skeptic

In regard to Mike Rowe, here is a link to his special site for recognition. He set it up specifically for this, as he has so many requests.

http://www.mikeroweworks.com/scrap-yard/eagle-scout-letter/

This reminds me of the thing I got from my brother that garbles all the words, but they all start and end with the right letter. It is supposedly a test to indicate your synapses are still working, as the brain, according to this anyway, will decode the word no matter what, as long as the first and last letters are correct. Interesting, though am not an expert in the area.

I still have problems keeping my thoughts to myself about how bad the grammar, spelling, and so on tends to be on these boards, and others as well. To me, it is either a reflection of laziness or simply our poor school system. While I know I occasionally make minor errors of similar nature, I really do try to not do so. Most of my editing is related to rereading something and seeing an error of syntax or spelling. The one that continues to grate on me is the misuse of "lose" and "loose"; and I feel this is usually simply a matter of lack of attention, as the extra "O" can easily be typed. But, the meaning is drastically changed just the same. The other one that tends to annoy me is the almost totally lack of understanding of the difference between bring and take. The nuance is very specific; and people in everyday speech and writing almost universally misuse it. Of course there are the old standby's, "there, they're, and their", and "two, too, and to".

But, I have come to just take a deep breath and read the intent of postings the best I can, as I cannot make people pay attention. It is just disappointing to see so few individuals, many supposedly with college degrees, who do not seem to understand basic English and its usage.

And so, back to trying to simply accept and ignore as best I can.

Brent;

The dropping of the two bombs occurred only then, and it was, from most documents now available a horrible decision by Truman, and also had very negative effects on many other individuals directly involved. Most importantly, it has NOT been done again, and hopefully the horror of it will continue to stop it, though today we have some very warped minds skewing the moral issue you put forward.

But the discussion here is the "continued use" of torture, with some suggesting the end may justify the result. Certainly not nearly enough evidence to say with certainty that you will get enough viable info to offset the negative views in spawns.

You are not making a valid comparison, as I see it.

Scouting can contribute hugely to a boy's spiritual growth through its outdoor program. It is very difficult to deny something greater than ones self after a few nights spent under a dark night sky, or sitting on a rock overlooking the majesty of mountains rolling down to the sea or towering above with snow capped peaks. Hopefully most scouts will have the opportunity to simply sit quietly in mostly unblemished outdoors and simply absorb the experience.

"The systematic use of terror to coerce. So tell me why someone who waterboards someone else is not a terrorist?"

Because our reason is better than their reason. Isn't it obvious?

So, the quote is from a Service Library booklet, "Your Home, Your Boy and Scouting", copyright 1928. There is no specific author noted on the title, so must be a group effort.

Interesting, just the same.

Acco gets the rubber chicken; good job. See other thread please.

"Obviously the home of today is not the home of yesterday. Times change and with them also our attitudes of mind and conditions of living. Perhaps we have lost something in the evolution from the old fashioned home to the modern one, but certainly we have also gained greatly in many respects."

Perhaps someone will actually look at this now. Amazing how often things make sense even when they are old.

"Certainly every boy deserves and should have, so far as is humanly possible, a happy home in which father and mother share his interests in comradeship and understanding. It is likewise the responsibility of the home to see to it that the boy's out-side-the home life is also happy, constructive and of the right sort. It is along this line that Scouting has a very real contribution to make. It aims to supplement and intensify the best influences of family life, to work with the home for the happiness and well being of the boy,......"

"A boy does what he knows, is what he does, and what he is going to be, he is now becoming."

"Obviously the home of today is not the home of yesterday. Times change and with them also our attitudes of mind and conditions of living. Perhaps we have lost something in the evolution from the old fashioned home to the modern one, but certainly we have also gained greatly in many respects."

"Certainly every boy deserves and should have, so far as is humanly possible, a happy home in which father and mother share his interests in comradeship and understanding. It is likewise the responsibility of the home to see to it that the boy's out-side-the home life is also happy, constructive and of the right sort. It is along this line that Scouting has a very real contribution to make. It aims to supplement and intensify the best influences of family life, to work with the home for the happiness and well being of the boy,......"

"A boy does what he knows, is what he does, and what he is going to be, he is now becoming."

Another response for consideration. Much of what he says makes sense from my personal beliefs. Still, I realize this is a hard subject with which to deal.

http://blog.sojo.net/2011/05/04/is-it-moral-to-celebrate-a-persons-death/

Can't we all just Grok each other?

Barry; Not building refineries is the decision of the oil companies, not a government one. They keep saying it is too expensive up front, and so they do not want to do it. Maybe, they could take a little of the obscene profits and do it, rather than continuing to say they cannot afford it. Heaven forbid they make a little less, while the rest of us perhaps have a bit of relief.

From the perspective of SM, it is imperative that I take my responsibility seriously in regard to holding a scout to a consistent, but fair standard. That is delineated by the Oath and Law primarily. Weighing the performance of an individual is very subjective, and needs to consider age, maturity (some older scouts are still very immature), special circumstances such as diagnosed issues or diseases, and honesty with the scout and his parents as to my expectations. When a boy starts, it is pretty simple; I review the guidelines, the Oath,Law, Motto, and Slogan, explaining my views on how he meets these general guidelines. I try to establish that it is his "best", based on "I will do my best", that will be my measurement.

From there, it becomes a constant weighing of observations, things brought to me by other leaders or scouts, and so on. If a situation arises that requires more than a simple reminder, then it is important it be dealt with sooner than later. If it is extremely serious, my actions usually are quick, but then brought to the parent committee for review, which in turn may, or may not lead to additional accountability of the scout or family, or even an override of my first response.

The most important thing is that these expectations need to be consistent, fair, and start from day one. Yes, age and maturity, as noted, are factors. Extremely serious issues should include whatever outside individuals needed, and definitely need to be reported in writing to the council. If a boy, or leader, is asked to leave, that too should be reported with details to the council, and kept by the unit on file. This rarely occurs, but it can unfortunately.

In almost 34 years as a SM, we have had fewer than a half dozen issues leading to expulsion; but we have likely had 10-15 that either held up rank advancement, led saw probation, or a scout leaving due to the review with myself or committee. There have been two that were considerations at Eagle boards, but did not keep the boy from receiving the award. Both of these are now adults, and they have told me that their experiences dealing with the problems were major turning points in their lives.

We do no one, scout, troop, families, or the BSA any favors by sweeping things under the carpet, though giving a second or third chance is fine in most cases, as long as the problem is still dealt with and the scout knows what needs to be corrected. Scouts are no different than other boys, except that they supposedly are honor bound to live to a higher code. A major point of holding an adult leadership position is to "actually lead", to set the example, and to do what needs to be done, even if you know it will cause discomfort, emotional upheaval, or flak to fly.

And so the sermon is done. JMHO(This message has been edited by skeptic)

Beavah;

Can you send me "Joe's" address please?

OGE; I totally agree. Great characterization. And, from that perspective, I can see similarities to Obama. He too entered office with high expectations of doing things he felt important and worthwhile; but he really was not prepared for the gridlock of the Washington hierarchy. The difference is likely in his response and continuing struggle to adjust and find other ways.

Our country's current problems, as has been noted many times, are not the fault of one president. Most of the worst issues have developed over at least 20 to 30 years, and just simply came to head at the end of the Bush II era and continued to explode into the current administration. It certainly does not help that our so called representatives mostly still do not have a clue, and simply continue to posture and refuse to find middle ground.

JMHO

I would certainly NOT even consider the idea of kicking a boy this young out based on this. At that age, any number of things could be in play, depending on what is happening in his family, as well as his intellectual development. If he is advanced for his age in his thinking, he may just be in his first period of questioning his parents and what he has been TOLD. There may have been a recent emotionally damaging experience with his church, or losing a loved one, of other similar issues.

Definitely should touch base with the parents, but carefully. One of the reasons for reverence in scouting is to help young people decide these things on their own levels and inter-personally. Certainly it is too early to hold back advancement I would think.

Sometimes I think we might be better served to have the definition shown for reverence to say something like, "A scout is spiritual, and seeks a greater power. He respects the convictions of others in their own spiritual journey." But that is just me.

At camporee, with around 500+ attendees, a lot of call outs were made; think they indicated close to 50. They culled them out one at a time from a huge circle, and took forever. After a full day of events in warm weather, as well as the dust and pollen from the pastureland, it seemed like it was far too long, and soon lost its impact on the rest.

Any ideas how they might do it a bit quicker in large events? I think they could do an entire troop together, using proper number of guides needed and simply take them as a group for the actual Tap Out before exiting the area. Would likely cut time in half.

Event went off well; weather was almost perfect. Slept out under stars and did not have to zip the bag, yet comfortable. My boys had fun, though did not choose well in events to try; waited too long for a couple, which kept them from doing more. They are starting to act like a patrol; but long way to go.

Am zonked, and will take a couple of days to recuperate. Stew turned out pretty well, but forgot to bring salt and pepper to add to taste. Campfire was impressive to start, and they retired two American flags with respect and dignity.

BS-87; you are beginning to sound like Trump. Lots of noise with NO reality.

Any bets as to how long this idiotic thread will continue? Will it end up beating the infamous Eagle thread from a while back?

Desert; We cannot have open fires in our campsites, not even charcoal. They have a permit for the campfire bowl, and O.A. Dutch oven contest, or just cooking with it, has to be done on a large cement slab in the open field. I have a single burner Coleman I got to use with the dutch oven when I cannot have a fire. It works well. Am taking my #14 this time, since I am making a big pot of stew. Also will take the 12, so we can use it for heating water, and possibly other things.

Last word was that we would have close to 500 this time. Will be the largest in many years for us.

Meet kids at 4PM to go to the camp. Short drive, but really slow dirt road for six miles. Still worrying about the compass course I have set up; hope to have time to recheck again.

Feeding the whole group, 11 if they all show, and I have not shopped for beef (for the stew)and am in sticker shock. But got onions, celery, carrots (baby in bag), garlic, and mushrooms at the 99 Cent Store, along with 3 bags of rolls. So, that offset the meat I guess. Have to go start cutting up the beef and bagging it for the cooler. One and a half tri-tips at 2.97 a pound. With 15 events and temps in the high 70's to low 80's they should be hungry. Just hope my allergies do not go berserk; the camp is rolling pasture and oak with everything starting to bloom. We also have grazing cattle on the property which leave us their calling cards.

Great weather forecast though; not too hot and not cold at night. All new boys, so should be an adventure. Scottish theme, with some traditional Scottish events, and take offs on some. Haggis toss is water balloons.

I am beginning to really understand Diogenes now. We certainly could benefit from a truly "honest man". Someone find me a lantern.

How many of us were really "natural born"? Unless you were born at home without the aid of any doctors or medical materials, then you cannot claim to be "natural born". At least that is my definition. (;-}>

Almost forgot the lovely week I spent as a dishwasher on the night shift of a restaurant. Had to do the pots and pans, etc. Not only nasty, but saw what went on in the back of the kitchen. Quit when I came down with a fungus on my arms from the grease and filth.

Nasty dirt; cleaning Foster's Freeze every day before school or early on weekends. Especially bad was the grease disposal, smelled so bad it turned your stomach. Had a couple times where the women's restroom was the worst due to inconsiderate women leaving nasty messes.

Just dirt, dirt, was road repair in the national forest; swamping grader or Cat, or putting in drainage chutes and pipes. Close behind that was working on the track crew in the open pit salt mine in the middle of the desert.