skeptic

It seems to me that Eamonn points out once again the reality of how it has been, and likely should be. If it is not made into a public issue, then it never becomes a problem. Once it crosses that line and becomes a problem of some kind, whether hetero or Gay, then it has to be dealt with. This is as it should be. The ban has been so taken out of context by its detractors, that it is hardly really understood. First, it has never included youth, as long as they do not make things public displays. The adult ban is on "avowed Gays", those individuals who feel the need to push their agend

Can a "genuinely independent scientist" even get noted? Apparently, even here, the lobbyists are in control on both sides. I personally lean toward GaH's #3. But, as is obvious in all of these debates; what we think means little. Oh well. Merry Christmas (my belied), or whatever suits you at this hopefully respectful holiday period.

Merlyn; You are correct; they do have the "right". But it is no longer a "right" when it infringes directly on someone else. So, exercise your rights anywhere you want, as long as they do not try to trump others.

From my eavesdropping on kids in schools and on overnights, it has been apparent to me that the very large majority of boys are still VERY uncomfortable with the idea of being gay, or being around them. Their responses are generally to avoid, but occasionally overt physical responses that are added problems. They often can talk about fairness and acceptance, but when actually confronted they react the opposite. And this would also be the case with many parents who give vocal support for acceptance in BSA, but would NEVER allow their son to be involved should it become a reality. Much of th

Ken; It is good that your son and friends find these things interesting. I agree that we can keep the "outing in scouting", and still embrace new technology and ideas. Much of the newer tech stuff does work for many things in the outdoors. It is finding the balance that is so hard much of the time. A few years back, I was completely against anything electronic on outings. Now, on rides, they keep me sane, as many simply become immersed in their games or music devices. But, a few, always continue to be involved in the real world, actually seeing things along the route and talking to

Listened to the centennial broadcast at 7PM Central. It was interesting, but pretty much just repeated info already available on the web with a bit of effort. They touched on upcoming plans for making the program more palatable, the new Hispanic outreach tests, and efforts to bring more technology into use without taking the outdoors out. The short video at the end from the centennial tour that starts in Pasadena was interesting. It was hosted by one of the Eagle Scouts from the survivor program. They also discussed the new Jamboree site in more detail than I had seen as yet. The entire

While we should always be disappointed when individuals, both adults and young people, sometimes make bad decisions, even if they "are" scouts. On the other hand, it simply is reflective of the fact that scouts are still simply kids. The perception that they will not make poor choices is a reaction to the public image that was developed over the past century. And, stats seem to support the idea that scouts who have more than a fleeting participation "do" have fewer negative situations in their lives than those that have not. Maybe the fact that the image is still in play is a good th

Would suggest that the moderators move this to the "Political" forum, as it will likely get a lot of that type of comment and opinion. Thanks.

My problem is that even with email, they hardly ever respond. Most admit to seldom checking mail; and, as noted, many parents simply forget, or do not feel it necessary to pass on much of the time. They too are bad about even looking at the email. Sometimes wonder how they ever get by if they never read stuff.

It all depends on of whom you are asking the questions, and what the questions really are. I would suspect that a simple query to most people as to whether or not medical care in the country needs to be improved, especially insurance, you would get a yes in a very large percentage. But, if you ask about the current bill, your results will be a lot different. The real problem is that most of the congress critters growling and whining about how bad it is are not offering much in the way of alternatives. Even their constituents would likely be in the "something needs to be done" category.

Was at our local office this afternoon and saw a new batch of Eagle Certificates. There is now no signature of the Honorary President at all. It is simply not there anymore. Earlier this year, they still had Bush on it; so guess they were using the older ones up. The cert itself actually looked pretty good, as did the latest card version. So, is this the latest trend; or is it simply a stop gap, and the Honorary spot will be returned at a later date?

How about National springing for it as an east coast urban center? With proper development, it could become a gem in their National camping possibilities. Imagine being able to develop a tour of the surrounding area for your troop while not spending a small fortune for a place to stay in the city. This could be offered for international units too. Depending on size, the council trying to sell could also instead, build their own office there with the cost of rent in the Empire State Building. If they already have the land, the cost of construction would be absorbed by the money saved on re

Eamonn; While I understand your comment about believing we failed certain kids, we do not know for sure what impact even a short span of involvement has on these boys. Many adults with whom I have spoken when in a public place in uniform, such as a scouting display, or selling popcorn, have spoken fondly of their "short" time in the program, and how that experience had an effect on their later life. Surely, we lose far too many early, but every one we win, even if we do not know, is worth the efforts. Personally, I have had 2 young men come up to me as young adults and thank me for

This is from the National Site some time back. There is also another on-line source I have seen, but have to track it down again. July 31 *The Scout Oath . . . On my honor I will do my best; To do my duty to God and my country; and To obey the Scout Law; To help other people at all times; To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight. This date celebrates the founding of Americas first "Negro Boy Scout" troop in 1911. Initially started in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, opposition was encountered immediately, but troops continued to meet in increasing numbe

And really, why are any of these new requirements such an issue anyway. It is not like they are anything new particularly. A 2nd class must earn some money and save half is about the most difficult, and that is not overwhelming either. Explaining how you live up to 4 of the laws is really nothing more than having to be aware of what they are to start with. And teaching a skill using EDGE is pretty basic too. If a boy cannot cope with these, then we are doing something wrong. JMHO

Difficult subject, as there are many valid points on both sides of the discussion. While I have grown to feel having girls allowed is not only logical in many ways in today's society, I still feel there would need to be separation in the lower parts of the program, especially in the pubescent age group. The girls could still be part of the program, but simply do it in their own groups. Cubbing, as pointed out already, would likely be fine with either girl, boy, or coed dens, meeting separately except for pack activities. But I do not see 11-14 year old boys and girls mixing successfully fo

Kahuna; Just acquired an addition to my Scouting Magazine assortment from June, 1930. The event is featured in this issue, including detailed info on trips and what to take. If you have access to that year, you should read it.

The Scouts as a "fix my kid" group is often an idea some parents have, especially a lot of lower income, single moms who are already severely stressed by adolescent boys. Lem, in "Follow Me Boys" sort of perpetuates that idea; but if you look closer, he too struggles, just as some of us have done. You are not always successful; but the ones you win are often rich in returns, both to the unit and yourself. I long ago determined I had to be as honest as possible with the mom, or occasional dad, who specifically came to me with the idea that somehow Scouts would solve their problems, but h

So, I finally remembered the cliche' I wanted when is said "So, if this is to be taken as it seems, another "storm in a bucket"." I really intended to give away my age with the old saw "tempest in a teapot". Oh well. Back to fun and games. Have to prepare for a scout/webloes outing tomorrow. With luck I will have most of them actually show up.

Thanks for the kind words. Here is another view from the Union side. http://www.seiu.org/2009/11/of-course-seiu-supports-the-boy-scouts.php So, if this is to be taken as it seems, another "storm in a bucket".

Found myself getting really annoyed at our council office today. I went to pick up awards, including cards. We have currently a very small group, but have always been fairly small. When I looked for the cards, they were only available in sheets of 6. Now, merit badges will take care of themselves pretty easily, so sheets are not a poor option necessarily, as you will like use them fairly soon. But to make you buy 6 rank cards is simply annoying, though I realize the cost is fairly minimal, and hopefully you will eventually use them. On the other hand, for small groups such as ours, espec

Well, now they made it to Fox and Hannity; guess the Union will really get verbally abused now. As always, way too much hype for something probably simply misunderstood. Oh well; as long as the scout is not held up on completion of his Eagle.

Ahh yes. The first place we went after 9/11 was Afghanistan. As pointed out by quite a few, this is where we should have put the emphasis period. If we had concentrated the force we wasted, and are wasting still, in Iraq in Afghanistan to start with, we likely not only would have dealt Al Qaida a fatal blow, but very well may have actually caught Bin Laden. And we also likely would have already finished the real job, and be far better off internationally and internally.

Perhaps you can answer the question I sent to him through his website, but which has yet to receive a response. Is this a new book, or an update of the original he wrote with another author in 1992? I have the original in my collection. Thanks.

The truly sad thing is that now that the trail is built, it will likely become overgrown and useless left to the maintenance of whichever government entity might be responsible. I cannot count how many Eagle projects have gone to pot, or even been dismantled because no one bothered to maintain them once they were done. Also have seen stupidity reign where approvals were gotten from one branch of government and then someone else, from an indirectly related agency said it was illegal or not to certain specs. Then they razed it, or threatened to fine someone. Reality is that many things we ch