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Issue 538 – July 25, 2017

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Messages have been flying around the Internet ever since President Trump’s speech at the National Scout Jamboree yesterday. The USSSP has received a bunch and I’m sure the BSA has received even more. I’ve received a number also, and the very best one I’ve seen is from a Scouter in my home council: Howard Lee, an Englishman who emigrated to the US a number of years ago and subsequently chose—chose!—to become an American citizen.

Here are his words, as he wrote them to the Scouts and their parents of the troop he serves as Scoutmaster:

Dear Scouts and parents,

I’ve been approached by concerned parents following the president’s speech at the Jamboree yesterday and the audience reaction to it.

The BSA has issued a statement: “The Boy Scouts of America is wholly non-partisan and does not promote any one position, product, service, political candidate or philosophy. The invitation of the sitting U.S. President to visit the National Jamboree is in no way an endorsement of any political party or specific policies.”

I think this post by “Bryan on Scouting” says it better: “The Boy Scouts of America might be the most patriotic organization in the U.S. But we don’t endorse any one political party. You could say that rather than being pro-left or pro-right, the Boy Scouts of America is pro-America.”

(The) BSA policy is expressly non-political: “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.”

Scouting welcomes people from all politics, religions, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds, just like America. It is inherently inclusive and respectful, which is why it has been a long tradition that Scouts never boo – booing is disrespectful.

I want to be clear, in case anyone else has concerns similar to those shared with me already, that, in (this troop) as in all of Scouting, you are welcome no matter your politics, creed, race, country of origin, or ethnic background.

We are about leadership, character, citizenship, service and, of course, fun!

Thank you, Howard. You’ve said this better than I think I ever could.

Happy Scouting to ALL!

Andy

Have a question? Facing a dilemma? Wondering where to find a BSA policy or guideline? Write to askandybsa@yahoo.com. Please include your name and council. (If you’d prefer to be anonymous, if published, let me know and that’s what we’ll do.)

[No. 538 – 7/25/2017 – Copyright © Andy McCommish 2017]

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About AskAndy

Andy is a Board Member of the U.S. Scouting Service Project, Inc.

Andy was recognized in 2017 as a National Distinguished Eagle Scout and Regent of the National Eagle Scout Association. He is currently serving as council member-at-large. His previous position, which he held for over 20 years (except for several years when he served as District Commissioner and Assistant Council Commissioner-Training), was Unit Commissioner. He has previously served as Den Leader, Webelos Den Leader, Cubmaster, Pack Committee Chair, Scoutmaster, International Representative, and--as a Scout--Patrol Leader, Senior Patrol Leader, and Junior Assistant Scoutmaster. He is a charter member and founding director of his prior council's Alumni Association and Eagle Scout Alumni Association, both established in 2001. He earned Eagle Scout rank at age 15, in 1957; two years later, he earned the Explorer Silver Award--at that time referred to as the "Double-Eagle." At age 16, he served on the National Junior Leader Training Camp Staff at Schiff Scout Reservation (at that time this was a salaried position). He also served on the Philmont NJLIC Staff in 2002, 2003, and 2004, and, later, on two Pilot Regional NAYLE Staffs. His recognitions include: Kashafa Iraqi Scouting Service Award, Distinguished Commissioner, Doctor of Commissioner Science, International Scouter Award, District Award of Merit (2), Scoutmaster Award of Merit, Scouter's Key (3), Daniel Carter Beard Masonic Scouter Award, Cliff Dochterman Rotarian Scouter Award, James E. West Fellow (3), Wood Badge & Sea Badge. He has attended four National Scout Jamborees: Scout in 1957, First Assistant Scoutmaster in 1993, National Staff in 2001, and NESA Featured Speaker in 2014 and 2017. The BSA included his article titled "Frictionless Scouting Events" was incorporated into the BSA National Training Video, "Meetings of the District" for ten years. He is a charter member of the BSA National Advancement Advisory Board and has written multiple technical articles for the BSA Advancement Team's "Advancement News" since 2012. Read Andy's full biography

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