Conservapedia - User contributions [en]

Circumcision

2012-08-21T20:47:25Z

Cannotusenumbers: fixing lead

In males, '''circumcision''' is the surgical removal of the foreskin which covers the head of the penis. This operation is usually performed early in a child's life. Circumcision is a common practice not only in the [[United States]] and the [[Middle East]], but throughout the world (except [[Asia]], [[South America|South]] and [[Central America]], and most of [[Europe]]) and history. It is generally not practiced in most of Europe and largely unheard of in Eastern Asian countries. Ritual circumcision is common in the [[Jewish]] and [[Islam]]ic faiths, but uncommon altogether in [[Asia]], [[South America|South]] and [[Central America]], and most of [[Europe]].<ref>AMA report on Neonatal Circumcision[http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/category/13585.html]</ref> Circumcision was an outward sign of the covenent between God and the Jewish people as told in the [[Bible]] in the book of [[Genesis]].

Circumcision rates in the US have been declining since 1965, due in part to statements from the [[American Academy of Pediatrics]]<ref> AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS - Task Force on Circumcision - Circumcision Policy Statement [http://www.cirp.org/library/statements/aap1999/]</ref><ref>AAP Press Release - NEW AAP CIRCUMCISION POLICY RELEASED[http://www.aap.org/advocacy/archives/marcircum.htm]</ref><ref>PEDIATRICS Vol. 103 No. 3 March 1999, pp. 686-693 - AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS: Circumcision Policy Statement [http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/pediatrics;103/3/686]"A statement of reaffirmation for this policy was published on September 1, 2005."</ref> and the [[American Medical Association]] <ref>AMA report on Neonatal Circumcision[http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/category/13585.html]</ref> discouraging the practice. While it varies regionally, in 2004 about 57% of newborn boys in the US were circumcised. <ref>United States Circumcision Incidence[http://www.cirp.org/library/statistics/USA/]</ref>

The procedure lasts only ten minutes and is often performed in a hospital before the baby is taken home. Local anesthesia and antibacterial ointment are used to prevent pain and infection. Some boys may experience a small amount of bleeding or redness, and this is a normal part of the procedure.

== Medical Benefits ==

The medical benefits suggested to accrue from circumcision are:

* Reduced incidence of urinary tract infection in infant males
* Reduced incidences of infection in prolonged exposure to non-hygenic conditions as might take place during war
* Decreased incidence of penile [[cancer]] in adult males
* Decreased susceptibility to certain sexually transmissible diseases, including human immunodeficiency virus ([[HIV]]). Studies taken in the African nations of Kenya and Uganda found that circumcised males were less than half as likely to acquire HIV when involved in intercourse with an infected partner than those who were never circumcised. <Ref>Time Magazine, December 27th, 2007, Pg. 84</ref>

== AMA Response ==

Despite these benefits, the [[American Medical Association|AMA]] does not recommend routine infant circumcision. They state that because the incidence of urinary tract infection in infant males is low to begin with, circumcision is not justified as a preventive measure against this condition; because penile cancer is rare and occurs later in life, the use of circumcision as a preventive practice is not justified; and because behavioral factors are far more important risk factors for acquisition of HIV and other sexually transmissible diseases than circumcision status, circumcision cannot be responsibly viewed as "protecting" against such infections. The AMA concludes that "Existing scientific evidence demonstrates potential medical benefits of newborn male circumcision; however, these data are not sufficient to recommend routine neonatal circumcision."<ref>AMA report on Neonatal Circumcision[http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/category/13585.html]</ref>

== Female Circumcision (FGM) ==
Female circumcision, practiced in parts of Africa, is a much different procedure that can have lasting effects on a girl's health. <ref> JAMA Vol. 274 No. 21, December 6, 1995 - Female genital mutilation. Council on Scientific Affairs, American Medical Association[http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/274/21/1714]</ref> The procedure may range from a simple cut in the pubic region to the complete removal of parts of the female reproductive organs. While the procedure is an important part of some African cultures, there is increased pressure by women's groups worldwide to ban it. Female circumcision is often referred to in the medical community as [[Female Genital Mutilation]], or FGM.<ref> JAMA Vol. 274 No. 21, December 6, 1995 - Female genital mutilation. Council on Scientific Affairs, American Medical Association[http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/274/21/1714]</ref>

==References==
<references/>

[[Category:Medical Terms]]
[[Category:Judaism]]
[[Category:Bible]]

Illegal immigration

2012-08-21T20:45:45Z

Cannotusenumbers: /* U.S. */

[[Image:Coleman - Arellano.jpg|thumb|The Rev. [[Oscar Carrasco]] and [[Elvira Arellano]]]]

'''Illegal immigration''' is the act of [[immigration|immigrating]] to a country without having the right to do so. A person who migrates without the legal right to do so is known as an [[illegal alien]].

__TOC__
==Illegal immigration in the United States==
Illegal immigration has become a major issue in the [[United States]] in the 1980s, and continues to be a highly visible issue.

===Economic aspects===

Illegal immigrants pay sales taxes and gasoline taxes; most are too poor to pay income taxes. Many use fake Social Security numbers and pay Social Security taxes but are not eligible for any benefits. Many use tax-payer funded services such as health care and schools.

===Numbers of people===

Pew estimates about 12 million illegal immigrants lived in the U.S. in 2004.<ref>Higher estimates run to 20 million; [http://immigrationcounters.com/ see high estimate]</ref> However, many are afraid to use available services, such as domestic violence shelters, out of fear of deportation. Many illegals cannot speak English.

===Arguments favoring it===

====No one else wants those jobs anyway====
Illegal immigration is defended, saying that [[immigrants]] are simply coming to take [[unskilled job]]s that better educated Americans avoid, such as picking fruit and lettuce, making hotel beds and working in [[slaughterhouse]]s.

====They need political asylum====
A small percentage come illegally to escape political oppression, as legal channels are not open to them.<ref>http://www.immigration-usa.com/george_weissinger.html immigration Usa</ref><ref>www.uscis.gov Immigration and Naturalization Services</ref><ref>www.dhs.gov Department of Homeland Security</ref> Marriage to a U.S. citizen does not automatically gain one citizenship. When Army Spc. Alex Jimenez was captured by terrorists in [[Iraq]], his wife was almost deported by the government. Strong public opinion allowed her to stay.<ref>[http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/06/20/national/main2956093.shtml Missing Soldier's Wife Faces Deportation]</ref>

===Arguments against it===
====No one wants to work with them====
One could just as easily argue, however, that these jobs in part only seem unappealing to many Americans because of their association with illegal immigrants. Furthermore, not all illegal immigrants pursue undesirable jobs. In a recent case in California, a Hispanic man who came to the country illegally sought the right to take California's Bar Exam in order to practice law.<ref>[http://www.ruthlesslawyer.com/illegal-legalities/ Illegal Immigrant Can't Be Lawyer]</ref>

===Where they come from===
[[Mexico]] is the source of the about half of the recent illegal immigrants to the United States. Most arrive legally and over-stay their visas. Others cross the border mostly through the desert southwest or less often by swimming across the [[Rio Grande]]. [[Canada]] is another large source. Currently estimates show around 70,000 undocumented Canadian workers work in the U.S. They come over from the border with [[Canada]] along the northern part of the United States which is not nearly as secure as the southern border with [[Mexico]].
====Dispute with Mexico====
The United States receives constant criticism from the Mexican government for its efforts to curb illegal immigration. And United States officials criticize Mexican officials for passing out handbooks on how to cross the border, saying Mexico is trying to avoid political and governmental reforms at home by encouraging its citizens to leave.

===Legal aspects===
Under Title 8 Section 1325 of the U.S. Code, "Improper Entry by Alien," any citizen of any country other than the United States who:
-Enters or attempts to enter the United States at any time or place other than as designated by immigration officers; or
-Eludes examination or inspection by immigration officers; or
-Attempts to enter or obtains entry to the United States by a willfully false or misleading representation or the willful concealment of a material fact; has committed a federal crime.
Violations are punishable by criminal fines and imprisonment for up to six months. Repeat offenses can bring up to two years in prison. Additional civil fines may be imposed at the discretion of immigration judges, but civil fines do not negate the criminal sanctions or nature of the offense.

Illegal entry is not a [[misdemeanor]] in U.S. law, at the level of [[speeding]]. Those who are caught are usually promptly expelled from the country without penalty. However, multiple illegal entries can lead to [[felony]] convictions.

<blockquote>
Legislative leaders in at least half a dozen American states say they will propose bills similar to a controversial law to fight illegal immigration that was adopted by [[Arizona]] last spring, even though a federal court has suspended central provisions of that statute. [http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/01/us/01immig.html?_r=1&hp]
</blockquote>

====Mexico and Mexicans====
Ironically, one of Mexico's harshest criticisms was a plan by the United States to make illegal immigration a felony offense, which would impose harsher penalties on illegal Mexican immigrants. Mexico's own laws make illegal immigration a felony offense in that country.[http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/1602610/posts][http://www.vdare.com/awall/060518_memo.htm]

Many Mexicans have to come to the United States to work because for many years the Mexican government was [[socialist]], being under the control of the [[Institutional Revolutionary Party]], which limited [[economic opportunity]] and [[economic growth|growth]]. Before 2001 there was frequent movement across the border. It was common to work in summer jobs in the U.S. and spend the winter in Mexico. Border security since then has become much stricter, and it is far more difficult to cross repeatedly. Therefore the tendency was to remain in the U.S.

An unintended consequence of the tighter [[border security]] is that millions stayed in the U.S. and did not return.

Most Mexicans who come are religious and culturally conservative. They communities do not encourage [[homosexuality]], [[abortion]] or [[teenage promiscuity]].

Like other immigrant groups, many illegals send money to their families remaining in the old country. In Mexico this funding is the second largest source of [[foreign income]], after [[crude oil]] sales. It represents as much as 2.5 percent of the nation's Gross Domestic Product <ref>[http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/NEWS/0,,contentMDK:20724214~pagePK:64257043~piPK:437376~theSitePK:4607,00.html] World Bank Report on Migration and Welfare</ref>

====Canada and Canadians====
Currently estimates show around 600,000<ref>[http://pewhispanic.org/files/reports/61.pdf Pew Hispanic Center report]</ref> undocumented Canadian workers work in the U.S. They do not contribute to the U.S. economy in any way shape or form. Canadian citizens are not required to obtain Visas Unlike Mexican citizens, instead they have Visa waivers which last for six months. They take jobs from U.S. citizens primarily because they would be paid significantly less for the same jobs in Canada. (mainly in the construction industry.) The border with Canada is significantly easier to cross, due to several factors such as less Border Patrol personnel and a significantly greater border a 5,525 mile border with Canada compared (with 1,538 miles being added from [[Alaska]] 's border) to the 1,951 mile long border with [[Mexico]]. Along the border with [[Canada]] we have around 1,000 Border Patrol agents to cover the entire border, whilst on our border in [[Mexico]] we have around 11,000 agents.

==Amnesty==
The [[Ronald Reagan|Reagan Administration]] gave amnesty to all the illegals present in the country in 1986. The "Immigration Control and Reform Act" of 1986 legalized the status of about 3 million immigrants. Other laws legalized the status of immigrants from Cuba and Haiti. In 2006 President [[George W. Bush]] and Senator [[John McCain]] proposed legislation to legalize the status of most of the illegals. The business and religious communities supported the idea, but grass roots opposition blocked passage in Congress and denounced the notion of "amnesty."

==Moral issues==
As the [[Bible]] exhorts people to be compassionate towards illegal immigrants (Exodus 23:9 and Leviticus 19:34), and as more Americans are [[Christian]] than any other religion, many Americans feel compelled by their religion to show compassion and caring for illegal immigrants, many of whom are trying to escape tyranny or poverty in their homelands.

Some conservatives oppose illegal immigration because it allows for immigrants to fall between the cracks of society thus making them more likely to commit crime or experience poverty. Other conservatives view illegal immigration as an exercise in a basic [[individualism|individual]] [[human rights|human right]] to pursue happiness. Illegal immigration is also economically damaging to countries because illegal immigrants will often work illegally for below minimum wage, resulting in job loss for legal citizens.

==Crimes Committed by Illegal Immigrants in the U.S.==

Among many others:

*2002 - Ingmar Guandique, a Salvadoran in the United States, is currently serving a ten year prison term for assaulting two joggers in Washington D.C. is now suspected of killing [[Chandra Levy]]. The Levy case is famous because during the initial investigation her relationship with California congressman [[Gary Condit]] was revealed, ending his career. <ref>http://michellemalkin.com/2009/02/23/return-of-the-chandra-levy-case-and-illegal-alien-sex-offender-ingmar-guandique/</ref>

*2005 - Raul Garcia-Gomez, shot two Denver police officers in the back, killing one. He fled to Mexico and was captured. However, the Mexcian government sheltered Gomez until the American prosecutor agreed to not seek the death penalty against him. <ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,337719,00.html Illegal Immigrant Worker Sentenced in Slaying of Actress Adrienne Shelly], ''[[Associated Press]]'', March 13, 2008</ref>

*2008 - Diego Pillco, a 20-year-old from Ecuador, pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter of actress Adrienne Shelly. Pillco was sentenced to 25 years in prison. Pillco admitted strangling Shelly and then hanging her body to make it look like a suicide. The judge said Pillco would be subject to immediate deportation upon release from prison. <ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,337719,00.html Illegal Immigrant Worker Sentenced in Slaying of Actress Adrienne Shelly], ''[[Associated Press]]'', March 13, 2008</ref>

*2008 - Edwin Ramos, killed three people on their way home from a family picnic. Ramos had been arrested multiple times before the killings (once for mugging a pregnant woman), but the city of San Francisco shielded him from deportation. <ref>http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/07/20/MNK011MAFR.DTL</ref>

==Statistics==

The amount of people immigrating to the United States illegally has declined since 2001. People who formerly moved back and forth across the border (working the agricultural fields in the US in the summer and wintering in a village in the winter) has declined, and instead they tremain in the U.S. The estimated number of illegal immigrants in the United States in 2005 was about 12 million. <ref>http://www.cnn.com/interactive/us/0603/charts.immigration/frameset.exclude.html?eref=yahoo</ref> <ref>[http://www.house.gov/mccaul/pdf/Investigaions-Border-Report.pdf A Line In The Sand] House Committee on Homeland Security</ref>

$397 billion dollars have been paid to families containing illegal immigrants through social services since 1996. Most of the money goes to schooling for U.S. citizens and for children.<ref>http://www.fairus.org/site/PageServer?pagename=iic_immigrationissuecentersf134</ref>

The number of illegal aliens who are in prison is over 300,000, about 3% of the total.<ref> The number of convicted criminal aliens in federal prison at the end of 2003 was 46,063; in state prisons and local jails here were 262,105.[http://www.gao.gov/htext/d05646r.html online]</ref>

Sex offenders comprised 2% of illegals who have been arrested. Nearly one million sex crimes were committed by illegal immigrants in the United States, in the seven years 1999-2006. Each sex offender averaged 4 victims. <ref>[http://www.drdsk.com/articles.html#Illegals The Dark Side of Illegal Immigration] Violent Crimes Institute, 2006</ref>

Households headed by illegal aliens imposed more than $26.3 billion in costs on the federal government in 2002 and paid only $16 billion in taxes, creating a net fiscal deficit of almost $10.4 billion, or $2,700 per illegal household. Most of the costs were incurred by U.S. citizens, however, not by the illegals. On average, the costs that illegal households impose are less than half that of other households. In terms of welfare use, receipt of cash assistance programs by illegals tends to be very low, while Medicaid use, though significant, is still less than for other households. <ref>[http://www.cis.org/articles/2004/fiscalexec.html The High Cost of Cheap Labor] Center For Immigration Studies</ref>

California spent more than 11 billion dollars per year on illegal immigrants. California is seeking the federal government to bail them out of their financial deficit.

<blockquote>
'' There are some 7 million illegal immigrants in this country who lack health insurance, according to the Pew Hispanic Center.'' [http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090912/ap_on_go_co/us_health_care_overhaul]
</blockquote>

===2010 Statistics===
Data compilled from [[Federal Bureau of Investigation]] and [[Department of Homeland Security]] reports indicate:

* 83% of warrants for murder in Phoenix are for illegal aliens.
* 86% of warrants for murder in Albuquerque are for illegal aliens.
* 75% of those on the most wanted list in Los Angeles , Phoenix and Albuquerque are illegal aliens.
* 24.9% of all inmates in California detention centers are Mexican nationals
* 40.1% of all inmates in Arizona detention centers are Mexican nationals
* 48.2% of all inmates in New Mexico detention centers are Mexican nationals
* 29% (630,000) convicted illegal alien felons fill our state and Federal prisons at a cost of $1.6 billion annually
* 53% plus of all investigated burglaries reported in [[California]], [[New Mexico]], Nevada, Arizona and [[Texas]] are perpetrated by illegal aliens.
* 50% plus of all gang members in Los Angeles are illegal aliens
* 71% plus of all apprehended cars stolen in 2005 in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada and California were stolen by Illegal aliens or "[[transport coyotes]]".
* 47% of cited/stopped drivers in California have no license, no insurance and no registration for the vehicle. Of that 47%, 92% are illegal aliens.
* 63% of cited/stopped drivers in Arizona have no license, no insurance and no registration for
the vehicle. Of that 63%, 97% are illegal aliens
* 66% of cited/stopped drivers in New Mexico have no license, no insurance and no registration for
the vehicle. Of that 66% 98% are illegal aliens.
* 380,000 plus "anchor babies" were born in the US to illegal alien parents in just one year, making 380,000 babies automatically US citizens.
* 97.2% of all costs incurred from those illegal births were paid by the American taxpayers.

== See also ==
*[[Latino]]
*[[Xenophobia]]
*[[Lozano v. Hazleton]]
*[[Elvira Arellano]]
*[[Reno v. Flores]]

==Bibliography==
* David W. Haines, Karen E. Rosenblum. ''Illegal Immigration in America: A Reference Handbook'' (Greenwood Press, 1999) [http://www.questia.com/read/111894645?title=Illegal%20Immigration%20in%20America%3a%20%20A%20Reference%20Handbook online edition]
* Pierre Hauser, ''Illegal Aliens'' (1990)
* Jeffrey S. Passel, "Unauthorized Migrants: Numbers and Characteristics," Pew Hispanic Center Reports and fact Sheets. (June 14, 2005), [http://pewhispanic.org/reports/report.php?ReportID=46 online]
* Claudia Sadowski-Smith. "Unskilled Labor Migration and the Illegality Spiral: Chinese, European, and Mexican Indocumentados in the United States, 1882–2007," ''American Quarterly,'' Volume 60, Number 3, September 2008, pp. 779-804 [http://muse.uq.edu.au/login?uri=/journals/american_quarterly/v060/60.3.sadowski-smith.html in Project Muse]
* Aristide R. Zolberg, ''A Nation by Design: Immigration Policy in the Fashioning of America'' (2006)
* TRAC REPORTS "''Border Patrol Expands But Growth Rate After 9/11 Much Less Than Before Division Between North/South Border Little Changed''" April 4, 2006 [http://trac.syr.edu/immigration/reports/143/]

==External links==
*[http://rightwingnews.com/mt331/2008/11/reasons_to_vote_for_mccain_rea.php About Illegal Immigration], [[Right Wing News]]
*[http://www.theblaze.com/stories/day-one-gop-congressman-introduces-bill-to-end-birthright-citizenship/ Congressman Introduces Bill to End ‘Birthright Citizenship’]

== References ==
<references />

[[Category:Immigration]]
[[Category:Political Terms]]
[[Category:Social Problems]]

Penn and Teller

2012-08-21T20:41:55Z

Cannotusenumbers:

'''Penn & Teller''' are are a performing duo of [[magic]]ians currently based out of Las Vegas. Penn Jillette is the taller of the two and does all of the talking during their acts and shows, Raymond Teller is almost always completely silent and does the bulk of the on stage conjuring. In addition to their stage show Penn & Teller made several movies in the 80's and 90's and have had multiple television appearances together; They also star in their own television show "Bull****" which focuses on debunking myths and espousing their personal brand of libertarian atheist politics. Teller speaks freely outside of the confines of the act. The pair have appeared on ''[[The West Wing]]'', on which they appeared to make an American flag, wrapped in a copy of the Bill of Rights, disappear in a puff of flame and smoke.

From a conservative perspective, Penn and Teller can be both loved and hated. They have mocked things like [[religion]], the [[war on drugs]], the [[death penalty]], warrantless [[wiretaps]], [[illegal immigration]] opposition and [[circumcision]], but also debunked aspects of [[environmentalism]], [[9/11 conspiracy theories]], and [[gun control]] on their show ''Penn & Teller's Bull*shit'', on Showtime. The duo are both atheists, and both have [[libertarian]] political views. Penn has verbally announced on their show that they do not at all agree with American conservatives.<ref>http://movies.ign.com/articles/454/454422p2.html</ref>

==Hate Speech==
Penn and Teller have been very outspoken anti-Catholic activists, often openly mocking [[Catholic]] people for their faith. They vilified Mother Teresa for her work with the poor.<ref>[http://townhall.com/columnists/BrentBozellIII/2005/06/03/penn_and_teller_trash_mother_teresa Penn and Teller trash Mother Teresa] Townhall, June 03, 2005</ref>

==References==
<references />

[[Category:Entertainers]]
[[Category:Atheists]]
[[Category:Libertarians]]
[[Category:Libertarianism]]

Talk:Boy Scouts of America

2012-08-21T20:26:24Z

Cannotusenumbers: /* Other Branches of Scouting */

==Scouting and Christianity?==
Baden-Powell may well have said "Scouting is applied Christianity," but I am not so sure that the modern BSA should be associated with Christianity, as in the sentence
:As a result of their strong adherence to traditional Christian morality...

It seems to me that the Boys Scouts are better characterized, not as Christian, but as embracing the sort of "generic religion" espoused by Benjamin Franklin. The [http://www.scouting.org/nav/enter.jsp?s=mc&c=mv BSA mission and vision statements] mention God and reverence, but make no reference to Christianity. BSA fact sheets include titles such as

*[http://www.scouting.org/factsheets/02-209.html Scouting in the Buddhist community]
*[http://www.scouting.org/factsheets/02-928.html Scouting in the Islamic community]
*[http://www.scouting.org/factsheets/02-547.html Scouting serves the Jewish community]

[[User:Dpbsmith|Dpbsmith]] 22:20, 23 February 2007 (EST)

Interesting points, but this seems to be on the fringe of Scouting. Christian schools often welcome non-Christians also. In the U.S., Boy Scouts tend to be overwhelmingly Christian.--[[User:Aschlafly|Aschlafly]] 22:29, 23 February 2007 (EST)

*Not the troop my son was in! [[User:Dpbsmith|Dpbsmith]] 07:51, 24 February 2007 (EST)

I think that the comment about Christian morality can be interpreted in a couple different ways. In a nutshell, BSA is based upon Christian morality, even though there is no "official" requirement within the program that Scouts be a Christian. Although I did have to switch troops because one troop would not let me advance because I was a Baptist rather than a Nazarene. Religious emblems are awarded to Christians, and for other religions as well. I know that the religious emblems aren't given out by the BSA, but the BSA literature did reference the pamphlets for the other one. I remember that my troop brought in a speaker once who talked about the twelth point of the Scout law and said that it didn't matter what you believed as long as you believe something. I did come across Jewish and Mormon troops I know the Mormons have strongly embraced the Scouting programs.

However, it's undeniable that the BSA's principled are strongly based upon Christian morality, even if there are a number of non-Christians within the program. [[User:MountainDew|MountainDew]] 02:30, 5 March 2007 (EST)

:"BSA is based upon Christian morality"? Well, I never noticed it. What I did see was a strong basis of respect for the environment, social activism, general "reverent" ecumenism, and paramilitary organization in order to keep everyone safe and "get the job done". [[User:Human|Human]] 02:43, 23 April 2007 (EDT)

::National BSA has taken the position that a Scout must believe in a higher power. What that higher power may be is up for interpretation. [[User:ColinR|ColinR]][[User_talk:ColinR|talk]] 03:09, 23 April 2007 (EDT)

:::I hate to be the one who wets the blanket but the morals that the BSA upholds are fairly universal and exist outside the christian communityas opposed to only inside, indeed also exist outside any theological community as well. [[User:Jros83|Jros83]] 16:37, 27 June 2007 (EDT)

When I was in Scouts, they brought in a speaker who said that you can't be an atheist, but otherwise, they don't care as long as you believe something. [[User:DanH|DanH]] 16:38, 27 June 2007 (EDT)

:And yet, you can be an atheist nonetheless. [[User:Jros83|Jros83]] 16:45, 27 June 2007 (EDT)

You would just have to keep quiet about it, and when they ask you about your religious beliefs when you're going for Eagle, lie. Part of the process involves a recommendation from a religious leader. If there isn't anybody available to do that for you, you have to write a paper about what you believe. [[User:DanH|DanH]] 16:47, 27 June 2007 (EDT)

Dan my point is, you could adhere to a nature based theology and it would technically be alright. Even a pure atheist can have metaphysical beliefs that can be interpreted as a higher power/powers. The BAS is not Judeo-Christian only. [[User:Jros83|Jros83]] 02:06, 28 June 2007 (EDT)

You could lie and say your Shinto or some thing they wouldn’t want to look up - that’s what I did--[[User:Bloodsliver|duo]] 23:28, 22 March 2008 (EDT)

:Wow. Come on, man. A Scout is Trustworthy. --[[User:Xparasite9|Xparasite9]] 15:43, 4 August 2008 (EDT)

==Discuss proposed changes here while the article is locked==

As a protection against vandalism, this article has temporarily been locked from editing. If there's anything you want to change or add to this article, discuss it here or on my TalkPage. [[User:MountainDew|MountainDew]] 01:38, 29 March 2007 (EDT)

Hi, I was just looking around and noticed "Organisations" in the article. It needs to be changed to "organizations." Thanks.

*Thanks! I changed a couple of them, however Conservapedia has now dropped the proibition against UK English spellings. ;-) --~ [[User:TK|TerryK]] [[User_talk:TK|MyTalk]] 22:07, 29 March 2007 (EDT)

I was a boy scout =)

==Den mothers==

If that's the case, I had two male den mothers back in the day. [[User:DanH|DanH]] 03:16, 23 April 2007 (EDT)

::Ditto. [[User:ColinR|ColinR]][[User_talk:ColinR|talk]] 03:18, 23 April 2007 (EDT)

==Adding Organizational Coherence==

This article does not flow well. I would like to begin re-organizing it, but I will not delete any contributions. I aim to re-organize it and add to it. [[User:Stryker|Stryker]] 11:09, 28 June 2007 (EDT)

== Eagle Scout requirements ==

The article correctly states that 21 merit badges are required for Eagle. However, it also stated that they must be earned within the Scout's last three ranks. Unless something has changed since I got Eagle four years ago, I don't think it matters ''when'' the merit badges were earned. Could somebody, maybe somebody who is currently involved in the Scouts as a leader or a Scout, shed some light on this? [[User:DanH|DanH]] 20:02, 12 April 2008 (EDT)

: Good question. Don't know myself, but I am looking for ways to help the Scouts against the well-financed attacks against them.--[[User:Aschlafly|Aschlafly]] 20:17, 12 April 2008 (EDT)

: I am a Boy Scout, and I can assure you that it does not matter when you earn the merit badges. p.s. I'm new to MediaWiki, how do I sign/indent a comment?
::It is number of merit badges regardless of when earned, as of the requirement change in the 1970s. [[User:Cannotusenumbers|Cannotusenumbers]] 16:22, 21 August 2012 (EDT)

== Other Branches of Scouting ==

Should we include Venturing and Varsity, as well as past branches such as Explorers? --[[User:Xparasite9|Xparasite9]] 15:47, 4 August 2008 (EDT)
:Venturing is the other main branch of the BSA. Varsity Scouting is a sub-program of Boy Scouting. Exploring is still a current program and is part of Learning for Life. Venture Scouting is a sub-program of Boy Scouting as well (different that Venturing). These Scouting pages are an embarrassment and I'm really not surprised based on the number of critical errors all over this so called 'Trustworthy Encyclopedia'. Side comment - usernames cannot use numbers, despite what the site may say. You can't even get that right... [[User:Cannotusenumbers|Cannotusenumbers]] 16:26, 21 August 2012 (EDT)

== International Scouting ==

All of the information about [[International Scouting]] ... or the "[[Scouting Movement]]" on an international level should more appropriately be moved to its own article. The [[Boy Scouts of America]] is not the same as International Scouting. While there are international "Jamborees," which all scouts from Boy Scouts of America have the option to attend, they are in no way the same type of organization as the world's scouts are in terms of values, institutions, etc.. As an Eagle Scout myself, I was a bit offended when I came across this article and noticed that two separate organizations were crisscrossed throughout as if they are both one and the same. They are not. [[User:DerekE|DerekE]] 22:03, 14 November 2009 (EST)
::good point; I added the international article and expanded the one on BSA. [[User:RJJensen|RJJensen]] 03:10, 16 November 2009 (EST)
:::Excellent additions! Very cool picture, too. Thank you very much. [[User:DerekE|DerekE]] 12:31, 16 November 2009 (EST)

== Rush ==

The Limbaugh quote has zero content about BSA, and he never bothered to join himself. [[User:RJJensen|RJJensen]] 21:04, 17 November 2009 (EST)

:The quote was intended to provide meaningful context to the BSA's values and that of America in all its history, the differences between international scouting and the Boy Scouts of America. While it's true that Rush Limbaugh never did make Eagle Scout, he made it all the way through Cub Scouting and was a Tenderfoot in the BSA for a year. But the quote was suppose to be more about what it is saying rather than who is saying it; the BSA's mission is to prepare young men to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law, which are guiding principles that have made America the great country that it is today. But if you feel strongly that it is more important to focus on the 'manliness' of scouting rather than what it's trying to teach young Americans, it's fine with me. [[User:DerekE|DerekE]] 21:51, 17 November 2009 (EST)
::I read Rush's speech. his speechwriter is incompetent and let him down. We know a lot more about BSA than Rush does. The article clearly covers both the explicit and the implict goals of the organization--and yes , they include masculinity. (it's the '''BOY''' scouts,after all.) [[User:RJJensen|RJJensen]] 22:39, 17 November 2009 (EST)
:::Haha--I do agree, Rush got off topic a bit too often. It took some combing through the speech to pick out the important parts. And you're are right, masculinity is definitely a major part of the scouting program; the activities, most of the merit badge requirements (aside from the Basket weaving merit badge), the competitive spirit, and the list goes on. Maybe there needs to be more info about the different merit badges and camping activities? There's a lot of different awards that can be earned, like the 50-100 mile hiking badge, and a ton of other various milestones that scouts can gain recognition for. So you're definitely correct - if there's more context to be added in the article it should be less generalizing and more specifics. [[User:DerekE|DerekE]] 23:01, 17 November 2009 (EST)
::agreed. I think links to the appropriate BSA pages are a good idea; they describe their own programs pretty well. [[User:RJJensen|RJJensen]] 23:05, 17 November 2009 (EST)
:::Done! [[User:DerekE|DerekE]] 23:30, 17 November 2009 (EST)

== Scouting and Mormonism ==

@Aschlafly Re:reverting my edits regarding mormons and boy scouts. this issue is well documented and well known, especially throughout communities in the Western United States. Growing up in a small Montana town composed of Lutherans, Catholics, Mormons, and other denominations, i experienced first hand the issues that it caused in boy scouts. This issues is equally, if not more, important than the gay and atheist controversies currently mentioned in the article. Christian parents interested in having their son(s) involved in Boy Scouts need to know how to avoid this pitfall. i provided credible citations for my claims according to Conservapedia standards, so i don't understand the reasoning for reverting my edits. --[[User:DavidKeyes|DavidKeyes]] 15:20, 13 December 2009 (EST)

Talk:Boy Scouts of America

2012-08-21T20:22:30Z

Cannotusenumbers: /* Eagle Scout requirements */

==Scouting and Christianity?==
Baden-Powell may well have said "Scouting is applied Christianity," but I am not so sure that the modern BSA should be associated with Christianity, as in the sentence
:As a result of their strong adherence to traditional Christian morality...

It seems to me that the Boys Scouts are better characterized, not as Christian, but as embracing the sort of "generic religion" espoused by Benjamin Franklin. The [http://www.scouting.org/nav/enter.jsp?s=mc&c=mv BSA mission and vision statements] mention God and reverence, but make no reference to Christianity. BSA fact sheets include titles such as

*[http://www.scouting.org/factsheets/02-209.html Scouting in the Buddhist community]
*[http://www.scouting.org/factsheets/02-928.html Scouting in the Islamic community]
*[http://www.scouting.org/factsheets/02-547.html Scouting serves the Jewish community]

[[User:Dpbsmith|Dpbsmith]] 22:20, 23 February 2007 (EST)

Interesting points, but this seems to be on the fringe of Scouting. Christian schools often welcome non-Christians also. In the U.S., Boy Scouts tend to be overwhelmingly Christian.--[[User:Aschlafly|Aschlafly]] 22:29, 23 February 2007 (EST)

*Not the troop my son was in! [[User:Dpbsmith|Dpbsmith]] 07:51, 24 February 2007 (EST)

I think that the comment about Christian morality can be interpreted in a couple different ways. In a nutshell, BSA is based upon Christian morality, even though there is no "official" requirement within the program that Scouts be a Christian. Although I did have to switch troops because one troop would not let me advance because I was a Baptist rather than a Nazarene. Religious emblems are awarded to Christians, and for other religions as well. I know that the religious emblems aren't given out by the BSA, but the BSA literature did reference the pamphlets for the other one. I remember that my troop brought in a speaker once who talked about the twelth point of the Scout law and said that it didn't matter what you believed as long as you believe something. I did come across Jewish and Mormon troops I know the Mormons have strongly embraced the Scouting programs.

However, it's undeniable that the BSA's principled are strongly based upon Christian morality, even if there are a number of non-Christians within the program. [[User:MountainDew|MountainDew]] 02:30, 5 March 2007 (EST)

:"BSA is based upon Christian morality"? Well, I never noticed it. What I did see was a strong basis of respect for the environment, social activism, general "reverent" ecumenism, and paramilitary organization in order to keep everyone safe and "get the job done". [[User:Human|Human]] 02:43, 23 April 2007 (EDT)

::National BSA has taken the position that a Scout must believe in a higher power. What that higher power may be is up for interpretation. [[User:ColinR|ColinR]][[User_talk:ColinR|talk]] 03:09, 23 April 2007 (EDT)

:::I hate to be the one who wets the blanket but the morals that the BSA upholds are fairly universal and exist outside the christian communityas opposed to only inside, indeed also exist outside any theological community as well. [[User:Jros83|Jros83]] 16:37, 27 June 2007 (EDT)

When I was in Scouts, they brought in a speaker who said that you can't be an atheist, but otherwise, they don't care as long as you believe something. [[User:DanH|DanH]] 16:38, 27 June 2007 (EDT)

:And yet, you can be an atheist nonetheless. [[User:Jros83|Jros83]] 16:45, 27 June 2007 (EDT)

You would just have to keep quiet about it, and when they ask you about your religious beliefs when you're going for Eagle, lie. Part of the process involves a recommendation from a religious leader. If there isn't anybody available to do that for you, you have to write a paper about what you believe. [[User:DanH|DanH]] 16:47, 27 June 2007 (EDT)

Dan my point is, you could adhere to a nature based theology and it would technically be alright. Even a pure atheist can have metaphysical beliefs that can be interpreted as a higher power/powers. The BAS is not Judeo-Christian only. [[User:Jros83|Jros83]] 02:06, 28 June 2007 (EDT)

You could lie and say your Shinto or some thing they wouldn’t want to look up - that’s what I did--[[User:Bloodsliver|duo]] 23:28, 22 March 2008 (EDT)

:Wow. Come on, man. A Scout is Trustworthy. --[[User:Xparasite9|Xparasite9]] 15:43, 4 August 2008 (EDT)

==Discuss proposed changes here while the article is locked==

As a protection against vandalism, this article has temporarily been locked from editing. If there's anything you want to change or add to this article, discuss it here or on my TalkPage. [[User:MountainDew|MountainDew]] 01:38, 29 March 2007 (EDT)

Hi, I was just looking around and noticed "Organisations" in the article. It needs to be changed to "organizations." Thanks.

*Thanks! I changed a couple of them, however Conservapedia has now dropped the proibition against UK English spellings. ;-) --~ [[User:TK|TerryK]] [[User_talk:TK|MyTalk]] 22:07, 29 March 2007 (EDT)

I was a boy scout =)

==Den mothers==

If that's the case, I had two male den mothers back in the day. [[User:DanH|DanH]] 03:16, 23 April 2007 (EDT)

::Ditto. [[User:ColinR|ColinR]][[User_talk:ColinR|talk]] 03:18, 23 April 2007 (EDT)

==Adding Organizational Coherence==

This article does not flow well. I would like to begin re-organizing it, but I will not delete any contributions. I aim to re-organize it and add to it. [[User:Stryker|Stryker]] 11:09, 28 June 2007 (EDT)

== Eagle Scout requirements ==

The article correctly states that 21 merit badges are required for Eagle. However, it also stated that they must be earned within the Scout's last three ranks. Unless something has changed since I got Eagle four years ago, I don't think it matters ''when'' the merit badges were earned. Could somebody, maybe somebody who is currently involved in the Scouts as a leader or a Scout, shed some light on this? [[User:DanH|DanH]] 20:02, 12 April 2008 (EDT)

: Good question. Don't know myself, but I am looking for ways to help the Scouts against the well-financed attacks against them.--[[User:Aschlafly|Aschlafly]] 20:17, 12 April 2008 (EDT)

: I am a Boy Scout, and I can assure you that it does not matter when you earn the merit badges. p.s. I'm new to MediaWiki, how do I sign/indent a comment?
::It is number of merit badges regardless of when earned, as of the requirement change in the 1970s. [[User:Cannotusenumbers|Cannotusenumbers]] 16:22, 21 August 2012 (EDT)

== Other Branches of Scouting ==

Should we include Venturing and Varsity, as well as past branches such as Explorers? --[[User:Xparasite9|Xparasite9]] 15:47, 4 August 2008 (EDT)

== International Scouting ==

All of the information about [[International Scouting]] ... or the "[[Scouting Movement]]" on an international level should more appropriately be moved to its own article. The [[Boy Scouts of America]] is not the same as International Scouting. While there are international "Jamborees," which all scouts from Boy Scouts of America have the option to attend, they are in no way the same type of organization as the world's scouts are in terms of values, institutions, etc.. As an Eagle Scout myself, I was a bit offended when I came across this article and noticed that two separate organizations were crisscrossed throughout as if they are both one and the same. They are not. [[User:DerekE|DerekE]] 22:03, 14 November 2009 (EST)
::good point; I added the international article and expanded the one on BSA. [[User:RJJensen|RJJensen]] 03:10, 16 November 2009 (EST)
:::Excellent additions! Very cool picture, too. Thank you very much. [[User:DerekE|DerekE]] 12:31, 16 November 2009 (EST)

== Rush ==

The Limbaugh quote has zero content about BSA, and he never bothered to join himself. [[User:RJJensen|RJJensen]] 21:04, 17 November 2009 (EST)

:The quote was intended to provide meaningful context to the BSA's values and that of America in all its history, the differences between international scouting and the Boy Scouts of America. While it's true that Rush Limbaugh never did make Eagle Scout, he made it all the way through Cub Scouting and was a Tenderfoot in the BSA for a year. But the quote was suppose to be more about what it is saying rather than who is saying it; the BSA's mission is to prepare young men to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law, which are guiding principles that have made America the great country that it is today. But if you feel strongly that it is more important to focus on the 'manliness' of scouting rather than what it's trying to teach young Americans, it's fine with me. [[User:DerekE|DerekE]] 21:51, 17 November 2009 (EST)
::I read Rush's speech. his speechwriter is incompetent and let him down. We know a lot more about BSA than Rush does. The article clearly covers both the explicit and the implict goals of the organization--and yes , they include masculinity. (it's the '''BOY''' scouts,after all.) [[User:RJJensen|RJJensen]] 22:39, 17 November 2009 (EST)
:::Haha--I do agree, Rush got off topic a bit too often. It took some combing through the speech to pick out the important parts. And you're are right, masculinity is definitely a major part of the scouting program; the activities, most of the merit badge requirements (aside from the Basket weaving merit badge), the competitive spirit, and the list goes on. Maybe there needs to be more info about the different merit badges and camping activities? There's a lot of different awards that can be earned, like the 50-100 mile hiking badge, and a ton of other various milestones that scouts can gain recognition for. So you're definitely correct - if there's more context to be added in the article it should be less generalizing and more specifics. [[User:DerekE|DerekE]] 23:01, 17 November 2009 (EST)
::agreed. I think links to the appropriate BSA pages are a good idea; they describe their own programs pretty well. [[User:RJJensen|RJJensen]] 23:05, 17 November 2009 (EST)
:::Done! [[User:DerekE|DerekE]] 23:30, 17 November 2009 (EST)

== Scouting and Mormonism ==

@Aschlafly Re:reverting my edits regarding mormons and boy scouts. this issue is well documented and well known, especially throughout communities in the Western United States. Growing up in a small Montana town composed of Lutherans, Catholics, Mormons, and other denominations, i experienced first hand the issues that it caused in boy scouts. This issues is equally, if not more, important than the gay and atheist controversies currently mentioned in the article. Christian parents interested in having their son(s) involved in Boy Scouts need to know how to avoid this pitfall. i provided credible citations for my claims according to Conservapedia standards, so i don't understand the reasoning for reverting my edits. --[[User:DavidKeyes|DavidKeyes]] 15:20, 13 December 2009 (EST)

Boy Scouts of America

2012-08-21T20:20:17Z

Cannotusenumbers: BSA is not the same thing as Boy Scouting

[[File:BSA 100 logo.jpg|right]]
The '''Boy Scouts of America''' was founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1910 by W. D. Boyce.<ref>[http://www.scouting.org/About/FactSheets/Founders.aspx Founders], scouting.org.</ref> He patterned it after [[Boy Scouts|the British organization]] founded two years earlier by Sir Robert Baden-Powell.

A similar but entirely separate group is the Girl Scouts, founded in 1912 by Juliette Gordon Lowe.

The Boy Scouts of America is one of the nation's largest and most prominent values-based youth development organizations. It promotes fun, educational skills and activities identified with manliness. <ref>[http://www.scouting.org/About.aspx About the BSA]</ref> The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the [[#The Scout Oath & Law|Scout Oath and Law]].<ref name=overview>[http://www.scouting.org/About/FactSheets/OverviewofBSA.aspx Overview of Boy Scouts of America]</ref>. National headquarters is in Irving, Texas.

==History==
[[File:Scouts1911.jpg|right|250px]]
The first Boy Scout troop in the United States was founded in Pawhuska, Oklahoma, in May 1909, by Anglican priest John Forbes Mitchell while on assignment for the [[Church of England]]. It was the first international charter of the British [[Boy Scouts]]. William Dickson Boyce (1859-1929) incorporated the Boy Scouts of America on February 8, 1910.<ref>http://www.scouting.org/About/FactSheets/BSA_History.aspx</ref>

The programs were largely copied from the British models set out by [[Sir Robert Baden-Powell]], who began both the non-competitive merit badge system to encourage development in diverse skills, and the rank advancement system to encourage core skills. Even more important was the [[Social Gospel]] influence of "muscular Christianity" promulgated by the [[YMCA]] in the Era of the [[Third Great Awakening]], 1910-30.<ref>Clifford Putney, ''Muscular Christianity: Manhood and Sports in Protestant America, 1880-1920'' (2001) </ref>

The new Boy Scouts of America quickly merged with the Woodcraft Indians, founded by Ernest Thompson Seton (1860-1946); and the Sons of Daniel Boone, led by Daniel Carter Beard (1850-1941). Seton became the BSA's first Chief Scout (1910-1915), and Beard the National Scout Commissioner of the United States.

Beginning in 1913, the National Office organized troops into local councils, to coordinate activities, administration, and growth. Growth was rapid. By 1921 there were 400,000 boy scouts and 17,000 scoutmasters.

The Boy Scouts of America helped the country significantly during both world wars, by selling war bonds and aiding in conservation projects.

===Masculinity===
Scouting is not just for the benefit of the boys. It is also an opportunity for adult men to mentor youth and themselves practice outdoor skills. The success of the Scouts resulted in part from increased concern over the maintenance of masculinity in a world of cities and office buildings. [[Theodore Roosevelt]] often sounded the tocsin. Adult men in the 1900-1930 era believed that the opportunities for the development and expression of masculinity were being restricted. Scouting was a means to counteract perceived forces of feminization in the world of adolescents. The Scouting movement provided adult men, denied by their occupations, an opportunity to validate the traditional image of masculinity.

==Programs==
There are four programs in the Boy Scouts of America. Cub Scouting programs are for boys in first grade through fifth grade (or seven through 10 years of age); the motto for Cub Scouts is to, "Do Your Best." Ninety five percent of all Boy Scouts have participated in Cub Scouts at some time. For boys who are 11 through 17 years of age, or have earned the Cub Scouting [[Arrow of Light]] award and are at least 10 years old, or have completed the fifth grade and are at least 10 years old, they can take part in the Boy Scouts of America program. The Boy Scouts motto is to, "Be Prepared," and the slogan is to, "Do a Good Turn Daily."<ref name=overview/> The two other possible programs are Venturing and Exploring.
{|class="wikitable"
!Program!!Age Range
|-
|[[Cub Scouting]]||7-11
|-
|[[Boy Scouting]]||11<ref>Those who have earned the [[Arrow of Light]] may cross over at 10</ref>-18<ref>Exceptions are made to the upper age limit for those with disabilities</ref>
|-
|[[Venturing]]||14-21
|-
|[[Exploring]]||14-20
|}

===Defining America's greatness===
Many presidents have praised and addressed the Boy Scouts over the years. President [[Calvin Coolidge]] told Scouts in 1924 that the three fundamentals of scouthood are reverence for nature, for the law and for God.<ref> [http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=24184 Coolidge, "Telephone Remarks to a Group of Boy Scouts," July 25, 1924]</ref>

"There is new life in the soil for every man. There is healing in the trees for tired minds and for our overburdened spirits, there is strength in the hills, if only we will lift up our eyes. Remember that nature is your great restorer....Resolve that the sacrifices by which your great opportunities have been purchased will be matched by a sacrifice, on your part, that will give your children even a better chance....Faith is the great motive power, and no man realizes his full possibilities unless he has the deep conviction that life is eternally important, and that his work, well done, is a part of an unending plan."

==Boy Scouting==
===The Scout Oath & Law===
The Scout Oath & Law are the guiding principles of Boy Scouting, and are generally recited at the beginning or end of a Troop meeting.
'''Scout Law:'''<blockquote>
A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.
</blockquote>
'''Scout Oath:'''<blockquote>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.</blockquote>

===Ranks===
The requirements and order of the Boy Scouting ranks have changed over the years, although the names have only changed little. The current order is as follows:
* Scout
* Tenderfoot
* Second Class
* First Class
* Star Scout
* Life Scout
* [[Eagle Scout]]

====Rank of Eagle Scout====
The highest rank that may be attained by a Boy Scout is that of [[Eagle Scout]], which 2% of Boy Scouts nationwide earn. <ref>http://www.scoutingmagazine.org/issues/0410/d-news.html</ref> One of the requirements for this rank is leading a service project to benefit either the [[community]] at large, or a specific non-profit organization, such as a school or a church. Other requirements include earning at least 21 merit badges (including 12 predetermined ones), being active in the troop for a minimum amount of time, holding a position of leadership within one's troop, and appearing before a Board of Review. All of the requirements for an Eagle Board of Review must be completed before a candidate's 18th birthday (although exceptions may be made for Scouts with mental disabilities), although the Board of Review may occur after this date. Some notable Eagle Scouts include:<ref>[http://www.nesa.org/PDF/NotableEagleScouts.pdf Notable Eagle Scouts (PDF)], nesa.org.</ref>
{|background="none" width="100%" border="1"
|-
!A-F
!G-L
!M-R
!S-Z
|-
|valign="top"|
*[[Neil Armstrong]], first man on the moon.
*[[Willie Banks]], Olympic athlete, former world-record holder in triple jump and long jump.
*[[Lloyd Bentsen]]
*[[Michael Bloomberg]], Mayor of New York city.
*[[Bill Bradley]], former professional basketball player, U.S. senator, and presidential candidate.
*[[Stephen Breyer]], Associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.
*[[Mike Crapo]], U.S. senator from Idaho.
*[[Michael Dukakis]], former governor of Massachusetts and presidential candidate.
*[[Mike Enzi]], U.S. senator from Wyoming.
*[[Thomas Foley]], former speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives and ambassador to Japan.
*[[Gerald Ford]], 38th president of the United States.

|valign="top"|
*[[John Garamendi]], Lieutenant governor of California.
*[[Bill Gates Sr.]], CEO of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation; father of [[Bill Gates]].
*[[Robert Gates]], U.S. secretary of defense and former director of the Central Intelligence Agency.
*[[James A. Lovell Jr.]], former U.S. Navy officer and Apollo 13 commander.
*[[Gary Locke]], former governor of Washington; first Chinese American governor in the United States.
*[[Richard Lugar]], U.S. senator from Indiana.

|valign="top"|
*[[J. Willard Marriott Jr.]], Chairman and CEO of Marriot International.
*[[George Meyer]], writer and producer of ''The Simpsons''.
*[[Ben Nelson]], U.S. senator from Nebraska.
*[[Ross Perot]], founder of EDS and Perot Systems; former presidential candidate.
*[[Rick Perry]], Governor of Texas.
*[[Mike Rowe]], Host of ''Dirty Jobs''.
*[[Donald Rumsfeld]], former U.S. secretary of defense.

|valign="top"|
*[[Jefferson Sessions]], U.S. senator from Alabama.
*[[William S. Sessions]], former federal judge and director of the FBI.
*[[Gordon Smith]]
*[[Steven Spielberg]]
*[[Sam Walton]]
*[[Togo West]], former U.S. secretary of veterans affairs and secretary of the Army.

|}

==Controversy==
The Boy Scouts of America have come under criticism for their policy regarding [[homosexuals]]. As stated in a press release from the organization:<ref>http://www.scouting.org/media/press/2002/020206/index.html</ref>

::The BSA reaffirmed its view that an avowed homosexual cannot serve as a role model for the traditional moral values espoused in the Scout Oath and Law and that these values cannot be subject to local option choices.

Starting in the late 1990s this led to several high profile lawsuits, such as the one brought by the [[ACLU]] of San Diego<ref>http://www.aclusandiego.org/boy_scouts/boy_scouts_082800.html</ref>, which proposes that the discriminatory practices of the organization should make them ineligible for the use of public funds or public lands.

The homosexual cases culminated in the Supreme Court's Dale decision in 2000, which ruled that as a private organization, the Scouts were entitled to choose their own members. The ACLU lost, but as noted by Robert Bork Jr., spokesman for the BSA and son of the former Supreme Court nominee, the ACLUS "has been trying ever since to have the Scouts expelled from the public square." Gay-rights advocates in dozens of cities have persuaded United Way to stop supporting the Scouts.

Prohibition of homosexual scout leaders is not universal within the BSA, however. The Massachusetts Minuteman Council, for example, adopted a bylaw in 2001 barring exclusion of anyone on the basis of race, religion, or [[sexual orientation]]. The bylaw, which resembles the U. S. Military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy, permits homosexuals to lead troops so long as they do not discuss their sexual orientation. A few other councils have similar policies.<ref>[http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4155/is_20010802/ai_n13920546 Mass. Scouts permit gay leaders], Chicago Sun-Times, Aug 2, 2001</ref>

Atheist Scouts have also been removed from the organization on the basis of the twelfth point of the Scout Law being "reverent". <ref>http://www.beliefnet.com/story/116/story_11619_1.html</ref>
==See also==
* [[Boy Scouts]], for international perspective
==Further reading==
* Dean, John Isaac. ''Scouting in America, 1910-1990,'' PhD dissertation U. of South Carolina. '' Dissertation Abstracts International'' 1993 53(8): 2713-A. DA9239032, 448p.
* Macleod, David. "Act Your Age: Boyhood, Adolescence, and the Rise of the Boy Scouts of America," ''Journal of Social History'' 1983 16(2): 3-20, [http://www.jstor.org/stable/3787184 in JSTOR]
* Macleod, David. ''Building Character in the American Boy: The Boy Scouts, YMCA, and Their Forerunners, 1870-1920'' (2004), standard scholarly history [http://books.google.com/books?id=fo2pyMMOejIC&pg=PA175&dq=intitle:boy+intitle:scouts&lr=&as_drrb_is=q&as_minm_is=0&as_miny_is=&as_maxm_is=0&as_maxy_is=&num=30&as_brr=3 excerpt and text search]
* Mechling, Jay. ''On My Honor: Boy Scouts and the Making of American Youth.'' (2001) 323 pp. accounts of how the Scouts work in practice, with much attention to songs, rituals, and games [http://books.google.com/books?id=643AsqUC7s0C&dq=intitle:boy+intitle:scouts&lr=&as_drrb_is=q&as_minm_is=0&as_miny_is=&as_maxm_is=0&as_maxy_is=&num=30&as_brr=3 excerpt and text search]
* Tucker, William. "Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Persecuted: Across the Country, the Boy Scouts Are under Attack," ''National Review'' Volume: 60. Issue: 17. September 15, 2008. pp 32+ [http://www.questia.com/read/5029028796?title=Thrifty%2c%20Brave%2c%20Clean%2c%20and%20Persecuted%3a%20Across%20the%20Country%2c%20the%20Boy%20Scouts%20Are%20under%20Attack online edition]
* Wills, Chuck. ''Boy Scouts of America: A Centennial History'' (2009), popular
===Primary sources===
* Boy Scouts of America. ''Handbook for scout masters'' (1914) 352 pages [http://books.google.com/books?id=pEcqAAAAYAAJ&dq=intitle:boy+intitle:scouts&lr=&as_drrb_is=q&as_minm_is=0&as_miny_is=&as_maxm_is=0&as_maxy_is=&num=30&as_brr=3 online edition]

==External Links==
* [http://www.scouting.org/scouting.aspx Boy Scouts of America] - Home
* [http://www.scouting.org/About/Research/ValuesofAmericans.aspx Values of Americans] - BSA
* [http://www.bsajamboree.org/ National Jamboree]
* [http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/BoyScouts/AdvancementandAwards/MeritBadges.aspx Introduction to Merit Badges] - A complete list, in alphabetical order, of all of the current merit badge subjects.
* [http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/BoyScouts/AdvancementandAwards.aspx Advancement & Awards] - The Boy Scout is rewarded for each achievement, which helps him gain self-confidence.
* [http://meritbadge.org/wiki/index.php/Merit_Badge_Worksheets Requirements for ranks and merit badges]

==References==
<references/>

[[Category: Service Organizations]]
[[category: United States Government Chartered Organizations]]
[[Category: Organizations]]
[[Category: Youth Groups]]
[[Category: Progressive Era]]

Boy Scouts of America

2012-08-21T20:18:36Z

Cannotusenumbers: /* Programs */ fix blatant errors

[[File:BSA 100 logo.jpg|right]]
The '''Boy Scouts of America''' was founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1910 by W. D. Boyce.<ref>[http://www.scouting.org/About/FactSheets/Founders.aspx Founders], scouting.org.</ref> He patterned it after [[Boy Scouts|the British organization]] founded two years earlier by Sir Robert Baden-Powell.

A similar but entirely separate group is the Girl Scouts, founded in 1912 by Juliette Gordon Lowe.

The Boy Scouts of America is one of the nation's largest and most prominent values-based youth development organizations. It promotes fun, educational skills and activities identified with manliness. <ref>[http://www.scouting.org/About.aspx About the BSA]</ref> The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the [[#The Scout Oath & Law|Scout Oath and Law]].<ref name=overview>[http://www.scouting.org/About/FactSheets/OverviewofBSA.aspx Overview of Boy Scouts of America]</ref>. National headquarters is in Irving, Texas.

==History==
[[File:Scouts1911.jpg|right|250px]]
The first Boy Scout troop in the United States was founded in Pawhuska, Oklahoma, in May 1909, by Anglican priest John Forbes Mitchell while on assignment for the [[Church of England]]. It was the first international charter of the British [[Boy Scouts]]. William Dickson Boyce (1859-1929) incorporated the Boy Scouts of America on February 8, 1910.<ref>http://www.scouting.org/About/FactSheets/BSA_History.aspx</ref>

The programs were largely copied from the British models set out by [[Sir Robert Baden-Powell]], who began both the non-competitive merit badge system to encourage development in diverse skills, and the rank advancement system to encourage core skills. Even more important was the [[Social Gospel]] influence of "muscular Christianity" promulgated by the [[YMCA]] in the Era of the [[Third Great Awakening]], 1910-30.<ref>Clifford Putney, ''Muscular Christianity: Manhood and Sports in Protestant America, 1880-1920'' (2001) </ref>

The new Boy Scouts of America quickly merged with the Woodcraft Indians, founded by Ernest Thompson Seton (1860-1946); and the Sons of Daniel Boone, led by Daniel Carter Beard (1850-1941). Seton became the BSA's first Chief Scout (1910-1915), and Beard the National Scout Commissioner of the United States.

Beginning in 1913, the National Office organized troops into local councils, to coordinate activities, administration, and growth. Growth was rapid. By 1921 there were 400,000 boy scouts and 17,000 scoutmasters.

The Boy Scouts of America helped the country significantly during both world wars, by selling war bonds and aiding in conservation projects.

===Masculinity===
Scouting is not just for the benefit of the boys. It is also an opportunity for adult men to mentor youth and themselves practice outdoor skills. The success of the Scouts resulted in part from increased concern over the maintenance of masculinity in a world of cities and office buildings. [[Theodore Roosevelt]] often sounded the tocsin. Adult men in the 1900-1930 era believed that the opportunities for the development and expression of masculinity were being restricted. Scouting was a means to counteract perceived forces of feminization in the world of adolescents. The Scouting movement provided adult men, denied by their occupations, an opportunity to validate the traditional image of masculinity.

==Programs==
There are four programs in the Boy Scouts of America. Cub Scouting programs are for boys in first grade through fifth grade (or seven through 10 years of age); the motto for Cub Scouts is to, "Do Your Best." Ninety five percent of all Boy Scouts have participated in Cub Scouts at some time. For boys who are 11 through 17 years of age, or have earned the Cub Scouting [[Arrow of Light]] award and are at least 10 years old, or have completed the fifth grade and are at least 10 years old, they can take part in the Boy Scouts of America program. The Boy Scouts motto is to, "Be Prepared," and the slogan is to, "Do a Good Turn Daily."<ref name=overview/> The two other possible programs are Venturing and Exploring.
{|class="wikitable"
!Program!!Age Range
|-
|[[Cub Scouting]]||7-11
|-
|[[Boy Scouting]]||11<ref>Those who have earned the [[Arrow of Light]] may cross over at 10</ref>-18<ref>Exceptions are made to the upper age limit for those with disabilities</ref>
|-
|[[Venturing]]||14-21
|-
|[[Exploring]]||14-20
|}

===Defining America's greatness===
Many presidents have praised and addressed the Boy Scouts over the years. President [[Calvin Coolidge]] told Scouts in 1924 that the three fundamentals of scouthood are reverence for nature, for the law and for God.<ref> [http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=24184 Coolidge, "Telephone Remarks to a Group of Boy Scouts," July 25, 1924]</ref>

"There is new life in the soil for every man. There is healing in the trees for tired minds and for our overburdened spirits, there is strength in the hills, if only we will lift up our eyes. Remember that nature is your great restorer....Resolve that the sacrifices by which your great opportunities have been purchased will be matched by a sacrifice, on your part, that will give your children even a better chance....Faith is the great motive power, and no man realizes his full possibilities unless he has the deep conviction that life is eternally important, and that his work, well done, is a part of an unending plan."

==The Scout Oath & Law==
The Scout Oath & Law are the guiding principles of Scouting, and are generally recited at the beginning or end of a Troop meeting.
'''Scout Law:'''<blockquote>
A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.
</blockquote>
'''Scout Oath:'''<blockquote>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.</blockquote>

==Ranks==
The requirements and order of the BSA ranks have changed over the years, although the names have only changed little. The current order is as follows:
* Scout
* Tenderfoot
* Second Class
* First Class
* Star Scout
* Life Scout
* [[Eagle Scout]]

===Rank of Eagle Scout===
The highest rank that may be attained by a Boy Scout is that of [[Eagle Scout]], which 2% of Scouts nationwide earn. <ref>http://www.scoutingmagazine.org/issues/0410/d-news.html</ref> One of the requirements for this rank is leading a service project to benefit either the [[community]] at large, or a specific non-profit organization, such as a school or a church. Other requirements include earning at least 21 merit badges (including 12 predetermined ones), being active in the troop for a minimum amount of time, holding a position of leadership within one's troop, and appearing before a Board of Review. All of the requirements for an Eagle Board of Review must be completed before a candidate's 18th birthday (although exceptions may be made for Scouts with mental disabilities), although the Board of Review may occur after this date. Some notable Eagle Scouts include:<ref>[http://www.nesa.org/PDF/NotableEagleScouts.pdf Notable Eagle Scouts (PDF)], nesa.org.</ref>
{|background="none" width="100%" border="1"
|-
!A-F
!G-L
!M-R
!S-Z
|-
|valign="top"|
*[[Neil Armstrong]], first man on the moon.
*[[Willie Banks]], Olympic athlete, former world-record holder in triple jump and long jump.
*[[Lloyd Bentsen]]
*[[Michael Bloomberg]], Mayor of New York city.
*[[Bill Bradley]], former professional basketball player, U.S. senator, and presidential candidate.
*[[Stephen Breyer]], Associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.
*[[Mike Crapo]], U.S. senator from Idaho.
*[[Michael Dukakis]], former governor of Massachusetts and presidential candidate.
*[[Mike Enzi]], U.S. senator from Wyoming.
*[[Thomas Foley]], former speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives and ambassador to Japan.
*[[Gerald Ford]], 38th president of the United States.

|valign="top"|
*[[John Garamendi]], Lieutenant governor of California.
*[[Bill Gates Sr.]], CEO of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation; father of [[Bill Gates]].
*[[Robert Gates]], U.S. secretary of defense and former director of the Central Intelligence Agency.
*[[James A. Lovell Jr.]], former U.S. Navy officer and Apollo 13 commander.
*[[Gary Locke]], former governor of Washington; first Chinese American governor in the United States.
*[[Richard Lugar]], U.S. senator from Indiana.

|valign="top"|
*[[J. Willard Marriott Jr.]], Chairman and CEO of Marriot International.
*[[George Meyer]], writer and producer of ''The Simpsons''.
*[[Ben Nelson]], U.S. senator from Nebraska.
*[[Ross Perot]], founder of EDS and Perot Systems; former presidential candidate.
*[[Rick Perry]], Governor of Texas.
*[[Mike Rowe]], Host of ''Dirty Jobs''.
*[[Donald Rumsfeld]], former U.S. secretary of defense.

|valign="top"|
*[[Jefferson Sessions]], U.S. senator from Alabama.
*[[William S. Sessions]], former federal judge and director of the FBI.
*[[Gordon Smith]]
*[[Steven Spielberg]]
*[[Sam Walton]]
*[[Togo West]], former U.S. secretary of veterans affairs and secretary of the Army.

|}

==Controversy==
The Boy Scouts of America have come under criticism for their policy regarding [[homosexuals]]. As stated in a press release from the organization:<ref>http://www.scouting.org/media/press/2002/020206/index.html</ref>

::The BSA reaffirmed its view that an avowed homosexual cannot serve as a role model for the traditional moral values espoused in the Scout Oath and Law and that these values cannot be subject to local option choices.

Starting in the late 1990s this led to several high profile lawsuits, such as the one brought by the [[ACLU]] of San Diego<ref>http://www.aclusandiego.org/boy_scouts/boy_scouts_082800.html</ref>, which proposes that the discriminatory practices of the organization should make them ineligible for the use of public funds or public lands.

The homosexual cases culminated in the Supreme Court's Dale decision in 2000, which ruled that as a private organization, the Scouts were entitled to choose their own members. The ACLU lost, but as noted by Robert Bork Jr., spokesman for the BSA and son of the former Supreme Court nominee, the ACLUS "has been trying ever since to have the Scouts expelled from the public square." Gay-rights advocates in dozens of cities have persuaded United Way to stop supporting the Scouts.

Prohibition of homosexual scout leaders is not universal within the BSA, however. The Massachusetts Minuteman Council, for example, adopted a bylaw in 2001 barring exclusion of anyone on the basis of race, religion, or [[sexual orientation]]. The bylaw, which resembles the U. S. Military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy, permits homosexuals to lead troops so long as they do not discuss their sexual orientation. A few other councils have similar policies.<ref>[http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4155/is_20010802/ai_n13920546 Mass. Scouts permit gay leaders], Chicago Sun-Times, Aug 2, 2001</ref>

Atheist Scouts have also been removed from the organization on the basis of the twelfth point of the Scout Law being "reverent". <ref>http://www.beliefnet.com/story/116/story_11619_1.html</ref>
==See also==
* [[Boy Scouts]], for international perspective
==Further reading==
* Dean, John Isaac. ''Scouting in America, 1910-1990,'' PhD dissertation U. of South Carolina. '' Dissertation Abstracts International'' 1993 53(8): 2713-A. DA9239032, 448p.
* Macleod, David. "Act Your Age: Boyhood, Adolescence, and the Rise of the Boy Scouts of America," ''Journal of Social History'' 1983 16(2): 3-20, [http://www.jstor.org/stable/3787184 in JSTOR]
* Macleod, David. ''Building Character in the American Boy: The Boy Scouts, YMCA, and Their Forerunners, 1870-1920'' (2004), standard scholarly history [http://books.google.com/books?id=fo2pyMMOejIC&pg=PA175&dq=intitle:boy+intitle:scouts&lr=&as_drrb_is=q&as_minm_is=0&as_miny_is=&as_maxm_is=0&as_maxy_is=&num=30&as_brr=3 excerpt and text search]
* Mechling, Jay. ''On My Honor: Boy Scouts and the Making of American Youth.'' (2001) 323 pp. accounts of how the Scouts work in practice, with much attention to songs, rituals, and games [http://books.google.com/books?id=643AsqUC7s0C&dq=intitle:boy+intitle:scouts&lr=&as_drrb_is=q&as_minm_is=0&as_miny_is=&as_maxm_is=0&as_maxy_is=&num=30&as_brr=3 excerpt and text search]
* Tucker, William. "Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Persecuted: Across the Country, the Boy Scouts Are under Attack," ''National Review'' Volume: 60. Issue: 17. September 15, 2008. pp 32+ [http://www.questia.com/read/5029028796?title=Thrifty%2c%20Brave%2c%20Clean%2c%20and%20Persecuted%3a%20Across%20the%20Country%2c%20the%20Boy%20Scouts%20Are%20under%20Attack online edition]
* Wills, Chuck. ''Boy Scouts of America: A Centennial History'' (2009), popular
===Primary sources===
* Boy Scouts of America. ''Handbook for scout masters'' (1914) 352 pages [http://books.google.com/books?id=pEcqAAAAYAAJ&dq=intitle:boy+intitle:scouts&lr=&as_drrb_is=q&as_minm_is=0&as_miny_is=&as_maxm_is=0&as_maxy_is=&num=30&as_brr=3 online edition]

==External Links==
* [http://www.scouting.org/scouting.aspx Boy Scouts of America] - Home
* [http://www.scouting.org/About/Research/ValuesofAmericans.aspx Values of Americans] - BSA
* [http://www.bsajamboree.org/ National Jamboree]
* [http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/BoyScouts/AdvancementandAwards/MeritBadges.aspx Introduction to Merit Badges] - A complete list, in alphabetical order, of all of the current merit badge subjects.
* [http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/BoyScouts/AdvancementandAwards.aspx Advancement & Awards] - The Boy Scout is rewarded for each achievement, which helps him gain self-confidence.
* [http://meritbadge.org/wiki/index.php/Merit_Badge_Worksheets Requirements for ranks and merit badges]

==References==
<references/>

[[Category: Service Organizations]]
[[category: United States Government Chartered Organizations]]
[[Category: Organizations]]
[[Category: Youth Groups]]
[[Category: Progressive Era]]