Quote by Mondobubba:

Quote by Scoopster:
Mornin' all & happy Thursdee!

Are you all ready for NEMOPOCALYPSE?!

???

Quote by Raine:
Megan Phelps-Roper and her sister Grace left Westboro Baptist.

Quote by Mondobubba:

Quote by Raine:
Megan Phelps-Roper and her sister Grace left Westboro Baptist.

Well, this is kind of a big hairy deal isn't it?

Quote by wickedpam:
having a hard time staying awake this morning

Friends.
Yesterday’s national announcement was obviously disappointing, however, after 13 years (or longer) it probably wasn’t going to change that fast.

It seems the national leadership is behind a change more than their “kick the can down the road” move would imply.

Point One:
They have very persuasive enlightened perspective around this issue. The core of the conversation is driven by the Scouting Statement of religious principle. Which in short, reminds us the BSA is NOT a religious organization but an organization that values religion. The common ground of the conversation is based on that fact that no single religion can impose their religious principle on others through the BSA.

The comments from our two largest charter partners indicate a willingness to listen and value the BSA and our non-sectarian nature.
LDS Statement
Catholic Statement

Point Two:
The BSA long ago abandoned the moral implication of homosexuality, and has long helped to draw a distinction between orientation and pedophilia. Again these positions are held at the highest leadership level of the organization and are reflected in all our press statements and written documents.

BSA Statement – as reported by NPR last July, 2012
Original Supreme Court Statement - as reported by CNN, 2000

When you compare these two articles you see the shift away from inflammatory and moral superiority that was present in 2000. There are legal implications that also favor changing the policy implied by this subtle shift.

Point Three:
Lastly, the BSA is listening. The Voice of the Scout responses clearly indicate the policy issue is significantly diminishing our national loyalty of our own members and families. This speaks to the future of the organization and our quest to re-gain our broad appeal we once enjoyed.

These facts have driven the national board to the point of reviewing and proposing a change to the long standing policy. Sadly, the country has developed a hyper sense of division. And of course, all that being said – it could still be voted down.

It seems that sense of division that is holding this decision back. As we look at historically divisive issues in a greater context it is often the supreme court (rather than a vote) that pushes an issue through to become policy. The BSA governance (and therefore decision making) is dictated throughout its bylaws. Our national board does not want to play the role of the “supreme court,” therefore the decision has been pushed out to a broader vote.

To that end – they are asking for input from the entire Scouting family. Your comments! Also, our Council representatives will carry our council vote (it’s sorta’ like the electoral college we have three votes – based on the size of our council)

The hyper-division creates an extremely delicate balance as we work with national to navigate the next few months and strive to create resolution. We are best served by three actions.
1. Allow and promote the opportunity to share thoughts with national
2. Strengthen Scouting Locally – Membership! FOS! Camp Attendance! (This is our strategic plan and our mission! And more than anything helps add volume to our voice)
3. Allow our Council Representatives the opportunity to engage in the dialogue and eventually represent us formally in May.

I, for one, am looking forward to a day were 100% of my focus stays within the 617 area code. Our Scouts deserve 100% of our efforts.

Thanks
Chuck Eaton | Scout Executive / CEO

Quote by Scoopster:
Jeez.. on top of all the snow, they're saying sustained winds at 45 & gusts to 60, causing snow drifts up to 4 FEET.

Quote by Raine:

Quote by Scoopster:
Jeez.. on top of all the snow, they're saying sustained winds at 45 & gusts to 60, causing snow drifts up to 4 FEET.

This looks like whopper of a storm.

Not sure what we are going to get-- if any... if it tips one way or another it could make a significant difference.

Quote by Scoopster:
Mornin' all & happy Thursdee!

Are you all ready for NEMOPOCALYPSE?!

Quote by Raine:

Quote by Scoopster:
Mornin' all & happy Thursdee!

Are you all ready for NEMOPOCALYPSE?!

Oh, I just realized that this was the name of the storm.

See, This storm appears to be worthy of a name, altho nothing can match the power of not so super storm

Quote by BobR:

Quote by Mondobubba:

Quote by Raine:

Quote by Scoopster:
Jeez.. on top of all the snow, they're saying sustained winds at 45 & gusts to 60, causing snow drifts up to 4 FEET.

This looks like whopper of a storm.

Not sure what we are going to get-- if any... if it tips one way or another it could make a significant difference.

They were saying on the NPR Mosheen that rain south of New England, tapering off below NYC.

I think I'll take NOAA over NPR...

Quote by TriSec:
I've heard some stores are already out of bread and milk.

Of course, the TriSec compound is experiencing a shortage of breakfast meats....all the French Toast we'll be able to make tomorrow is pretty worthless without sausage.

Quote by TriSec:
TEN BANANA CREAM PIES!!!

(crash, bang, thud, squish....)

Quote by TriSec:
Aand Waltham Public just pulled the plug for tomorrow.

Wimps.

I went to school on the morning of February 6,. 1978. Storm picked up by lunchtime - I walked home into the teeth of the storm.

Uphill, of course.