Friday, September 21, 2012

Scouts and Politics

Interesting article about how Romney wanted Scouts at his arrival.  Apparently Ryan had Scouts at his arrival in Provo too.

I don't fault the leader or the boys for wanting to be there but come on.  No checking on policy??  What is sad is that I know that if this leader had turned Romney down another one would have gone.  And I love how NONE of the boys have BSA pants.  It is like jeans are the Scout pants for the LDS Church.  Plus the boy with his ranks sewn onto his sash instead of merit badges.  And the boy with his merit badges going two across instead of three across.  Sorry...........at least look proper if you are going to violate policy.  :)

If the Church won't let us use our Churches for any political purpose, why would the BSA let us participate in an uniform?  Use your brain people and at least check to see if there is a policy!  I am kind of surprised we are allowed to do flag ceremonies for political rallies.  I wouldn't touch that with a 20 foot pole as a leader if I was asked for by a candidate that I really, really, REALLY liked.

Boy Scout policy on participation in political events

 
"Uniformed unit members or leaders may participate in flag ceremonies at political events and may lead Pledge of Allegiance; however, they should retire after the ceremony and NOT remain on the speakers' platform or in a conspicuous location where television viewers could construe their presence as an endorsement or symbol of support. In addition, photos of candidates or Scouts in uniform or BSA marks and logos are NOT allowed in political materials of any kind. 
"The Boy Scouts of America does not endorse any political candidate. Care must be taken to not make implications that we do." 
Source: Boy Scouts of America 
Their presence, I think, only violates the "in a conspicuous location when television viewers could construe their presence as an endorsement".  Had their been no television cameras, I am sure it would have been fine.  But what candidate would want to greet Scouts without a camera present?

And where was the other leader to ensure two deep leadership???

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