RememberSchiff

VP Candidate Paul Ryan was an actual Boy Scout, http://www.scouting.org/About/FactSheets/Congress.aspx Not disagreeing, but has anyone found info on Congressman Ryan's scouting background? I only found mention of YMCA summer camp. Along with about 200 other congressmen, he cosponsorrd Peter Session's House Resolution 716 - the designation of a National Eagle Scout Day Aug 1,2012 to commemorate the contributions made by Eagle Scouts of the Boy Scouts of America. As I understand, it got stuck House in Committee on Oversight and Government Reform as Aug 1,2012 slipped by.

I would like to read the letter. Can anyone here transcribe it? If the tone is intimidating that would just be counter-productive to the source. Retirees could just comment off the record as apparently one did for the article or anonymously blog. Even if in place, anti-disparagement clauses become difficult to enforce. I too bristle whenever I hear a talking head use corporate-speak words like "stakeholder"... seems out-of-place in Scouting to this old scouter. And don't call me a stakeholder. My $0.02(This message has been edited by RememberSchiff)

http://thescoopblog.dallasnews.com/2012/08/boy-scouts-hq-does-not-want-retirees-talking-to-reporters-about-controversial-issues.html/ Aug 2, BSA retirees received a letter from Stephen Medlicott, National Director, The Marketing Group (I thought he was Director of External Communication ???). Retirees were asked not to talk not to reporters regarding certain issues. When the above reporter questioned if this was intimidation, Deron Smith, the BSAs public relations director, responded Scouting takes all issues surrounding youth protection extremely seriously, and therefore, as part of our standard operating procedure, we engage our stakeholders by keeping them up to date on relevant developments, Corporate policy or bullying your own retirees? My $0.02

Apparently just one adult, the 4 scouts & asst. scoutmaster were tubing down river. The attack occurred about 2 hours before the scheduled pickup point with scoutmaster. Scoutmaster was back at camp. Some gripping detail here about the scout response. http://www.dailyfreeman.com/articles/2012/08/10/news/doc5024686ddb810044721518.txt?viewmode=fullstory

And at least one church says they've broken ties with the council due to this policy - "After the Tribune report emerged, Rev. John Echert, pastor of Holy Trinity Parish in South St. Paul, Minnesota, told LSN that he immediately broke his churchs ties with the Twin Cities group" I could be wrong, my understanding is that was Father John's first response but then he learned that inclusion was by local option and not compulsory. See my earlier post of his church bulletin Aug 5 REFLECTIONS PARISH SCOUT UPDATE, page 8 of this post.

Unless there is a related drop in membership or $$$, why would National mess with Northern Star's success now? Father John's statement shows that CO's can still control their scouting program and set their own membership policies (inclusive or not) and scouting goes on.

Holy Trinity Church bulletin Aug 5,2012 page 4: From Pastor Fr. John Paul Echert of the Holy Trinity Parish, South St. Paul, MN REFLECTIONS PARISH SCOUT UPDATE Last week I briefly noted a conflict of policies between the Boy Scouts of America, which is the national organization overseeing scouting programs, and the North Star Council, which oversees much of Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Specifically, the policies regarding the matter of whether or not openly homosexual individuals are excluded from leadership positions and membership in the scouts or whether they are welcome. The national BSA recently reaffirmed its longstanding position that the organization does not grant membership to those who are open homosexuals or would engage in a behavior that would distract from the mission of the Boy Scouts. Despite intense pressure from homosexual lobbyists and activists and some pressure from within the BSA itself, the national organization held the line. By the way, their stance on this issue was legally affirmed years ago, when the BSA was sued over its exclusion policy; the court determined that as a private organization, they had the right to set their own standards. Subsequent to learning of the BSA reaffirmation of its policy on this matter, I learned that the local North Star Council does not adhere to this national standard. In a recent article that appeared in the Minneapolis Star Tribune on this topic, it was clear that the NSC follows a practice of "inclusive leadership selection. I acted upon this information immediately, to determine if the article accurately reflects the policy and practice of the North Star Council, under which Council our parish Boy Scout and Cub Scout programs geographically fall. I communicated to the leadership of the NSC that as pastor of Holy Trinity Parish, I could not in good conscience allow this policy and practice to apply to our parish-based programs and that I was prepared to sever our decades old parish relationship with the Scouts. The NSA leadership did respond to my concerns and have assured me that as pastor, I have the prerogative to set the moral standards for the scouting programs in our parish and to determine its leadership as well. While I disagree with the NSC in their inclusive policy, I appreciate their willingness to work with us to resolve the potential conflict that could have ended our outstanding programs here. That being said let me formally articulate our policy and practice here at Holy Trinity with regard to this moral matter. We will continue to follow the unchanged policy of the national organization of Boy Scouts of America, which does not grant membership or leadership positions to individuals who are open or avowed homosexuals or who engage in behavior that would become a distraction to the mission of the BSA. We can add the additional condition that we do not grant leadership or membership positions to individuals whose lifestyle or expressed views are contrary to the mission of the Catholic Church as well. This is the same standard we apply to our employees and volunteers within the parish, including our parish school program. Meanwhile, there remain issues unresolved with regard to the Girl Scouts at the national and state level. As reported in the Star Tribune article, Both the state and national Girl Scouts of the USA allow lesbian members and troop leaders in its ranks. Beyond this there is credible evidence of collaboration between Planned Parenthood and Girl Scouts USA and a growing element of radical feminism. I will continue to investigate this and explore alternative programs. Pastor Fr. John Paul Echert www.staugustine-holytrinity.org/bulletins/bulletin8-5-2012.pdf (This message has been edited by RememberSchiff)

Should these scouts be considered for the Heroism Award?

Printed in NY Times on Valentine's Day 1988 The National executive board in a meeting in Washington, D.C., voted to allow women in leadership positions, including scoutmaster, ending a male-only policy "Many positions in the Boy Scouts were already open to women, said Barclay Bollas, national news editor for the Boy Scouts. Of the 1.1 million volunteers within the program nationwide, about 500,000 are women, he said." "For 12 years, the Boy Scouts had successfully defended legal challenges over its policy of allowing only men as leaders but decided to drop the restrictions because the court challenges had become too costly, said Ron Phillippo, executive director of the Indianhead Council, which includes eight counties in eastern Minnesota and four in western Wisconsin." http://www.nytimes.com/1988/02/14/us/boy-scouts-to-allow-women-to-be-leaders.html

Meant to send out wishes for a quick recovery to Troop 32's ASM, by no means am I making light of an attack by a rabid animal. Yes, Jimmy Carter was a former scoutmaster, troop committee chairman, and explorer advisor...now whether he was attacked by a swimming rabbit well... http://www.scouting.org/sitecore/content/RTN/History/Carter.aspx More detailed info on beaver attack http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/48536136/ns/local_news-new_york_ny/#.UCBYmfV0mUk(This message has been edited by RememberSchiff)

Troop 32 from Elizaville, NY was on a camping trip to the Delaware Water Gap National Park in Pennsylvania. Suddenly their assistant leader felt something biting him, a beaver was attacking his hands and chest. "The animal clung onto the leader and wouldn't let go even when the troop dragged him to the shore. Not knowing what else to do the scouts killed the rabid animal and then ran to get help." http://www.myfoxny.com/story/19203146/rabid-beaver-attacks-scout-leader Anyone remember another former scout leader out on the water who was allegedly attacked by a rabid (Republican? ) rabbit.

Slusher: In 1972 at age 19, he abuses scouts at a Boy Scout camp in Germany, BSA sends him back to USA, police are not notified in Germany or US though a "file" begins. In June, 1976, BSA re-registers him (Why???) though local councils says he cannot be a SM. Slusher apparently becomes SM in two troops (Huh???). Molests at least 8 scouts. In Feb, 1997, when BSA finally reports to Authorities, he is arrested, pleads guilty, convicted in May, 97 and imprisoned (away from kids) until paroled in 1984 (why?). In 1990, outside of scouting, he ran a pornography ring involving young boys, is reported, convicted (3 counts plus convicted as habitual offender), sentenced to two concurrent 25 year sentences and one consecutive 25 year sentence. He has lost one appeal after another and remains in a Colorado prison. Only beef I can see with the Authorities was a parole release in 1984 (7 years of a 10 year sentence?).

Yes horrifying. I just skimmed through the documents on one abuser - Slusher. Came back to be a SM in two troops??? http://documents.latimes.com/boy-scouts-paper-trail-of-abuse-documents/

Sorry my attempt at humor..."well intentioned creative helpers" is funnier.

Ein Oath. Ein Scouts. Ein Fieldbuche I did send my feedback, i.e., eliminate the redundant Eagle Scout Oath as well. The good ole Scout Oath will do just fine at ECOH. My $0.02,

Well a very small step of support, I ordered my Northern Star Council patch. I will sew it on when it arrives. My $1.60 + $0.45 postage

From Wall Street Journal; Some Boy Scout Troops Disregard Ban on Gays. Some excerpts: "Every year when it comes time to renew its charter, Troop 729 in New York City crosses out a promise to abide by the Boy Scouts' policies because it doesn't agree with the long-standing prohibition on openly gay members and leaders. We just don't practice discrimination in our group," said Scoutmaster Antonio Camacho. He said the troop's stance was backed by its sponsor, the Fort Washington Collegiate Church." "BSA spokesman Deron Smith said he wasn't aware of Troop 729's policies. "However, Scouting has one policy that applies to all troops and councils. Any time we're aware of any inconsistency in the administration of a Scouting policy we work with the local council to reiterate the policy and ensure its compliance with the local leaders," he said by email. " . "We want to reassure you, our friends, neighbors and colleagues, that the local Boy Scouts, Troop 500 in Amherst, does not support BSA's policy prohibiting the participation of gay adults or youths," says the letter, which is expected to appear this week. "We do not and never will discriminate on the basis of race, religion, or sexual orientation." . The Northern Star Council, representing more than 75,000 youth in Minnesota and western Wisconsin, according to its website, came out publicly last week saying it will continue its "inclusive leadership selection." Kent York, the council's director of marketing and communications, declined to comment further, referring to its website, which states that the council doesn't discriminate "with regard to ethnicity, religion, gender, disability, and/or sexual orientation." The BSA said it currently is working with the Northern Star Council to "clarify" its policy. (I forget who on this forum predicted this action by National). http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10000872396390443343704577551162306364148.html?mod=googlenews_wsj My advice to National is hands-off Northern Star Council and observe local option at work. My $0.02

We need more adults who see the scout potential in any person. "For more than 25 years Troop 409, whose members are mostly grown men with disabilities such as Down syndrome, autism and Spina bifida, has earned 1,000 merit badges and produced eight Eagle Scouts." http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20614975,00.html Thank you Richard and Claudia Coleman. My $0.02

Dr. Sally Ride was the Right Stuff. Scout salute to the first American woman in space, a role model for young people studying science and engineering.

I think local CO rule to permit some degree of inclusion will occur before the World Jamboree at the Summit. Local exclusion is already allowed to CO's, so the flip slide will be quietly introduced. It will be a PR move, an "experiment" maybe, to soften criticism before Jambo and/or to reverse falling membership. I don't think it will have anything to do with diversity, unless we suddenly get diverse leadership at National...many more than just two corporate CEO's. My guess anyway.

Good points, but I've seen scouts serve as just labor on pre-existing wish-list projects without any real thought or leadership in the project. Not what I would like to see done in an Eagle project. Another $0.02

SP - Sure, let those be troop service projects. By the time a scout starts his Eagle project, he should be the one proposing and planning the project. Eagle scout project ideas should not be yet another adult catered affair. Another $0.01(This message has been edited by RememberSchiff)

This is another Eagle Project trend that I am unhappy about. It should be what Eagle project does the scout want to do, what needs does he see in his community, how does he think he can be of service to his community, and then he runs with the ball. Instead I am seeing this: SM: Well Tommy, time to do your Eagle Project, say head over to Central School, First Church, or Town Hall and ask to see the Eagle Project list and make a choice. Be sure to get the project details and contacts for your workbook. Tommy Scout: Okay, I'll have my Mom do that. SM: Good thinking, getting others involved like that. My $0.01

Over the years as the BSA slowly changed and became more inclusive, e.g., racial integration (I saw only a small part of what that editorial mentioned), allowing advancement alternatives for the disabled, allowing women in leadership roles (well most CO's anyway). Over these changes, I have seen some old scouters and traditional families leave, but over the discrimination of atheists, agnostics, and gays, I have seen more turned away or turned off from joining. Change is coming. My $0.02,(This message has been edited by RememberSchiff)

Well done. Why argue with success? You did fine.