Scouting

An old cliche is a Boy Scout helping a little old lady across the street. The Scouts do much more than that. I was a Cub Scout and a Boy Scout for many years. The group teaches young males values, nature appreciation and life skills. Much of what I base my life upon I learned while scouting. I appreciate all the knowledge and wisdom that was imparted to me by my leaders. It was not until years after I left that a sad lesson in inclusion was imparted to anyone who reads the news.

I hold on to some of the more important lessons I gleaned as a Scout. When camping one must leave the area in better shape than when one arrives. Any good deed is a reward unto itself. One should never accept money for helping another. I kept this in mind when I was employed at Sears. A customer in a wheelchair purchased a small radio that I brought to their vehicle. They then insisted on giving me cash as a tip. I humbly declined and walked away.

Much of what the Scouts teach is valuable and will help one along on their path to manhood. The friendship and camaraderie creates lasting memories. Apparently though, according to news stories, one may only be friends with those who share in the Scouts ideology. To put it simply: Gays are not allowed nor desired in joining the Scouts. If you are not straight, as a child member or an adult leader, you must stay away.

This issue went as far as being challenged in court. It was found that the Boy Scouts of America, as an organization, is considered private and can therefore exclude anyone for any reason they choose. I do not recall this being an issue when I was a member. Then again, not many people felt comfortable talking about their sexuality unless it reflected "straight" values. Outing oneself is never easy as it is. Doing so within an intolerant group is more so.

As usual fear wins out. People are afraid that gays will do something so untoward that they will be forced to run away in terror. This is certainly an exaggeration but you get the idea. Fear makes people think and act unreasonably. What is the worst that could happen? Some child talks about his boyfriend? Oh wait, I forgot, it is the adults we worry about. Homosexual adults might... oh, I dare not even think about it.

This is some of the oldest and worst kinds of prejudice. Gay men are accused of hitting on straight adults or being closeted pedophiles. People assign the worst traits and motives to those with whom they cannot understand and around whom they are uncomfortable. I am not trying to turn this post into a pro-gay diatribe. I just want to make it clear that there is no good reason to exclude any child or adult from the Scouts whom are gay.

There is no threat. If a Boy Scout acts in an inappropriate manner it is dealt with. If an adult does so they should know better and should then be let go. The Scouts themselves become the losers in their effort to homogenize their membership. By not offering the same opportunities to gays the Scouts go against their stated purpose and goals and increase the stratification of our society. This is not the group I remember joining. If given a chance to again be part of this group I would seriously think twice before joining.