Scouts Controversy

I have disliked the cartoons of Michael Ramirez ever since they began appearing, but this time he has overstepped the bounds of decency. His March 27 depiction of the rejected attempts by the Randall brothers to receive their justly achieved Eagle Scout award from the Boy Scouts mocks them in an outrageous manner, distorting what the brothers have stood for.

They have never challenged the basic values of Scouting; they have, in fact, been exemplary Scouts. They have never indicated that they “abhor” the Scouts or that they believe the Scouts represent what they are against. All they have done is to object to one requirement: that they have to believe in a god. I think they have proved by their outstanding records as Scouts that belief in a god has nothing to do with their ability to uphold all of the other values of Scouting.

RENEE KOGEL

Laguna Beach

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Mike Downey (March 25) is way off base on the Boy Scout issue. The Boy Scouts are correct. To force a private social organization to change its rules just because one doesn’t conform to them is wrong. The Boy Scouts require a duty to God. If you don’t like it, don’t join. Start a new Scout group. Don’t tear down the Boy Scouts!

MARK COHEN

Huntington Beach