From: anthropo@carina.unm.edu (Dominick V. Zurlo)
Subject: Re: Scouting Magazine Article
Date: Wed, 26 Aug 92 16:05:03 GMT
Organization: University of New Mexico, Albuquerque
Distribution: usa

In article <2233@catfish.ocpt.ccur.com> hilding@catfish.ocpt.ccur.com (Hilding Holroyd) writes:
>> Suppose the BSA discriminated on the basis of race and people bogged this
>> newsgroup down with articles condemning this.  Would you still be so
>> eager to ignore the issue?  Is it that you don't care about others
>> being discriminated against or is it because you think gays/atheists deserve
>> it?  What do you think modern day opinions are about people in the previous
>> generation who never gave a thought about racism or felt that it was
>> justified?  Do you think your scouts will feel the same way about you
>> when they grow up?
>
>Yet these same individuals claim that we are infringing upon their
>PERSONAL RIGHTS (caps are mine, italics in the article) by maintaining
>this position. On this count, they're ABSOLUTELY WRONG. "
>... ...
>"Scouting has NEVER denied the rights of homosexuals to their life
>style, NEVER said that atheists could not maintain their viewpoints.
>We have always acknowledged, and taught, that the rights of ALL
>are to be respected."

Correct, except that scouting and these lifestyles do not necessarily
conflict.  To assume so id wrong and incorrect.
It is also very narrow minded.
>... ...
>"Parents and youth become active in Scouting because they know what
>the BSA stands for, and they want these values for their families.
>We pledge to you and them that we will continue to fight for
>these priciples."
>[quoted from Scouting Magazine, Sept. 1992]
I too value honesty and acceptance, something scouting taugh me.
When will it teach you????
>
>IMHO, as a private organization, BSA is entitled to set its own
>policies. It does not mean that BSA is above the laws of the land. It
>means that, similar to Sororities/Fraternities, BSA can set policy.
>I recommend that the entire article be read.
>Count me in the 99%. But don't limit it to just BSA. I agree this
>should be worldwide.
>-- 
How wonderful...The BSA can discriminate and fire people because of 
their sexual orientation.  Nice.  Also, Frats and sororities can not
discriminate on that basis, depending upon the state and local statutes.
Same for BSA.  Please do a little research.  ANd find out just how much 
trauma the Scouts have caused people, kids who are coming out especially.
The reason for the boycotts and the uproar is quite simple. It's not an
issue of being gay, it's that we want to help, and to participate in the 
ideals and basic beliefs of Scouting.  You are saying that if we are true 
to those beliefs, we are banned.  I for one am Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, 
Friendly, COurteous, Kind Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave , Clean, and 
Reverent.  can you say the same when you bash and turn your back on other
people?? I don't think so.  I'm not writing this to bash at you, just to 
explain, you don't realize the trauma and the issues facing gays.  Learn
about them first.  And use an open mind please.  We are each individuals,
don't judge an individual by others, or by things you don't know/under-
stand.
>
>US MAIL: Hilding W. Holroyd - CONCURRENT COMPUTER CORP.(Ex MASSCOMP,Interdata)
>FAX: 908-870-5952    2 Crescent Place, Oceanport NJ 07757   PH 908-870-4558 
>UUCP:  rutgers.edu!ocpt!holroyd    or   Internet:  holroyd@ocpt.ccur.com

Dominick V. ZUrlo
WWW
former Lodge Chief, Meechgalanne Lodge, Essex Council, NJ.
Eagle Scout

The information contained above does not nescessarily reflect the opinions 
of the organization, but of the individual.

Newsgroups: rec.scouting,alt.discrimination,chi.general,alt.atheism,alt.politics.homosexuality