The Scouts’ Oath, God and the Almighty Dollar
I had suspected that attorney James G. Randall was trying to become the Madalyn Murray O’Hair of Scouting, but I was apparently wrong (“Father of Atheist Cubs Suing Girl Scout Council,” Nov. 25). She only objected to God, while he admits that his motives are monetary. Both used their own children to further their own agendas.
Scouting is, in general, supported by voluntary gifts and led by volunteers who believe in the principles of the organization, among which is an acknowledgment of God. Attorney Randall says in his latest suit that these volunteers must be ordered by the court to continue leading even if they may not teach those values. It is difficult for me to follow his reasoning.
The cherubic twins sued, claiming that they were guaranteed “life, liberty and a piece of happiness.” Their father agreed, but all of them failed to identify the guarantor.
The preamble of the Declaration of Independence presents the idea that “All men are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights. Among them are life. . . .” etc. Now a girl in Calexico of even more tender years says that she was affronted and damaged by being forced to acknowledge God.
I’m interested in knowing how the plaintiff was coerced. Was it a physical threat, mental domination, or what? Under what circumstances did she decide to seek legal representation and get redress? As a self-proclaimed atheist, why did she join an organization that honors God? I also question whether she is an atheist. I think that an atheist has some knowledge of the theory of a supreme being and rejects the concept. Otherwise, the person is more likely to be an agnostic.
Before a court overturned it, the lawyers’ canon of ethics did not permit solicitation of business. Today many lawyers not only seek our business, they tell us of how we have been wronged even if we did not realize it.
Perhaps some cases are filed with the primary purpose of getting an attorney’s name before the public. The attorney’s hope is that if you do have a legitimate case, his is the name which will be remembered when you are seeking counsel.
RAY BRACY
Tustin