| Unit Leaders, Please Contact Philip Sternberg at phil.sternberg@googlemail.com if you have any recommendations. Chip As you know we're searching for a new Scoutmaster to take over this awesome troop. It's time for me to step down, but not time for me to quit. I plan to continue to an active leader in the troop, but it's time for someone else to take over the week-to-week operation. It'll be good for the troop to get new "blood" at the helm, and I promise to help whoever we get. I would appreciate your giving this letter the widest dissemination in the district, and if you know someone who is not in our troop, that you think might be a good candidate, please send him/her the attached letter. The Troop Committee will conduct interviews and make the selection. Have a great Thanksgiving. Philip Sternberg Scoutmaster, T-1131 |
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Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Scoutmaster Search for Troop 1131
Patriot Press December 2009
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Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Boy Scout Advancement Changes
| Scouters, On 1 January 2010 the BSA is changing and adding some requirements for Boy Scout rank advancement. I've attached a summary of those changes and some amplification to help answer questions being received at the NCAC. This is also posted on the NCAC website at http://www.boyscouts-ncac.org/openrosters/ViewOrgPageLink.asp?LinkKey=17098&orgkey=1988 . After reading this, if you have additional questions, please contact me at alandeter@cox.net or 703-455-3367. Yours in Scouting….Alan Deter, Patriot District Advancement Chair |
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Patriot Press November 2009
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Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Will Scouting work for boys who are in court committed situations?
The question is like a situation they might give me in my National BSA training. How do we preserve our Scouting identity, while remaining flexible enough to reach boys who have never had a chance to do Boy Scouts?
We are in the midst of a great experiment. There is a Boys Probation House on Shirley Gate Road. The adult leadership there is interested in starting a Boy Scout Troop in order to give the youth there an opportunity to do a program that will connect them with positive role models.
The man who volunteered to be the Scoutmaster, Lt. Cmdr. Michael Files, asked the adults at the probation house what they would consider success. The Program Coordinator there said one word: “Trust.”
He wants the boys to be able to trust.
Is that success for Scouting? Or does Scouting demand more than just trust from its youth? The Scout Law demands the youth be “trustworthy.” What does this mean for court committed boys?
My guess is that ole Baden Powell would say Scouting works for any boy. I think you have to hope so…
If you have a heart--and the patience for boys like these--please let me know. We are currently looking for merit badge counselors who are willing to give a couple Sunday afternoons a year to the boys at the Probation House.
The question is like a situation they might give me in my National BSA training. How do we preserve our Scouting identity, while remaining flexible enough to reach boys who have never had a chance to do Boy Scouts?
We are in the midst of a great experiment. There is a Boys Probation House on Shirley Gate Road. The adult leadership there is interested in starting a Boy Scout Troop in order to give the youth there an opportunity to do a program that will connect them with positive role models.
The man who volunteered to be the Scoutmaster, Lt. Cmdr. Michael Files, asked the adults at the probation house what they would consider success. The Program Coordinator there said one word: “Trust.”
He wants the boys to be able to trust.
Is that success for Scouting? Or does Scouting demand more than just trust from its youth? The Scout Law demands the youth be “trustworthy.” What does this mean for court committed boys?
My guess is that ole Baden Powell would say Scouting works for any boy. I think you have to hope so…
If you have a heart--and the patience for boys like these--please let me know. We are currently looking for merit badge counselors who are willing to give a couple Sunday afternoons a year to the boys at the Probation House.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Gathering of Eagles
Unit Leaders,
NCAC has launched a "Gathering of Eagles" initiative that is aimed at Eagle Scouts in the NCAC region. As reflected below, we have just sent an email to more than 700 Eagles in the Washington region. We are especially anxious to engage Eagles who may not have been active in recent years. Our first "Gathering" will be on October 28. If any of you are Eagles and not yet signed up on our Eagle roster, please go to www.boyscouts-ncac.org/gatheringofeagles and register so that we can keep you aware of special Eagle activates. You're welcome - actually encouraged! - to share this email with any Eagles that you know. If you are an Eagle, I hope that you will RSVP as requested below and join us on October 28.
Chip
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Fellow Eagle Scouts – Thank you for joining our roster of Eagle Scouts in the National Capital Area Council (NCAC) region! As noted in the postcard, in my conversation with you and/or in the introduction on the Gathering of Eagles form (www.boyscouts-ncac.org/gatheringofeagles), our aim is simple -- to share with you local and national 100th anniversary activities for the Boy Scouts of America, to encourage networking among Eagles, to re-engage those Eagles who may have stepped away from Scouting for a while, and to encourage continued support of Scouting. Our Steering Committee is up and running with a Program team chaired by Steven Swann, a Public Relations team chaired by Tim Bintrim, and a Fundraising team chaired by Bill Huddleston. Several of you have already signed up for one of these teams. If you have not and would like to, please let me know. We've launched the Gathering of Eagles webpage on the NCAC website:www.boyscouts-ncac.org/thegathering. Check this page often to keep up-to-date about current Eagle and Council activities that might be of interest to you. The first activity to consider is our inaugural event - 'The First Gathering' - on Wednesday, October 28 inWashington, D.C. NCAC Scout Executive Al Lambert will be on hand to share with us some of the exciting Centennial activity details and I'll play host along with the Steering Committee. I encourage you to attend 'The Gathering' and take the opportunity to connect with as many of your brethren as possible. We are a unique collective that has within its power the ability to have a tremendous impact on the Scouting in this region and on Scouting's future. Yours in Scouting, John Mason, VP for Strategic Resources National Capital Area Council, Boy Scouts of America |
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
MERIT BADGE and JEWISH RELIGIOUS AWARDS FAIR
Unit Leaders,
Please see the attached file for information on the Merit Badge and Jewish Religious Awards Fair. It's open to all scouts and is being held in the Northern Virginia Jewish Community Center, 2-4 p.m., Sunday, 3 Jan 2010. Please contact Mr. Phil Sternberg for more information phil.sternberg@googlemail.com.
Chip
Friday, October 9, 2009
2009 Fall Camporee
Unit Leaders,
If you have not already done so, please consider registering your unit for the Fall Camporee. Full event details including registration forms are below and on the web at http://www.boyscouts-ncac.org/registration/calendardetail.asp?orgkey=371&ActivityKey=605241
Chip
Fall Camporee
Fall Camporee 2009
When: October 16-18, 2009
Where: Flying Circus Aerodrome, Bealeton, Virginia
Activities:
At the Camporee, scouts and Webelos will have a chance to learn about many subjects related to flying. There will be separate programs for the Boy Scouts and the Webelos. The Boy Scout program will center on aviation themed merit badges. Scouts will be able to take the following merit badges; Aviation, Space Exploration, Astronomy, Radio, and Weather. Aviation is an all day merit badge. Scouts can sign up for Astronomy and Space Exploration, Radio, or Weather so they can earn two merit badges at the Camporee. The Webelos program will consist of flying remote controlled model airplanes, constructing and flying sophisticated paper airplanes, knot tying, and dodge ball.
Registration:
Boy Scout/Venture/Varsity Registration Form
Pre-Registration Forms are due by September 15, 2009. The completed permission forms:
Either email the forms to philip.sternberg@verizon.net, or mail them to Patriot Fall 2009 Camporee, c/o Philip Sternberg, P.O. Box 4052, Alexandria VA 22303, Contact Philip Sternberg with questions.
OA Member Registration:
OA Members attending the Camporee for Brotherhood conversion can use this document to register
Start Date/Time: 10/16/2009
End Date/Time: 10/18/2009
Online Registration Accepted Until: No registration date specified
Contact Email: depdir@ideapcs.org
Cost: $0.00
Activity Location: 5114 Ritchie Rd., Bealeton, VA US
Directions can be found at: Location Map
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Patriot Press October 2009
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| Click Here to see the calendar of events.
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Thursday, September 24, 2009
Cub Fun Day Leader Help Needed
Unit Leaders,
If you are free this Saturday, Council is asking for volunteers to help with the Cub Fun Day at Camp Snyder. If you can help, please email spelter@boyscouts-ncac.org or pjohnson@boyscouts-ncac.org
Chip
When: Saturday, September 26 10 AM-2 PM
Where: Camp Snyder, Haymarket Virginia
What: A day of games, activities, archery, BBs and more! New Cub Scouts (Cub Scouts who have joined between May 1 and September 25) will be able to launch their very own rocket for free.* Families will also get a sneak peek at the fun and adventure waiting for them next summer.
Who: Cub Scouts, their families, and their friends
How much: FREE!!!! Lunch and rockets for returning Cub Scouts will be available for purchase. There will also be a "Trading Post" with toys, games, scout gear, patches etc. for sale.
Why: We know boys join Cub Scouts to have fun. Studies show that the sooner new Cub Scouts get a good outdoor program, the more likely he and his family are to stay involved. We also know that September is a hectic time for packs and leaders may not have time to plan a quality outdoor event. We hope that all packs take advantage of this opportunity to get their boys outdoors and enjoying what Scouting is all about!
Registration: Although this event is free, Registration is required. All that is necessary is a contact person and the number of youth and adults attending.
Questions? spelter@boyscouts-ncac.org or 301-214-9119
http://www.boyscouts-ncac.org/registration/calendardetail.asp?orgkey=370&ActivityKey=644765
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Patriot District Scouting for Food 2009
Scouting for Food
Scouting for Food (SFF) is an annual occasion for a Scout to give service to others and to be aware of those around us who are in need. The National Capital Area Food Bank and many other food pantries and charitable kitchens make wise use of American's generous gifts to SFF. Through each Unit's work, and with high public interest and participation, SFF has grown to become one of the largest food drives in the Northern VA/DC/Maryland area. Here are the significant dates for SFF in the Patriot District:
Thursday, October 8th, 7:30 p.m — October Patriot District Roundtable Meeting: Bag Pick-up and Zone Assignment will be made. We will also conduct some informal training. All Units should have a Scouting for Food Coordinator attend the October Roundtable meeting.
Saturday, November 7: Bag Distribution: Distribute bags to homes in your zone. Flyers, Inserts will also be available to place inside your bags.
Saturday, November 14: Food Collection: Collect food in your zone and deliver to district collection point at Burke Centre Safeway. Other food banks or charitable kitchens are also permissible, but keep track of your bag numbers or weight.
Tuesday, November 17: Final Reports Due: Unit's finalize SFF data (participation; quantity of food; etc) and submit to the SFF District Coordinator
Feel free to contact Cynthia Yellen with any questions: phone (703) 425-6468 or (703) 731-3839 (cell); email cnymsw@cox.net.
Cyntia Yellen, Scouting For Food Coordinator
Scouting For Food and Good Turn for America
The Scouting for Food event is a great chance for every unit to submit at least one service project for the year to Good Turn for America. So as you're completing reporting on your Scouting for Food collection, don't forget to submit the result to the national GTFA database as well. Reporting your service projects makes your members eligible for the GTFA patch, and it also helps Scouting by documenting the service we've done in support of our community.
We will hand out bags at roundtable on October 8th and each leader is urged to come and collect their rations of bags for their units for delivery in their designated areas.
Scouting for food delivery of bags will begin November 7 and pick up of food will begin November 14 and food will be brought to the Safeway at Burke Center.
WE will begin collecting as early as 9 AM Saturday November 14th with the help of the OA and scout helpers. Those wishing to earn community or service hours please check in with the OA.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Patriot District Newsletter
| To open the September 2009 Patriot Press click here. You will need Adobe Reader or a similar PDF reader to view the Patriot Press. If you have any problems, please email PatriotBSAWebmaster@gmail.com . In this issue of the Patriot Press you will find:
Be sure to sign-up for District E-lists so you can stay up to date with all the latest scouting news. Pick as many lists as you like. Sign-up for "Scoutmasters", "Cubmasters", or any other list you may have interest in. Would you like to see the activities of your unit in the spotlight? Share your news with us - please submit articles and pictures to osborne@erols.com or PatriotBSAWebmaster@gmail.com |
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Tuesday, August 11, 2009
August 2009 Patriot Press
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Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skill (IOLS) Registration Open
Unit Leaders, Registration for the Fall Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skill (IOLS) has opened. Please go to the event page at http://www.doubleknot.com/Registration/CalendarDetail.asp?ActivityKey=639833&OrgKey=371 to register. If you need more information, please contact Mr. Scruggs at pscruggs@ix.netcom.com YIS Chip
Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skill (IOLS) - Patriot |
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Monday, August 3, 2009
65th Anniversary Commemoration Operation Dragoon 5 August 09 Arlington National Cemetery
Unit Leaders, Sorry for the late notice, but see the below message and attachment for information on this special ceremony. Chip
There will be a ceremony on 5 August 2009 at the Memorial Amphitheater in Arlington National Cemetery at 0900 to honor the veterans of Operation Dragoon, the allied invasion of Southern France. We will have 30 veterans of the landing present, primarily from the 3rd Infantry Division and the 1st Airborne Task Force. |
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Tuesday, July 21, 2009
BSA's Innovation Council
Getting past labels and stereotypes, past the rhetoric and politics--even past some of the bad poetry of some Scouting leaders--is difficult in our movement.
I recently had the opportunity to meet with an official from the National Office's "Innovation Council." Rani Monson, Innovation Director at the National Office, was on a country-wide tour and wanted to hear what we thought about Scouting: how it needs to change and how it needs to stay the same.
It was a frank back and forth with Ms. Monson, our Scout Exec, Al Lambert, and three other district serving execs like me. She was at least as critical as we were of the Boy Scouts: we're not dynamic enough, not cool enough, not nimble enough, not inclusive enough.
It is her council that has put together an "innovation engine" for the BSA: http://ideas.scouting.org/
Ms. Monson was totally new to Scouting when she took her current job with the BSA, which has its advantages and disadvantages, as you might imagine. The major advantage is that she is a thoughtful advocate of our program, but also knows what an outsider might perceive about the BSA. And there are a lot of terrible perceptions of our movement.
Her ideas for our movement were complex, but from what I could tell, here are some results that she'd like to see:
I recently had the opportunity to meet with an official from the National Office's "Innovation Council." Rani Monson, Innovation Director at the National Office, was on a country-wide tour and wanted to hear what we thought about Scouting: how it needs to change and how it needs to stay the same.
It was a frank back and forth with Ms. Monson, our Scout Exec, Al Lambert, and three other district serving execs like me. She was at least as critical as we were of the Boy Scouts: we're not dynamic enough, not cool enough, not nimble enough, not inclusive enough.
It is her council that has put together an "innovation engine" for the BSA: http://ideas.scouting.org/
Ms. Monson was totally new to Scouting when she took her current job with the BSA, which has its advantages and disadvantages, as you might imagine. The major advantage is that she is a thoughtful advocate of our program, but also knows what an outsider might perceive about the BSA. And there are a lot of terrible perceptions of our movement.
Her ideas for our movement were complex, but from what I could tell, here are some results that she'd like to see:
- The uniform abolished, or a different uniform produced by the fashionable athleticwear maker UnderArmor.
- Better sharing of best practices among councils
- More digital resources and a more dynamic Cub Scout program
It was a disheartening meeting for me. Here was an outsider, put in an important position in the national office, giving credence to the worst stereotypes about our movement. On the other hand, she can't ignore the perceptions. If she did it would be business as usual in the National BSA and business as usual isn't working, if you read our 30-year membership numbers.
What did I take from it? As our Scout Exec said, we've been having the same discussion for 30 years--since he was a district exec in the south side of Chicago--and it has always been a question of how we maintain our identity and preserve the things that work, while making the BSA a movement that appeals to new populations. That's less of an answer than a question, I think.
A friend of mine who went to Philmont training with me approached the BSA's National High Adventure Director and said brazenly: "I want your job. What do I need to do?"
The guy smiled wryly said, "You have to have a hard head and thick skin." Surprising to us both. As we continue in this profession it rings more true than ever. I know that boys love to play in the woods, shoot weapons, play with fires. I know they like to swim and sail in lakes and go horseback riding.
No matter what anyone says about this movement, we're the best organization to give boys these opportunities.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Flying Circus Camporee Registration Documents
Unit Leaders, Pre-Registration information for the Fall Camporee has been posted to the website: https://doubleknot.com/registration/calendardetail.asp?ActivityKey=605241 This is sure to be a popular event so please get your pre-registration forms to Mr. Sternberg as soon as possable. YIS Chip
Fall Camporee 2009 When: October 16-18, 2009 Where: Flying Circus Aerodrome, Bealeton, Virginia Activities: Aviation Themed
Registration: Pre-Registration Forms are due by September 15, 2009. The completed permission forms: are due by September 30, 2009. Either email the forms to philip.sternberg@verizon.net, or mail them to Patriot Fall 2009 Camporee, c/o Philip Sternberg, P.O. Box 4052, Alexandria VA 22303, Contact Philip Sternberg with questions. |
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Friday, June 12, 2009
Change to 2009/2010 Calendar of Events – Webelos to Scout Transition
Unit Leaders, There has been a change to 2009/2010 Calendar of Events involving the Webelos to Scout Transition. The Webelos to Boy Scout Transition Program has been moved from November 21 to December 5. Please contact Mr. Patrick Ring at pring978@verizon.net if you have questions. YIS Chip |
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Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Patriot Press June/July 2009
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Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Asking for money
As the son of a United Way Exec., fundraising should come easy to me. And I guess it is. I don't have an issue asking for money. And asking again, again, and again. I believe in our mission and the money goes to support the mission of the BSA.
We are getting close to finishing our Family Friends of Scouting campaign. The goal for our district is $70,000, which is one of the top goals in the council. And other than the newly formed Montgomery District, which was created from 6 districts in Montgomery County, we have raised the most money of any district in the council. Per capita, Patriot does more than its fair share.
Fundraising is an interesting lens to look at our community. My best friend from college was an economics major. I asked him about this major--I was an English major, something I loved, so I just didn't get what he liked about boring economics. He explained that at NYU (our alma mater), he had made a conscious decision to be an economics major instead of finance major. Finance was a science. Economics was an art.
And that's what I mean when I say that fundraising is an interesting lens to look at our community. There's a science to fundraising: direct mail, donor databases, well-researched prospect lists. And there's the art: the art of the ask, the art of the pitch, the art of prospect cultivation, relationship building, connecting our donors to our mission and to our programs.
The science of fundraising tells me to look for people with the ability to give. The art tells me to look for the most compelling Scouting stories.
What I find fascinating is the irony (it must be my English-major nature). Irony is what happens when ones expectations are changed. I am always surprised by the sort of financial support Scouting receives (or doesn't receive). A working-class family that whose sons have dropped out of Scouting still supports the BSA because of what we do for the community. A wealthy family with 3 boys in Scouting won't give because they feel that the time they give to Scouting is the way they want to support our programs. A Scout leader won't give because he didn't receive his FOS recognition patch or cap from the year before. A parent whose son has graduated from the Troop gives a huge gift every year and says he doesn't want any recognition--saying that Scouting has already given him his gift, a son who was profoundly influenced by our character-building program.
The stories of giving, I guess, is what interests me. Why folks give, why they don't, shines a new light on our community. And I guess it's easy to criticize folks for not supporting the Scouts, but that's just not constructive. The most important thing is to shape our fundraising message. Connect folks to the costs of Scouting and our mission in the community. Show folks what we do for the community.
In a way, it's like what my teacher wife calls "differentiated learning." I give a fundraising pitch or make an ask and everyone hears a different story, a different appeal. Some folks tell me to concentrate on the costs of Scouting. Some folks say I need to focus more on the stories of our youth in Scouting. Some folks wish I just wouldn't take up so much time with my FOS pitch--they're going to support the BSA anyway!
All this goes into the extent to which a person supports Scouting financially.
And it's a lot more complicated and nuanced than just asking for money...
We are getting close to finishing our Family Friends of Scouting campaign. The goal for our district is $70,000, which is one of the top goals in the council. And other than the newly formed Montgomery District, which was created from 6 districts in Montgomery County, we have raised the most money of any district in the council. Per capita, Patriot does more than its fair share.
Fundraising is an interesting lens to look at our community. My best friend from college was an economics major. I asked him about this major--I was an English major, something I loved, so I just didn't get what he liked about boring economics. He explained that at NYU (our alma mater), he had made a conscious decision to be an economics major instead of finance major. Finance was a science. Economics was an art.
And that's what I mean when I say that fundraising is an interesting lens to look at our community. There's a science to fundraising: direct mail, donor databases, well-researched prospect lists. And there's the art: the art of the ask, the art of the pitch, the art of prospect cultivation, relationship building, connecting our donors to our mission and to our programs.
The science of fundraising tells me to look for people with the ability to give. The art tells me to look for the most compelling Scouting stories.
What I find fascinating is the irony (it must be my English-major nature). Irony is what happens when ones expectations are changed. I am always surprised by the sort of financial support Scouting receives (or doesn't receive). A working-class family that whose sons have dropped out of Scouting still supports the BSA because of what we do for the community. A wealthy family with 3 boys in Scouting won't give because they feel that the time they give to Scouting is the way they want to support our programs. A Scout leader won't give because he didn't receive his FOS recognition patch or cap from the year before. A parent whose son has graduated from the Troop gives a huge gift every year and says he doesn't want any recognition--saying that Scouting has already given him his gift, a son who was profoundly influenced by our character-building program.
The stories of giving, I guess, is what interests me. Why folks give, why they don't, shines a new light on our community. And I guess it's easy to criticize folks for not supporting the Scouts, but that's just not constructive. The most important thing is to shape our fundraising message. Connect folks to the costs of Scouting and our mission in the community. Show folks what we do for the community.
In a way, it's like what my teacher wife calls "differentiated learning." I give a fundraising pitch or make an ask and everyone hears a different story, a different appeal. Some folks tell me to concentrate on the costs of Scouting. Some folks say I need to focus more on the stories of our youth in Scouting. Some folks wish I just wouldn't take up so much time with my FOS pitch--they're going to support the BSA anyway!
All this goes into the extent to which a person supports Scouting financially.
And it's a lot more complicated and nuanced than just asking for money...
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Open High Adventure Slots
Troop 1345 in Burke has two openings for the Mountain Man High Adventure program at Blue Ridge Scout Reservation the week of July 12-18. Scouts must be age 13 or older and be able to backpack gear 1 1/2 miles. The cost for the week is $295 per scout. Please contact Assistant Scout Master Phil Scruggs for more information: pscruggs@ix.netcom.com. |
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Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Eagle Application and Service Project Workbook Update
If you have not heard, there is a new 2009 Eagle Scout Rank Application form (512-728). The 2008 version will not be accepted by the NCAC after August 1, 2009. The 2009 form is very similar to the 2008 form but more The .pdf version of the form is fillable and savable, unlike previous versions. Please test this on your own computer before losing substantial work. As with all scouting changes, there is a transition period from now until August 1, 2009 where the current 2008 Eagle Scout Rank Application form is valid and can be used by candidates for Eagle Scout. Scouts who have started their project or will have it completed before August 1, 2009 are not affected. Scouts do not need to re-do your Eagle Scout Rank Application form or project write-up if they believe they will have their Eagle Board of Review prior to August 1, 2009. If the Eagle Board of Review is conducted after August 1, 2009, then the Scout must use the 2009 version of the Eagle Scout Rank Application form but can use the current Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project Workbook if the project was started and complete before August 1, 2009. Note: Scouts may use the new 2009 Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project Workbook (512-927) now if they want but it is not required unless they are starting and/or completing their project after August 1, 2009. The .pdf version of the workbook is also fillable and savable, unlike previous versions. Please test this on your own computer before losing substantial work. We will get a Microsoft Word version of the form out as soon as it becomes available. Please click through the links contained in this email to access the forms. You can also go to the District Forms Page (link on the laft-hand side of the page or go to http://www.doubleknot.com/openrosters/ViewOrgPageLink.asp?LinkKey=17110&orgkey=371). If you have specific questions, please contact the District Advancement Chairman, Alan Deter, at alandeter@cox.net or call him in the evening at 703-455-3367. |
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Monday, May 25, 2009
Patriot District Awards Dinner Pictures - Mary 2009
Share The News: Click here if you would like to send this information to one or more friends. Note, your friends will not be added any mail list. |
Patriot District Scouters, If you wish to view the photos from our recent Awards Dinner, please go to this site: https://doubleknot.com/openrosters/ViewPhotoAlbum.asp?orgkey=371&PhotoAlbumKey=6587 YIS Chip |
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Sunday, May 17, 2009
Bloodsuckers & Pontificators
The other day I found myself listening to Rush Limbaugh. I've always enjoyed his program. I don't always agree with him, but I know why he's so popular. He's downright funny.
Rush was getting on a rant about Obama's commencement speech at Arizona State University. Obama was saying, "If you're a business major why not help a struggling non-profit improve its business model... If you're a nurse why not go into public health..."
According to Rush, Obama was telling everyone to go into non-profit work.
"Bloodsuckers," Rush said. "That's what the non-profit sector's filled with. Bloodsuckers." He went on to explain that if you got hit up as much as The Great El Maha Rushi, you'd think that all those non-profit folks were bloodsuckers.
No, Rush said. It was the producers that make the nation great. They make money that fuel the do-gooders' non-profits.
Boy did I get mad. I've never been angry from listening to Rush. Usually I get on my high horse with him. Laugh at all that liberal minutiae. But it really got to me.
Was I a bloodsucker? Was I wasting some talents that could better be used in the for-profit sector?
Before I get too far with this, don't worry. I'm not going to abandon my job as a professional Scouter to sell pharmaceuticals. But it really stuck in my craw, I have to admit.
My wife is on her seventh year teaching at an inner-city charter school in the District. My wife and I are poster children for the sort of stuff the Obamas keep on saying at all these commencements (although, I bet Obama would rather I worked for the Boys & Girls Club than the Boy Scouts--a subject for another blog post...).
We're going to Canada this next week with the kids from my wife's charter school. Every year, she takes kids to a French-speaking country. Every year it has been France, but this year it will be French-speaking Canada. We'll take a bunch of kids from across the Anacostia to the sugar shacks in Quebec.
There will be other stuff on this trip--we'll bike around Old Montreal, go ice skating--but this is the sort of thing I live for. I like to think that the sugar shacks of rural Canada are about as foreign as the streets of Paris or the villages of Paraguay to these kids from DC. It's the sort of wholly foreign landscape that a Scout from Burke might see on horseback in Philmont, New Mexico. And to be there when a young person's worldview changes radically--well, it's indescribable.
Maybe that's what's missing in Obama's charge and Rush's rant: There are a whole host of reasons to do this work--and most of it has nothing to do with sacrifice.
Rush was getting on a rant about Obama's commencement speech at Arizona State University. Obama was saying, "If you're a business major why not help a struggling non-profit improve its business model... If you're a nurse why not go into public health..."
According to Rush, Obama was telling everyone to go into non-profit work.
"Bloodsuckers," Rush said. "That's what the non-profit sector's filled with. Bloodsuckers." He went on to explain that if you got hit up as much as The Great El Maha Rushi, you'd think that all those non-profit folks were bloodsuckers.
No, Rush said. It was the producers that make the nation great. They make money that fuel the do-gooders' non-profits.
Boy did I get mad. I've never been angry from listening to Rush. Usually I get on my high horse with him. Laugh at all that liberal minutiae. But it really got to me.
Was I a bloodsucker? Was I wasting some talents that could better be used in the for-profit sector?
Before I get too far with this, don't worry. I'm not going to abandon my job as a professional Scouter to sell pharmaceuticals. But it really stuck in my craw, I have to admit.
My wife is on her seventh year teaching at an inner-city charter school in the District. My wife and I are poster children for the sort of stuff the Obamas keep on saying at all these commencements (although, I bet Obama would rather I worked for the Boys & Girls Club than the Boy Scouts--a subject for another blog post...).
We're going to Canada this next week with the kids from my wife's charter school. Every year, she takes kids to a French-speaking country. Every year it has been France, but this year it will be French-speaking Canada. We'll take a bunch of kids from across the Anacostia to the sugar shacks in Quebec.
There will be other stuff on this trip--we'll bike around Old Montreal, go ice skating--but this is the sort of thing I live for. I like to think that the sugar shacks of rural Canada are about as foreign as the streets of Paris or the villages of Paraguay to these kids from DC. It's the sort of wholly foreign landscape that a Scout from Burke might see on horseback in Philmont, New Mexico. And to be there when a young person's worldview changes radically--well, it's indescribable.
Maybe that's what's missing in Obama's charge and Rush's rant: There are a whole host of reasons to do this work--and most of it has nothing to do with sacrifice.
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