Scouts’ Beliefs Draw Criticism, Praise

One assumes that the Randall twins want no part of cleanliness or godliness, and that while denying a heavenly father, they defy their earthly father--”I can’t even get them to clean up their room”--(“Judge Will Weigh Cub Scouts’ Refusal to Recite Pledge,” Nov. 17).

Boy Scouts represent an almost century-old effort to develop spiritual and other values among boys by providing worthy activities for them. In my mind, it’s difficult to separate the activities and the goals. The twins say that they want the camping and other activities but otherwise do not wish to participate. If these are their desires, are alternatives available? Does Anaheim have a Boys and Girls Club? Do the public schools have extracurricular activities?

The twins are certainly free to accept or deny the concept of God. One wonders whether 10-year-olds have sufficient background either to confirm or to deny the existence of God. Great thinkers of greater maturity have pondered the question since the history of man began. When Michael says he was only telling the truth, did he refer only to stating his belief or has he discovered with certainty that God does not exist?

There is a denial of publicity seeking. Perhaps that also is true. However, it is noted that none of the family shuns news conferences and that the father is right in the middle of them. Is a scrapbook or something similar kept of all news stories etc.?

Finally, the Boy Scout organization is not publicly funded. It is supported by contributions of people who believe in stated goals and principles, among them an acceptance of a spiritual power. I see a certain amount of fraud against those contributors if the boys are eager to accept the fun but subvert the goals and principles of the organization.

A judicial decision that the boys must be admitted would be the beginning of the end of an old and honorable activity.

RAY BRACY, Tustin