Last edited Thu Jul 27, 2017, 03:20 PM - Edit history (1)

place. That would have also weeded out others who don't meet the scout criteria.

Too bad they are stuck on "tradition." The chief scout exec's response is pathetic.

I think the BSA statement is a little inadequate as mentioned above (and also 'threads the needle' as stated below). But to disinvite a President (as I understand it, this is a long-term open invitation, not an individual one) could trigger a lot of unintended consequences. Would they have disinvited Hillary if she'd won because she's a woman? Would they disinvite a future President who isn't Christian? A gay president?

No, I think they were right to leave the invitation available. Trump himself dishonored the invitation, the organization, and its mission (I know there have been some issues with the Boy Scouts and ideology before, but I'm not addressing that here). It was fitting to invite him. It was reprehensible for him to behave as he did and poison the event for the organization and (I hope) many of the Scouts who attended.

But I don't want to see the Presidency itself diminished because someone who's incapable of the job currently holds it. That's a real fear I have - that the executive branch of government will be immeasurably weakened.

He met the criteria- being the President. It was a long-standing tradition to invite the POTUS, who is also a ex-officio member of their Board, to speak to the BSA.

As opposed to that shit-flinging, walking pile of smegma that oozes his trail of bacteria infested splat everywhere his fatass slops.

Tell us what you really think.

Very very carefully crafted statement, I'll give him that.

What is clear is that this statement likely does go as far as it can while remaining politically correct themselves.

Look at the bolded parts of these two paragraphs:
These character-building experiences have not diminished in recent days at the jamboree – Scouts have continued to trade patches, climb rock walls, and share stories about the day’s adventures. But for our Scouting family at home not able to see these real moments of Scouting, we know the past few days have been overshadowed by the remarks offered by the President of the United States. [comment from me: the first sentence clearly implies that something at the event was said to diminish character building experiences. It then notes many things that are NOT Trump's speech as things that did good things. It then speaks of all those (good) things being overshadowed by something else that caused concern - Trump's speech.}

I want to extend my sincere apologies to those in our Scouting family who were offended by the political rhetoric that was inserted into the jamboree. That was never our intent. The invitation for the sitting U.S. President to visit the National Jamboree is a long-standing tradition that has been extended to the leader of our nation that has had a Jamboree during his term since 1937. It is in no way an endorsement of any person, party or policies. For years, people have called upon us to take a position on political issues, and we have steadfastly remained non-partisan and refused to comment on political matters. We sincerely regret that politics were inserted into the Scouting program. [My comment: The first sentence is a prototype for a non apology apology, but the second, along with the rest of the paragraph actually gives it more credibility that they never intended to host that type of speech. ]

I do think that this should serve as a milestone - justifying all school, public service and religious groups to refuse to have their children exposed to unpredictable rhetoric from Trump. No previous President - of either party - would have done what he did.

I don't think responses need to be instant. I'd rather people discussed it internally and prepared a thoughtful response.

They saw what happened and the best course would have been a statement that like the second paragraph I quoted that immediately explained that the invitation was routine, but that it was clear that Trump's speech offended some people. That one paragraph really spells out what they expected - and it was not what they got.

A post earlier in the week had links to speeches since FDR, including a video speech sent by Obama. ALL of them spoke of the boy scouts, the work and good they do. All congratulating the boys, the scout masters and the program. Trump, the narsisst, spoke of Trump and his victory and slammed everyone he disliked. This was a campaign rally for Trump -- with essentially a captive audience.

Had they put this out the night of the event or the next morning - just that would have been needed.

And, they may have wanted to vet it through their legal department (always a good idea) too.

What they could gain in seeming genuine by responding immediately could easily be far less than they could lose by not fulling thinking out the ramifications.

serves as honorary chairman of the Boy Scouts of America. Been that way for a long time. Until Trump is removed as chairman my support of the BSA is over.

It starts out by saying that "we have celebrated the best of Scouting at our 20th National Jamboree with nearly 40,000 participants, volunteers, staff and visitors".

I venture to say that they also have celebrated the worst of Scouting at the same event.

It goes on to say "I want to extend my sincere apologies to those in our Scouting family who were offended by the political rhetoric that was inserted into the jamboree. That was never our intent".

If it was never their intent - and I read elsewhere that they anticipated that Trump might go political - then they should have asked for Trump to do a video message to be aired at the Jamboree. This way they could have nipped this controversy in the bud. They could have told Trump that - they want to focus on the boys and the activities they participate in at the Jamboree and thought that having Trump appear in person might just interfere with the boys - for most - a once in a lifetime opportunity - to experience a Jamboree.

As such - this apology should also extend to the 'boys' that attended this appearance by Trump as well. The boys are owed an apology for the mistake of exposing them to this political diatribe by Trump. From the looks of the size of the crowd - it looked like it was required by the organization to have the boys attend this event.

Also - the BSA should take steps to prepare some sort of message to all the members of the BSA family - the boys themselves and all the Scouters that volunteer their time to make the BSA a character building experience for our youth that will last a lifetime. This message should emphasize citizenship and civics - and point out that - though politics will become a great part of their adult life - that at this point in their character development - there is no room to 'boo' previous presidents nor cheer the stories of the current president and be sucked into the controversial politics of our time. There's a time and place for that in their lives and this was not the time for that.

I was a Boy Scout and and Explorer Scout in my youth. The time I spent in the Scouts I consider some of the best times of my life and the lessons I learned from the Scout Oath and Scout Law and the lessons I learned from all the merit badges I worked for - have lasted a lifetime for me. I'm 68 y/o now and will always have a warm feeling in my heart for the BSA.

I was totally offended by Trumps remarks at the Jamboree and thought it was a grave mistake on the part of the powers that be that currently run the organization.

I was considering making a sizable contribution to the BSA in my Will - upon my passing. That won't happen now. Though I feel bad that the boys that would benefit from such a contribution will not have that chance now - I can't - in good conscience - give to an organization that makes such bad decisions for the boys and the Scouters.

though I know it will never happen - Trump should issue and apology as well.

were caught off-guard and left in a terrible position. I also think this letter is a good response - and timely enough for me.

However, here's their (BSA) flaw: the HAD to expect chaos - that's Orange Cheat-o's way of operating. Where they erred is in bothering to invite him. He has proven that he has NO F**KING CLUE as to what happens in the Oval Office - there's NO WAY he would/could/should know that he's got a "standing invitation" to address the Boy Scouts.

He had no clue - they invited him anyhow - sad........................

What a pathetic excuse for a leader. Just a "regret that politics were inserted into the Scouting program"?

Pull your boys out of the scouts, everyone. They're led by someone who kneels to bullies. They are a bad example to children.

The problem with this sentence: It's a blatant lie. Stripping membership from atheists, GLBTQ members and leaders, and refusing to deal with sexual assault and predation are political issues, and are partisan stances. Forcing Scouts who are members of church affiliated packs to participate in prayers -- regardless of the child's questioning or doubt -- is political.

It's a rough draft at best, and the first line of the apology is weaseling.

They knew who Drumpf is, they knew he wouldn't, couldn't force himself, to behave and invited him anyway. That the president of the Boy Scouts has a merger that has to be approved by Drumpf makes this even more cringe worthy and suspect. The Boy Scouts have just become more hate filled, more RW with their boos for Hillary and Obama. Someone could have come up to him and stopped it, but they all went along with the hate. I will not forgive and forget and will let anyone know that this organization should be included in ones to avoid for any progressive family.

"I want to extend my sincere apologies to those in our Scouting family who were offended by the political rhetoric that was inserted into the jamboree."

Oh really? Looks like the Boy Scouts and their leaders on stage were really into booing and slamming democrats.

Link to tweet

Standard notpology.