Protest Trump’s Appalling Speech at Boy Scout Jamboree

Monday night Donald Trump gave a talk to the annual Boy Scout Jamboree that was appallingly reminiscent of how the Hitler Youth were indoctrinated with vile propaganda and hate. The leadership of the Boy Scout movement should issue a public denunciation of Trump and his remarks. Below are the thoughts of my friend Patrick Mundt.

I was a Boy Scout.  I am appalled by the Bully-in-Chief’s speech at the Scout Jamboree.  The Boy Scouts of America is not a political institution—it's an American institution. How can we, as Americans, let Trump spew his hate and un-American thoughts and values to this honorable nonpolitical group whose own policy is to avoid anything political? As reported in The Atlantic, the rules plainly state: “The Boy Scouts of America must not … involve Scouting in political matters.” (You can read the BSA rule and regulations here.)  

It's beyond comprehension.  Trump needs to be stopped. The 40,000 boys at the event were being taught disrespect and these lessons will further perpetuate what we are experiencing now.  It's not enough to just post on Facebook. We must take action. If we are silent, we lose. 

Here’s what you can do:

·       Call the Boy Scouts of America main office at 972-580-2000.

·       Tweet @boyscouts and Chief Scout Michael Sturbaugh @BSAChief and express your outrage at the rally booing President Barack Obama, a former Boy Scout.

·       Read this: 

The Foundation of Scouting

Scout Oath

On my honor I will do my best to do my duty To God and my country and to obey the Scout Law,

To help other people at all times,

To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight

Scout Law

A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.

Scout Mission

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 Scout Oath and Scout Law.

Photo credit: Washington Post

Farewell to the Chief, Welcome to the Revolutionist

Each week we choose a Revolutionist of the Week. This week we can’t think of anyone more deserving that outgoing President Barack Obama.

President Obama’s farewell address included everything we’ve come to expect from the man—grace, class, dignity, intelligence, insight, genuine emotion, inspiration and brilliant articulation. But what was most striking for me was his call to action. My work is dedicated to being a revolutionist for psychologically healthy, safe and fair workplaces, which I believe will have a positive effect on all aspects of our lives. In Obama’s farewell address, I recognized a fellow revolutionist with a powerful message—as citizens we have the ability, and even the duty, to become revolutionists for change.

I define “revolutionist” as someone who influences actions to preserve, protect and advance the human rights of others. As he made clear in his address, this is Obama’s mission as well. I recognize the same imperative that motivated to write my new book, From Bully to Bull’s-Eye, to claim the rights and dignity they deserve.

Obama spoke about hope and possibility, something that we cannot function without, but he didn’t shy away from harsh reality. This is the voice of a revolutionist, someone committed to facing and understanding the facts but equally dedicated to working for change. I look forward to seeing what Barack Obama, private citizen, does in his next phase as a revolutionist. And I echo his call that no individual can do this alone, but together we can resist the threats to democracy and work toward positive change. 

Credit: Photo KABC-TV