SSScout

Let me see now. What have I learned in this discussion. A racial epithet is considered offending if used by someone who is NOT a member of the racial group that the epithet defames. But if it is used by a member of the group towards another member of the group, it is okay (snicker snicker). Maybe. A joke is better if it is NOT an historical anecdote (ie, a transcriptionn of a real incident). A joke is better if it is totally fictional. Well, maybe if folks are honest about the origin of the story, then many iterations down the road (remember the game "telegraph"?) it can still be a joke, and not an insult. If the joke/insult/offending epithet/satire is about MY group or me, I should shrug my shoulders and move on. Hope I always have strong shoulders. The context of the telling is of no import. Oh, yeah? Yer mother wears army boots! (mmm, some do. wait a minute...) * * * Let's ask an American Aborigini (native American? Pick a nation) about the following terms: squaw. Redskin. Injun. #1... The original posted "incident" never happened, historically. It is/was a made up joke, and as many jokes utilize, this one utilized the foibles of several well recognized groups to launch it's humor. #2... Once upon a time, I was a real gung ho Scout. And a fan of Mad Magazine. OOOO, the angst I felt when once I spied the latest issue on the drugstore rack, and it had a copy of the Boy Scout Handbook on it's cover with Alfred E. as the Scout striding along. HOW DARE THEY!!! Well, they dared very well. I learned that even sacred stuff like Scouting can be grist for the satire mill. Context is everything. But there's humor and then there's... #3... Context is everything. Catholic priests, Army generals (thank you Bill Mauldin), Quaker elders, Scoutmasters that can laugh at them selves will find themselves better respected and even liked. But there is Humor and then there is Insult, and the divider is often a little blurry and not often straight. Sometimes best to err on the side of NOT offending, and missing the questionable laugh. Consider your context, in the telling AND in the listening... YiS until...

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See if this story rings a bell... This past four years, I have been the Archery Range Safety Officer (no shoulder patch, but plenty of recognition) for our District Cub Day Camp. Five days of alternating fun, panic and great satisfaction. Every Cub earns a bead a day for his Totem for being there and shooting the arrows( not to mention the belt loop). One of the things we do is award a Special Bead for the Cubs Totem if he makes a Bulls Eye. I make the award of the bead at the closing ceremony each day, calling the boy forward, and the Cub signs my Bull Book. When we are explaining and training about safety and technique, I make a point to explain EXACTLY what a Bulls Eye is. The arrow must STICK in the target in the inner circle. The line counts. If it bounces off in the circle, someone else must testify that they saw it hit in the Bull area. I never fail to have to explain to some boys that THAT area is not a Bull, and sometimes I have to dissapoint and sometimes I give the benefit of the doubt to the boy. But I can never, in good conscience, award a Special Bead if they didn't put the Arrow in the Bull. Perhaps you could talk to your fiend in that vein. Oh, By the Way, Why did the Cub Scout Cross the Road? To get to the Archery Range!! KiSMiF

Howdy, Scouting EMT: If you are a "volunteered" ASM, how's the SM? What's your relationship with her/him? You're right to go slow, as the new ASM on the block, and feel out the history and the philosophy of the Troop. There's a thread about using positive reinforcement (behavior mod) in such situations. Talk to the Committee and the SM, both in and out of the room, about their feeling here. What you do is reward with a piece of candy ,quietly, the Scout who is uniformed. Pretty soon, it will get around, and you'll need more candy, at least that is what was reported. Perhaps the fun and games before or after the meeting leads to not wanting to wear the best uniform. Rugby, broom hockey, touch football? Keep us informed.

Haven't we heard about similar things in... Florida? Chicago...? Oh Semper, you are good... V/O: (1)Make sure your brother saves all his documentation. Wrongful termination is a sue able offense. Does he have his Job Evaluations (assuming). Around here, in the DC area, I know a couple of union labor relation lawyers that would fairly salivate over such a case. 21 years and then let go like that? Not even a "Thank You BBQ Dinner?" If they even sort of kind of put another person in a similar position of similar responsibility after they have fired your brother... (2) Have your bro think back... has he made any enemies of late in the Council world? Pointed out problems someone should have fixed? Helped a Scout along the way when someone else said not to? (3) Call your local newspaper. There is an eager newshound out there lookin' for a chance to embarrass someone important. The Scout Exec that signed off on this does NOT want to be that person, because.... (4) "Follow the Money" . This may only be the start of something bigger. Is the Camp in the way of some "OTHER" project? Who else has seen the "notice pinned to the door" of late. Are you on good terms with the Camp Manager? What does he/she say? (5) Do you have any entre into the Council Meeting? Any Allies there? Might want to notify them too. (7) Please realise that this forum has NO official imprimatur. We ain't National. I might hope, however, that someone here might know someone who knows someone. IMHO, I don't think National would dein to intervene in something so CLEARLY local. ,But a letter to our new National President, good ole was his name (?something about ice cream, I seem to remember...) certainly couldn't hurt. Oh yes, Tell you brother, Merry Christmas from the REST of the Scout world. And keep us informed. YiS despite...

Oh My Goodness... Such a compliment... "All the other parents were in favor of it" That is compliment indeed. I would certainly say thank you to those Parents for their vote of confidence. Then... They must realize that being a successful DL is a full time job. Have you made the other parents aware that if you take on DL, one of them (?a couple of them?) need to take up the reins you put down? Oh, I did enjoy my Cub Leader years. What I did not enjoy was the number of parents that told me "wow, you're really good at that (DL, CM, WDL, Event planner, etc), I could never do that" and so they didn't. Often, no amount of encouragement, or training opportunities or exampling would convince them. Often, the only way to get more parent involvment was to ask and ask and then back away and let the boys risk disappointment. Then, the "I could never do that" folks found out, yes they could. So, KiSMiF

I would send everybody (email?) some pictures of all the happy Scouts at the campout. Let the "lastminutemen" make their own conclusions.

I had the pleasure of marching in a Big Ten University Band. Esprit de Corps? oooo my yes. Look sharp? Grades dependant not only on musicianship but uniform inspection. AND the seniors (I became one) would let you know if your 'look' wasn't. Fun and Games? More than our share. We often felt we had earned the right, but never to the detriment of our reputation or image... Military? Goo'ness no. We were disciplined, sounded good, looked good, and represented the school in all types of situations. But the marching was for fun. (Whistling Colonel Boogie while about 50 of us "sauntered " in unison (march?) thru Notre Dame student union?) The music was because we loved music. And the Cheers were because we could, with almost impunity. WE WERE THE BAND! Can a Scout Troop attain the same sense of 'belonging'? I dearly wish I could convince our Scouts of the possibility. The Scouts we have in our Troop are of two types: more Scouty and less Scouty. The first wears the uniform, the second not so much. The older Scouts (of both types) seem to be not in the business of encouraging good uni wear. Some seek to not wear Scout pants (blue jeans) or hats (4H caps?)) or belt (pants low on the hips, loose, ya know?). Some seek to wear the necker, the hat, the trou as Scouty as possible. I have bit my lip more than once to keep from mentioning some egregious uni affectations. So far, I have limited myself to (1) reminding color guard to tuck in shirts (Scout shirts into jeans) and (2) reminding own son that if he would be a Scout, should he not look like a Scout? I find one thing especially troublesome. Sometime in the past, before my entre as an adult Scouter, the PLC had voted permission to Life and above Scouts to attend ordinary Scout occasions (ie, Troop meetings) in the red "activity" shirt. I've mentioned this to the TC, but they all say "that's a PLC decision". So, it was not unusual to see the SPL and his ASPLs and scribe etc., seated at the head table all in red. The latest SPL is an Eagle of the Scouty type. I have hopes to see some new attitude. We shall see.

" Twas brillig and the slithy toves... ...and the mome raths outgrabe!" I do love classic literature. Especially when it fits! Seriously, One's proper name is always appropriate. Preciseness of language is something my son and I always seem to discuss ("well, you know what I mean!" "Maybe, but the next fellow might not.") What kind of apple? they all taste different. All make good pies, but some make'm better! YiS because(This message has been edited by SSScout)

"....the hieght of a buffalo..." Thank you for reminding me of a Scout Leader of umpteen years ago. But he measured grizzly bears in his advice... Still a good thought thumper. YiS yet,,,

Petard, Petard... Why would anyone want to be lifted up by a Starship Commander?

At Jamboree, one of my tentmates had 5 (five) seperate uniforms that he wore in rotation, one dating back to his Scout days, and he was rather proud of the fact that he could still (barely) wear it. Each was correct from its period, each was similar to the others, each was a Scout uniform. He had updated each with the particular adult office he might hold, except the Scout one didn't have any epaulettes. I don't know of anyone who would have challenged him for the appropriateness (or lack of) of any of them.

What they said. Be careful you don't do too much, even if you are able. Please get with your Committee Chair and CM and talk about who will call on whom to ask them to take on a couple of these responsibilities. Reasons: **Personal burnout. Already addressed. Which often leads to... **Personal life neglect. Scouting is a noble calling, but be aware of the needs of your own family and career and psyche. **Training up the next generation. If you are the only capable Cubber in the Pack, who's there to take over when you 'graduate'? How do you 'pass on' the corporate memory? Get others involved so as to avoid... **Jealousy. "Oh, I could never be as good as dsantos". Why should they try? Don't become "THE PACK PERSON" even if you could. Encourage and Ask. Many are willing, They will help, but not until They are asked. **Exampling. All that being said, one good example can lead and suggest the possibility. But several average efforts can suggest to others "well, if she can't do it, how could little ole me make a difference?" Meantime, KiSMiF...

"Why, daddy?" Now, who, as a parent, hasn't heard that plaint? (okay, maybe mom) And can we not expect that our response to it will color the childs expectations to every next inquiry? Now, which 'follower' would most leaders want: the unquestioning sycophant or the well informed willing person that wants to do what is required and right? By questioning, we make sure our 'leaders' really are considering what they are about. And this goes on up the 'Chain of Command' all the way to the top. (look under 'prayer'). I was called to a meeting at work. We were to be informed about a new, multi-million dollar radio communication system that was to be installed soon. The staff listened politely to the contractor's presentation. One of us asked a "what if" question (I remember thinking 'well, yeah, that could happen...'). The contractors looked at each other and said "well,gee, no one ever thought of that before". The bosses went ahead with the installation. The problem that was asked about was never addressed, and comes up on a regular basis. Should the question have never been asked? A lot of 'we told you so' comes up still. Most of the bosses involved in the installation have 'moved on', but the corporate "why Daddy?" was resented by the corporate daddies, and the result is a resentful staff and a radio system that is not what it could have been. So this Qing of A goes both ways. The Questioners must be respectful, but insistant. The Questioned must be understanding and accepting and provide good answers. The success of both Qs will be increased thereby. YiS

Phelps deserves the same consideration as any human, mistaken or not in his beliefs and actions. Do we have his address, so we may write him and remind him of the Sermon on the Mount and the sacrifice of it's author, which friend Phelps seems to have forgotten. It does little more than bruise our backs as we slap each other congratulating ourselves for our groups righteous indignation.

Dear Cluttered. dear Cluttered, "You have no complaint You are what your are and you aint what you aint So listen up buster, and listen up good Stop wishing for bad luck and knocking on wood" (thank you, John Prine) Get your gal involved in Scouts, and see how neat HER household becomes. See what HER priorities are/become. Better yet, buy her a sleeping bag and pack frame for Christmas and see what her reaction is... "With the #3 dinner you get the egg roll. No substitutions" YiS (This message has been edited by SSScout)

epalmer84:: Thanks for the attribution. I never read that Heinlein. I can only quote from the things I did read... You grok that?

MINNSM: Add my congrats to all the rest. You and your son both deserve the 'Perserverance' MB. At the boys Eagle COH, have someone read B-Ps "final letter to Scouts", you know, the one about 'being happy'... Now, what can we do for the poor DAC? Does he deserve any sympathy? A remedial WB? A boot in the pants? Where does HE go from here? (another thread?)

So that someday, maybe, our grandchildren will finally learn from our grandparents mistakes (because we can't seem to).

For your "free" time:::: DAY OF DECEIT by Robert Stinnett AT DAWN WE SLEPT by Gordon Prang, et al

Yep, Cheers and songs, especially Cheers. Try these two: **Bus Driver Cheer::: Okay, I think that deserves a cheer,Okay? How many of you or your folks ride the bus around town or to work,ummm? I'm gonna make you all BUS DRIVERS!! First, I'm gonna split you into two groups ((encourage "Chopping" sound SHHHHUUNNK!! as you karate chop the group into two sections)) Now, this group will say "Watch Your Step!!" (point and lead group one) AWWW , you can do better than That!! Let's hear it!! ((again)) Okay, now THIS group will say "Have A NICE DAY!!" ((lead second group again)) ((make it LOUD!!)) Point to each group in turn, Repeat as long as you deem necessary...Watch your step, Have a nice day... **Scout Slogan::: Same as above. Divide group into THREE sections. ((SSSHHHUUUNNNKKK!! twice...)) Practice each section a couple of times...""DO"" ""YOUR"" ""BEST"" until you think you 'got them'. Then go thru the usual DO... YOUR... BEST...a couple of times. then have some fun by varying the routine. As Conductor, vary the order ((""Wait for it"")) DO...DO...YOUR...YOUR...DO...DO...BEST...BEST...BEST...YOUR..DO (etc) Vary the tempo, the glissando ""DOOOOOOO... YOOOUURRR...BEEEEEEEST"" etc. If you see smiles and giggles, you know you're doing something right. KiS MiF (This message has been edited by SSScout)

How very sad. I wish Mr. Phelps would read the rest of the Bible, not just those three pages.

Hunt: Possibilities as they occur to me... 1) Don't want to clutter up the uni with too many patches and badges. Ruins the nip in the waist. 2) Anyone rescued by a Scout type person would no doubt want to check and make sure the rescuer was properly certified for the job ("TRAINED"). 3) Spread the badges around on more sites, therefore allowing more badges to be awarded. (sold?) 4) Get opposite gender folks to glance/stare at the handsome, muscular leg/glutes. 5) Cover up the hole torn in the side of the baggies which was torn during an unauthorized detour thru some less than easily traversed pathways. 6) If it was on the Field shirt, "they" might expect you to be ready to jump in when trouble threatens. Kinda like wearing a (blank)Uniform? "Hey, he's wearing a LG patch!! He'll know what to do!!" Thereby avoiding unwarranted liability issues. YiS, TiCh

Itsme:: I am also glad to hear of your settlement. I bet the sigh of relief from the Pack Committee could be heard down the block. Now, are you leading the next Whittlin' Chip class?

'Fraid not. Check www.usscouts.org/advance/boyscout/lifeguard . Get your baggies out, and sew on the 'guard patch, mile swim and WSI patch, if you get there. I've seen some Scout Camp waterfronts award a nice red jacket to their 'guards. And the boys sew on their aquatics badges on the sleeves. But not on the 'field' shirt. Not even supposed to put it on the back of the MB sash, which has recently been okeyed for "tempo" badges like Camp Patches and such. Be glad you have the skills and strength and pray you never are called on to seriously demonstrate them for real. YiS, wet or dry.