Greenhut suggests holding Scout Leader to Scout Oath.

Now where have I heard that before?

Scout EmblemIn a post this afternoon on the Orange Punch Blog Steven Greenhut related to his readers his increasing disgust at the actions of OC Scouting executive Les Baron and his “lame” letter to supporters in response to the Orange County Register’s revelations of the Key West fiasco.

I’ve been thinking about the local Boy Scout scandal, after the Register reported on the spectacular luxury enjoyed by top officials at a recent Key West conference, and after a follow-up article detailed the leaders’ fairly lame letter admitting that “mistakes were made.”

Why not judge the Scouts and their leader, Les Baron, by the organization’s own standards?

From the Scout’s Oath:THRIFTY. A Scout works to pay his way and to help others. He saves for unforeseen needs. He protects and conserves natural resources. He carefully uses time and property.”

From the Scout’s Oath:OBEDIENT. A Scout follows the rules of his family, school, and troop. …”

From the Scout’s Oath:TRUSTWORTHY. A Scout tells the truth. He keeps his promises. Honesty is part of his code of conduct. People can depend on him.”

From the Scout’s Oath:BRAVE. A Scout can face danger even if he is afraid. He has the courage to stand for what he thinks is right even if others laugh at or threaten him.”

I knew Steven’s comments looked familiar when I read them and sure enough I found them… in my June 11th post Okay, where’s the outrage?

The Scout Oath reads:

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.

Scout Law says:

A Scout is; Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean and Reverent.

The Boy Scout Vision Statement says:

The Boy Scouts of America is the nation’s foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training.

In the future Scouting will continue to

Offer young people responsible fun and adventure;
Instill in young people lifetime values and develop in them ethical character as expressed in the Scout Oath and Law;
Train young people in citizenship, service, and leadership;
Serve America’s communities and families with its quality, values-based program.

Steven came up with a few aspects of the oath that I did not cover.  He has also managed to eloquently communicate the frustration that many people, including myself, have had with this misuse of funds.  Thank you Steven for further highlighting the absurdity of not only the failure in judgment on the part of Les Baron and the Council Board of Directors, but the failure of these leaders to represent to all scouts the character that is expected of all scouts.

3 Comments

  1. Chris:

    Good job … I didn’t recall the Oath from your original post … but kudos for beating me to the punch. It is amazing the degree to which the actions of Baron and the Scout leaders differ from the simple oath that every Scout takes. And good job keeping the pressure on.

    Steven

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