I try to be as politically neutral as possible on this website. People frequent the site not to hear ranting and raving about one topic or one fad or another. They come here because they can ask questions and find answers to Scouting related areas. But I make an exception.

Clearly the Boy Scouts is one of those organizations that makes you think twice before you decide to affiliate with them. An organization whose oath stresses honor, duty, God country and service needs to be examined closely. You have to be careful about an organization whose motto is “Be Prepared” and whose slogan is “Do a good turn daily.” We live in dangerous times. One needs to be careful of groups that espouse these types of values.

The president was scheduled to speak to the 45,000 Scouts attending the Jamboree celebrating the 100th anniversary of Scouting on Wednesday morning at 11:45AM. On Monday the White House informed Jamboree officials that the president had a conflict and would send a video taped message that could be played in his place. Instead of speaking to our Scouts he is going to be in New Jersey discussing the economy and then appearing on “The View.”

I went to the 50th Jamboree and President Eisenhower spoke to us. I do not remember what he said but he came to talk to us. According to the washingtonpost.com, “Obama, out of town for a taping of the ABC show The View (the first president to do so) and Democratic fundraisers, will send a videotaped message instead.
Seven presidents, including Obama's three immediate predecessors, have made it to one Jamboree while in office.”

In May, Mr. Obama decided his vacation in Chicago would take precedent over going to Arlington National Cemetery for Memorial Day. He did speak at the Lincoln National cemetery near Chicago. He is not the first president to skip this ceremony but Mr. Obama seems to skip a lot of traditional events. He also opted to skip the Army/Navy game this year.

In California the Assembly Judiciary Committee killed a resolution honoring the Boy Scouts on their 100th anniversary. Seven ”No” votes from Democrats, three “Yes” votes from Republicans. The reason for the no vote was that Scouts do not let gays serve in leadership positions.

Maybe I am a little more miffed about this than I have a right to be. Scouting has meant a lot to me. I have chaired a lot of Eagle Scout Boards of Review and I know the quality of young men I have met. Scouting is not a perfect organization. To snub it for these inconsequential reasons shows a fundamental disrespect for what Scouting stands for. In November we should show them the same respect.