Posted by
Professor Pitt Daddy on Tuesday, July 17, 2007 10:38:25 AM
It's been awhile since I've posted to my blog. There are many reasons, but the most significant is the changes brought about by the last US election.
With the Democrats coming into power, I've felt disappointed by my fellow citizens resolve to stop evil in this world.
I've thought about what caused the changes... Foremost, it seems to be the non-stop torrent of bad news coming from the media on all sides. Maybe we need an attitude adjustment. It's time to add something else to the Fear ,Uncertainty and Doubt (FUD) that spews from every news outlet.
I know I'm not the first to say this, but the bigger issue is how to we change it.
Let's look at some bad news and see how we can change it for the good of the country. In Philadelphia, there have been well over 200 murders so far this year. Who has perpetrated most of these murders? Young men in gangs. So what's the good news?
There is an organization that is making a difference in the lives of young men. It's called the Boy Scouts. Yes, I know they are not new, but let's take a look at some recent developments with the Scouts.
In May, the Cradle of Liberty Council (Philadelphia, PA and suburbs) held Jambo 2007, a jamboree for Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. Over 8,000 people participated, including a troop from St. Edmond's Home, a school for severely disabled kids.
Now let's think about what most people would expect with that many young men get together in one place. Fights? Violence? Mayhem? NO!
This jamboree featured over 60 sponsors, including most of the areas sports teams, corporate and government sponsors. Events included rock climbing, obstacle courses, home building, a trebuchet, archery range, crafts, and a variety of demonstrations.
In the evening, a hot air balloon demonstration filled the skies. The boys were then treated to musical groups, the last of which was a band formed by a local Army Reserve. The band finished their set with "I'm Proud to be an American" and the boys spontaneously started a chant.... USA USA USA... It was thrilling.
The finale of the night was a fireworks display rivaling those seen at Disney World. The guys all went back to their tents and had a great sleep in the cool evening. the following morning, the troops packed up, each cleaning its area and trying to clean something additional to return the area to its normal state.
I also just got back from Resica Falls Scout Reservation, having been up there with my son's scout troop. Our guys, ages 12 to 16, had a great time, but more importantly, they have begun to learn how to be self reliant men. They learn to respect our country and our world, being true conservationists, not the pseudo conservation of Live Earth. They learned how to cook and live in the outdoors. How to take care of themselves in the wild, watching for insects and what to do if they get lost. Several guys finished Swimming, Lifesaving, Emergency Preparedness and First Aid merit badges, preparing them for days when they will need to assist someone. Some worked on Ecology badges, studying animals and plants and understanding how nature works.
The change in the youngest boys becomes apparent by the middle of the week. Boys that were once scared to leave home get the confidence that will let them become men.
So, where was all this reported? Nowhere. When I returned home from the Jambo, we checked the news, assuming that a gathering of 8,000 kids might be on TV. Not a word on any of the 4 major stations in Philadelphia. Nothing in the papers. Nothing on the radio. It was as if it didn't happen.
What was being reported was the escalating murder rate and that the City of Philadelphia continues to try to evict the Boy Scouts from their Philadelphia headquarters because the Scouts have rules about not allowing avowed homosexual men to be leaders. Instead of supporting an organization that could help stop murders, they prefer to bankrupt them with legal fees and toss them out of the city.
I won't delve deeper into that situation, because this is supposed to be about GOOD news, not the bad. Just remember that there are thousands of volunteers out there trying to make a difference. Be sure to let people know this is still, as Bill Bennett's book says, "America: The Last Best Hope".