Red Blooded American Boy

Archive for the ‘Eagle Scout’ Category

As an Eagle Scout myself, I am appalled by your treatment of the fellow Eagle Scout, Matthew Whalen.  Granted, he did violate some sort of school rules and should have some level of punishment.  But, you know that such a fine young man could have been given something less harsh than a protracted suspension.  Despite the abuse by you and others in the school system, Mr. Whalen is holding his character up.

Your behavior is a reflection of the current mentality that the “state” has power over the people.  As such, you have sown a seed and taught Matthew Whalen a very valuable lesson.  He has been educated to resist the authority of the state because it will always penalize the innocent and reward the guilty.  He is kind and compliant person now at such a young age.  But, when he grows into an adult he will not surrender and will not yield.
 
I would recommend you uphold this “zero tolerance” rule in place.  A spineless individual such as yourself has sent a revealing message to all the school children in your district.  You have announced that you are a weakling that only has the fortitude to hide behind the cowardly authority of a desk.  You are what “Dirty Harry” calls a – punk.

             — Sent today via email to: ggoodwin@lansingburgh.org

Unlike many of my peers at age 16, I was working hard on my Eagle Scout rank in Boy Scouts that I did not notice girls. Ok. Thats not true. I was such a Boy Scout that was on my honor, I would not have tried anything untoward young women. Ok. Thats a lie, too.
I can admit it. I was quite a geek and really not as exciting those guys with slick smiles and fast cars. That doesn’t mean I didn’t dream of a girl that was really turned on by an array of patches sewn all over a uniform and other shiny things hanging from my belt. In my mind, the dream girl would rip off my neckerchief and ask:

Is that a special issue 75th Diamond Anniversary pocket knife? Or are you just happy to see me?

For sure that did not happen! But, after earning Eagle at age 17, I got my car and more freedom.  I had a new page of adventure yet to write and I was ready!

Debauchery Merit Badge

Still the dating scene was quite slow. Seems that the geek does not go away so quickly…

But, aside from being a geek, I found the party scene not what I expected.  My peers had heard about or even saw the newspaper article about me earning Eagle Scout.  So, I had a reputation that proceeded me.

To my surprise, when I went to a party – I was recruited as the designated driver because no one expected me to drink.   No one offered me the cigarettes or pot they were smoking.  What I found myself doing was delivering drunk friends around and being the guy folks could count on.

One of my pot-smoking friends of the time told me this:

I like you because you do not have to do what I am doing.  You are your own man.

That was an awesome statement from the least likely of sources.  Yes, I was my own man.  I was an Eagle Scout.

As I grew, I discovered the truth behind those great things I was taught in Boy Scouts.  Those elements in the Scout Law: living a Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean and Reverent life are things my wife and kids look to me for each day.  My employer looks for those, too.  Being physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight keeps me going — at home or during work travel.  My neighbors, my community and church all expect these attributes from me.

So, my advice to Boy Scouts working on their ranks… earn your debauchery merit badge after Eagle.  Discover all that you had missed while on campouts, hikes and jamborees.

Actually, you will find that the requirement for earning the merit badge will be saving others from debauchery.  Your own debauchery?  No way.  Doing good turns and doing your duties will keep you busy enough.