By Al Colombo

Earlier this year, the U.S. Supreme Court decided in favor of the Boy Scouts of America regarding the exclusion of gays. Although the Court was careful not to state whether the Scouts are right or wrong, they upheld the organization's right to free expression and free association under the Constitution’s First Amendment. It was the concensus of the Court (5-4) that to order the Scouts to accept gay leaders would violate those rights (chalk one up for the good guys).

Now, the Scouts face two other threats:

1. H.R. 4892, To repeal the Federal charter of the Boy Scouts of America.
2. United Way of Southeastern Rhode Island is to stop financial support ($200,000 yearly).

If H.R. 4892 prevails, which is now in the House of Representatives, it will repeal the Scouts' federal charter, which was enacted by the Congress in 1916. The Congress woman responsible for this display of intolerance is Representative Lynn C. Woolsey, 6th. Congressional District of California. Others who have co-sponsored this bill with her include the following Representatives: Mr. Stark, Ms. Lee, Ms. McKinney, Mr. Nadler, Ms. Velazquez, and Mr. Lewis.

Editor's Note: The following information came from one of our informed readers. Thank you Mel. --Al Colombo Each person mentioned in your post is a member of the Progressive Caucus, which is part of the Democratic Socialists of America. That should be a strong indicator for the reason why they have sponsored this bill. Please let the public know of their association. There are some people who would not be happy with this information. Mel

It is my firm belief that Ms. Woolsey's and her cohorts' action in this regard is amoral and unamerican. Perhaps they are doing this simply to obtain the gay vote, but that does not make it right; and their actions affect more than just their own constituency in California, for the Boy Scouts is a national organization.

Ms. Woolsey's action in this regard is entirely in conflict with her claim that she is pro-family for there is nothing pro-family about homosexuality for it does not foster procreation. If you find this hard to believe that someone who claims a pro-family platform would support gays in the Boy Scouts of America, then here--see for yourself: http://www.house.gov/woolsey/ (This will open up a new window in your browser. Just close it out when you are finished to return to this page.)

May I suggest that each one of us contact Ms. Woolsey and ask her why she has displayed INTOLERANCE toward the Boy Scouts of America? This is a fine organization that does not deserve to be attacked in this manner.

If you do not understand the issue involved, then please review the First Amendment of the Constitution, which is one of 9 key amendments comprising what we call the Bill of Rights:

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Please contact her and voice your dismay and disgust at her intolerance and unamerican action. Also, contact your Congressmen and let them know how you feel about H.R. 4892.

If you value the family, the Constitution, and the God-given rights that the Bill of Rights protects, then you better stand up on this one and voice your opinion. Please do it now before all of us lose the right to do so. I know first hand what thousands of folks getting together and contacting Congress can do. They will listen if enough people voice their opinion. If you do not want the Scouts to lose their federal charter, granted in 1916, then you had better stand up and let Congress know now. Don't expect someone else to do it alone. That, too, is unamerican.

Here is the information you'll need to get started:

• Sample Letter for your Congressman
• Who Represents Me in Congress?
• The U.S. Legislative Branch
• Contact Information for Congress Woman Lynn Woolsey
• Please cc: me at colombo@raex.com

Thank you,
Al Colombo
abcolombo@yahoo.com