A Tale Of Trump And The Boy Scouts

Posted on by under Political commentary, Social commentary

The crowd at the latest Trump rally was different from other crowds at previous rallies.  They were children.  Children who ranged in age from 7 to 18.  They were Boy Scouts who belong to an organization that promotes the values of good citizenship and service to others in the community.  Their oath is:

“On my honor, I will do my best. To do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; To help other people at all times; To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight.”

For 80 years, American presidents have been speaking to the National Scout Jamboree, a gathering of tens of thousands of youngsters from around the world eager to absorb the ideas of service, citizenship and global diplomacy. In keeping with the Scouts’ traditions, all eight presidents have stayed far, far away from partisan politics. But as we all know, Trump prides himself on not being politically correct, on not showing respect for anyone, and yesterday was no exception.  Apparently Donald Trump forgot where he was and to whom he was speaking, for his speech to the 2017 Boy Scout Jamboree resembled nothing more than a campaign rally.

A few snippets:

  • “Tonight, we put aside all of the policy fights in Washington, D.C. — you’ve been hearing about with the fake news and all of that. I said, who the hell wants to speak about politics when I’m in front of the Boy Scouts? Right? ” Remember this one …
  • “You know, I go to Washington and I see all these politicians, and I see the swamp. And it’s not a good place. In fact today I said we ought to change it from the word swamp to the word cesspool or, perhaps, to the word sewer. But it’s not good. Not good.”  What a way to instill respect for government, huh?
  • “Secretary Tom Price is also here. Today Dr. Price still lives the Scout Oath, helping to keep millions of Americans strong and healthy as our Secretary of Health and Human Services. And he’s doing a great job. And hopefully, he’s going to get the votes tomorrow to start our path toward killing this horrible thing known as Obamacare that’s really hurting us, folks. He better get them. He better get them. Oh, he better — otherwise, I’ll say, Tom, you’re fired. I’ll get somebody. He better get Senator Capito to vote for it. You got to get the other senators to vote for it. It’s time. After seven years of saying repeal and replace Obamacare, we have a chance to now do it. They better do it.” Remember that these are children he is addressing, some as young as seven!
  • “As the Scout Law says: “A Scout is trustworthy, loyal” — we could use some more loyalty, I will tell you that.”  His definition of loyalty may differ somewhat from the one used by the boy scouts.
  • “By the way, what do you think the chances are that this incredible, massive crowd, record-setting is going to be shown on television tonight? One percent or zero? The fake media will say: President Trump — and you know what this is — President Trump spoke before a small crowd of Boy Scouts today. That’s some — that is some crowd. Fake media. Fake news.”
  • “Now with that, I have to tell you our economy is doing great. Our stock market has picked up — since the election November 8th. Do we remember that date? Was that a beautiful date?  What a date. Do you remember that famous night on television, November 8th, where they said — these dishonest people — where they said there is no path to victory for Donald Trump?” Again, remember the age group … did you care about the stock market when you were 10 years old?
  • “The polls — that’s also fake news. They’re fake polls. But the polls are saying — but we won Wisconsin. So I have to tell you what we did, in all fairness, is an unbelievable tribute to you and all of the other millions and millions of people that came out and voted for Make America Great Again.”
  • “And by the way, do you see the billions and billions and billions of additional money that we’re putting back into our military? Billions of dollars. New planes, new ships, great equipment for our people that are so great to us.” By all means, Donnie, let’s encourage them to put warmongering above feeding the poor.
  • “And by the way, under the Trump administration, you’ll be saying, merry Christmas again when you go shopping. Believe me. Merry Christmas. They’ve been downplaying that little, beautiful phrase. You’re going to be saying, merry Christmas again, folks.” Guess it never occurred to him that some of these kids might be from Jewish or Muslim families???
  • “We’ll be back.” Doubtful.

In addition to the above, he told a long, pointless story about the real-estate developer William Levitt and alluded to “interesting” activities he engaged in on his yacht. The story is too wordy to repeat here, but you can read the transcript of his speech if you wish.

For some, it was reminiscent of a Hitler Youth rally.

At the very least, it was vile and highly inappropriate.  If I had a son who had been there, I would be incensed, as I imagine many parents were. One mother wrote, “Done with scouts after you felt the need to have my kid listen to a liar stroke his ego on our time.” Interestingly, a post on the Jamboree’s blog had warned troops to be “courteous” and refrain from chanting phrases like “lock her up”.  Apparently somebody realized in advance how Trump was likely to behave.  Even so, that did not prevent the audience from applauding Trump’s partisan attacks and even booing when he mentioned Hillary Clinton. Indoctrination, anyone?

Franklin Delano Roosevelt used the occasion to talk about good citizenship. Harry S. Truman extolled fellowship: “When you work and live together, and exchange ideas around the campfire, you get to know what the other fellow is like,” he said.
President Dwight D. Eisenhower invoked the “bonds of common purpose and common ideals.” And President George H.W. Bush spoke of “serving others.” Trump destroyed that norm. His speech was widely and swiftly condemned by former Scouts.

“As a Scout leader, my stomach is in knots about what Trump did today. If you haven’t watched it yet, don’t. It’s downright icky.” – Chris Murphy, Connecticut

“This is nauseating. I’m an Eagle Scout and a former scoutmaster. The BSA was never partisan.” – Dan Kennedy

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77 thoughts on “A Tale Of Trump And The Boy Scouts”

  1. I never had the opportunity to read the transcripts or hear anything that was said until now. When you look at the qualities of a good leader, or just a good person, this man doesn’t encompass any of them. Deuteronomy 32:4 says, “The Rock, perfect is his activity, For all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness who is never unjust; Righteous and upright is he.” I so look forward to the rulership of God’s Kingdom which will truly bring peace and security to this world.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Thanks!!! I had not read your post, but just did, and left a comment. I did not consider in my post on the same topic that his ban on transgenders might be as simple as yet another attempt to undo something that President Obama did, but I believe you are onto something with that.

      Liked by 1 person

  4. Dreadful. And I fear the new snake oil spokesman is only going to make matters worse. A very worrying time for the USA – and thus the world. He has done so much damage already. This is almost beyond belief. But then everything he does is – and yet it keeps on happening. I don’t know ho you keep on doing this, Jill. ‘Sterkte,’ as they say in the Netherlands (it sounds much better than just strength!) And hugs.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Thanks, dear Mary! Frankly, I don’t know how I do it either … it definitely takes a toll. But I know WHY I do it … I do it because I live in this country, it is the only home I have ever known, and because I believe Trump, left to his own devices, will destroy this country within another year, and … well, it’s as if someone invades your home and threatens to set it afire — you will fight them tooth and nail. They may beat you and torch your home anyway, but you won’t go down without a fight. Sigh.

      ‘Sterkte’ … I like that word! Many thanks for the sterkte and for the hugs! Both are greatly appreciated … and much-needed! Hugs to you, my friend!

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  5. Pingback: Meanwhile, Down Here In The Rabbit Hole … | Filosofa's Word

    • I keep asking myself that same question. In fact, I keep asking myself how he ever got elected? And yet, he still has die-hard supporters who think he is most wonderful. 😦

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      • Which blows my mind… I met 2 intelligent, travelled, wonderful couples from Orlando when I was in Tuscany. They proudly displayed their pictures with him at some event… I just shake my head and sigh… (I’m Canadian and probably should say nothing…)

        Liked by 2 people

        • Please DO feel free to speak on this topic! A number of my readers are also Canadian and I respect their opinions, and your as well. The reality is that Trump and his policies affect US/Canadian relations, and actually will have an effect on every other country with whom we have a diplomatic relationship, particularly our allies.

          And as to your first point … I, too, know a number of people who are highly educated, otherwise reasonable people, who still support Trump. It is just so far beyond my comprehension, and even they cannot give me any reasonable explanation. Sigh.

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  7. Your timely post on this Jill, joins hundreds of similar arcticles and posts.
    I first learned of the speech only hours after it occurred. Not only did it reach top spot on UK national media, BBC radio 4 (a talk radio station where I first heard of it), played

    Liked by 2 people

  8. “who the hell wants to speak………………”
    Profanities in front of children……
    Oh fer cryin’ out loud!!!!

    Liked by 1 person

    • …a 10 minute segment of Trump’s controversial address, which is highly unusual.

      Twitter erupted too and the hastag #TrumpYouth has so many alliterations about comparisons to the ‘Hitler Youth Group’ it is impossible to read them all.
      The Boy Scouts of America (BOA) have certainly issued statements in an effort to distance themselves from this embarrassment but much irreparable damage has been done!

      As for the unbelievable chants from the crowd; children are very impressionable and they will respond as they think is expected by adults, regardless of whether they understand what they are hearing or not. I have no doubt that DT had his trolls well placed in that audience to get the children applauding and chanting. (Children will join in anything that looks like fun).
      This is not the speech of a bumbling innapropriate fool. Trump guaranteed media exposure, he purposefully looked for people in the audience to make sure that his trolls were in place, and he put the firm strangle hold of political propaganda out there to manipulate world view of him. That it has backfired, is a miscalculation on his part. Or is it? Negative publicity brings world exposure and guaranteed visibility. Make no mistake, the world is taking very close notice of him and economic markets are up as a result of Trump and his vile proselytizing.

      Liked by 2 people

      • This man is very, very dangerous to democracy. He is a liar, and so are his family. I thought that back in the 1980’s when I read his ‘The Art of the Deal,’ and I am convinced of it now. The man has no scruples what so ever. I think I would trust Kim Jong Ung before I’d ever trust a single thing that DT espouses. We need an exorcist to get this man out. Did I say ‘man?’ Me thinks he is more evil than any man!

        Liked by 1 person

        • And just as an aside to that, I do not side with political stuff…they are all corruption’s of themselves. Most despots become visible to the world. Many are supposed to be ‘the good guy,’ and are not. History does not record any fairness or honesty, history only records the winner as being on the right side.

          Liked by 1 person

          • I suppose that in the long run it always boils down to the ‘lesser of two evils’. Though I would argue that there have been some … not many, perhaps … throughout history that were genuinely good, honest people who truly wanted to make the world better. They may not, however, have been the most effective of leaders, for they weren’t ruthless enough.

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        • I agree … and I think he was born that way, for by all accounts, he was a bully even at a very young age. Are some people totally devoid of a conscience? If so, he is a prime example. And yet, just yesterday either before or after his boy scout speech, he spoke to what was referred to by the New York Times as “an adoring crowd” in Ohio. How the heck can anybody adore this creature??? Sigh.

          Liked by 1 person

      • Yes, I had the same thought … that either he had well-placed trolls amidst the audience or that there were big screens with directions to cheer, boo, or react in whatever way he chose. And, just as a child who will misbehave in order to get attention … any attention, even negative, is still preferable to being ignored. I was pleased to see that people were outraged by this behaviour … at first I feared they would do what they have done so often, just shrug their shoulders. I think one of the very real dangers is that his behaviour becomes somehow ‘normalized’ … that we become so inured to it that we begin to ignore it.

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  12. Jill, the ones who exhibit honor, loyalty and service were in the audience and not at the dais. The backlash from the parents has been severe to the extremely poor form of the man who holds office, but certainly is not very Presidential.

    Keith

    Liked by 2 people

    • Indeed so. And in addition to the parents anger, I hear that some donors are withdrawing their support, so he really hurt a good organization. And I doubt he feels an ounce of remorse.

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  13. Dear Jill,
    The person I blame, is the one who asked DDT to speak to the Boy Scouts. There is no way i would want my children to be near this man. He is not my idea of a decent role model for children.
    I used to think that there is one thing that he did well, and that was in raising great children. But with a close up look into his family’s behaviors, I am definitely NOT impressed.
    And if I was the parent of one of these youngsters, I would have been livid. Whoever was the organizer of this event would be getting an earful.
    Hugs, Gronda

    Liked by 2 people

    • Well, apparently it is a long-standing tradition for the prez to address this Jamboree, and perhaps the organizers thought that Trump might actually filter his comments, given that he was speaking to kids. But obviously they made a huge mistake, and the news tonight is that it is costing them. Parents are threatening to take their kids out of the boy scouts, and donors are withdrawing their support. And I doubt that any of this bothers Trump one bit.

      And no, he was no role model … I cannot speak for his youngest, and he does have one daughter who distances herself from him. Her mother was Marla Maples. But Eric, Don Jr. and Ivanka have turned out to be just like him … horrible!

      Hugs, my friend!!!

      Liked by 1 person

    • Nationalism often amounts to tribalism and we bow to piece of coloured cloth called a flag. In Northern Ireland they love flags and marching and a good few have died just stirring up nationalistic pride. In days long gone the flag was carried into battle by the king but now the king and leaders are not exposed to such dangers.

      Liked by 1 person

    • Yes … it is one thing when he rants and rails against the press, democrats, etc while speaking to adults … but these were CHILDREN, for Pete’s sake!!!! He doesn’t even have a conscience when it comes to kids! 😦

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  18. A total lack of decency and it seems to spread outwards from him to infect the others in his team and most Republicans. Where is the decency to speak to boy scouts of duty to others rather than fake news? Where is the humanity to go back to the drawing board of the Health plan and stay there until a new one, a working one id thought out then repeal and replace, but not until.
    I fear for my friends in America. Some opened the door and let these monsters in and I’m scared they may not go back to hell but create new rules so they can occupy under your bed for ever.
    xxx Massive Hugs xxx

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    • Decency and humanity no longer exist among the republicans in Congress, nor among those in society who have fallen under his spell. His speech to the boy scouts was appalling, but worse yet, it has consequences: many parents are taking their children out of boy scouts, PLUS a few donors are withdrawing their support. But I don’t imagine Trump feels badly about any of it, for he has no conscience.

      I share your fears that the monster, once let out of the box, will not be put back into the box anytime soon. Even if Trump and the entire bunch of buffoons in the White House were ejected tomorrow, this nation would not recover from the effects, the aftershocks, for decades, I believe. We need to remove him and his minions from office quickly, however, before much more serious damage is done. Yes, my friend, he is the scary thing under the bed, in the closet and peering in the window.

      xxx Cwtch Mawr xxx ❤

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    • No doubt. They probably left asking themselves just what the heck he was even talking about. Unfortunately, he did more harm than good, as many parents are saying they will take their kids out of boy scouts because of this, and a few financial supporters are withdrawing their support of the boy scouts. 😦

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      • But that weird reference to William Levitt, was actually to say to the scouts as well as the world, do whatever it takes to get rich and then you can do whatever you want with the riches that you make! It is the most selfish and anti-societal statement to make! DT is a heartless, soulless creature. It is no wonder that he makes allusions to ‘swamps,’ he is a beast that lives in one!

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        • True, but I am still puzzled why he would say that to a bunch of kids who, in all likelihood had NO idea what he was even talking about! But then, as you said, his message wasn’t really for the kids … they were just a prop in his little play. He is an ugly man indeed, both inside and out.

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    • It wasn’t meant to inspire them. His speech was code to the rest of the world that America is open for capitalistic business trading on the very edge of legality. DT was addressing through the guaranteed media (that he claimed were ‘fake’ – that’s clever too because he can deny everything later), the leaders of other countries, that America is going to pursue wealth and money doing what it loves to do regardless of consequences to those left behind, the environment and everything the average American holds dear. His speech is to invite other nations to engage in capitalistic illegalities with him. He is so dangerous, you cannot begin to imagine!

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      • I certainly cannot argue with that. You know what I would have liked to have seen? I would have liked to see one of the organizers walk up to Trump after his 2nd or 3rd inappropriate remark, cut the mic, and tell him that his speech is inappropriate and he will not be allowed to finish. Had it been anybody else, that would have likely happened, but I guess it’s tough to do that when it’s the prez. Still, I imagine those troop leaders and head organizers jaws dropped and their heart rate doubled with his first remarks! Yes, he is dangerous, but I do not know at this point how, when, or even if we can eject him from the driver’s seat. It seems certain that he is working hard to quash the Russian investigation, the results of which are the only thing I see that is likely to get him impeached. Sigh.

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        • My husband, who follows the world of finance and economics quite closely, is of the opinion that Trump will run two terms. 😲
          He is usually quite good at predicting economic sentiment. The trading markets seem to approve of the current administration. They see DT as being favourable to the economic machine and stability. Money is powerful…it will be interesting to see if it also overrides all humanity!😨

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          • Argh! Here Roger’s comment just brought a smile to my face, and now yours has se-eyed opnt a chill up my spine! I really, really hope that just this once, your husband is wrong. First, because I think this country cannot remain a democracy under 7.5 more years of Trumpism. But even more importantly because if money trumps (pun intended) humanity, then everything I have ever believed, everything that makes life worth living, is gone … turned to ashes. That would not be a world I would want to live in. That said, there is, I’m sure, some merit to the fact that money is powerful, and your husband no doubt has a point. I just hope that he is wrong, hope that there are enough good people in this world to topple this regime before it topples us. Sigh. Am I wearing blinders? A cock-eyed optimist?

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  20. Trump leaves no depths unplumbed. People think that Trump is stupid, but he’s not. He’s just incapable of comprehending social norms, beyond the basest mimicry. I knew a man once who later turned out to be a suspected serial killer, though he remains free and uncharged to this day. Heck of a nice guy, but there was something in his eyes that unnerved me, a sociopath’s coldness that, no matter how well hidden beneath smug satisfaction or artful smoozing, creeps onto his face in moments of boredom, frustration, or anger. I have absolutely no doubt that, absent his staggering inherited wealth, Trump would be cruising a new neighborhood in van, surveying his next capture.

    Liked by 4 people

    • A year or so ago I read a book by Ann Rule about serial killer Ted Bundy, in which she portrays him as a charming young man. Which proves the old adage not to “judge a book by its cover”. To your point, yes, I believe there is no point at which Trump would stop in his pursuit of fulfilling his desires. I also believe he was born lacking a conscience … he was a bully even in elementary school! Now the question: how in the Sam Hell did this man become president??? I have been trying to figure that one out for 8+ months now! Sigh.

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  21. Would anyone have expected anything different? It is just another sh%$ show week in Drumpf-land. Including the vote in Senate today – hard to hold on to respect for McCain who just opened debate on a bill that would deny the same healthcare he is getting to most other Americans. Consistently disgusting. I think you need to get away from the news now and enjoy a little sunshine. I’m going to get away from the computer and sand some walls…

    Liked by 1 person

    • No, I don’t suppose we should have expected anything different. But it seems so ridiculous to be talking about all this to a group of kids, for Pete’s sake!!! They likely did not even understand half of what he said, and I was reading tonight that a lot of parents are pulling their kids out of the boy scouts over it, and some big donors are withdrawing their support. So look what Trump did … he hurt what was a good organization for kids. BAH HUMBUG!!!

      Yes, it is probably time for me to step away from the news. Tonight I will be writing my “Good People” post for tomorrow morning, so that should put me in a better humour. Enjoy your sanding! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

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