boy scouts, why do you like being an american?

[seabeyond]

our entertainment.
freedoms and independence
diversity
we have more peace than other countries. (ok,this one,not so much of late. made the adults all stop and think where our country is anyway and it is a peaceful place in my sons world.)
said my 9 year old boy

the leader went thru the kids to listen to their answers and one child said
because this is a christian nation.

(we are in very red panhandle of texas, religious belt.)

i hear this gentle, soft, respectful voice say.....

well, that isn't really true. there are a lot of religions in this country like jewish and Muslim and people who don't believe in christianity.

that was my son. oh no..... as the room sits quietly. where did that courage and gentleness come from. yup, was my boy

the other boy says, this is a nation under god

the leader clarified and corrected that this nation had the freedoms as most children stated that allowed all religion and even those that don't believe. allows people to go to churches of choice and some chose not to go. we are all allowed.

the boys also had to chose a state to talk about. my son chose california. sees himself as a hippie ( i don't know how, lol, except all the peace shirts he wears) and i have a good ten stickers on my car.

peace dudes....

[livetohike]

1. Your son sounds like a wonderful person and he will grow

up to be a true gentle man.

Good for you seabeyond . And it sounds like a good Scout master there too.

[seabeyond]

4. i was happy with the scout master too.... funny.... his son started

talking about how we have the right to speak out against the govt even if what we are saying may not be right...

i am not really sure where the boy was coming from, or what he was saying,... but the leader speaks up and says, we were having a discussion earlier. and i just busted up laughing. at this age, the kids hold on to some things and you never know what they are going to say, regardless of how balanced we try to be.

[MadMaddie]

2. Sounds to me like you have a fine young man growing up...

tactful and respectful....

Here's to your son...

[seabeyond]

5. thank you. i havent seen him in a crowd much

i was pleasently surprised his manners and respectfulness. told him, very proud.

[aikoaiko]

3. very impressed with your young son, but the adult leader too.

I'm an eagle scout and have mixed feelings about the BSA since the court cases involving atheist and gay scouts/leaders. I can imagine the scout leaders feel the pressure to be godfearing heterosexuals.

Sounds likea good learning moment for everyone.

[seabeyond]

6. diversity.... it really is one of our blessings.

the fun thing about this area, i am the opposite. i am the one that these people fear. but the rest of the meeting i had a huge smile interacting with most of the kids, helping with the projects, connecting to the children.

the opposite isnt nearly so fearful. the opposite can even be quite beautiful.... on both sides.

yes.... he is a good leader.