Eagle Scout Speaks Up for the Troops

* As an elected official, every time I take a leadership position on a fundamental issue I am accused of having “political” motives. Just so people like James Randall and others understand: I am an Eagle Scout. I’m not claiming to be a puritan or a perfect person, but Scouting was a positive influence in my life, and Scouting, with its acknowledgment of God and fundamental values, is needed by youth today.

If atheists want their children to be part of a camping and fellowship organization, there are several such organizations which do not stress values or acknowledge God. For them to try and sever Scouting’s recognition of God is tantamount to saying Christians, Jews and Muslims are not free to have a voluntary association with others of similar belief. Using their religious beliefs and moral values as an excuse to deny them the right to meet in schools or be part of United Way is an ugly and vicious attack on these Americans’ civil liberties. Such denial would never be tolerated if the organizations in question were based on atheism and a New Age set of values.

Spare us the rhetoric about discrimination. Spare us talk of diversity and tolerance. Others have the right and opportunity to join groups reflecting their values, but it’s open season on people who believe in God and have more traditional values. It’s hard to believe this is happening in America.

REP. DANA ROHRABACHER

R-Huntington Beach