packsaddle

I didn't know it was possible to change the username. My wife wants to know how "humorless WASP with thin NAZI lips" sounds. I don't suppose anyone has that one yet.

Bob White, thanks.

Rooster, The "feeling insecure" part was the only way I could interpret what you wrote: "and ever other innocent person you know cannot feel safe in their own home." No matter how you want to say it now, it was a feeling when you said it then. Fear, to me, is less bad (and less real) than being unjustly slammed into prison. I am reluctant to view terrorists as more than thugs without honor. I am open to objective evidence, however, to alternative associations. What IS glib is to simply paint a religion (not our own) as the source of terrorism. As a non-Islamic person, I suppose I shoul

Saltheart, I think you're overstating this. The ruling may have implications for BSA but it is essentially a clarification of a principle regarding conflict of interest. It should apply equally to judges who also happen to be leaders in the KKK. In any case it falls far short of condemnation by an entire state. As for how BSA can survive, I think that was addressed in an earlier thread (BSA is dying).

We use Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project Workbook 18-927B. It is my understanding that it is possible to do the whole project using that document. I haven't seen anyone do that yet but so far I have read no limitation. Our proposals usually go one to two pages typewritten. OGE's situation is one in which the scout didn't actually finish the project that was proposed. He still has until age 18 to finish, I think. I see no problem with repetition of a project if that service actually needed. And so far I haven't seen a project rejected if all the requirements are met.

Eisely, I am curious. Would BSA eject a female leader who was lesbian? Anyone know if this has happened? Maybe this has been answered in another forum.

Question, "Whats more horrible? Some innocent people inadvertently are jailed? Or You, your children, and ever other innocent person you know cannot feel safe in their own home." Answer: I choose feeling insecure over injustice. "Theyre (the administration) trying to stop terrorists who think we are worthy of death, even torture, because we do not embrace their God and their religious teachings." There's only one God, isn't there Rooster, or am I wrong? At any rate it would be the same one for us and the Moslems. Are you really so certain that terrorism is all about religious diff

300,000 people on the riverwalk? They must have been packed like sardines. Uhhh, am I being a speciesist?

The Arab/Israeli conflict is more complicated than racism and it involves a huge component of religion as well as politics and economics. Racism is learned (or taught) (thanks Eisely, you too, Ed) but I believe that it isn't quite that simple. I admit that I have never fully understood racism even though I was raised in its midst and have seen and felt it first-hand (we're close to being neighbors, mama_bear). Nearly all of my childhood acquaintances were racists by their teens, mostly the result of peer interactions and adult pressures, I think. But a few took it to extremes of hatred that

Ed, Yeah, I was scratching my head over that too. willysjeep, I think you basically had it right in the first post. BSA just discourages large ones. This leaves a large opening for judgement. I'm not sure how I would define 'large' either. I do flinch, however, when I think of anyone using a knife to dig with, no matter the size. Just a personal preference.

Hello Al, I wasn't intending to use psychology but if that's how you view it, OK. (Does Redbook still exist?) Actually my son keeps a really neat room, does his homework, stays on the honor role and is generally responsible without any nagging or similar treatment, and yes, that's close to how we achieved that status. By clearly explaining the behavioral connections, he could never claim not to understand the consequences of his actions. Our toop is small. When a parent comes with a concern about schedule or uniform, etc., if I or another leader dismiss them with a 'too bad, tough luck'

Bob White, Thanks. The reason I ask is that I have detected an apparent lack of consistency in the process that occurs after the BOR. I take great pains to get the council records corrected (a pet peeve) prior to the board. Then I am told to turn in all the materials; application, project stuff, etc. On some occasions everything goes in and eventually it all comes back. Other times when I get to the council office, the lady takes the application, hands the rest back to me and says, "we just need the application". Huh? I obviously am not 'getting' something. Does national frequently change thei

Their skulls are really nice but kind of pricey, replicas too. In my work I have seen and handled quite a few bald eagle carcasses (especially the last few years), too bad I couldn't keep one of the skulls for my daughter's skull collection. Anyone out there care to make a contribution?

Bob White, I am curious. Assuming the candidate and Eagle board have done things properly and all the dates and features of the forms are correct, what basis would national have to do anything OTHER than approve? Is there anything they can know that the board would not?

Welcome to the forums, Al, and good luck. I understand the concerns expressed by others regarding the 'my way or the highway' attitude. If a person has a thought that is important to them, it is important for a leader to listen and understand. Sometimes that person has a very good thought. To me the dictatorial approach indicates weak interpersonal skills, perhaps insecurity or lack of confidence in his stated position, or perhaps a bullying approach to people in general, compensating for his shortcomings. But it will be a problem and eventually someone will 'call' him on it...and 'the highway

FYI, Guam is approximately 98% Roman Catholic with smatterings of various Protestant flavors here and there. However, the historical roots extending to times before the Spanish conquest are a society that is matriarchal (the Spanish, needless to say, could not comprehend this). It is common, according to my Guamanian friends, for all adults in a family (and close friends) to consider themselves 'parents' of a particular child. Extended family in the truest sense. My friends say that an unwed mother is likely to be viewed with less condemnation than on the mainland USA. This thread seems to be

Would a couple of vulture bones do it for you? Check the laws to see if you can have them in your possession and send me a private message with your address if you're interested.

You know, the original post mentioned that she's 8 months pregnant. While everyone has taken a right turn over the rainbow, time is slipping by. Shouldn't we concern ourselves with that "Be Prepared" thing for the boys? They could get a really great unexpected lesson soon. In my experience teaching human reproduction, the basic facts are a great incentive to fight the urge. My students, especially the ones that pass out, are very quiet leaving those lessons. But boys at age 11 don't have any thoughts about these things, do they, NOT! My point is that the object lesson can cut both ways. Ok, ev

I have earlier confessed a complete lack of fashion consciousness. Clearly I am in good company. If they say, "not white, please", doesn't that mean you CAN wear white if you want to? I suspect it reflects a practical problem of keeping them clean. Or I could be wrong. And.. I gather from the discussion that people laugh at me in my corduroys behind my back. Oh well, at least it's not open ridicule. Voomp, Vooomp, kinda like a hand saw. Great for hiking, scares bears away.

It has been my observation from organizing conferences that adults are no different from the boys, maybe even worse. Does anyone think that the boys have, perhaps, learned this behavior from us? Parents? H'mmmm?

Good one, Rooster! But seriously, I like the 13th point question(mk9750) as well as the ones asking why the boy thinks he should receive the award. My favorite is what personal virtue is fundamental to every point of the law and every part of the oath. I like to hear their development of the idea to find out if they have thought about the oath and law, not necessarily the answer (but it's nice to do a good job there as well).

mgaesser, Welcome to the forums but I am saddened by the circumstances. A leader who has done what you stated is a coward and dangerous to remain in his position. I agree with Evmori, there is no good reason for an adult to strike a boy. You evidently have notified BSA regarding the incident. If their response is inadequate (and it seems to be) I suggest that an attorney will make things happen. And a criminal investigation might be in order. "Be always sure you are right then Go, ahead" (Davy Crockett). Don't leave scouting, show your son how to pursue justice.

Crows and ravens are not raptors but both of them are famous (notorious?) for their intelligence. Eagles regularly eat carrion, something a turkey would never do. At least vultures (which are also raptors) are honest about their station. Franklin had good points but lost the argument. You will not find a more noble bird than a wild turkey. I once used grouse and quail to finish the fine details of two dance rosettes. Took many hours to complete but the effect was stunning. Check with your state wildlife regs regarding raptors (hawks, etc.), the penalties can be devastating.

Eamonn, There's another way...that's been used numerous times on me: One of the boys points at me and blurts out something like, "Hey everyone, look! Mr. Packsaddle has his lodge flap upside down!" I'm still not sure if these guys are put up to it by some adult but at least I'm not walking around obliviously while people silently condescend. H'mm...or am I? I need to think about this some more.

Captainron14, Imagine starting this discussion with a group of people you don't know in one of the parks in that delightful town across the river from you. Most members of the group hang around to listen with variable interest and just a few are passionate enough about the subtle differences between LDS scouting and 'the regular old way' that they carry on with the discussion (in my region you'd be lucky to find enough people who know Mormons exist to have this discussion). But once in a while, someone makes a remark that reminds yet someone else of something else that they would like to share