BSA shouldn’t change

Regarding the Boy Scouts article in the May 22 paper: I noticed buried deep in the article was one sentence saying how Robert Gates, the new Boy Scouts of America president, was concerned “that an eventual court order might also strike down the BSA’s policy of banning atheists.” That sentence should concern any current and former member of the BSA, and our country.

I dug out my 1966 Scout Manual and read the Oath: “To do my duty to God and my country” is the very first part. I am not aware of any change. How can an atheist join the Scouts and not lie when reciting the oath?

So, I say, they can’t join. Boys Scouts make that promise when joining, and follow the 12 points of the Scout Law. No. 12 is, “A Scout is reverent to God.”

This organization helps to develop good citizens, which our country desperately needs. If our reverence to God is offensive to some, so be it. The BSA should not change its long-standing laws or oath to appease those few who do not believe in God.

Terry Olson

Spokane