[philmont] some good news

Jim:

Great news re: the 2010 Jamboree and the establishment clause.

Are you aware of any challenges percolating through the courts re: the gay issue?

>From my perspective, dealing with Scouts at the 10 1/2 to 18 age level, all matters of sexuality are to be referred to the parents of the Scout or the Scout's religious pastor, other than the general admonition to treat all persons with respect, male or female. I would refer all such questions to the parents or the religious leader. As an aside, I think that the "decision" to classify oneself as "gay" or "straight" is best made after the age of 18, when it is not my concern. Treating others with respect, on a Scout trip, is always my concern, of course.

National feels differently, as we all know. It's all about published mission statements, which have nothing to do with hiking and camping. I hope that stance does not cause us to lose Fort A.P. Hill in a future lawsuit.

Those who have not read Mr. Applebome's book Scout's Honor: A Father's Unlikely Foray into the Woods, should check it out for an examination of this topic. Applebome is a writer for the New York Times. It's also neat for a father's perspective on his son joining a troop.

Well, all for now.

Bill Sheehan, ASM
Troop 55, Pitman, NJ
Attorney at Law, State of New Jersey
Philmont '70,'72, Autumn Adventure '01,'03,'05

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Received on Thu Apr 5 10:23:14 2007