On Saturday Sen. Bill Frist introduced a bill S. 3026 (“Save Our Scouts”) and I ask you to spread the word about.  It reflects good old commonsense.  Last week the Pentagon directed American military bases worldwide to forego officially sponsoring the Boy Scouts of America (BSA).  This was in part a response to a lawsuit filed against the Pentagon, which accuses the U.S. government of improperly supporting the BSA because “God” is mentioned in the oath. This is an attempt to end the Pentagon's federal support for the Boy Scouts of America by being Charter Partners or providing government space for Scout activities.
 
The BSA is congressionally chartered.  It serves a patriotic, charitable, and educational purpose, and the federal government's support to the Boy Scouts is embodied in law.  The Save Our Scouts bill reaffirms our long-standing commitment to the tradition of scouting by stating that no federal law, rule, regulation, or order shall limit any Federal agency from providing support to the Boy Scouts of America (or the Girl Scouts of America) -- including meetings, jamborees, camporees, or other scouting activities on federal property.
 
President Franklin Roosevelt called the Boy Scouts of America the "Guards of Democracy" in a speech he delivered on February 8, 1938, the 28th anniversary of the founding of the BSA in America. In his radio address he said, "The nation should be grateful for the youth movement which emphasizes the fundamentals of physical strength, mental alertness and moral straightness. Of course we all recognize that building a stronger generation involves more than good physical health. It involves strong character, initiative, resourcefulness and ideals of service that are practiced for the betterment of their towns, states and nation". In closing his 15 minute talk he said, "And the strength of this youth movement, the Boy Scouts of America, will develop in exact proportion to the support accorded it by those who are interested in preserving our democracy."

I encourage each and every one of you give the Boy Scouts your support NOW because, you, like me, believe in Scouting. So, please write your Senator or Representative NOW urging them to support S. 3026, the Frist “Save Our Scouts” bill. Please don't put if off. Do it now. Look up their addresses NOW and send your message NOW asking their support of this bill (which none would are oppose after you ask). Please don't put this aside until later. Please? Pretty, please? Your help is really needed NOW!

What's so terribly wrong anyway with a young person raising his hand and promising "to do his best to do his duty to his God and his Country." Please contact your legislator NOW. Thanks for your prompt contact with your legislators, and I pray God'll bless each of you for helping with this.

Sammie Reggie