Article entitled "Boy Louts" March 25, 1998
My First Response April 1, 1998
Mr. Goldsmith's Response "Scouts Honor?" April 2, 1998
Final Analysis and Comments

The Boy Scouts may have won in court, but they should be prepared for a backlash in the public arena.

The California Supreme Court ruled on Monday [March 23,1998] that the Scouts can exclude homosexuals and atheists from joining their ranks. Adopting the antiquated "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy of another venerable organization, the Scouts send the message that honor and dignity are restricted to those who cherish God and prefer women.

While the latest ruling only affects Scouts in California, lawyers believe it could have greater implications for pending cases elsewhere in the nation. Because there are no federal anti-discrimination laws that prevent the Scouts from maintaining its homophobic and religious standards, it will be up to state courts to determine whether the organization can exclude certain individuals.

But it's not a question of whether the Scouts win or lose in court. It's a question of doing what is right, which the Scouts are supposed to know a thing or two about. Rather than follow the ignorance of social conservatives, the organization should lead the way by encouraging diversity.

In fact, the purpose of the Boy Scouts is not centered around religion or sexuality. Instead, they focus on inculcating strong ethical standards, leadership and hard work - values which are by no means limited to God-fearing heterosexuals.

It is true that founder Baden Powell did include the phrase "duty to God" in his Boy Scout Oath. But this is hardly a basis for religious discrimination. The words "In God We Trust" appear on American currency, but the government does not snatch five-dollar bills from the hands of atheists. Likewise, the Scouts should maintain its religious reference but not exclude youths who disagree with it.

Indeed, Powell never intended for his organization to become a place of worship. Nor did he intend for Scoutmasters to play politics with membership lists. He simply wanted to shape boys into honest men who could begin life with a variety of skills. Unfortunately, those who heed the Scouts' latest message will enter the real world without having learned one very important lesson: tolerance.

To the editor,

I am writing in response to your March 25 (page 4) commentary "Boy Louts" and the rude comments within about one of the world's most respected organizations, the Boy Scouts.

Because the Boy Scouts is not a federally funded or sponsored organization, the government has no say in how it runs its affairs, nor should they. I believe you are quite wrong when you suppose that religion has nothing to do with scouting. The organization is based upon the original Judeo-Christian world-view where a loving and gracious God directs "strong ethical standards, leadership and hard work". Baden Powell, the founder of Boy Scouts, did not include "duty to God" as a basis for religious discrimination. He included it for reverence to a holy God, and as a unifying point among all the scouts.

Your argument is as absurd as suggesting that the Pioneers (a soviet era youth organization) discriminated against theists. Communism declared that God does not exist so if you were a theist, you were not allowed into the Pioneers, nor would you want to be in their group. Theists did not have the option of starting their own organization (legally) during the soviet era, but atheists DO have that option in America. Instead of complaining about something we do not like, we can just start our own group.

You are correct that "Powell never intended for his organization to become a place of worship." That is what churches and synagogues are for. Your appeal to the inscription of "In God We Trust" on the currency of our country is invalid. At one point in the history of our nation this was true. Looking around though, it is evident that we trust in ourselves first. The reason "the government does not snatch five-dollar bills from the hands of atheists" is because it is our national currency, not a statement of our beliefs. "Duty to God" is a statement of the Boy Scouts beliefs. We, as a pluralistic society, have a responsibility to respect that belief.

Finally, I think the Scout Law sums things up quite well. A Scout is Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent. When I read this list I think of patience, self-control, love, respect, and tolerance. If someone does follow the Scout Law, how can they not have a positive effect on the society?

Gregory Wilson '98
Eagle Scout

To the Editor:

I would like to respond to Mr. Wilson's letter of 1 April (letters, "Eagle Scout Sees Religion as One of Organization's Main Principles," 1 April). I too am an Eagle Scout and I disagree with Mr. Wilson 100 percent. The Boy Scouts of America claim to be all about patriotism and a belief in America. How then can they deny the basic American right of freedom of religion to its own members? The Boy Scouts taught me a good deal about my responsibilities as a citizen of the United States, including upholding the Constitution. The U.S. Constitution guarantee freedom of religion, including no religion at all. I am appalled that the Boy Scouts of AMERICA feel that they can take this freedom away from their members.

Frankly, the rule against atheists and gays in the Boy Scouts is UN-American. Mr. Wilson, you are right to say that since the federal government provides no financial support, the Scouts have no obligation to include all people. Yet, the Scouts are based on American principles and patriotism. How can they go against the very principles they claim to support? Perhaps the organization as it stands today should be renamed the "Boy Scouts of How-America-Should-Be-According-to-Us." Mr. Wilson, I'd suggest taking a look at the first amendment to the U.S. Constitution some time soon. I believe that you needed a familiarity with it to attain your rank of Eagle Scout.

While I am proud to be an Eagle Scout for what I learned as a scout, I am extremely disappointed with the ignorant, self-righteousness of the organization whose highest rank I hold.

Howard J. Goldsmith, '00
Eagle Scout, Boy Scouts of America

I do not feel I need to respond to Mr. Goldsmith. His analysis is inaccurate and misses the point I was trying to make. His usage of overly emotional and vague terms like 'ignorant' are not appropriate for a logical discussion. In response I would almost just resend my first letter. I did compose a second letter but did not send it in for publication for I did not feel the need to stoop to his level.

Gregory Drake Wilson '98
greg.at.drakos7.NOSPAM.net