Ambiguously Moral Scouts

Scott Horowitz | August 18, 2005
It's been awfully quiet around here lately, so I think I'll start a discussion. I was at my cousin's eagle scout induction last night, and I was reading through the program. They had the Scout Oath.

On my honor I will do my best
To do my duty to God and my country
and to obey the Scout Law;
To help other people at all times;
To keep myself physically strong,
mentally awake, and morally straight.

Lori Lancaster | August 18, 2005
[hidden by request]

Scott Horowitz | August 18, 2005
The reason people have been complaining about the "morally straight" is the persecution of homosexuals in the scouts.

(link)

Amy Austin | August 18, 2005
Nothing else in there mentions anything even remotely linkable to Sex.

"...and remain faithful in your religious beliefs." For some people, Lori, that much is enough. The BSA/Christian link is a very strong one. I mean, just look at how much some boy scout leaders have in common with some Catholic priests!!! ;-DDDDD

Scott Horowitz | August 18, 2005
George Carlin in his list of people he can do without: "A Boy scout master who owns a dildo shop"

Jackie Mason | August 20, 2005
[hidden by request]

Scott Hardie | August 25, 2005
Was the slang term "straight" for heterosexuality even in use in 1910 when that oath was first conceived? The organization was founded to encourage certain morals in youth, but I'm guessing that heterosexuality was not one of those morals and was a non-issue until the last fifteen years, when suddenly it was declared to be a core issue, so important they would deny members over it. I agree with the Supreme Court ruling that they're a private organization who can choose their own members, but I can't help but think they'll have to evolve in the coming decades or disappear. I'm not sure I'd want my own kids joining it.