Congress Woman Woolsey Slams Boy Scouts
A.B. Dawson
8/29/00

SCOUTING FOR ALL ACT (House of Representatives - July 19, 2000) [H6565]

Congress Woman Woolsey introduced a measure to repeal the Boy Scouts of America national charter. Speaking of the Boy Scouts Charter, Mrs. Woolsey says, "a charter is an honorary title Congress awards to organizations that serve a charitable, patriotic, or educational purpose. But to me there is nothing charitable or patriotic about intolerance, and it is not a value we want our children to learn." This comment is not surprising coming from a member of the Progressive Caucus, a radical far left group of congress people intent on bringing a socialistic type of government to America.

By making this comment Mrs. Woolsey herself is being intolerant. After all the Supreme Court said that because the Boy Scouts are a private group, they have the right to decide how their organization is run. Specifically, the court ruled that the Scouts do not have to include gays in the leadership of the organization. Mrs. Woolsey sees it differently, "… for me and the bill's supporters, this is not a question of whether the Boy Scouts have a right to establish anti-gay policy. It is a question of whether the Boy Scouts' anti-gay policy is right."

She and the co sponsors of the bill want to force the rest of us to agree to their demands by using their power in Congress to pressure the Boy Scouts into either submitting or disbanding. They know full well that the Scouts will never give in to these demands.

An America without Scouting would be fine with Mrs. Woolsey. That would be another charitable, educational, and patriotic organization gone. The Socialists/Marxists then wouldn't have to worry about, an organization that teaches kids about being TRUSTWORTHY, LOYAL, HELPFUL, FRIENDLY, COURTEOUS, KIND, OBEDIENT, CHEERFUL, THRIFTY, BRAVE, CLEAN, and REVERENT.

Family values, self-reliance, honor, dedication to God and Country are things Marxist/Socialists hate. Why? Because all of these values have traditionally been far more important than the central government in America. The socialists want the citizenry to be slaves to BIG government. They want the state to tell you when, where, what, and how for virtually every aspect of your total existence. Boy Scout 'stuff' doesn't fit this scheme well at all.

Mrs. Woolsey says, "I was a Girl Scout. One of my sons was a Boy Scout. And I know the values of scouting, and that is why I believe it should be available to all boys." I wonder how tolererant Mrs. Woolsey's mother would have been if the girl scouts had openly welcomed lesbian leaders? Probably, not very tolerant!

I fail to see where the values of Scouting include an open wink at the gay lifestyle for the leadership ranks. To the contrary, it definitively does not and should not.

Scout Oath, Law, Motto, and Slogan

The ideals of Boy Scouting are spelled out in the Scout Oath, the Scout Law, the Scout motto, and the Scout slogan.The Boy Scout measures himself against these ideals and continually tries to improve. The goals are high, and as he reaches for them, he has some control over what and who he becomes.

Scout Oath (or Promise)

"On my honor I will do my best
To do my duty to God and my country
and to obey the Scout Law;
To help other people at all times;
To keep myself physically strong,
mentally awake, and morally straight.

Scout Law

TRUSTWORTHY

A Scout tells the truth. He keeps his promises. Honesty is part of his code of conduct. People can depend on him.

LOYAL

A Scout is true to his family, Scout leaders, friends, school, and nation.

HELPFUL

A Scout is concerned about other people. He does things willingly for others without pay or reward.

FRIENDLY

A Scout is a friend to all. He is a brother to other Scouts. He seeks to understand others. He respects those with ideas and customs other than his own.

COURTEOUS

A Scout is polite to everyone regardless of age or position. He knows good manners make it easier for people to get along together.

KIND

A Scout understands there is strength in being gentle. He treats others as he wants to be treated. He does not hurt or kill harmless things without reason.

OBEDIENT

A Scout follows the rules of his family, school, and troop. He obeys the laws of his community and country. If he thinks these rules and laws are unfair, he tries to have them changed in an orderly manner rather than disobey them.

CHEERFUL

A Scout looks for the bright side of things. He cheerfully does tasks that come his way. He tries to make others happy.

THRIFTY

A Scout works to pay his way and to help others. He saves for unforeseen needs. He protects and conserves natural resources. He carefully uses time and property.

BRAVE

A Scout can face danger even if he is afraid. He has the courage to stand for what he thinks is right even if others laugh at or threaten him.

CLEAN

A Scout keeps his body and mind fit and clean. He goes around with those who believe in living by these same ideals. He helps keep his home and community clean.

REVERENT

A Scout is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties. He respects the beliefs of others.

SCOUT MOTTO

Be Prepared

SCOUT SLOGAN