If President Obama concurred that the BSA handbook's principles enrich the lives of youth, develop quality leaders and help produce a new generation of patriotic American citizens, then wouldn't you expect the present White House would be espousing the BSA like past administrations?
I know, I know. I shouldn't expect so much. After all, President Obama is probably too busy trying to fix the economy, the border problems, the Gulf oil crisis and the Afghanistan war, right? Such is the case also with deadbeat dads across the country; they're too busy to support or do anything with their kids. Know what I mean? (Why don't you try that explanation on the Scouts and see how well it goes over.)
There I go again, sounding like Glenn Beck. And besides, those Boy Scouts should be reading other, more meaningful materials than what Fussell labeled "a popular repository of something like classical ethics," right? Maybe Scouts need to broaden their horizons, right? Maybe Scouts should be reading progressive texts, such as "The Communist Manifesto" or the book that Doug Mills of The New York Times inadvertently photographed Obama reading on the presidential campaign trail in Bozeman, Mont.: "The Post-American World." Whom are we kidding?! Not the kids!
Last week, I challenged Obama, the honorary BSA president, to attend the upcoming National Scout Jamboree from July 26-Aug. 4 in Virginia, as past U.S. presidents have done. I concluded by respectfully challenging the BSA's leadership with two straightforward objectives.
First, don't ever compromise your core principles and values. You've impacted millions upon millions of young lives and enriched our country and world because of your presence and contributions. Don't sell out now, especially on account of others' progressive agendas.
Secondly, I would appeal to the BSA's national president, Rex Tillerson, himself to please consider approving the new BSA patriotism merit badge. More than ever, our country needs to commend those young people who demonstrate a unique commitment to not only God but also country. With our republic facing some of its greatest trials and a potentially perilous future, it's time to reward valiant and exceptional patriotism, especially among our youth.