Trevorum

Don't feel bad, Ed. Merlyn has us all beat, with 24 on Ignore!

What's that? Did someone say something? It sounded like someone said something ...

aww, Joni, that's harsh! Joni? Hello? Hello? (I don't think she's listening~)

Wow, Gern! Someone has you on Ignore! That's like a badge of honor around here, right? Can we tell how many people have us on Ignore? I wonder if anyone has me on Ignore? Hello, out there! Hello? Hello?

Rooster, I know you do not hate anyone. You're a good fellow, thoughtful and articulate (and passionate) about your beliefs. But many other folks do hate anyone who is different from them. There's lots of vitriol, hate, and fear out there directed towards homosexuals. The Phelps gang is just high-profile about it. You say it's a sin. I just don't see the logic there. As I said, that makes as much sense to me as condemning left-handedness (which was actually the case at one time - viz. "sinister") or Heterochromia iridium as a sin, or any number of normal but low frequency variations in human biology. My persepective on this matter is probably a result of my educational background and exposure to lots of different kinds of people. Your perspective is probably a result of your religion. I don't expect to convince you (or John) of my position. But I appreciate your listening.

Yeah, John, we're gonna disagree on this issue. (But that's OK 'cause I know I'm right and you're wrong ) So, how about them Royals?

John, You may see those as "core" differences, but to me they are merely splitting theological hairs. Both you and Phelps (as well as lots of others) condemn homosexuality as a sin. To me that is as nonsensical as condemning left-handedness, or AB-negative blood, or Heterochromia iridium.

yelruh, I'm certainly not advocating their message OR their style. I would certainly hope that, as generations pass, we as Americans are increasingly becoming tolerant of those who are different from ourselves. I dunno, though - I still hear a lot of hate speech. John, I know you are a good fellow and you would never be obnoxious about forcing your religious beliefs on others. Certainly none of of us would ever befoul ourselves by the vile tactics used by the Westboro sect. Still, I see no meaningful difference between your core beliefs on this issue and theirs.

Our troop representatives have now submitted this form and the attached statements and materials to council. Our DE says it will be reviewed by the Council Awards Committee. Depending on the degree of risk involved in the incident, the award can be decided at the Council level or may be bumped up to National. I wouldn't be at all surprised to see this fine young fellow in Boy's Life!

My understanding of this sect (and please correct me if I am wrong) is that their core issue holds that homosexuality is a terrible, terrible sin and those that tolerate it should be punished (and shall be, by God). Everything else in their shtick is hyperbole and media trappings.

To me, it seems to be merely a matter of degree. These people are more obnoxious in getting their beliefs publicized, but those beliefs are essentially the same as those held by many others in this country: homosexuality is a sin and should be punished/eliminated.

"But in less than 100 years you and most of the rest of us will be essentially anonymous, or at least long forgotten - even by our relatives. " Speak for yourself. Me? I'm working on my publication record.

Join with me, Luke. You don't know the power of the Dark Side.

At our spring and fall CoHs, we traditionally have our induction of new officers. We make a big deal of this ceremony, with the SM giving the oath of office to the new SPL, who in turn gives it to his ASPLs and then PLs. And, every three years or so, the CoH will see the CC giving the oath of office to a new SM.

Thanks! I'll start with our DE.

Does anyone know the process for nominations for a Heroism Award, or a Medal of Merit? Last week, an Eagle Scout in my troop saved a toddler from drowning! :) http://www.hillcountrynews.com/articles/2008/06/01/news/news38.txt I want to nominate this outstanding fellow for a Heroism Award.

I sure hope it's over then! Remember 2000? We just saw the HBO movie of the 2000 Florida recount, with Kevin Spacey. It's a good production and the reviews say that folks who were closely involved, on both sides of that battle, are giving it the nod for accuracy. Laura Dern wonderfully plays FL Sec of State Katherine Harris, with Tom Wlilkinson as James Baker.

OK, Lisa, it's a deal! The only thing is, we'd have to do the pack meetings via teleconference ...

One of the few things that ol' packsaddle and I agree on: Cubmaster is hands-down the best job in Scouting. I'd do it again if anybody asked.

As an aside to the original 10 Commandments thread, I was tremendously disappointed to learn that the FSM monument on the courthouse grounds in Cumberland County, Tennessee was just temporary. It was removed on May 1. Maybe they'll rotate to the IPU or Xenu.

Dave, You might want to post this question to the folks over at Patch-L. http://www.gilwell.com/patchl/

troutmaster, I was only partially kidding about explosives. Certainly we want to avoid any dangerous situations. However, I've seen our older fellows safely ignite home-made gunpowder. As long as it is NOT enclosed in any sort of container it is not explosive - it just combusts rapidly and with great effect. This demonstration was the climax to a (very memorable!) troop program on chemistry.

Fair Warning usually works for us. Before crossover, we tell all incoming parents during our orientation that they are each welcome to camp with the troop at any time. However (and we stress this point) there are a few rules they must agree to, including letting Johnny put up and take down his own tent, cook his own meals, etc. Help, if needed will be provided by his PL, Troop Guide, or another older fellow. We stress the importance of the patrol method and how a well meaning but interfering parent can easily derail this important aspect of Scouting. This approach generally works. Occasionally, a seasoned ASM will have to gently nudge a parent not to hover and they generally get the hint. As an aside, I think that dads tend to hover more often than moms. These guys just want to do the father/son bonding thing and haven't yet learned/accepted that Boy Scouting is not family camping.

I'm not fond of this solution. Teleconferencing may would well for busy executives, and I can see it as an occasional last resort for a BoR (as is suggested by emb021), but I'd not be in favor of it as a normal troop routine. No matter how spread out your troop may be. Speaking from experience, I think a LOT on communication falls between the cracks during a tele/video-conference. The venue is far too opaque to permit the open two-way dialogue and feedback that should occur during a good BoR. I agree with FScouter here and I'd recommend other solutions first. Talk to your UC. Are there other Scouters in these towns who can participate, even if they're not with your unit? Or, why not the one troop member who lives in the community and several other non-scouting members of your congregation. That's an option, also.

Whether Avery is a troll or not is irrelevant, imho - the scenario he poses is interesting enough in and of itself. I agree with several previous posters that Scouting is not for Avery. But not for any religious reasons. He says, "I want to leave the scouts." Evidently, he does not enjoy Scouting (for whatever reason) and he is merely looking for an excuse to convince others of his decision. We all know and accept that Scouting will not appeal to every boy. Some fellows just don't like fires and bugs and knives. Some fellows never get into the Game of Scouting of forming their own patrol and finding outdoors adventures. I find it tremendously sad, however, that there are boys out there who DO want to join in the adventure, but whom we snub by saying they're not the "best type" of person.