Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

Scouts Should Award Their 'Leadership' a Merit Badge for Sabotage
Townhall.com ^ | February 25, 2020 | Robert Knight

Posted on 02/25/2020 5:23:14 AM PST by Kaslin

I’m writing more in anger than in sadness.

As holder of an Eagle Scout badge, I went through the sadness stage back in 2013 when the Boy Scouts board caved to the LGBTQ lobby.

Well, okay, I was pretty angry then, too, watching the saboteurs within and without the organization systematically undermine it in the name of “tolerance.”

It didn’t matter that the Scouts won all their court battles, including at the Supreme Court, to maintain their moral standards. The saboteurs were intent on ending the Scouts’ common-sense, existentially necessary exclusion of boys who sexually desire males. And that was only the beginning.

Two years later, they opened their ranks in 2015 to homosexual leaders during a time when they faced hundreds of sex-abuse lawsuits. Somehow, it didn’t seem to matter that virtually 100 percent of the abuse cases involved homosexual molestation. I mean, it was only 100 percent or so, so why worry?

In January 2017, the Scouts added transgenders and finally, dispensing altogether with the original boys-to-men reason for the Scouts, they let in girls 10 months later. The Girl Scouts are understandably irked.

As of February 2019, the official name became Scouts BSA, as if getting rid of “Boy” in the title would cover this mess. Now, unsurprisingly, with declining enrollment and steep legal bills, the Boy Scouts of America have declared bankruptcy.

Mission accomplished.

It does not feel even a tiny bit better to say I told you so.

In 1972, the Boy Scouts had 6.5 million members. Now, they’re down to just over 2 million, with the Mormons pulling up their tent pegs and starting their own version of scouting. Likewise, an exodus is underway to Trail Life USA, a Christian version of Scouting without the PC nonsense. Launched in 2013 by former Scout leaders, Trail Life has chapters in 48 states.

Trail Life works alongside American Heritage Girls, which was founded in 1995 by former Girl Scout leader Patti Garibay, who opposed the GSA’s own plunge into political correctness. Among other things, the GSA dropped God from their oath, welcomed transgenders, belittled homemaking, and hosted Planned Parenthood speakers.

With the Boy Scouts in very serious trouble, you can hear raised glasses clinking in the progressive community. These folks claim to want “inclusion” but it isn’t about that.

The real point of all the ACLU lawsuits and editorials was to destroy the Boy Scouts’ traditional moral impact on society.

“Why would any liberal want to join an organization that was, according to them, sexist, Bible-thumping and bigoted?” asks Ann Coulter in a recent column. “They didn’t. The lawsuits were kill shots.”

Indeed, they were. But it was sabotage from within that proved most damaging, some of it coming from people like Robert Gates, secretary of defense under George W. Bush and Barack Obama. As Chief Scout Executive, Mr. Gates presided over the surrender in 2013.

Pressure also came from Scouts board members who were top executives at corporations like AT&T and UPS. Former Exxon-Mobil Chairman Rex Tillerson, who was briefly Donald Trump’s secretary of state, was reportedly instrumental in the policy change.

Long ago, like henpecked spouses, many corporate executives began supporting the Left’s radical sexual agenda at the nagging of their human resource departments. That’s where they employ “diversity” specialists with degrees in women’s, ethnic, and LGBTQ studies. Keep them happy or they’ll go to the media and call you a bigot.

Having whipped the Scouts into submission, the same folks are now concentrating on Christianity with the same aim: Destroy the churches, or better yet, commandeer them to promote sexual anarchy and other leftist aims. Just ask former Mayor Pete Buttigieg, who thumps a Brave New Version of the Bible, in which Jesus is a gay activist, God is cool with even late-term abortion, and anyone who says otherwise isn’t a real Christian.

Founded in 1910, the Boy Scouts of America have played a crucial role in training boys to become responsible men who care for their families, their communities and their country. Countless leaders in business, the military and politics have credited the Scouts for helping to mold them.

At a time when more children than ever are being raised in fatherless households, Scout leaders should be playing a crucial role as surrogate dads. Instead, they’re fast becoming part of the leftist Borg Collective, the magnetic hive in Star Trek that pulls all within its reach and cements them into its evil design.

The Trail Life USA lifeboats have drawn alongside the Scouts’ sinking ship. But I would wager that even Trail Life’s leaders would welcome a spirited effort to throw out the current Scout “leadership” and Make the Scouts Great Again.


TOPICS: Business/Economy; Culture/Society; Editorial
KEYWORDS: bankruptcy; boyscouts; bsa; culturewars; homosexualagenda; lgbt; ofamerica; robertknight; traillife; waronboys
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first 1-2021-29 next last

1 posted on 02/25/2020 5:23:14 AM PST by Kaslin
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | View Replies]

To: Kaslin

As a Life Scout, Father of an Eagle Scout, and former Scouter and Scoutmaster, I cut my ties with the BSA in 2013 with great sorrow and anger.

Now, I am trying to associate with Trail Life. There has to be a special place in Hell for Gates, Tillerson and the rest of the adults who betrayed such a noble organization!


2 posted on 02/25/2020 5:35:20 AM PST by Redleg Duke (We live on a tax farm as free-range humans!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Kaslin

Both of my sons are Eagle Scouts, in fact, my youngest son’s Eagle Scout “Court of Honor” is just around the corner ! It was a great program, our troop was very big, over 100 Scouts (it’s true). Scouting was a terrific program.

In truth, these sexual abuse cases date “way back” and happened before all this LGBT nonsense. That being said, it would have been ruined by them a thousand times faster. Perhaps this is a blessing in disguise. Now people know there are predictors at the gate because of the old cases now being brought to light. Smart people will exit the scouting program.

LBGT and Transgender Agenda’s have no business is scouts, it’s merely a prelude to a hunting ground for them.


3 posted on 02/25/2020 5:36:56 AM PST by GulfMan
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Kaslin

We tried to tell them they were being played by the Gay Mafia.
Religious org in the USA need to open their eyes as they are next to be destroyed by the Gay Mafia.


4 posted on 02/25/2020 5:38:11 AM PST by Zathras
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Kaslin

Back in the 90’s, Soros said he would bring down the USA. He is succeeding. Makes me very sad. I am glad to hear that there is an American Heritage Girls organization. I stopped buying Girl Scout cookies when I realized that the Leftist influence had infected them. And I sold Girl Scout cookies for 50 cents a box. It was a lifetime ago, but it was when the GSA was a good and moral organization.

Bringing down every moral and patriotic organization since the 90’s. Soros is evil.


5 posted on 02/25/2020 5:39:53 AM PST by originalbuckeye ('In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act'- George Orwell..?)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Kaslin

Yeah, I was a Boy Scout when boys still knew which bathroom to use. Pretty Sad.


6 posted on 02/25/2020 5:41:28 AM PST by eyeamok
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Kaslin

Just before I read this excellent piece, I saw an ad on Fox announcing the bankruptcy of the Scouts and a class action lawsuit for molestation. It was on the same level as the cancerous weed killer Roundup. If you were involved in criminal sexual activity against you, call the 800 number. The bankruptcy will be a very expensive consequence.


7 posted on 02/25/2020 5:43:30 AM PST by jonrick46 (Cultural Marxism is the cult of the Left waiting for the Mothership.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Kaslin
ERVIN BERLIN would roll over in his grave to see what has become of the Boy & Girl Scouts of America. What should happen to the GOD BLESS AMERICA FUND now that the bankrupt Scouts have chosen to reject GOD? Isn't that a breach of contract?

"God Bless America" Royalties Donated to Scouting Organizations-Truth! But Inaccurate Details!

EXCERPT: “God Bless America” was originally introduced and performed live on Armistice Day, November 11, 1938 by Kate Smith on her radio program. It became an immediate hit resulting in the popular demand for the sheet music. Afterwards, Berlin established the God Bless America Fund where proceeds from royalties were donated to the Boy and Girl Scouts of America.

8 posted on 02/25/2020 5:47:54 AM PST by stars & stripes forever (Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord ~ Psalm 32:12.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Kaslin

Trail Life USA Vision, Mission, Oath and Motto:

Our vision is to be the premier national character development organization for young men which produces godly and responsible husbands, fathers, and citizens.

Our Mission is to guide generations of courageous young men to honor God, lead with integrity, serve others, and experience outdoor adventure.

Motto
“Walk Worthy”
Colossians 1:10 “… that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;…”

Oath
On my honor,
I will do my best
To serve God and my country;
To respect authority;
To be a good steward of creation; And to treat others
as I want to be treated

I left BSA in 2013 and joined Trail Life USA. Since then, I’ve met an incredible number of godly men who seek to impart their lives into the young men under their care. These men live the vision, mission, oath and motto every day and are guiding and encouraging the Trailmen to do the same.

One of the core values of Trail Life is Volunteer Driven. Their professional staff numbers about 20 people, many who have become personal friends. Their dedication to their mission and the Lord is stunning.

If you’re looking for a strong outdoor program with a strong Christian backbone as a place for your son, or a place to serve, check out traillifeusa.com.

The author also mentioned American Heritage Girls. My daughter is a troop leader where she lives and it’s a great program. I know Patti Garibay, the founder and her heart for girls and their development is awesome.


9 posted on 02/25/2020 5:48:05 AM PST by cyclotic (Democrats must be politically eviscerated, disemboweled and demolished.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Kaslin
I could not agree more: I am an Eagle Scout- Vigil Order of the Arrow. Past scoutmaster for years, Committee Chair and Camp Staff when I was a youth. 3 sons all Eagle Scouts. I lost interest when the IRS clamped down on Scouts earning money to go events. The IRS stated if a Scout works and earns money, it HAS to go to the Troop and Everyone benefits. If the Scout himself benefits, the Troop needs to I-99 the Scout and the Scout needs to pay taxes on funds earned.
Then the heavy handed aspect of a Scout's BMI. One of my sons is a big guy. Smartest and most kindhearted person you will ever meet. After working at a local Scout Camp for 5 years, he was denied working at the camp due to his BMI was a little over the minimum. Hell, he went and volunteered to work at the new National Camp site and paid almost $1,000 to go work for a week building new trails. But was denied even going to National Jamboree due to his BMI. No one questioned his ability to endure the physical aspects. 4 Boundary Waters trips, Numerous weeklong hikes at elevations over 8,000 feet.
So, yes. I agree BSA National sowed the seeds of their demise years ago and this is the harvest.
10 posted on 02/25/2020 5:48:37 AM PST by midwest_hiker
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Kaslin

“they let in girls 10 months later.”

And that is the least of their problems. At least they’re GIRLS, not weirdoes.


11 posted on 02/25/2020 5:51:46 AM PST by the OlLine Rebel (Common sense is an uncommon virtue./Federal-run medical care is as good as state-run DMVs)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: stars & stripes forever

Um, Irving?


12 posted on 02/25/2020 5:54:42 AM PST by the OlLine Rebel (Common sense is an uncommon virtue./Federal-run medical care is as good as state-run DMVs)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 8 | View Replies]

To: Redleg Duke

Doesn’t anyone try something besides Trail Life (which I think is a poor name)?

I think we tried that for a night with our son because I’m getting sick of hearing all the caving with “BS”.

What about the “boy-led” aspect from BS? They didn’t have that, as I recall. Not that I really mind, but what is the take on that adult-led-only?


13 posted on 02/25/2020 5:57:10 AM PST by the OlLine Rebel (Common sense is an uncommon virtue./Federal-run medical care is as good as state-run DMVs)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies]

To: Kaslin

Another great American institution destroyed by the left.


14 posted on 02/25/2020 5:59:34 AM PST by I want the USA back (We have sunk to a depth where restatement of the obvious is the first duty of intelligent men:Orwell)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: I want the USA back
Another great American institution destroyed by the left.

Nope.

Another great American institution abandoned by the right.


{cue helicopters leaving Saigon pix}



15 posted on 02/25/2020 6:12:03 AM PST by Elsie (Heck is where people, who don't believe in Gosh, think they are not going...)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 14 | View Replies]

To: Kaslin

A very sad epitaph. The program was instrumental as an institution, revered. Taught legions of young men. My mom was a cub scout. This is a horrible, sad end to an American institution. What’s next?


16 posted on 02/25/2020 6:31:46 AM PST by SueRae (An administration like no other.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Kaslin

I have always assumed that the leaders were bribed to betray BSA - that or extortion. I am disgusted beyond words that the organization allowed this to happen. When you find yourself facing pure evil (and I’ve been there), it can be frightening, but real men have a responsibility to stand up and protect children even when that is difficult or dangerous.


17 posted on 02/25/2020 6:51:36 AM PST by Pollster1 ("Governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed")
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Kaslin

1 guy, I forget his name, is the person who destroyed the scouts, he personally pushed for the homosexual nonsense... i have no idea why this moron was ever let on the executive leadership committee, but he definitely single handedly destroyed the organization.


18 posted on 02/25/2020 6:52:16 AM PST by HamiltonJay
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: GulfMan

Having experienced first-hand, (even now), the very real and transformative cultural Marxist transition in the DOD, and the related, forced, and transformative, adult “mind grooming” and normalization, of all things LGBTQ in the DOD, IC, and SOS, it is very hard for me (and nearly everyine I know), to separate our FedGov experience, (which went into renewed overdrive beginning in Clinton’s first term), to what we have seen with the “BS’ and “GS”.

Policy is never abstract. Left-wing policy is never abstract at all. There is always a goal or “target”, and pathology (with “safeties”), been if unidentified.

Does not matter if we are looking at SOVIET/CIS/RUSFed goals, or if we are looking at standing left-wing goals within our own U.S. IC and FedGov.

I believe there is a strong eerily familiar precedent, of what we are witnessing in front of our eyes right now.

This is not a revisionists, PC, piece of highly relevant history, and may well be a snap-shot of where this viral American leftist strain desires us to go. And maybe very soon...

Really good read. Actually, it a “must read”.

Dare anyone to read this —

https://modernhistoryproject.org/mhp?Article=PinkSwastika


19 posted on 02/25/2020 7:35:47 AM PST by patriotfury ((May the fleas of a thousand camels occupy mo' ham mads tents!))
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 3 | View Replies]

To: Kaslin
As an Eagle Scout myself, father of an Eagle Scout and former leader of Cub Scout dens and packs, and Boy Scout troops, I am saddened and disgusted at what has happened to this once iconic organization. This bankruptcy is a cumulation of insane progressive, Leftist ideology run amok.

My parents were my scout leaders and I was my boys' scout leader. My whole family as a boy and as an adult, were deeply involved in the scouting movement. My poor parents are rolling over in their graves over this takedown of a once proud organization they committed years to serving.

Not willing to accept the court cases that allowed the Scouts to keep their moral standards, the Left in this country had done what they have always done and that is to destroy a once proud organization, grounded in instilling in boys the character and behavior to grow into morally strong men and good citizens.

I hate the liberals for their destruction of everything good in our culture and society. I really do hate them.

20 posted on 02/25/2020 8:40:55 AM PST by HotHunt (Been there. Done that.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first 1-2021-29 next last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson