Merlyn_LeRoy Posted November 9, 2006 Share Posted November 9, 2006 http://www.channel3000.com/politics/10277763/detail.html POSTED: 9:28 pm CST November 8, 2006 MADISON, Wis. -- The Boy Scout food drive has been a part of Sun Prairie's elections for several years, but this year election officials, citing the organization's ideals, asked the scouts to move their service project away from the polls. Voters had strong opinions on the marriage amendment question on Tuesday's ballot, but the issue proved controversial even outside the voting booth in Sun Prairie during the election. In past years, scout master Stephen Dewitt set up tables just outside the polls, but this year, Sun Prairie's city clerk made sure the scouts where 100 feet from the doors to the polling place. "On this election, it was an issue because of knowledge of past issues with the Boy Scouts, their oath, and we had the marriage referendum on the ballot. It was a perceived possible conflict of interest," said Diane Hermann-Brown, city clerk for Sun Prairie. But troop leaders said their food drive has nothing to do with politics. "We're here for community service, that's what the boy scouts are all about. So we're not here protesting anything, right or wrong, either way, one side or the other. We're here trying to do community service for the people in need in Sun Prairie," Dewitt said. The distance from the polls did catch the attention of some voters, WISC-TV reported. "I don't agree with it. I don't think that what they're doing has anything to do with politics. They're collecting food for the needy and hungry, and they have a right to be here," said voter Pat Kiley. While most voters said they didn't view the scouts' food drive as electioneering, some said it is always better to err on the side of caution. "I think when it comes to elections, with the tampering and the things that I have seen happen, I'd prefer that there'd be more rules than less," said voter Julie Lindsay. Sun Prairie's city clerk said the scouts will be allowed back into the building for the next election. The clerk said every similar situation is handled case by case with many grey areas in between. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CA_Scouter Posted November 9, 2006 Share Posted November 9, 2006 Hmmm, I guess those Boy Scouts collecting food for the needy could certainly influence the election results. Call me silly, but its certainly possible! I like the comment about the 'oath'. I guess its the 'do my duty to God and my country' ( how horribly evil is that! My goodness! ). Thankfully, we have no other references to God in our government ( people have been saying it wrong all along.. its 'one nation, under Bob' ). I think the Democrats stole the election anyway. Who is with me on this? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SR540Beaver Posted November 9, 2006 Share Posted November 9, 2006 CA, Stole? You might want to consider that the Republicans GAVE the election away or had their power TAKEN away. The election results were more of a vote "against" the incumbents than they were "for" new candidates. It was about a needed house cleaning by American citizens who got tired of politicians talking the talk and not walking the walk. It is cyclical. The mistake by any party is the arrogance to think that they will gain and retain power indefinitely. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scoutldr Posted November 9, 2006 Share Posted November 9, 2006 My biggest complaint about voting is having to run the gantlet of electioneers forcing leaflets in my face as I fight my way through them to get to the polling place. I would like to see a law that as of 6 am on Election Day, all campaigning must stop. I would also like to see a law that all campaign signs be removed within 24 hours of the polls closing or face a $50 fine per sign. Surely the ACLU will file suit to protect the Scouts' right to peaceably assemble? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
evmori Posted November 10, 2006 Share Posted November 10, 2006 Surely the ACLU will file suit to protect the Scouts' right to peaceably assemble? Now that I have regained my composure for laughing so hard I fell out of my chair, yeah right! Ed Mori Troop 1 1 Peter 4:10 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merlyn_LeRoy Posted November 10, 2006 Author Share Posted November 10, 2006 If you read the story, they *did* peaceably assemble; they just had to be at least 100 feet away from the nearest polling place. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CA_Scouter Posted November 10, 2006 Share Posted November 10, 2006 Beav, Just having some fun. I'm marginally smart enough to know the reasons for the Dems victory... ;-) I guess I'm kinda impressed how a couple of 12 year old Boy Scouts can influence an election and strike fear in the heart of the City Clerk. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merlyn_LeRoy Posted November 10, 2006 Author Share Posted November 10, 2006 Not "strike fear"; the boy scouts are no longer regarded as politically neutral. Since gay marriage was on the ballot in Wisconsin, the clerk felt that the BSA's anti-gay stance made the mere presence of Boy Scouts possible electioneering. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
evmori Posted November 10, 2006 Share Posted November 10, 2006 Yeah & the gauntlet of politicos one has to run to get to the voting both are politically neutral! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldGreyEagle Posted November 10, 2006 Share Posted November 10, 2006 Any word if the placement of the Food Drive decreased/increased/ didnt effect the amount of food collected? And if less fod was collected any idea how the shortfall will be made up? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SSScout Posted November 10, 2006 Share Posted November 10, 2006 So you line up some big barrels and label them "Smith for senator" "Jones for Senator" Beetlebaum for Governor", Natchez Trace for Governor," Clyde Feester for County Council," Begeesus McMurphy for County Council," ETC. and tell people to vote with their Canned Food!! Fill up the barrel!! Gross tonnage wins the election!! Jes a thot... YiS Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldGreyEagle Posted November 10, 2006 Share Posted November 10, 2006 Just wondering if all organic no-pesticide vegtables will count more those conventionally raised and if chemical free free range chicken would count twice as much as conventional fowl Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trevorum Posted November 10, 2006 Share Posted November 10, 2006 OGE - My lovely bride has recently decided that we should eat healthier and so she has been buying organic food. Last week I pulled a little bag full of white powder from the spice cupboard and asked her what it was. She smiled at me and said, "It's sea salt. It's organic!" I looked at her strangely but decided not to argue the point ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scoutldr Posted November 11, 2006 Share Posted November 11, 2006 Sea salt has only sodium and chlorine. No carbon. Not organic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gonzo1 Posted November 12, 2006 Share Posted November 12, 2006 Anybody named Begeesus gets my vote! CA Scouter, I'm not usually a conspiracy theorist, but I think it's a combination of the media and the democrats stealing the election. BTW, it's One Nation Under Merlyn, Sorry Merlyn, I couldn't resist. I'm sure that when the dust and chads settle, we'll find a bunch of deceased people voting for democrats. Probably in alphabetical order too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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