The Uniform & Politics

[acco40]

When Sarah Palin was announced as the Veep choice in Dayton I noticed in many of the press photos an adult with a Scouting uniform on in the crowd behind her and Senator McCain. No bid deal I said. Then, when McCain and Palin held a political rally in my neighborhood, I noticed Scouts with their uniform on in attendance. Again, okay but it made me uneasy. Then, throughout the rally, the Scouts would hold up campaign banners - mostly McCain/Palin placards. Well, that crossed the line for me. Scouts and Scouters should not use the uniform to promote politicians.

[nolesrule]

I had the very same reactions you did.

[Mr. Boyce]

Good point: I have 100% concurrence!

 

This said, there may be public occasions in which scouts do flags and which may catch them standing by candidates or elected officials. This isn't so bad; it's something that can happen. Go to any parade. But holding signs really crosses over the line!

[evmori]

Scouts and Scouters should not use the uniform to promote politicians.

 

Heck yeah! We don't want them being booed again, do we!

[Gunny2862]

So, having observed a situation locally...

 

 

Whom one supports aside. Would you wear a uniform having been invited to sit on the dais behind the politician giving his speech? Or would that also be over the line?

 

IMHO, I wouldn't do it, but IF I did choose to do it I would at least wear an actual complete uniform. And wouldn't be holding a sign or a campaign button on it.

However, I also don't really think it's appropriate to attend the event in uniform unless, perhaps, invited to do a preliminary flag ceremony(which I might do for either candidate/party) and then retire from the public setting, change clothes, or leave as the main event started. Or is this over the line also?

 

[OldGreyEagle]

A quick google of the issue brings the following results:

 

http://www.stlbsa.org/Common/Home.htm St louis

 

http://www.sfbac.org/ San Francisco

 

http://www.blackwarriorcouncil.com/ Tuscaloosa

 

http://www.alapaha-bsa.org/ Valdosta

 

http://www.ktc-bsa.org/council.htm Eastern Mass.

 

And a copy of the memo National sent out about uniforms

 

To: Scout Executives

From: Stephen Medlicott

Marketing & Communications Division Director

Subject: Policy on Scout Participation in Political Events

 

With the presidential election coming up in 2008, it is a good time to restate the BSAs long-standing policy regarding the participation of Scouts in political rallies and other political events.

 

Uniformed unit members and leaders may participate in flag ceremonies at political events and may lead the Pledge of Allegiance; however, they should retire after the ceremony and not remain on the speakers platform or in a conspicuous location where television viewers could construe their presence as an endorsement or symbol of support. In addition, photos of candidates or Scouts in uniform or BSA marks and logos are not allowed in political campaign materials of any kind.

 

Volunteers and professionals must be alert to situations that would imply that the BSA favors one candidate over another. Strict observance of our long-standing policy against the active participation of uniformed Scouts and leaders in political events is mandatory.

Please notify your chartered organizations and unit leaders of this policy.

 

 

 

 

[John-in-KC]

The problem, to me, is the slippery slope.

 

Yes, I appreciate that candidates would like Scouts to open ceremonies and do the flag.

 

Yes, I think the guy who was at the McCain-Palin roll-out should have asked for a bit less public a spot to sit than right on the platform... he was spun nine ways to Sunday.

 

The problem is when we Scouters shamelessly use Scouting when we run for office. I know a State Legislator whose campaign materials included the current CSP and a couple of FOS donation mugs. He made prominent mention of his Scouting adult service in the flyer too.

 

Where does National draw the line? Right now, I think where it is isn't too bad.

[Gunny2862]

YEA!

It looks like I had it right for once.

 

Thanks for sharing the memo!

[Eagledad]

>> Where does National draw the line? Right now, I think where it is isn't too bad.