GernBlansten

Can't let you get away with this Ed. So apparently homosexuals want special rights! Actually, it seems that heteros are the ones who want the special rights. Can anyone reference a society that allowed open homosexuality that survived? The USA, all European nations, pretty much the entire world as we know it now, except those controlled by Islamic theocracies. Does anyone have proof homosexuality is nothing more than a lifestyle? Nor does anyone have proof that homosexuality is just a lifestyle. But until then, I will go with my gut instinct that I don't like guys that way because its deeply ingrained in my instincts. If it was just a lifestyle, I shouldn't have such deep feelings about it.

I saw that too Trev. Now I've known many mean women in my travels and if you know what I mean, sex with them is purely for procreation not recreation. As for polygamy and polyandry, if all are adults and consenting, I don't really have a problem with it. Perhaps that's the libertarian in me. I just don't know why anyone would want to increase the number of in-laws. Unfortunately, most of those who practice polygamy don't do so with freewill. Marriage with animals is just silly. Animals cannot consent and have no rights. They are owned by humans and have slave status. They are property. Like marrying a chainsaw or bicycle.

the Irish were recognized as worthy of human dignity When did that one slip through? You mean I have to treat the Irish with respect now? WHAT IS THE WORLD COMING TO?????

I don't rule out that pedophilia isn't a genetic defect like homosexuality. However, here is the distiction. Pedophiles cannot exercise their sexual instincts without harming children. Homosexuals can exercise their sexual instincts with other consenting adults. There are no innocent victims in homosexuality. No harm, no foul. Why can't homosexuals enjoy the same special rights you and your wife enjoy?

Yellowhammer, Would your opinion be altered/softened if homosexuality can be demonstrated to be a genetic condition instead of a pure behavioral choice? There are those with documented genetic conditions like Downs Syndrome people who are deviant from the norm. However it is illegal to restrict their marriage, even if it benefits society.

Ed et al, You have a basic right to marry who you love. That's a special right because it doesn't apply to everyone.

Ed, I think special rights are defined as one group wanting rights in excess of other groups. If gay people want access to the same opportunities as straight people, how is that special?

Please, post the shorts inseam. Our troop has a strict "NO Daisy Dukes" rule.

I've known and worked with several astronauts. All astronauts are nerds. Does that mean all eagle scouts are nerds too?

I like my steak medium rare with sauteed mushrooms and a big baked potato.

I should clarify Eamonn, The older scouts don't attend most campouts since they have become high school age. These same scouts attended most of our campouts while they were in middle school. I really can't blame the program, the boys pick and plan each campout. During the last schedule planning meeting (December) these same boys were actively detailing out what they wanted to do and where to go. But since then, they rarely attend the events they planned. Perhaps they just resent the large number of young scouts in the troop and its no longer theirs.

I always thought John Ashcrofts "Let the Eagle Soar" would be great for an Eagle COH. http://www.cnn.com/video/us/2002/02/25/ashcroft.sings.wbtv.med.html

The shorts do look a bit high and tight for my tastes. But I rarely zip off the legs whilst in the field for fear of a repeat of the Great Blansten Chicken Leg Incident of 1994. Heading to the scout shop today, will report back what they have.

Our troop does the annual class 1 medical and permission slip for all unit level activities. District/council requires a separate form for each of their activities. We send those home with the scouts.

Acco, here's a somewhat cleaner version of your "joke". Q) How come Baptists won't stand up in a canoe? A) Someone might think they're dancing! and my personal favorite... Jews don't recognize Jesus as their personal saviour, Baptists don't recognize each other at the liquor store.

When my son was elected SPL by the troop, not one scout over 14 even ran for the position. The exiting SPL is 15 and none of his "peers" wanted to become SPL. Our troop is clearly sliding to support the younger scouts only. I would like nothing more than to figure out how to integrate the older boys and keep them engaged. Are there techniques/programs that are appropriate for young scouts but not boring for the older ones? Do troops run dual programs? Is that what Venturing is supposed to be? I agree though, Boy Scouts seems to be geared to middle school ages.

Not sure about the others Pack, but you nailed my Lutheran upbringing to a T!

This topic has been hashed out here before, but I would like some advice on our specific issue. Last nights meeting, I noticed a new dynamic developing. We had a large (19) number of new scouts cross over last spring. They are very enthusiastic and active. We have a smaller number (6) of 14-16 year olds who up until now have been very active. We have few scouts in between those groups (my son (13), the SPL is one of those). Anyways, at the meeting, the older scouts started the meeting in their patrols but once the program started after announcements, they drifted off away from the meeting. The program was a preparation session for the next campout. Most of these older scouts are not attending the campout, in fact, they rarely attend any campouts anymore. Still doesn't excuse them from helping the younger boys plan the event. I guess the dynamic I'm seeing isn't new. The older boys just don't want to do much with the new more immature scouts. The older guys are active in our Venture program but I think to the detriment of our troop. I feel they are slipping away from us. Is there something magic we can do to engage these older scouts with our "new" young troop? Or is integrating them futile?

I have one. Used it to filter water for our 8 person crew at Northern Tiers for a week. Flawless operation. Would filter about 8 liters before needing to be cleaned, just slows down. Cleaning requires taking the filter element and scrubbing it with the 3M pad. Not designed for a large crew, but it was sufficient for our needs. Typically, we would have one scout assigned to pump water and they would take 45 minutes to fill all the bottles and cook gear. Weighs less than a one liter Nalgeen (FULL). If I bought one for the troop, I'd look at the larger version. For personal use, its probably the best system out there.

ED: Did anyone notice atheist is on the list? Sure, its the UUC silly. They accept everyone!

ED: "Ah but if the BSA unit is chartered by the PTA, then there is a school tie! And if the Bible Thumpers Club that the school runs wants to send fliers home they should be able to because they have ties with the school!" Two problems with that argument. First off, If the PTA was a direct extention to the school (IE, owned by the school district) they cannot charter a BSA unit. Second problem, the Bible Thumpers club better not be run by (owned) the school. The school can rent/donate them a space to meet and a school employee donate his/her time to the club, but the school cannot own that club nor can an employee operate it on government time. So in both cases, I don't think the clubs are tied to the schools.

It has been reported that Charles Manson was an Eagle scout, but truth is he only got Life. ---Rim shot---

No, Ed, its not OK to send NAMBLA flyers home. Its also not OK to send Jesus for Kids flyers home or BSA recruitment materials or the Saturday Evening Post. They are not related to the school program and should not be included in the packet. If you allow one, you must allow all. That's the price of freedom.

Having pushed my dad around in a wheelchair for more than 20 years, I guess I have a different perspective of the ADA than most able bodied people. What may seem like unreasonable accomodations can be absolutely essential to those with special needs. Now onto this case. I think the troop needs to make reasonable special accomodations for special needs scouts. But I also think the parents need to make reasonable special accomodations for the troop. The troops request was not unreasonable.(This message has been edited by GernBlansten)

Who gets to decide? Some godless, liberal, secular school administrator? Its all or nothing. I prefer nothing.