From: Dan Kurtenbach (danielkurtenbach@hotmail.com)
Date: Sun Nov 03 2002 - 18:37:07 CST
Hmmm. I guess I missed the definition of "personal attack." I thought it
had something to do with going after the physical or mental characteristics
of a person, or especially questioning an individual's character -- you
know, something like stating that someone has sunk to lower standards, or is
doing something un-Scoutlike. I didn't realize that, on this list at least,
"personal attack" refers to disagreement with the logic, reasonableness, or
consistency of an opinion stated in a public forum. For not realizing the
breadth of the definition here, I sincerely apologize.
However, I stand by my statements, and my questions. I don't know how
anyone can reconcile the view that full Class A uniform is the only way to
go (including on trips to and from Philmont) *because it is an important
tool to build character*, with the view that you should never wear it on the
trail. I don't understand how you can be a huge advocate of the full
uniform as an important piece of what BSA is doing, but apparently discount
the official BSA "activity" uniform as belonging to a "lower standard," and
also discount what BSA itself says about the usefulness of the full uniform.
I don't understand how someone who says the full uniform is not suitable for
the trail can nevertheless maintain a high standard, while someone who says
the full uniform is not suitable for the trail *or* for certain other
activities has "sunk to some lower standard." I don't understand how it is
commendable for a Scoutmaster to say that he likes his Scouts dressed in
full uniform and looking "sharp," but a Scoutmaster who says he likes his
Scouts to wear a comfortable, practical uniform is making excuses, is timid,
or is worn down. There's nothing here taken out of context. It's all in
the postings.
As for what to wear when traveling to Philmont, certainly it should be the
BSA uniform. The uniform is a fundamental, important component of our
program. It is one of the Eight Methods. But I see no reason why the trips
to and from Philmont have to be *all* full field uniform, *all* the time. I
see no reason why the official BSA outdoor/activity uniform would not be
appropriate attire for much of the trip. Perhaps it will not be as
recognizable to the public as the field uniform; perhaps it will not open as
many doors as the field uniform -- those are factors that the Crew will have
to weigh when making their decision. Just as a Scout doesn't do things for
the purpose of getting tips or rewards, he doesn't do something for the
purpose of favorable publicity.
Dan Kurtenbach
Fairfax, VA
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BSA-Uniforms
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