Philadelphia Slaying Shows Need for Scouting

Re “Slaying of a Teen Leaves City Stunned,” June 26:

The article by David Zucchino on the slaying of Philadelphia teen Jason Sweeney is one of the most frightening stories that I have ever read. It is difficult to believe that such a coldblooded killing allegedly by “friends” could occur here in America. As a grandfather to two preteen children, I am certainly concerned about what kind of world my grandchildren will grow up in.

In 1907, British Gen. Sir Robert Baden-Powell started the Scouting movement by organizing a camp for 20 “at risk” boys. He taught them the principles of good health, morality, and duty to God, country and fellow man. These are the principles that I want my grandchildren to abide by as they grow and mature. They are both in Scout programs. With monsters like [Sweeney’s alleged killers] in our midst, what does the future hold for America? Let us do what we can now to instill principles of responsibility in young Americans. God bless the Scouts.

Thank you, David Zucchino for a well-written, if terrifying, article.

Charles W. Jenner

Los Alamitos