Advice Please? I don't know what to do.?

Question

Earlier this week my scout troop took a river trip. During lunch one of the kids asked me a political question and I answered. The scoutmasters wife told me that that was not a proper subject for scouting but when on to say how she was furious that I was trying to change the political opinion of her 14 year old son and how he has a brain and can make his own choices.

Later that night the scoutmaster came to me and said he heard that I had started the conversation, wanted to know what I said and if it was true. I told him I did not start the conversation and what I said was public record. His wife did not agree with me that Obama's overseas speeches were very nervous compared to his US speeches. I asked her if she saw any of the speeches and she looked at me like I was nuts. I asked her so how do you know if you did not see them? Denny goes regardless you need to apologize and retract your statements at circle up.

When I told him that I did not agree with him but I would do it because I respected him and his position that was not good enough so he sat down and explained everything again. When I still did not agree he said if I wanted to be a part of the troop I would have to say I was sorry and retract my statement.

At circle up he had the balls to say the circle up was called because I crossed the line that BSA has rules blah blah blah. Then he asked me if I had anything to say to retract your statement. All I said was that I was wrong to add to the conversation.

Now I am questioning everything. By requiring me to say I am sorry for my opinion or leave the troop because he did not agree with my view violates 1/3 of the scout law (Trustworthy, Friendly, Kind, Courteous). Most of the adults supported me when Denny was not around but denied everything when he was so I am the only one that is not afraid of him.

I don’t want to leave because the boys will not understand. None of them will be able to vote in Nov anyway. On the flip side how can I be an adult leader with someone who pretends to be a scout but will trample on freedom of speech if you don’t agree with his opinions or ideas.

Do you think I should stay or go and how do I handle it if I stay for the kids? I love these kids so much.

Answer 1

You need to file a formal complaint about Denny. His control trip. It also qualifies as harassment.

I wouldn't be surprised if the whole thing with the kid was set up by him just so he could start this stuff.

You answered the kid to the best of your ability.

The rest of the adults only supported you to your face, and did the about-turn when Denny was present... they cannot be very happy with this blustering bully around.

Perhaps you could have each of them sign a statement to the effect that Denny is a bully and himself is abridging the BSA code, and should be kicked out.  

Answer 2

I'd stick to your guns.  You're very articulate.  This is exactly what the first amendment is for, to encourage free flowing intelligent discussion.  The Boy Scouts should be encouraging this sort of thing.

Kick it up the BSA ladder.  Somebody up there must have a brain, or perhaps the media will get hold of it.

Answer 3

There's nothing i hate more than people trying to c**p on my opinions.  Everyone has them but for some reason when they ask mine, they have to trash it.  There's really not a lot you can do but if you really want to stay with the troop, meet with Denny or whatever and say, "I'm really sorry that you don't agree with my opinion but i do have a right to it just like you do yours.  If you can't see the fact the i wasn't brainwashing anyone, that i was just answering a question, and that i do have my basic American rights then maybe you shouldn't rethink your scoutmaster job."  He's not being "courteous" so why should you?

Answer 4

I'd get some clear understanding of the Scouting Rules and find someone higher up to get educated on what you did wrong (if anything) and what the proper Scout action would be to what you have said. It sounds a lot like this guy is making up the PC rules as he goes along. However I would want to be sure. I wouldn't take his interpretation as the final authority.

Again, find out the facts and work from there. The Scouting rules are most likely written so a sixth grader could understand them. At first blush I'd guess that he doesn't have a leg to stand on. Isn't there a regional scout master?

I'd say if you are wrong, and you get some education and understanding,  then if you need to, you'll be much better prepared to talk to the circle and present the proper apology in context. No need to quit regardless. It's ok to be wrong if you are... That's when we learn the most.

Who knows you may learn that his response was more wrong than your lack of PC. He might be the one talking to the circle.

Weather it's politics or religion I would hope the Scouts would not discourage letting the Scouts hear diverse points of view. This does open a can of worms and I believe the Scouts have a right to establish codes of conduct and they have already stood up to some efforts to dilute their agenda.