Oh Woe Is Mitt!

You have to feel for Mitt Romney (ok, well maybe not, but go with me here for a minute). 

The Republican Party doesn’t like Mitt.  During the primary season, he gets no respect, with the Republican establishment always trying to get behind the next guy (or girl).  He wants to talk about the economy but the majority of the party seems to want to talk about social issues.  In the end, he’s the one who gets the nod.  He is the only candidate who doesn’t get a case of hoof in mouth and eliminate himself.  So he becomes the presumptive nominee.

Mitt has a plan to win the election.  He has an economic vision, and it’s one that resonates with a decent portion of the United States population.  He then goes out and picks a Vice Presidential running mate who has also placed a lot of emphasis on the economy with his own economic vision.  Two candidates with economic bonafides and little social baggage – yeah, when pressed, they have towed the party line on abortion, marriage, and the like, but the social issues do not define either candidate.

So Mitt successfully turns the presidential campaign to focus predominately on the economy, with foreign policy creeping in as well as other legitimate national issues.  The social issues seem like they are going to take a back door.

Then along comes the Republican Party Platform.

Meditations on Moving Scouting Forward

Is it time we move past the Girl and Boy Scouts?  For scouting to remain relevant, it needs to adapt to the 21^st Century.  This means one organization, inclusive regardless of Gender, Race, Sexuality, or Disability.  By nature, Scouting is a spiritual organization; therefore one is required to be a person of faith.

Levels and Paths to Advance through Scouting

Within Scouting, there would be three levels, Pre-Scouts, Junior Scouts, and Senior Scouts.  Pre- and Junior Scouts would be all inclusive of any interest, and Senior Scouts would be divided into different three (or more) paths.  These paths would be based generally on interest; however there would be no restriction on someone from one path pursuing activities in another path (this might even be encouraged).

The paths would be Mariner Scouts, Venture Scouts, and Civic Scouts.  Ranks and most requirements would generally be unique to that path; however badges and honors would be common across all paths.  Some requirements would apply to all paths (specific badges and service projects), and the ultimate rank of Eagle Scout would remain as the highest honor in all of scouting.

The path you follow is dependent upon your interests as well as the availability of troops within that chosen path (sorry, no Mariner Scouts in Kansas).  Transferring Paths would also be permitted, with the only downside that upon transferring, the Scout would begin at the bottom of that path.

The Importance of Camping in Scouting Life

Camp is an important part of Scouting.  It provides an opportunity for the scout to be among other scouts and form relationships beyond their own troop. 

The week long summer camps are especially important in Scouting as this is where much of the fellowship and learning occurs.  Every four years would be the National Scouting Jamboree, the hallmark of scouting activities.  High Adventure Camps would also be inclusive of all paths. 

Each path would also retain their unique and special activities.  These activities occur at the Council, Regional, State, and National Level and are also unique across different geographies. 

Honor Societies – Above and Beyond

Another key to scouting is the use of Honor Societies.  Separate from Paths, these societies have their own requirements to join and offer opportunities for the scout to challenge themselves and reach their fullest potential.  Election to the honor society could be by merit, one’s peers, or members of the society, among others possibilities.

Ground control to Major Tom

With the outcome of the Mars Curiosity Rover coming soon (here's hoping for a resounding success), I have been thinking about the important role government has played in science, technology, and innovation.  I think it is especially important, given strength of the ‘Small Government’ libertarian movement and its influence on the Republican Party. 

By and large, this movement is fueled not by the works of Adam Smith, but by Ayn Rand, and is based on her idea that whatever the government does, private companies can do better.  In response to that, I will only ask one question.  Are our lives better today because of NASA and the space program?