From: rich@theophilus.msfc.nasa.gov (Rich Krum)
Subject: Re: Standards  (Was: More on God)
Reply-To: rich@theophilus.msfc.nasa.gov
Organization: Boeing Computer Support Services
Date: Thu, 5 Nov 1992 17:56:22 GMT

In article 14303@sei.cmu.edu, rsd@sei.cmu.edu (Richard S D'Ippolito) writes:
>
>In article <1992Nov5.000110.6050@mailer.cc.fsu.edu>, William Mayne quotes:
>
>
>>>Declaration of Religious Principle
>
>
>Here's one for you folks to ponder:  The opinion has been expressed here (by
>others) that they do not want to start their own groups because the BSA is
>such a high-quality, exciting, successful, and attractive organization.  Do
>you not think that the membership standards might have something to do with
>it?
>
>
>Rich

Please be aware that if the BSA _ever_ slackens its standards on the subject of
religious principle, becomes an encourager of a lifestyle (note the use of the word)
that you or I do not like, or fails to provide the atmosphere and/or environment  desired
BY THE MEMBERS, then it will be quite possible to do something about it.  You or I
may leave the organization.

BTW, I have no argument with most of what is going on here.  I personally use the BSA
experience as a tool (among other things) to comtribute to the education of my sons.
Yes, they are made aware of many things that BSA does not teach directly, and yes, they
are well aware of the threat of AIDS, casual sex, etc.  They are taught to be tolerant, but
I do not plan to teach them to feel that they have to personally participate or be required
to allow things to happen that they do not believe in.  In my opinion, if I can teach them to
think independently, question everyone and everything (even ME!) then I will have succeded.

As background, I have 3 sons.  One is an Eagle scout going to CALTECH on a Navy ROTC
scholarship; on is a high-schooler working on Eagle, and the youngest is a Cub Scout.
My only brother, whom I love dearly, lives in South Florida--he happens to be homosexual--
I consider that to be a lifestyle choice he made.   That choice does not make him less of a good
person.

I suspect that there is too much passion in this discussion, I also suspect that there is a bit too
much fundamentalist narrow-mindedness involved also.  Just because one does not subscribe
to an individual choice DOES NOT MEAN that the choice is WRONG.  Lets try for a bit more
tolerance.

On the fundamental thread of this argument--which I assume is "Should homosexuals be involved
in the BSA", my comment is something like this:  Every person should be judged on what he or she
contributes to the task at hand.  A particular lifestyle/sexual orientation/religious preference/
whatever-the-heck should not be the sole item used to judge one's performance.  The only time
that should be a factor is when that orientation/belief interferes with the aims of the organization.

I do not agree with the BSA that a homosexual lifestyle is an instant disqualifier for membership in
the BSA.  I note that the application refers to character, willingness to subscribe to the bylaws, and
a lack of "trouble" with the law.  I find that "child molesters" are more of a hazard, and a damn
sight harder to detect at times, and no, homosexual does not necessarily mean child molester--a
troop I was in went through that trauma with a very straight scoutmaster--who is now in prison
for his acts.  The whole thing sounds like a great collection of knee-jerk reactions to a probable
non-problem.

--------------------
To Dominick Zurlo:
Your knowledge and interest in the continuation of the scouting experience for many boys is appreciated.
I would encourage you to continue in any way you can, and to remember that not all of BSA put you
on the "blacklist".  Perhaps the problem will be resolved, perhaps not, but bitterness is just as bad a
thing as intolerance.  Lighten up a bit.  I am interested in what you may have to say as a fellow
human being and scouter (as defined as being a person interested in Scouting---never mind national)
---------------------

This is getting a bit long, and my poster is slow--

--Rich



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