From: achenbac@epcot.spdc.ti.com (Jeff Achenbach)
Subject: Re: BofA and UW can now support discrimination against blacks and Jews
Organization: TI Semiconductor Process and Design Center
Date: Wed, 26 Aug 1992 20:25:56 GMT

>>>Unfortunately, that's exactly what BSA is doing; in an attempt to
>>>throw out the bathwater by excluding queer scouts *and leaders*, they
>>>are eliminating some damn fine scout leaders out there.
>>>
>>
>>Unless things have changed tremendously since I was a scout (and they may
>>have), a scout caught engaging in sexual activities, whether hetero or homo,
>>wouldn't have been a scout for long. As far as being leaders: If they are 
>>still in the closet, nobody knows. If they are openly homosexual, then they
>>are definitely not qualified to be role models for young boys. I have yet to
>>meet the parent who openly hopes their child will grow up to be homosexual.
> 
>OK Jeff, I was with you until here.  We're not talking about trying to 
>recruit or convert people to being gay.  You either are or you're not. 
>It's not a choice (at least it wasn't for me or anyone I know, which
>is a lot of people), and if a boy is going to be gay, our society and 
>culture are horrible for that boy to grow up without going through 
>misery and prejudice like you can't imagine.  We need openly gay role
>models so that peole who are gay can see positive results.  I know
>my parents did not ever wish for me to be gay, and they have a hard 
>time accepting it, why do we have to make life harder for choices outside
>our control?  I grew up to be gay, I was born gay (IMHO), but I was 
>raised to be straight.  No more confusion.  No more pressure.  Lets
>help people. Not hate the,
>(That's them, not the,)

I have a little hard time believing this(born gay). If there was a gay gene, 
wouldn't it have been lost somewhere along the way? Other than that, I agree
with everything you've said above. I still don't understand trying to force
your way into a group whose expressed standards exclude you from being a 
member. I guess it's my personal attitude toward such things that's preventing
me from understanding. For example (and I realize it's not a very good one, but
bear with me here) there are many establishments that won't allow my patronage
because I dress in black leathers and ride motorcycles. They don't want my
bikes on their lot, and I don't measure up to their bullshit dress codes. My 
response is "fuck you". Basically, I have no desire to go where I'm not
welcome. I guess the problem gets much more complex when you're not welcome
anywhere. That is just my attitude in general. When it comes to youth
organizations, I must support a parent's right to make choices, right or wrong.

>>
>>   In anticipation of an outcry of "homophobe" or some such nonsense, let me
>>be blunt. I consider homosexuality a behavioral aberration, somewhat on the 
>>order of picking one's nose and eating it. It doesn't directly affect me, but
>>neither do I wish to be associated with it. I have better things to do than 
>>worry about someone else's deviant behavior. 
>
>Than don't.  But do not tell me that I can't be a good role model becuase 
>of the sex of my bedmate.  It is not a behavioral aberration anymore than 
>eating peanut butter and banana sandwiches.  It is different from the 
>cultural mainstream, yes. But differences are what is supposed to make this
>country great.  And that is one of the BSA's teachings.  
>>

Maybe I misunderstand the meaning of aberration. Doesn't it mean different 
from the majority? 

Jeff Achenbach
achenbac@epcot.spdc.ti.com

Xref: sparky rec.scouting:2571 soc.motss:36906