evmori

As I understand the issue, a very useful program was created to provide safe rides. Nice. However, anyone who was gay or atheist was not allowed to volunteer to help. If anyone can explain how safe operation of a vehicle depends on sexual orientation or religious belief, I'd like to hear it. To me, THIS is the ethical problem. There is a social need and a good idea to help meet that need. But some volunteers are not allowed to provide the service for reasons that have NOTHING to do with the need OR the service. Forget the constitution and the merits of home schooling...this is just wrong. So you want the BSA to compromise it's ethics to include anyone? What if a convicted counterfeiter wanted to volunteer? How about if someone asks you to compromise your ethics, packsaddle? Is that OK? Ed Mori 1 Peter 4:10

Evmori, Just a side note, if there was a fire at a church, is the fire department going to respond? That would be using taxpayer dollars at a religious institution. BTW, I still don't buy Levi's and Docker's, but that's another discussion. Gonzo, I am on your side in this debate! And I don't buy Dockers or Levi's for the same reason you don't! Ed Mori 1 Peter 4:10

It's a private club. The Venture Club was running the program, not the school. The school supplied a meeting place & was paying two teachers as advisors.

Nice try Gern. Do you have any idea what the book of Leviticus is about?

The student's first amendment right; public schools can't discriminate against students because they happen to be atheists. The student didn't meet the membership requirements of the private club he wanted to join. So?

Yes Fred, it's too bad that damn atheist didn't just roll over and ignore his or her own public school violating their first amendment rights in order to avoid inconveniencing an organization that denegrates atheists. What right was violated? The BSA has the right to decide who is a member. SCOTUS said so! Nice language BTW. It's interesting that the complaint is "you won't let us volunteer because we don't believe in God" and not "why are you assisting underage drinkers". I know this program helps other kids, too. Seems if the complainers focused on illegal underage drinking instead of the wonderful legal service provided that would be a better use of their resources. Ed Mori 1 Peter 4:10

"Sticking up for their principles" by dishonestly chartering a discriminatory program to a public school? You realize both the school and the BSA could be sued over this, right? A program that discriminates legally. Not breaking any laws. Sue away! Then after you lose, please put that old nag back in the stall. It's getting tired. Ed Mori 1 Peter 4:10

The quandary as I see it is groups like atheists feel that having the 10 Commandments or any other religious "stuff" displayed on any public building like a court house is "establishing" a religion. Actually, by these type of groups whining & crying foul, they actually want the government to violate the 1st Amendment. But they don't see it that way. They would rather have the government dictate equality instead of the people deciding it. Sounds sorta like what communists preach. Ed Mori 1 Peter 4:10

Actually, Merlyn, there will never be equal treatment! That has been tried by the USSR but there were some who were more equal than others & it didn't work. Majority rule is a much better way. Ed Mori 1 Peter 4:10

Hypothetical question then. If any state, say Montana for instance holds a referendum on whether to allow the Ten Commandments to be posted to schools, and 100% of the people vote yes, should that not be allowed. No. It's a violation of the first amendment. If the posting of the Ten Commandments is for historical purposes & other religions allowed to post something similar, then there is no violation. Remember, the freedom OF religion, not FROM. And if someone is offended, so what! There is nothing in the Constitution that say being offended is a right! Ed Mori 1 Peter 4:10

And, do you trust the American people to make wise decisions in legislatures through their elected representatives? About as much as I trust them to make wise choices in the makeup of the judicial and executive branches. That's interesting. Maybe if the USA were a dictatorship you would like it better. Let's build a wall! Ed Mori 1 Peter 4:10

Creationism can't be taught because it isn't science, it's religious dogma masquerading as science. More than science is taught in schools. And you explanation of why it isn't a science is a hoot! Teachers can't indoctrinate students in a religion, of course. As Ricky use to say "You gonna have to splain that, Lucy". Ready for attack General! Ed Mori 1 Peter 4:10

PC run amok again!

Sure we want our Scouts to make their own decisions. We want them to be the ones who decide not to bring electronics on camping trips. Some think a ban defeats this purpose. And it might. But having a rule that prohibits electronics on camping trips is not a bad thing. The Scouts need to also learn they can't make up all the rules they need to follow. I wonder if those who think a unit having a rule prohibiting electronics on camping trips tell their children what they can't watch on TV? Ed Mori 1 Peter 4:10

Why can't kids pray in public schools if they want to? Why can't a public school teach Creationism or the Koran or the Bible? There is nothing I know of that prohibits any of this. Ed Mori 1 Peter 4:10

If the BSA wanted to ban traveling at night the wording should be something like this: Traveling at night is forbidden. Traveling after dark is not allowed. Discussions about the meaning of these words begin when someone doesnt want to follow what the written page is saying. Blanket statements are very seldom correct. Ed Mori 1 Peter 4:10

Were the preacher;s sermons better before he instituted the new policy or were you too busy reading? Boredom relief? If camping trips are so boring that the kids need to bring electronic devices to cure the boredom, then maybe the PLC needs a little work in planning the camping trips. Relief from boredom is a poor excuse to allow electronic devices on camping trips! Ed Mori 1 Peter 4:10

Gonzo nailed it. Should be not must be. Big difference. It is a suggestion not a rule. And it does sound like someone needs to get out more! I always thought "Rule of thumb" was a guideline not a hard & fast rule! Ed Mori 1 Peter 4:10

I have always felt cell phones & iPods & laptops & video games have no place on a camping trip. If a kid can't go without his Gameboy for 48 hours then there is a bigger problem. Ed Mori 1 Peter 4:10

Actually, the BSA has legally discriminated against gays & atheists. They just never enforced it. Sorta like police departments not always enforcing traffic laws. That doesn't make them less legal. And maybe the government shouldn't give the BSA preferential treatment. I still not sure they really do. Seems to be more perceived than real. It still seems like the ACLU is bitter because they lost the Dale case & they are trying to find any avenue they can to drive the BSA into the ground. I hope they enjoy wasting their and their clients money because the BSA will prevail & the ACLU will have to find another dog to kick. Like Gonzo posted, follow the money. Ed Mori 1 Peter 4:10

So if I got this right, the Cradle of Liberty council could have the rent FREE (or peanuts) in perpetuity or until Philadelphia needs some cash. Ya gotta follow the money, so much for Brotherly Love. Right on the money, Gonzo1! The city probably wants the building for another tenant that will pay overpriced rent. And since the lease has a 1 year terminate clause, why now? I don't buy the "people complaining" argument. We should keep an eye on who moves in. Ed Mori 1 Peter 4:10

Barry, Why? Because FScouter's comments remind me of the logic ethnic cleansers use. He isn't looking out for the kids! His reasons have no foundation & his morals seem skewed! It really scares me! I am adopted. Never met my real mom. I know her name. Don't know my real dad's name. I do know I have 8 brothers/sisters somewhere. Would I have been better off with my real mom? Don't know. Never will. Ed Mori 1 Peter 4:10

Nope. My judgment is that based on her behavior, she doesnt have the moral character to be my sons Scoutmaster. She may have good qualities in other areas, but she failed the morality test. For me, thats a big one. Her behavior? You know how & why she had a child? You seem to be judging without all the facts. Maybe she was artificially inseminated. Maybe she was raped. Do you know? No. I agree she is not the ideal person to be the SM. I have a feeling most people would fail FScouters morality test. Maybe the BSA needs a new reg that states no single parents allowed! Ed Mori 1 Peter 4:10

Is she a registered leader in your unit? If so, get your COR involved & request they revoke her membership. You can't let one parent destroy the entire unit. Ed Mori 1 Peter 4:10

Campfires are ceremonial. Stoves are for cooking. If you're cold, put on a sweater. Some campfires are ceremonial. Some are for cooking. Some are for warmth. All are enjoyable. I for one will always have a campfire when I am camping (regulations permitting). Ed Mori 1 Peter 4:10