I appreciate the comments on the creek-crossing photo.
The Boy Scouts of America begin their 100th anniversary celebration on December 10, and I’m curious about the political impact of the Scouting experience.
I am wondering how many guys who were in the Scouts became more pro-freedom in response to the heavy-handed invocations of authority and obedience that some Boy Scout troops routinely used.
I had a lot of great experiences in the Scouts and I appreciated the adult volunteers who helped make the good times happen. And yet…
I recall reciting the Scout law – the pledge to “do my duty to God and country.” And who defines the duty to the country?
Richard Nixon was the honorary president of the Boy Scouts at that time, and the Boy Scouts of America gave them their highest honor – the Silver Buffalo – in 1971. I would have had more respect for the Scouts if they sent Nixon tar and feathers.
Can’t say it did me any good. I was thrown out of Cub Scouts after three weeks.
Apparently it was something I said.
I ran into trouble in Cub Scouts early when I said “huh?” to the Den Mother.
She was furious that I had not used “Ma’am” in speaking to her.
I didn’t linger in Cub Scouts.
I was in the Boy Scouts, until I quit in the 9th grade. The Scoutmaster (?; the adult in charge) called the cops when I was driving underage and spun tires in front of the troop when they was leaving.
I only lasted a couple of years, but that was primarily due to personal politics amongst the so-called adults. It’s a shame; there were some leaders in the troop who were truly dedicated but when you’ve got something good, it seems there’s always got to be some peckerhead to try and spoil it.
Heh, I guess that prepared me for adult life in a manner of speaking.