Asking for help...in terms of ideas

[Fresh_Start]

I'd like to write a really persuasive argument for the BSA to overturn the ban on gays.
What should I tell them to persuade them?
I'm pretty certain that swearing and belittling won't persuade them since we've all seen that
when emotions are on the rise, people are not persuaded they get more rigid in their own set positions.
Thank you in advance for any ideas you are willing to share.

[Taverner]

1. The BSA is all about excellence. Point them to individual gays who were excellent.

That makes no sense - sorry

Find people who have accomplished great deeds who happen to be gay

Todd Beamer(sp?) from the 9/11 attack comes to mind, but he isn't only one

The BSA loves examples.

Use them.

Thanks!

I want to be able to have my son be a cub scout with pride!

[Fresh_Start]

4. Taverner, thank you that's a great idea.

I'll be sure to use it.

[Taverner]

5. Good and good luck!

If you can do anything about the BSA accepting Atheists, I would love that!

But one mountain at a time...

[Fresh_Start]

7. Me too

but right now my son says he feels like he's almost one of Hitlers' Youth.
So I have to try.

[Taverner]

8. Keep up the fight!

As an active parent you can only HELP the cause!

[Ohio Joe]

2. The problem is...

They hate people not like them because their god tells them to... This cannot be reason with.

[Fresh_Start]

3. Ohio Joe, I don't think thats true

individual members and even individual troops can be horrible.
But the majority of people associated with scouts are like you and me.
They want the best for their children.
I'm in the town with the infamous denial of eagle for gay scout.
It was a different troop but the same liberal leaning town.
All of the troops in town including the 3 church affiliated troops are trying to get the policy overturned.
That includes a mormon church, a catholic church and a presbyterian church sponsored troop.
There is hope out there.

[rightsideout]

9. It's all about Scout Leader Training

I have a son in scouts. I'm an Eagle Scout and my dad was a Scoutmaster and Eagle.

To be honest, at the neighborhood Troop level not many people care one way or the other about the gay issue. At least not in our troop. The Scoutmaster in my son's troop is a woman. If the BSA is so concerned about possible "attraction" issues why do they allow women scoutmasters?

But the number one rule in scouting, Numero Uno, is no adult is left alone with a child, ever. In all activities you need at least two adults. Gone are the days when you had one adult leader take a group of boys on an outing. When an adult is working with a child on a requirement, it's always done with other adult leaders present. And no adult is allowed to go with a child alone unless it's in view of other adults.

All adult leaders have to pass basic 30 minute on-line training that explains all that.

So that just leaves the one other minor thing and that's the "morally straight" sentence in the Scout Oath. But I guess that is up to interpretation. Many anti-gay folks point to that as being contradictory. I don't know how to approach that particular issue.

But as far as kid safety, all kids most be supervised by two adults. No kids are to be left alone with one adult, unless that adult is a parent or legal guardian.

[Fresh_Start]

10. I'm aware of the training

I think the way to address the morally straight is to point out that many religious groups do not have prohibitions against gays.
And that the majority of our country accepts equality in rights, marriage, etc.