Karen Brandon’s article on the controversy affecting the community’s acceptance of Boy Scouts was very incisive. The Boy Scouts of America influenced much of my character, as I was a member from age 9-19.
The Scout oath, which was recited at the beginning of every meeting, became a central tenet of my belief system. I believe that this idea of moral beliefs being instilled by an organization is what frightens many away from Scouting.
But the BSA was founded on the very premise of teaching boys moral and ethical values through an outdoor program that challenges them and teaches them respect for nature, one another and themselves. The Supreme Court ruled that they could not be coerced into compromising those values as a private organization.
Would a government-sponsored organization with mandatory membership and a legislated moral code be preferable to the BSA’s model of voluntary membership for those who agree with its basic tenets?
I fervently hope that isn’t where the country is heading.
