Jampacked day today as I caught up from being gone. It's almost 1 AM and I'm not tired, I just realized I'm still jetlagged.… Or what's the opposite of jet lag? Jet Lead ?
One thing I noticed that was noteworthy today is that the Boy Scouts of America finally overturn their outdated ban on gay kids in scouts. I think that's a really positive development. No policy based on intolerance is justifiable even in a group that has as good intentions as the scouts.
I'm a big fan of Boy Scouts… It was important part of my growing up and a great bonding with my dad. I enjoyed doing scouting Stuff with Max when he was a kid. In fact when I did the colony TV show, I had to it meant that many of the skills that I used on the show I had learned when I was a Boy Scout back in the 70s. There are so many positive things about that organization and the lessons it teaches to kids.
For years I have done several volunteers science shows a year for various Boy Scout groups in the area. I've also done mentoring for various science related merit badges. It was a way to pay back the organization all it has given me in the past.
More recently, though I decided that I could no longer reconcile my support of the scouts with my belief in inclusion of people of all types. The scouts ban on gay Scouts and leaders just doesn't fit in my personal beliefs. How can an organization that Intends to teach Fairness and respect not show that fairness and respect to all people?
Because I could not resolve those views, I began declining invitations to work with Scouting groups. It made me sad to do so, because I believe in most everything else they do. Still I felt it was my only way of voice displeasure was with my time. I wrote the local scouting council with my reasoning and got several respectful answers back. All made the argument that this only hurt the kids… Which I respectfully disagreed with because of the volunteer work I do in schools reaches the same kids But does it inclusively.
I was really happy tonight when I got a twitter message telling me that the band and then overturned at least as far as the scouts themselves were concerned. From what I understand there is still a ban on gay leaders… Which continues to trouble me… But I believe that too will change with time. I'm still pleased that the organization has Recognized that it Must include everyone when they teach to respect and honor others.
I look forward to working with them again in the near future. At the same time I think the public should still work hard to convince them to change their remaining views on inclusion in their leadership.
Okay… I got to go to bed now just like this kicking. More tomorrow
Night all, might Sam
– Me
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