[21066] in APO-L
Re: [APO-L] APO/BSA Relationship
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (Jeremy Licata)
Wed Jul 26 09:47:12 2000
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Date: Wed, 26 Jul 2000 09:47:06 EDT
Reply-To: Jeremy Licata <dcnblus@HOTMAIL.COM>
From: Jeremy Licata <dcnblus@HOTMAIL.COM>
To: APO-L@LISTSERV.IUPUI.EDU
I offer these additional points to consider on the matter at hand regarding
APO and BSA:
1) I believe we can agree that APO is committed to helping the youth of all
nations.
What does a verbal "slap-on-the-wrist" from the Brothers of APO to BSA do to
help perpetuate our commitment? Furthermore, what does this say to the other
youth services organizations?
If other youth organizations want to concentrate their efforts to certain
elements of the population, APO will be setting a precedent that precludes
our support of their efforts -- because we have essentially stated, through
our action, that we will only support efforts that are as tolerant as we
are...
I hear the comments now -- "but we are arguing specifically about the
BSA/APO link." To this, I resoundingly say "NO!" This is not just about the
BSA/APO link. This is about our commitment to all youth. Other groups have
different ways of serving youth. We, as an organization and as Brothers of
the Fraternity, must recognize and respect [and be tolerant of] these
different methods through which others can support our selfsame causes.
Just because our principles are derived from the Scout Oath and Law does not
mean that we have any greater attachment to the BSA. Keep in mind that the
Scout Oath and Law are derived from the practice of Chivalry -- a practice
which put women on a pedestal and necessarily locked them there... Does this
mean that BSA is derived from 11th century notions of a warrior class?
Would you prefer that our principles be derived from the Magna Carta? How
about the writings of Locke, Rousseau ? Or perhaps you'd prefer that our
principles be derived from the Greeks (who were noted misogynists), or the
Romans (who conquered the "known world" and sought to destroy any group that
presented a threat to the state -- also in the name of "tolerance").
From what group do you want APO to derive its heritage from? Or is it being
suggested we rewrite history to improve how we look to ourselves: "How can
WE be related to THOSE intolerant people!" To me, that is extremely
condescending and makes APO look even worse than if we maintain the status
quo.
2) I also believe that we can agree that APO is committed to tolerance.
How does a verbal "slap-on-the-wrist" from the Brothers of APO to BSA help
perpetuate this commitment?
Tolerance is about respecting the rights of others, whether we agree with
their views or not. And, yes, this necessarily implies that, for one to be
tolerant, one must accept that others may not be tolerant.
The Supreme Court has affirmed (albeit, by a narrow margin) that BSA is
entitled to determine its own course of action. We have a responsibility, as
citizens of this country and as Brothers who respect the writ of law, to
respect the fact that other groups may dictate their own policy and decided
whom they wish to associate with.
Are you willing to be labeled a hypocrite? Preaching tolerance, but being
intolerant of others that aren't...
Well, Brothers. I have said my peace, my opinions and my mind.
:tanner
EM, Univ of MD, Fall '90
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