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In reply to the discussion: NBC News: Boy Scouts Close to Ending Ban on Gay Members, Leaders [View all]Gore1FL
(21,125 posts)I knew people that were that way, don't get me wrong. What you describe wasn't my experience when dealing with the vast majority or the adults I encountered.
I loved my scouting experience as a liberal youth. I loved it as a liberal atheist adult. The founder of the organization, Robert Baden-Powell is rumored to have been gay. He specifically ranted about how people kept trying to out religion into a program that was designed instead to get people to practice moral behavior. (It's covered pages 9-12 in Aids to Scoutmastership). In scouting, I got to teach kids the importance of working with others, respecting the environment, doing things for someone with no expectation of reward. I watched as 11-year-old wild kids turned into young leaders as they developed hobbies, skills, and responsibility (Many of these are not typical conservative notions). The program, when separated from the unenforceable policies, is quite spectacular.
I don't like how the LDS has taken over the organization and how it has forced it's agenda. Fortunately, a national organization that relies on volunteers can't really push or enforce policies as much as it pretends. That's why it is important for people whose values are more like yours and mine to take part in order to create a safe-haven for those who would otherwise be excluded. It's one of the best youth programs in the world. Our country's version of it has assholes serving as powerless (albeit visible) figureheads. Don't hate the worldwide organization over that!