Eagle Scouts return awards to protest Boy Scout policy barring gay members

[lame54]

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/2012/08/26/eagle-scouts-return-awards-protest-boy-scout-policy-barring-gay-members/3Jw5Dcag5ePDLAssswJQGN/story.html

To earn his Eagle Scout badge, Ned Coltman built a 65-foot handicap access ramp out of renewable materials for a conservation center in Reading. In 10 years as a Boy Scout, he learned how to lead, endure hardship, and live honestly.

But now he is quitting the Scouts.

He is among dozens of Scouts from Massachusetts and across the country who are returning their Eagle Scout awards to protest the organization’s longtime policy that bars openly gay members.

“This is absolute bigotry and ignorance,” said Coltman, 21, who became an Eagle Scout in 2009 with Troop 728 in Reading. “They have to know there are Eagles out there who are angry at this.”

Coltman sent a letter to the Boy Scouts of America Aug. 24 that rescinded his affiliation with the organization, accompanied by his Eagle Scout medal and badges...

[Big Orange Jeff]

1. My son, an Eagle Scout, is struggling with this...

On one hand, he wholeheartedly supports equal rights for LGBT. On the other, 1) he worked very hard to earn the rank of Eagle, and 2) if everyone that supports equal rights leaves the BSA, they will lose their voice within the organization.

[99Forever]

2. Sorry Jeff...

... got a nephew who's an Eagle, and "everyone that supports equal rights" has no voice in the BSA now. It is an organization CONTROLLED 100% by bigots. If your kid wants to be part of that and you support him in it, fine, but pretending that bigots can be changed by reasonable voices is not just foolish, it's a ridiculous pipe dream. At least these kids have the INTEGRITY to take a stand. Do you and yours?

[Big Orange Jeff]

3. Yes, we have integrity...

...but not that long ago, the United States was "controlled 100% by bigots." Democrats and Republicans. Back then, had those that supported civil rights just thrown up their hands and said, "That's it, we're leaving!", we never would have advanced civil rights. Are they where they need to be? Of course not, but change happened. It wasn't overnight - and we're still not where we need to be - but it happened. Now, it's the KKK, the Neo-Nazis, and their ilk whose views are radical and ridiculous. And that would never have happened if everyone who pushed for civil rights had just given up.

I respect all of the Scouts that have resigned from the organization for taking a stand. I also respect those that have stayed with it in order to try to change it. Can a bigot's mind be changed? Very, very rarely. Maybe even never. Are there some in power with open minds that will engage in real discussions of the issue at hand? Quite possibly. If we just give up, however, we'll never know.

[99Forever]

4. Exactly where did I say anything about giving up?

I don't defend strawmen. Have a nice day.

[Big Orange Jeff]

5. Well, since you asked...

"...pretending that bigots can be changed by reasonable voices is not just foolish, it's a ridiculous pipe dream."

You may not defend straw men, but perhaps you'd like to defend your own statement. To me, it sure sounds like you think he should just stop trying.

[99Forever]

6. When you learn the difference between resigning in protest and giving up..

... get back to me.

Enjoy your stay.

[Big Orange Jeff]

7. Huh?

I absolutely understand the difference. Let's review...

I explained that my son is struggling with the idea of resigning, because he supports equal rights but he wants to try to change the BSA stance on LGBT members.

You responded by positing that his desire to change the organization is both foolish and ridiculous, which I read to mean that he should give up, and by questioning my son's and (for someone unknown reason) my integrity.

I explained why he doesn't want to just give up.

You asked where you said anything about giving up.

I pointed out the phrase you used, explained how it implies he should just quit trying, and asked you to defend it.

You chose not to defend your statement, instead questioning my comprehension skills.


Now, I will clarify, he has been (and still is) considering resigning over this, but right now he feels he can be much more effective working from within the organization. Just because he chooses to remain a member does not mean he supports every single stance it takes. I don't believe one can be part of any business, social club, church, political party, team, group, or any entity comprised of more than one person, in which you agree with every stance it takes.