i think this is somehow shifting to daily politics and itsQuote from John_Wensink:
I think the point is that you perceive the boy scouts to be a harmful enough group where you would prohibit your child from joining but on the other hand as you are a self proclaimed leftist you have no problem voting for somebody that makes abortions available to childern without you having any say.
My point being, if you want to protect your children the leftist representatives you are voting for have the potential to do far more harm to your child than the cub scouts ever would. Maybe if you allowed your child to join they would learn the values that would help them in not making other poor decisions in life.
Quote from ZZZzzzzzzz:
I remember the phrase that "it takes a community to raise a child" but that raises the question as to the nature of the community.
Is the community a private community, or one that is open to all?
Scouting, high school cliques, college fraternities, memberships in private golf clubs...
Yes, those are communities, homogenous communities, but do those communities breed genuine individuality, or do they breed conformity and shunning of those who are not "members" of the right community?
The parent has to decide if he wants his kid to be a member of Skull and Bones society like Kerry and Bush, or a member of the school band and/or other open non secretive non exclusive organizations where you interact with all types of people...
Quote from man:
just to make that clear again: there are many, many
very positive thigns about the scouts. but, sorry, to a
caring father there is some concern as well. i don't see
why that is soo left and soo difficult to understand. and
if the so often mentioned "values" include a certain
degree of militarism: thnx, then these are not my values.
mine work as good without uniforms, ranks and flags.
maybe doublecheck yours if it is different for you.
i can respect this point of view, though my eyes see theQuote from gblnking:
I guess all I'm trying to add to this debate is that uniforms and badges don't make something military. Training for battles and war does. Anything can be skewed to seem militaristic using that logic. From wearing a McDonalds uniform to wearing required suits in a corporate meeting.
If your argument is about having a child in things that sacrifice individuality for a more uniform team atmosphere then I can see your point. But I just don't believe that the scouts have any militaristic notions.
Quote from ZZZzzzzzzz:
I remember the phrase that "it takes a community to raise a child" but that raises the question as to the nature of the community.
Is the community a private community, or one that is open to all?
Scouting, high school cliques, college fraternities, memberships in private golf clubs...
Yes, those are communities, homogenous communities, but do those communities breed genuine individuality, or do they breed conformity and shunning of those who are not "members" of the right community?
The parent has to decide if he wants his kid to be a member of Skull and Bones society like Kerry and Bush, or a member of the school band and/or other open non secretive non exclusive organizations where you interact with all types of people...