the secretaries, relocate the professionals to Irving, stop the leases on the buildings, and probably save money even in the first year. If I were a betting man, I'd not be surprised to see 2010 FOS be lower than 2009 FOS. Too many people have drunk the Obama Kool-Aid.

I'm with Brent.

You have a Unit Commissioner. Every unit has a unit commissioner. If there is not someone with the "unit commissioner" patch, the unit is covered by the Assistant District Commissioner who teams with the UC over several units. If there is not an ADC covering your unit, THEN THE DISTRICT COMMISSIONER has the duty to provide you program support. Call him. Given the mess this seems to be, I think you and your CC should consider talking with another Chartered Partner, forming a new unit, and inviting the remainder to move. Leave the old place with an empty shell of a Pack, which is what the current regime is doing to you. Sad this is. ...

SM196, If we were at a campfire, we'd have the emotions in our voices, a comfy chair, a cup of coffee or cocoa, and the ability to look each other in the eye. We have to substitute the word onscreen for that. Cuts the available non-verbal cues to zero. BTW, why is your District Advancement Chairman not doing MB Counselor Training? THAT'S A PURE PART OF HIS VOLUNTEER POSITION! I'd recommend your COR visit with the DE and District Chair and ask this tough question for you. Calico: OK, Billy just had his leg set in a cast, having broken it at school. It's going to be on six months. Billy comes to you and asks to begin Hiking or Backpacking Merit Badges. Do you authorize him to begin? He's not physically qualified to begin. What about Mr and Mrs Jones, who've visited offline with you. Jack's grades have slipped. They're not pulling him out of the Troop, but they want him laser light focused on his studies. He comes to you asking to start Auto Mechanics (and no, that's not a course he's taking). You're going to say yes? We don't check our common sense at the picnic table on a weekend camp, nor do we check it at the door of the meeting hall. The Scoutmaster is the gatekeeper. I'll grant that 90% of the time, the gate should be broadly open, but 10% of the time, it has to be something else.

Make them have skin in the game. This is one of those times where a strong COR is useful. Let him be your "bad cop," setting policies which protect the Chartered Partner's legitimate business interests in the community. (I've noticed through the years that while churches and VFWs and others are non-profits, they do interact with contractors, grocers, travel agents, electrical firms, etc ... the non-profits like having a good business rep in the community). Lots of travel partners require final payment at -180 days for best discounts. No refunds from them, so no refunds from you. That's exactly what Mr Hardy said. DO HAVE a plan B. Someone will have a family emergency, either direct or indirect. Visit Roundtable, share your success, and invite folks to be on your standby roster. Encourage them to train and shake out with you, so they are better ready for whatever happens.

I agree with ScoutNut. Something is rotten here. In addition to getting your UC and COR in the loop, I sense it's time for the DE to pay the "annual business call" on the Chartered Partner IH. DE needs to say a few things like: - The Chartered Partner owns the equipment. IH or COR need to withdraw signature cards from current leadership, and there needs to be an external audit. I'm not saying any of the criminal words. I am saying the parents sense there's low hanging fruit. It's time to put the watchdog in the orchard.

Calico, He is the gatekeeper, and I will keep saying that! One of the Scoutmaster's key jobs is to be the honest broker of the Advancement Method in a Troop. Requirements, online or in print, clearly states ...will give the name of a... Not three names on a list, not "here's the list, pick the guy you want" ... one name. If that is not an assignment, I do not know what is. That's why the Scoutmaster has to get to know other Scouters in his District at the various venues ... so he can mate Johnny to Dr Smith, and Billy to Dr Jones for First Aid. That means Roundtable, and time talking to other Scouters at OA fall fellowship, and time talking to other Scouters at Camporee, and time talking to other Scouters at OA winter banquet, and time talking to other Scouters when two Troops share the same campground, and ... I hope you get my point. From where I read ACP&P and Requirements, it's an assignment. From where I understand the role of the Scoutmaster as Mr Program in a Troop, he's the one who makes it mesh. OBTW, he probably is the gatekeeper on most of the Eight Methods... but that's another thread.