scoutldr

I assume you are referring to GTMO. The SCOTUS remedied that in Bumediene v. Bush in 2008, thus granting OUR constitutional rights to those enemy combatants who would rather see us and our children dead and who recognize no law or morality other than Sharia Law. Obama promised to close GTMO, but that's another promise we're waiting to have fulfilled while he tries to run the Auto, Banking and Healthcare industries all at the same time. I am all for a speedy trial. And swift and sure punishment for the guilty. I'm not defending Bush...or any President. I was/am against the Iraq war. It had nothing to do with 9/11 and everything to do with oil, ego and jingoism on the part of Bush and Rumsfeld. But BOTH parties voted to go with it. I believe the Iraqis should rise up and kill their own dictators. I have sworn an oath to defend the Constitution, which gives no power to the Government save that specifically granted by the people.

So which of the other Constitutional rights should we make "optional" if they don't seem "right" to someone? Speech? Assembly? Religion? Once you open that box, it will be VERY hard to close again. I understand your point, and I don't disagree. He was making a statement, and I hope the SS and FBI did their jobs. But sometimes Liberty makes people uncomfortable. As it should.

Can't. The Chicoms already own it along with most everything else.

Why am I suspicious? For one, I work for the federal govt and see first hand how regulations and policy are made. Kinda like making sausage. Tom Daschle is one of BHO's top advisors on this and his plan called for a "quality panel" similar to what they have in Britain. Expensive treatment modalities are subjected to a cost-benefit analysis. For example, my MIL receives an IVIG treatment to the tune of $7 grand a month, paid for by the taxpayer (Medicare). Is it improving her quality of life? WHo knows? She's still alive with severe COPD, but can't do much. Will it continue to be approved under Obamacare? Who knows? (I know what I would decide.) Another example...my 88 year old Uncle with congestive heart failure and kidney failure was just buried. With two brand new knees that had just been replaced...for the THIRD time. Sorry, folks, but with limited resources, when do we say "enough"? Should the taxpayer be asked to fork over money so that someone can be kept alive artificially with no quality of life? (Hence the counselling). The counselling is just a tactic to get people to agree ahead of time to the rationing that will inevitably take place because there simply won't be enough health care available to give everyone what they want. But again, this is nothing new. A few years back, the GOV decided that performing mammograms on women under age 40 was not productive enough to justify the cost. Do women under 40 get breast cancer? Sure. But not enough that we should pay to screen them all. That's not comforting if you are a 28 year old who is diagnosed too late. Just like the upcoming Swine Flu shot campaign. Wait till all the seniors realize that they are at the bottom of the priority list. (The top of the list is school kids, pregnant women, and healthcare providers). That's healthcare rationing and it's already coming to a neighborhood near you.(This message has been edited by scoutldr)

As I said, I have read the bill, and no, there are no "death panels". There is a provision for "end of life counselling" to be paid for every 5 years as a benefit under the plan. The counselling is in the form of "ya know, maybe you should think about an Advance Directive, or Healthcare Power of Attorney, so your loved ones know what your wishes are, and we can help explain all of your options." Having had surgery last year, and having a MIL in and out of hospital several times a year, this is no different that what's done now...except it will allow providers to bill for it as a separate service. Not sure how that benefits anyone, except the providers. As to rationing health care, that is a separate issue, which is not addressed in the bill. But that's also being done now. I also frequent an Elder Care forum, and the horror stories there will make your skin crawl. Like convincing a 96 year old woman to go to the Doc for a mammogram and Pap test....now the results of the test will not change the treatment plan or the outcome either way...but they can bill Medicare/Medicaid and milk the system. Many seniors gladly bounce from doctor to doctor, scheduling several appointments per week, running us caregivers ragged, because it's a way to get out of the house (or nursing facility) and get attention. And the stupid GOVERNMENT pays for it. Is it medically necessary? I agree with those who say it depends on the age. Does an 80 year old man need a PSA test every year? What for? Just so the medical community can document that "we did all we could for you." That needs to be stopped. It's things like this that have me convinced that the Govt needs to stay out of the healthcare business...Medicare/Medicaid is a horror story frought with waste, fraud and abuse. If they get that system under control, then they can worry about the speck in MY eye. As a Reagan Conservative and budding Libertarian, I do think that the media hype is over the top...on both sides. People have a responsibility to read and think for themselves before going to a rally and yelling like fools...regardless of which side they are on. UNfortunately, the majority of the voting public is incapable of doing that. There. "Fair and balanced".

I agree...if the gun-toters were breaking the law, they should be prosecuted.

From the Insignia Guide: Shoulder Loops Colored shoulder loops identify the area of Scouting: blue, Cub Scouting; red, Boy Scouting; blaze, Varsity Scouting; green, Venturing; silver, council and district; gold, national and regional. Wear the color for the primary registered position in which you are functioning. I guess if in doubt, look at your membership card.

"Now - having said that, kids and parents need to have a long hard discussion as to what is appropriate use of the phone and what is not." Completely agree, but that ain't gonna happen. Parents think that during school hours, it's the teachers' problem. The sense of right and wrong has been lost. I used to have the discussion with scouts during SM conferences and BOR about "sharing" music (when Limewire and Napster were the rage). They had no clue that copying music files and giving them to friends was wrong. The attitude was "if I'm able to do it, it must be OK." Same with cheating on a cell phone..."it it's so wrong, then why am I able to do it?" The Clinton mentality..."because I could."

Well, I cracked the seal on my treasure last night...the fine print on the label says "Pecatonica River Popcorn", not Trails' End. The trail mix was mostly raisins with peanuts mixed in, and a FEW cashews, almonds and M&M's. Nothing to write home about. Nice tin. I would have gotten popcorn, but since diverticulitis surgery last year, I'm still a bit nervous about what I put through the system.

Is it a question of risk avoidance or a question of physical maturity (upper body strength) and age-appropriate activities?

Guilty.

This is why we do it folks... http://www.ketv.com/news/20311462/detail.html

The tins say "Terry Redlin" on them. Is that Trail's End? (I thought my council had dumped TE several years ago). Trail mix is a "new secret item"...the order form says 18 oz...for $20.

Working all weekend to help rehab my son's new house, I had to make several trips to Lowe's. Upon exiting the store, I was accosted by a maybe 3 foot tall Cub Scout who blocked my path saying, "Hey sir, would you like to buy some popcorn?" I swear, his wall-to wall belt loops probably weighed more than he did. Annoyed with myself for not anticipating and evading and already late, I said, "no thanks, not today" and kept walking. Almost to the car, I went back. I said, "OK, I changed my mind, what have you got?" Face lit up, he launched into his spiel...knowing my volunteer workers were waiting for me, I cut him off and said "Ok, how much is the trail mix" "Twenty dollars, sir", he replied, holding out his hand. A bit startled, but now committed, I handed over a double saw-buck. Collecting my minuscule can of trail mix from the cub, I noted to the adult "supervisor"..."you know I used to be a Scoutmaster, and I just can't walk past you guys", and he nodded knowingly, rolling his eyes. Upon hearing I was a "leader", the Cub drew himself up to his tallest 36 inch height, came to attention and snapped off the best Cub Scout Salute I have ever seen, saying "Thank, you, Sir." Driving back to my 27 year old former cub scout's new house, I had to wipe a tear from my eye. Best 20 bucks I've spent in a long time.

OMG!!! U R not srs! Most kids today can't write a standard english sentence without using "Text language". And we can't have the little darlings get bad grades, now can we? That would hurt their self-esteem. Not to mention the additional hours the teacher would have to spend grading tests...you can't answer essay questions on a Scan-Tron bubble sheet.

You have to PAY the course fee to instruct it??? Geez, Gunny, don't give the other councils any ideas!!! 'Fraid I would just have to say "NO". That is insulting.

No beads here. I used to be a nobody...and still am. I recently sat on an Eagle BOR for a young man...the last of 3 brothers to earn it. When Mom and Dad (a troop ASM) walked in, Dad recognized me as his "Trainer" for NLE and CS leader specific when he was a Den Leader. It was kinda cool to be there to see the efforts pay off...on all our parts.

Yeah...we don't want to be blacklisted for "unamerican activity". Too bad Joe McCarthy's dead. There would be a Czarship in his future.

As a former boss used to tell me..."It's always better to be wanted than to be qualified."

So, vol, as a recently practicing physician, what is your opinion of HR 3200?

Section 100(a)(3)(b). Section 123 THen do a search on "$" and add up the numbers.

How lucky to be in a Council where there's a waiting list of trained, qualified, prospective Commissioners. We only have about a third of our slots filled, if you want to move here. Seriously, though...how about fill out an application and attach a check to it for the registration fee. Once you get your membership card, call the DC and ask "I'm your new Commissioner. What units are assigned to me?"(This message has been edited by scoutldr)

How many here have actually downloaded and read the 1000+ page bill that describes in detail what we're arguing about? Hmmm. Thought so. I have. And being in and around the health care and regulatory field all my life, I actually understand most of it...and it scares the hell out of me. I immediately wrote my two Senators and Congressman. Yes, I listen to talk radio...but I wanted to be fair and read it for myself before forming an opinion, because being a reasonably intelligent and educated person I realize that there's hype and "entertainment" that often obscure the facts. It's HR 3200 if anyone's interested in reading it. Your legislator's not.

Ed, that may be YOUR troop's policy...but it is certainly not universal. FWIW, the last 3 Eagles that we produced have not bothered to let us know if they want a COH or not. Apparently, it's too hard to think about unless someone forces them to do it (like earning the rank itself). One finally stopped by a troop meeting to pick up his credentials...two years after the BOR, which was the last time we heard from him. I feel dissed.

BUFFALO GAP, Va. (AP) - Virginia State Police have confirmed that one person died in a fire at the Boy Scouts of America's Camp Shenandoah in Augusta County. The News Leader of Staunton said a building that housed staff quarters at the camp near Buffalo Gap caught fire about 4 a.m. Friday. Dozens of parents are on the site to pick up the Boy Scouts who were camping there. The camp's Web site says a Webelos resident camp session started Wednesday. Webelo is the fifth rank of Cub Scouting, the last one before boys become Boy Scouts.