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I am continually saddened by the frantic enthusiastic coverage of trials such as this.  Not only does this type of coverage parade the victims of such crimes in front of everyone, but it destroys valuable and trusted institutions that have done vast amounts of good in the United States.  I have been a Boy Scout as a youth and earned my Eagle Scout award.  I have served as an assistant scout master, a scout master, a venturing advisor and now as an assistant district commisioner and I have seen the good that this program does in building wiggly boys into good upright men. 

I do believe that caution and education are vital in protecting our youth from abuse, whether it be in scouting or sports or school or friends houses.  I have two young sons in the scouting program and we have talked about the importance of protecting themselves from abuse.  I am confronted by child abuse regularly in my job as a pediatrician and I see the devastation that occurs in the lives of children who have been abused by those who should be protecting and teaching them.

I think this zealous pursuit to destroy institutions that provide a framework to help create good men and women is misplaced.  The perpetrators of the crimes need to be punished according to the laws, but the organizations should not be destroyed because of the deplorable actions of some participants.  Who will teach morality and good character if the Boy Scouts and other such organizations are destroyed by continued law suits?  Can we turn to the mainstream media to teach our youth to be trustworthy, honorable, and hardworking?  Do sit coms, video games or reality shows teach the youth of today to be leaders and philanthopists? 

Obviously, safeguards need to be in place to keep criminals of all stripes away from our children.  I think the continual chorus of detractors that try to make the Boy Scouts appear as a "Hate Group" or a bastion of pedophilia could put their energy into better use by helping these offended youth rather than clamoring for money from the Boy Scouts.  I know that I have been helped and taught and strengthened by the Scouting program and I hope that my sons and grandsons will be able to feel the pride of participating in this great movement of service and honor in the years to come.

Chris Shaw, M.D.

posted 3 years, 1 month ago
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