scoutldr

What is your position in the unit?

Assuming I had not discussed the project (and funding) with the Scout prior to his beginning the project...I would ignore it, thus providing the scout another valuable life lesson.

According to this, meals are deductible. I stand corrected.

"I'm comforted by the knowledge that the tax code is just as complex and confusing for these folks as it is for the rest of us." From what I've read, the tax infractions were not something requiring a CPA to figure out. If you receive income, or "income in kind", such as the use of a limo, you report it. Also, those providing the benefit should report it on a form 1099. Any moron like me with a copy of TurboTax should be able to get it right. All of this should have been discovered during the vetting process. What is even more disturbing to me is the Obama administriation's and Democrat Congress' attitude that "yeah, but so what, he's a good guy." Aren't there any Democrat "good guys" out there that don't have tax skeletons? Yes, you can deduct expenses due to scouting activities, within reason. You can deduct the cost of uniforms that are not suitable for wear for other purposes. You cannot deduct the cost of meals that you, yourself consume. I don't cheat on my taxes...never have. And no, my recordkeeping is not the best and, if audited, there are some expenses that I probably couldn't document. But I do so with the understanding that, if audited, I would probably have to give it back...not because I was trying to "get away with it". That being said, I'm not running for political appointment and not having a proper mileage log for summer camp isn't going to embarrass my President. (Assuming they are capable of feeling embarrassment unlike the Clintons). (Rdited for typos.)(This message has been edited by scoutldr)

The answer is "d"...for democrat.

OK, for starters: They could have applied that money against the annual Council Service Fees (3.5% of total Council salaries), and allowed the councils to keep that money for local program use. They could have reduced the cost of uniforms, publications and awards. They could have offset the revenue lost from publication sales while they put everything on a CD and let registered members print them at will. For starters...

Not sure what all this has to do with the Patrol Method. What is preventing Scoutmasters from teaching the Patrol Method in their local units, and what does that have to do with the CSE's compensation package?

Being a former BSALG counselor, and WSI, I agree with dg98. WHat drove me nuts is our last Aquatic Director at camp, who "mothered" (sorry, ladies) the boys too much. She started out by asking "who is a non-swimmer"? Then those were set aside and given white buddy tags without even getting their feet wet. Next she asked "who is a beginner", then those were given ONLY the beginner test. NExt the swimmers. My style is to treat everyone as a swimmer until they prove otherwise. Staff should decide their ability...not the scout.

God bless you for your efforts, funscout. Yes, everyone can do something...and it shouldn't take government involvement. My story is much the same as you. We got married as soon as we completed our educations, at age 20. My first "surprise" came at age 23. We were both health professionals so we knew all about the birds and the bees (and how to prevent them), but the GYN who told my wife she was sterile was wrong. Being "sterile", we did not have "family" health insurance that included OB care. It took us years to pay off the hospital bill. The next "surprise" came at age 26, because the IUD didn't work. Then my wife had her tubes tied because that was all the "surprise" we could afford. She quit her RN job and stayed home after the second one and we survived on one salary. It was tough, but we lived within our means, and didn't take a dime of assistance from ANYONE, including the taxpayers. No cable TV, no new cars, no eating out, no fancy house in the burbs...but we made it work. When #2 started school, she went to work as a school nurse at his school, making half what she was making in the Hospital. We since upgraded to a nicer house, where we've been since 1983. "Surprises" are now 30 and 27, and I'm so glad God felt that we could "handle it", even though I wasn't "ready". But in other cases, I do have to wonder what in the world He is thinking.

As a federal employee, I was recently forced into a "pay for performance" system. No more automatic step increases and bonuses. If I don't meet or exceed my job objectives, I don't get a raise or bonus, not even for "cost of living". I wonder if one of Mr. Williams' objectives was to get membership to decline? Sounds kinda like Wall St to me.

RE: the recent birth of Octuplets. Mother gives birth to 8 babies through In Vitro sperm donor Mother already had 6 kids under the age of 8, also by IVF sperm donor. Mother is unwed. Mother lives with parents who just filed bankruptcy. Grandmother states "daughter is not evil, just obsessed with children" Some moron Doctor implanted 8 embryos contrary to accepted medical practice As far as I know, IVF is not covered by health insurance (my sister's wasn't), so how was it paid for? Or did the Dr do it just to make a name for him/herself? So, my opinion: You want to be "obsessed" and have 14 kids under the age of 8 with no husband or visible means of support? NOT A DIME of taxpayer money should you get. Maybe your Dr will help you raise them. Maybe the pro-lifers will send you checks to help out with your God-given right. Yeah, good luck with that.

On FOX news this morning, it's reported that the PETA Sea Kitten website was hacked...a banner ad for Omaha Steaks appeared across the top! LOL!

2eagles: I think most professionals in the public health trenches agree with your wife. I know I do. A 14 year old giving birth to a baby she cannot care for and cannot afford into a life of poverty, drugs, gangs, and unemployment is child abuse, pure and simple. Perhaps we should lock up and/or sterilize the mothers so they can't make the same "mistake" again. To those who think abortion is "murder" and an absolute mortal sin, what have you/are you personally doing to help? How many have you adopted? How many thousands of dollars are you donating to support these "mistakes" (other than your taxes)? How many hours have you personally volunteered (standing in front of the clinic with bloody pictures doesn't count)? It's easy to preach anonymously on a forum and tell people that they are sinners from your gilded pulpit. If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem. No, I don't like abortion. But I HATE what I've witnessed in the 'hood. NO CHILD should have to live and grow up like that.

I guess I should have prefaced my comments with "My lodge's policy is..." YMMV

A "district commissioner" ordered a logging operation to raise money? In my council, DCs don't have that kind of power or responsibility. I wonder how many of the other "facts" are spurious?

The stated reason is idiotic and unfair. If the reason is money, then the committee needs to adjust it's budget or change the policy, giving fair advance notice to all members. At first glance at the subject, I thought it was a matter of austerity...we typically would purchase the cloth badge, metal badge, rank card and "parent pin" for each rank. As prices go up and the economy gets worse, I can see cutting back on those...but NOT on the Eagle kit. I mean, SHEESH! PS: Is your COR aware of this decision?(This message has been edited by scoutldr)

For those who don't know, "ghost" patches are versions of patches that are embroidered using all one color thread. Our lodge flap has been produced in about 10 different colors. They are just novelty collectibles, and to my knowledge, are not for official uniform wear. But if you want to wear one on the red jacket, I won't say anything.

"$71,452 was retirement gifts and recognitions" That would pay 2 DE's for a year...or send 350 Scouts to summer camp. What's wrong with a luncheon at the Olive Garden and a certificate suitable for framing, like the rest of us get?

"I don't want my daughters to be punished for making a mistake by being forced to have a baby!" I am pro-choice. The choice to lay down and make a baby is yours to make. I am also conflicted. Having worked in health department free clinics and visited people in the projects, I have seen first hand 12-14 year old mothers with babies of their own living with the 25 year old grandmother. This is no exaggeration. Never saw a man (father?) in the picture, either. It is not a way that I would want ANY child to start out in life...because the cycle continues. I never saw a pro-lifer in sight offering to help out with money, or moral support, or anything. They are too busy preaching and funneling tithes to their "mega-churches" with fancy buildings, TV stations and orchestras. The notable exception was Jerry Falwell, who offered any pregnant girl free room and board and a 4 year scholarship to Liberty University, with free child care and adoption services if that's what she wanted. Now THAT's Christian charity. Say what you want about Falwell, but he was willing to put his money on the line for what he believed in. The key to this is education, contraception, and a strong family environment. This is not the Government's fault, nor can the Government fix it. It is a case of moral and intellectual agenesis and (dare I say it) lack of personal responsibility. As long as sex is glorified in the media (TV, movies, music), and producing a baby is seen as "cool" or "manly", we are wasting our time.

I love it when I'm sent scrambling for the Dictionary, but "syaty" is one that even Mr. Webster hasn't heard of. ;-) Yes, Bush did a lot of things that I didn't agree with...starting with invading Iraq. If a country needs "regime change", it's up to that country's citizens to make it happen. As a DOD employee, I can tell you that Rumsfeld was universally hated...he was an idiot and egomaniac. As a scientist, I disagreed with the ban on stem-cell research. What can be wrong with discovering cures for diseases? As a bread-winner, I liked Bush, because DOD spending was high, meaning I had a job. Can't say I will still have one a year from now. As far as Mr. Obama...I am not a liberal in that I espouse personal responsibility. I find "wealth redistribution" to be abhorrent. Giving "tax rebates" to illegals and those who don't pay taxes is idiotic. Call it what it is..."welfare". Giving me a check for $600 didn't stimulate anything, nor will another "one-time" handout. If you want to make me happy, cut my tax rate. Bring back some deductions, such as making medical expenses or loan interest on a new car 100% deductible. Get out of the business of providing millions of $$$ for digital TV converters (sheesh!) and paying price supports for tobacco farmers. Is there no common sense in government any more? I, too, listen to Rush when I can, and he did explain his remarks. He does not agree with Obama's "plan for America" and believes it is wrong. Therefore, he hopes Obama fails in carrying out those plans.

One thing I think needs to be done is to ban pharmceutical advertising of prescription drugs, except to the medical profession. That would free up millions (if not billions) of dollars which could then go to reduced costs to the patient or more R&D. "Ask your Doctor if Levitra is right for you!" BS. Tell you Doc your problem, and let him prescribe. A lot of Docs will prescribe just to make the patient satisfied, whether medically indicated or not (sorry, vol). In Public Heath grad school we learned about a study about health beliefs...a patient's satisfaction after a Doctor visit directly correlates with the number of scrips they walk out with. Another, more recent study showed that not only do placebos make a pt feel better, but the more expensive the placebo, the better they feel. It's human psyche we're battling here. A relative of mine is a good example...she's terminal with advanced COPD, chronic diverticulitis, bronchitis, diabetes, O2 24/7, etc brought on by 60+ years of smoking. But she wants to live forever, no matter what it costs the taxpayers (currently about 10K per month from Medicare, plus 3-4 hospitalizations per year)...but when they charge her a co-pay for drugs she protests mightily how unfair it is, even though she never worked and never paid a dime into the system! She's ENTITLED!

Here's an idea...since his practice of Scouting is more akin to that of a "Lone Scout" I would suggest that he'd be happier being registered as such.

I came to the conclusion long ago that the folks in Irving are not nearly as passionate about proper uniforming as some of us here. As long as they're registered and their check clears, "good to go"! Blue jeans??? Who cares?

It's not right, Mr. Maynard. You and the CC and COR should schedule a meeting with the District Advancement Chair and District Commissioner and request (demand?) some answers. If you and your fellow leaders feel strongly that the scout is being, shall we say, "unethical", then revoke his membership. There is no rule that you, as a volunteer, owe this guy anything. Not sure what you meant by "has his 4 eagle projects for his HD award"...what's an HD award?

How can a scout be awarded more MB and Palms if the unit is not filing Advancement Reports signed by the troop committee? Curious minds want to know. Sounds like fraud to me. I would also wonder if he's using registered MB counselors.