Scouts exclusion contrary to mission

Regarding a letter by Gary Young on May 26 (“As private group, Scouts can determine members”): Young's stance is that the Boy Scouts of America, as a private organization, should have the right to be unquestioned about its previous position not to allow openly gay members or leaders. I am aware this will change some, beginning in 2014.

It is my contention that perhaps they should exclude left-handed members and leaders as well. After all, if they let too many left-handed people into their organization, they will have to revisit their famous knot-tying directions so that they can be properly executed by “lefties.” Then, they will have to instruct those checking the knots that even though they are tied a little differently than the way “righties” do it, they are still good and equal knots, worthy of a badge.

A bit ridiculous? You bet! So why would an organization that bills itself as being “of America,” and also bills themselves as upholding morality, seek to exclude any group of youth or leaders simply because they have been born with a sexual identity different from the “righties”?

Marty Dailey

Cedar Rapids