Donald Trump’s Horribly Inappropriate Speech to the Boy Scout Jamboree Violated the BSA’s Own Code of Conduct
Boy Scouts of America policy statement:
Boy Scouts of America policy prohibits Scouts from participating in political activities. BSA membership applications, under Program Policies, state: Citizenship activities are encouraged, but partisan political activities are prohibited.
Uniformed unit members and leaders may participate in flag ceremonies at political events and may lead the Pledge of Allegiance; however, they should retire after the ceremony and not remain on the speakers’ platform or in a conspicuous location where television viewers could construe their presence as an endorsement or symbol of support. In addition, photos of candidates or Scouts in uniform or BSA marks and logos are not allowed in political campaign materials of any kind. Leaders must be alert to situations that would imply that the BSA favors one candidate over another. Strict observance of our long-standing policy against the active participation of uniformed Scouts and leaders in political events is mandatory.
From the BSA Scouters Code of Conduct
I will respect and abide by the Rules and Regulations of the Boy Scouts
of America, BSA policies, and BSA-provided training, including but
not limited to, those relating to:
a. Unauthorized fundraising activities
b. Advocacy on social and political issues, including prohibited use of
the BSA uniform and brand
c. Bullying, hazing, harassment, and unlawful discrimination
of any kind
From the Rules and Regulations:
Participation in Public Functions Scouters must, when practicable, cooperate in connection with civic or other public gatherings of a nonpartisan and nonpolitical character in a way that gives youth members an opportunity to render service in harmony with their training instead of merely taking part in parades in their uniforms.
Policy Concerning Political Questions
The Boy Scouts of America must not, through its governing body or through any of its officers, chartered councils, Scouters, or members, involve Scouting in political matters. However, this must not be interpreted to prevent the teaching of ideals of patriotism and good citizenship as required to fulfill the Boy Scouts of America’s purpose.
Donald Trump on Monday delivered what has been characterized as a highly partisan speech to an audience of 35,000 Boy Scouts of America, and even before he had finished speaking, parents had taken to Twitter to register their protests against the “divisive” nature of Trump’s Boy Scout speech — and saying they would pull their sons out of the 107-year-old youth organization.
He also elicited a loud “boo” from the Scouts directed at President Barack Obama after telling the assembled boys that Obama never spoke to a national scout jamboree. While it is correct that Obama did not address the annual Boy Scout gathering in person during his eight-year tenure as President of the United States, the former president as a youth was a member of the Boy Scouts of America — as were former presidents John F. Kennedy, Gerald Ford, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush.
Trump, on the other hand, was never a member of the Boy Scouts of America. Obama did address the Scouts Jamboree via recorded video message in 2010.
In the opening of his speech delivered at the White House, Trump said, "For the past 17 years, Obamacare has wreaked havoc on the lives of innocent, hardworking Americans."
Klamath Falls, OR— What is wrong with this man? What was he thinking? In all of my life time I have never seen a president act like this one does. This is not the kind of speech you make to boy scouts. Less well get it wrong when it comes to Obamacare by stating, "For the past 17 years, Obamacare has wreaked havoc on the lives of innocent, hardworking Americans."
How much longer do we have to endure with this madness coming from the White House? After all only 36% of the country supports this madman.
By James Garland of Tulelake News
Send sources on local and national news:
Email: tulelakenews@yahoo.com
Tulelake News
I am appalled at the behavior of the leaders of the BSA that were at this jamboree yesterday. And I demand that these leaders be fired immediately but not before they explain how they could allow these boys to disrespect our previous President and Secretary of State in such a manner. This is not what I think the boy scouts stand for and to allow this disgusting display has made my decision to NEVER SUPPORT THE BSA OR GSA EVER AGAIN.
ReplyDeleteI am appalled too at the behavior of Trump and his supporters who think this speech to BSA was presidential. They are sadly mistaken and should be ashamed of themselves for supporting this nonsense and then call themselves respectable parents. Shame on any parent who would condone this speech.
Delete