Comments on: Secret Weapon in the War on Terror: Boy Scout SWAT Team http://www.neatorama.com/2009/05/30/secret-weapon-in-the-war-on-terror-boy-scout-swat-team/ The Neat Side of the Web Tue, 24 Nov 2009 23:09:05 -0600 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.6 hourly 1 By: Ben Hall http://www.neatorama.com/2009/05/30/secret-weapon-in-the-war-on-terror-boy-scout-swat-team/comment-page-1/#comment-1861791 Ben Hall Thu, 24 Sep 2009 15:49:55 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2009/05/30/secret-weapon-in-the-war-on-terror-boy-scout-swat-team/#comment-1861791 This is sick! Has our entire nation gone mad? There is no reason for this if you have an armed public. That is the main reason why America has never been invaded. Isoroku Yamamoto said in World war 2 that "You cannot invade the mainland United States. There would be a rifle behind every blade of grass." Let the citizens protect this country - not government agents! This is sick!

Has our entire nation gone mad? There is no reason for this if you have an armed public. That is the main reason why America has never been invaded.

Isoroku Yamamoto said in World war 2 that "You cannot invade the mainland United States. There would be a rifle behind every blade of grass."

Let the citizens protect this country - not government agents!

]]> By: ted http://www.neatorama.com/2009/05/30/secret-weapon-in-the-war-on-terror-boy-scout-swat-team/comment-page-1/#comment-1762454 ted Thu, 04 Jun 2009 01:31:00 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2009/05/30/secret-weapon-in-the-war-on-terror-boy-scout-swat-team/#comment-1762454 This is what this picture reminds me of: http://wallpapers.dpics.org/36_~_Scooby-Doo%2C_2002%2C_Freddie_Prinze_Jr.%2C_Sarah_Michelle_Gellar%2C_Matthew_Lillard%2C_Linda_Cardellini.htm (hope that worked) This is what this picture reminds me of:
http://wallpapers.dpics.org/36_~_Scooby-Doo%2C_2002%2C_Freddie_Prinze_ Jr.%2C_Sarah_Michelle_Gellar%2C_Matthew_Lillard%2C_Linda_Cardellini.ht m

(hope that worked)

]]> By: Eric Drummond Smith http://www.neatorama.com/2009/05/30/secret-weapon-in-the-war-on-terror-boy-scout-swat-team/comment-page-1/#comment-1758006 Eric Drummond Smith Mon, 01 Jun 2009 14:45:58 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2009/05/30/secret-weapon-in-the-war-on-terror-boy-scout-swat-team/#comment-1758006 Something kinda' important is to remember Explorers is a program for Scouts about to go into College - it is intended to help them choose a career. As such there have always been programs that fed into military careers. And as to whether Scouts has always been a military preparation program, well, it has. It was founded in response to Lord Baden-Powell being deeply disturbed at how poorly English boys were prepared to deal with the rigors of a dangerous world - he was a vet of the Boer Wars I believe - and how many died out of a lack of basic self-discipline and survival skills. The distinction between the Scouting movement, which is imperfect and does need revision, is that it is in the liberal arts tradition - it encourages public service and self-education not a very particular ideological stance. Indeed, the fact that ideological stances have become the center of internal discussions in the last decade and a half indicates the BSA needs to recenter on skill development and helping boys choose their own path - which of course includes careers in law enforcement and the military as options. Something kinda' important is to remember Explorers is a program for Scouts about to go into College - it is intended to help them choose a career. As such there have always been programs that fed into military careers. And as to whether Scouts has always been a military preparation program, well, it has. It was founded in response to Lord Baden-Powell being deeply disturbed at how poorly English boys were prepared to deal with the rigors of a dangerous world - he was a vet of the Boer Wars I believe - and how many died out of a lack of basic self-discipline and survival skills. The distinction between the Scouting movement, which is imperfect and does need revision, is that it is in the liberal arts tradition - it encourages public service and self-education not a very particular ideological stance. Indeed, the fact that ideological stances have become the center of internal discussions in the last decade and a half indicates the BSA needs to recenter on skill development and helping boys choose their own path - which of course includes careers in law enforcement and the military as options.

]]> By: Iru http://www.neatorama.com/2009/05/30/secret-weapon-in-the-war-on-terror-boy-scout-swat-team/comment-page-1/#comment-1757860 Iru Mon, 01 Jun 2009 08:56:11 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2009/05/30/secret-weapon-in-the-war-on-terror-boy-scout-swat-team/#comment-1757860 Man, are you americans crazy..... Remember Europe, 1930's and you'll see yourself. Man, are you americans crazy..... Remember Europe, 1930's and you'll see yourself.

]]> By: TDFlynn http://www.neatorama.com/2009/05/30/secret-weapon-in-the-war-on-terror-boy-scout-swat-team/comment-page-1/#comment-1757646 TDFlynn Sun, 31 May 2009 23:20:30 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2009/05/30/secret-weapon-in-the-war-on-terror-boy-scout-swat-team/#comment-1757646 that photo looks like this, http://www.caratulas.info/musica/M/Madness-One-Step-Beyond-Del-1989-Delantera.jpg that photo looks like this, http://www.caratulas.info/musica/M/Madness-One-Step-Beyond-Del-1989-De lantera.jpg

]]> By: wow http://www.neatorama.com/2009/05/30/secret-weapon-in-the-war-on-terror-boy-scout-swat-team/comment-page-1/#comment-1757638 wow Sun, 31 May 2009 22:53:34 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2009/05/30/secret-weapon-in-the-war-on-terror-boy-scout-swat-team/#comment-1757638 you know what they say about people that go looking for trouble.... you know what they say about people that go looking for trouble....

]]> By: Larry http://www.neatorama.com/2009/05/30/secret-weapon-in-the-war-on-terror-boy-scout-swat-team/comment-page-1/#comment-1757532 Larry Sun, 31 May 2009 17:28:14 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2009/05/30/secret-weapon-in-the-war-on-terror-boy-scout-swat-team/#comment-1757532 Looks like they're wearing an Americorps uniform: Do AmeriCorps NCCC members wear uniforms? Yes. You are required to wear a uniform. Uniforms are issued to members when they report to the campus. The uniform colors are gray, black, and khaki. At a minimum, all members will receive the following items: 1. BDU (battle dress uniform) pants--black & khaki 2. Khaki shorts 3. T-shirts (short and long-sleeve) 4. Polo shirts (short and long-sleeve) 5. Hooded sweatshirt 6. Winter parka 7. Steel-toed work boots 8. Baseball cap 9. Fleece vest 10. Coveralls Other uniform items may also be provided depending on the campus where you are assigned. What? No armband? Looks like they're wearing an Americorps uniform:

Do AmeriCorps NCCC members wear uniforms?
Yes. You are required to wear a uniform. Uniforms are issued to members when they report to the campus. The uniform colors are gray, black, and khaki. At a minimum, all members will receive the following items:

1. BDU (battle dress uniform) pants--black & khaki
2. Khaki shorts
3. T-shirts (short and long-sleeve)
4. Polo shirts (short and long-sleeve)
5. Hooded sweatshirt
6. Winter parka
7. Steel-toed work boots
8. Baseball cap
9. Fleece vest
10. Coveralls

Other uniform items may also be provided depending on the campus where you are assigned.

What?
No armband?

]]> By: Skipweasel http://www.neatorama.com/2009/05/30/secret-weapon-in-the-war-on-terror-boy-scout-swat-team/comment-page-1/#comment-1757441 Skipweasel Sun, 31 May 2009 13:47:27 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2009/05/30/secret-weapon-in-the-war-on-terror-boy-scout-swat-team/#comment-1757441 Sue: - for certain highly specialised forms of terror, yes. The terror that the pizza boy might not arrive in time, the terror that you might nod off before someone passes round, the terror that you might get to the weekend without some supplies - yes. Sue: - for certain highly specialised forms of terror, yes. The terror that the pizza boy might not arrive in time, the terror that you might nod off before someone passes round, the terror that you might get to the weekend without some supplies - yes.

]]> By: Sue Dunham http://www.neatorama.com/2009/05/30/secret-weapon-in-the-war-on-terror-boy-scout-swat-team/comment-page-1/#comment-1757358 Sue Dunham Sun, 31 May 2009 10:57:53 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2009/05/30/secret-weapon-in-the-war-on-terror-boy-scout-swat-team/#comment-1757358 So pot growers are terrorists now. So pot growers are terrorists now.

]]> By: MightyCow http://www.neatorama.com/2009/05/30/secret-weapon-in-the-war-on-terror-boy-scout-swat-team/comment-page-1/#comment-1757345 MightyCow Sun, 31 May 2009 10:26:11 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2009/05/30/secret-weapon-in-the-war-on-terror-boy-scout-swat-team/#comment-1757345 @DaveL : Maybe the Mormon church is trying to develop a paramilitary wing. @DaveL : Maybe the Mormon church is trying to develop a paramilitary wing.

]]> By: DaveL http://www.neatorama.com/2009/05/30/secret-weapon-in-the-war-on-terror-boy-scout-swat-team/comment-page-1/#comment-1757219 DaveL Sun, 31 May 2009 05:55:20 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2009/05/30/secret-weapon-in-the-war-on-terror-boy-scout-swat-team/#comment-1757219 I find the Mormon infiltration of the Scouts to be more disturbing than this. I find the Mormon infiltration of the Scouts to be more disturbing than this.

]]> By: shecky http://www.neatorama.com/2009/05/30/secret-weapon-in-the-war-on-terror-boy-scout-swat-team/comment-page-1/#comment-1757050 shecky Sat, 30 May 2009 22:47:47 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2009/05/30/secret-weapon-in-the-war-on-terror-boy-scout-swat-team/#comment-1757050 Waterboarding merit badge if you can get an illegal alien to admit a link between Al Qaida and Saddam Hussein. Waterboarding merit badge if you can get an illegal alien to admit a link between Al Qaida and Saddam Hussein.

]]> By: Kalel http://www.neatorama.com/2009/05/30/secret-weapon-in-the-war-on-terror-boy-scout-swat-team/comment-page-1/#comment-1757002 Kalel Sat, 30 May 2009 20:44:09 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2009/05/30/secret-weapon-in-the-war-on-terror-boy-scout-swat-team/#comment-1757002 lol@Skipweasel!! Truly one step beyond. lol@Skipweasel!!

Truly one step beyond.

]]> By: Anon of Ibid http://www.neatorama.com/2009/05/30/secret-weapon-in-the-war-on-terror-boy-scout-swat-team/comment-page-1/#comment-1756951 Anon of Ibid Sat, 30 May 2009 19:15:39 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2009/05/30/secret-weapon-in-the-war-on-terror-boy-scout-swat-team/#comment-1756951 Going for the "Bust A Cap In Your Ass" merit badge, are they? Going for the "Bust A Cap In Your Ass" merit badge, are they?

]]> By: Geekazoid http://www.neatorama.com/2009/05/30/secret-weapon-in-the-war-on-terror-boy-scout-swat-team/comment-page-1/#comment-1756948 Geekazoid Sat, 30 May 2009 19:09:32 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2009/05/30/secret-weapon-in-the-war-on-terror-boy-scout-swat-team/#comment-1756948 I think this appeals to the young 'video game generation,' the wanna be Call of Duty Modern Warfare game players. Search and seizure? Room clearing techniques? Cool! I think this appeals to the young 'video game generation,' the wanna be Call of Duty Modern Warfare game players. Search and seizure? Room clearing techniques? Cool!

]]> By: Skipweasel http://www.neatorama.com/2009/05/30/secret-weapon-in-the-war-on-terror-boy-scout-swat-team/comment-page-1/#comment-1756930 Skipweasel Sat, 30 May 2009 18:58:03 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2009/05/30/secret-weapon-in-the-war-on-terror-boy-scout-swat-team/#comment-1756930 Looks too much like this... http://tinyurl.com/m5jja9 to be taken seriously. Looks too much like this...
http://tinyurl.com/m5jja9
to be taken seriously.

]]> By: SenorMysterioso http://www.neatorama.com/2009/05/30/secret-weapon-in-the-war-on-terror-boy-scout-swat-team/comment-page-1/#comment-1756921 SenorMysterioso Sat, 30 May 2009 18:40:41 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2009/05/30/secret-weapon-in-the-war-on-terror-boy-scout-swat-team/#comment-1756921 I was a scout as a kid, not for long, and this just doesnt fit what I learned in scouts. It's a bit sad actually. I was a scout as a kid, not for long, and this just doesnt fit what I learned in scouts. It's a bit sad actually.

]]> By: MightyCow http://www.neatorama.com/2009/05/30/secret-weapon-in-the-war-on-terror-boy-scout-swat-team/comment-page-1/#comment-1756903 MightyCow Sat, 30 May 2009 18:19:10 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2009/05/30/secret-weapon-in-the-war-on-terror-boy-scout-swat-team/#comment-1756903 Ah, I long for the days when scouting didn't include gay-bashing and counter-terrorism. Ah, I long for the days when scouting didn't include gay-bashing and counter-terrorism.

]]> By: good god http://www.neatorama.com/2009/05/30/secret-weapon-in-the-war-on-terror-boy-scout-swat-team/comment-page-1/#comment-1756899 good god Sat, 30 May 2009 18:06:17 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2009/05/30/secret-weapon-in-the-war-on-terror-boy-scout-swat-team/#comment-1756899 I think they need to teach boy scouts how to KEEP WATCHING WHERE YOU POINT AN SMG, and it might be a good idea to keep it pointed AWAY from other scout's heads. I think they need to teach boy scouts how to KEEP WATCHING WHERE YOU POINT AN SMG, and it might be a good idea to keep it pointed AWAY from other scout's heads.

]]> By: zeytoun http://www.neatorama.com/2009/05/30/secret-weapon-in-the-war-on-terror-boy-scout-swat-team/comment-page-1/#comment-1756871 zeytoun Sat, 30 May 2009 17:22:38 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2009/05/30/secret-weapon-in-the-war-on-terror-boy-scout-swat-team/#comment-1756871 the threat of spies and terrorists and violent illegal immigrants is so minimal, that training children to "fight" or "uncover" it on any level is patently dishonest. The only 2 explanations: (1) the organization is formed to cater to the delusions of the children's parents or (2) the organization is formed to shunt children into a life of collusion with the military industrial complex. Hear, hear for training kids in constructive life skills, even survivalist ones. Boo on teaching children paramilitary combat techniques.... the threat of spies and terrorists and violent illegal immigrants is so minimal, that training children to "fight" or "uncover" it on any level is patently dishonest.

The only 2 explanations: (1) the organization is formed to cater to the delusions of the children's parents or (2) the organization is formed to shunt children into a life of collusion with the military industrial complex.

Hear, hear for training kids in constructive life skills, even survivalist ones. Boo on teaching children paramilitary combat techniques....

]]> By: chet http://www.neatorama.com/2009/05/30/secret-weapon-in-the-war-on-terror-boy-scout-swat-team/comment-page-1/#comment-1756856 chet Sat, 30 May 2009 17:02:33 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2009/05/30/secret-weapon-in-the-war-on-terror-boy-scout-swat-team/#comment-1756856 This reminds me of the Spies, that youth organization in 1984, which taught kids to root out foreigners, spies, and saboteurs. This reminds me of the Spies, that youth organization in 1984, which taught kids to root out foreigners, spies, and saboteurs.

]]> By: Video Game Dork http://www.neatorama.com/2009/05/30/secret-weapon-in-the-war-on-terror-boy-scout-swat-team/comment-page-1/#comment-1756847 Video Game Dork Sat, 30 May 2009 16:41:11 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2009/05/30/secret-weapon-in-the-war-on-terror-boy-scout-swat-team/#comment-1756847 (BTW, I was imply that they were including gays in their list of enemies, not criticisng your comment. :P) (BTW, I was imply that they were including gays in their list of enemies, not criticisng your comment. :P )

]]> By: Video Game Dork http://www.neatorama.com/2009/05/30/secret-weapon-in-the-war-on-terror-boy-scout-swat-team/comment-page-1/#comment-1756845 Video Game Dork Sat, 30 May 2009 16:40:12 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2009/05/30/secret-weapon-in-the-war-on-terror-boy-scout-swat-team/#comment-1756845 Amanda, what do you think they mean by 'terrorist'? Oi... Amanda, what do you think they mean by 'terrorist'? Oi...

]]> By: Amanda F. http://www.neatorama.com/2009/05/30/secret-weapon-in-the-war-on-terror-boy-scout-swat-team/comment-page-1/#comment-1756831 Amanda F. Sat, 30 May 2009 16:24:54 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2009/05/30/secret-weapon-in-the-war-on-terror-boy-scout-swat-team/#comment-1756831 I wonder if they're also teaching them the best way to best up gays, since it is the Boy Scouts and all. I wonder if they're also teaching them the best way to best up gays, since it is the Boy Scouts and all.

]]> By: ted http://www.neatorama.com/2009/05/30/secret-weapon-in-the-war-on-terror-boy-scout-swat-team/comment-page-1/#comment-1756825 ted Sat, 30 May 2009 16:12:50 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2009/05/30/secret-weapon-in-the-war-on-terror-boy-scout-swat-team/#comment-1756825 I don't know about fascism, but it certainly is an unusual program. It's an affiliate of the Scouts, so you can't blame them for it. Sounds like fun, actually. Maybe if the situations were more generic than stereotypical, it would be a good thing. And comparing it to the Hitler Youth is silly. BTW, I had a boss once who was in the Hitler Youth in Germany. There are lots of other paramilitary organizations this could be compared to. We had the Air Cadets when I was growing up. I don't know about fascism, but it certainly is an unusual program. It's an affiliate of the Scouts, so you can't blame them for it.

Sounds like fun, actually. Maybe if the situations were more generic than stereotypical, it would be a good thing. And comparing it to the Hitler Youth is silly. BTW, I had a boss once who was in the Hitler Youth in Germany. There are lots of other paramilitary organizations this could be compared to. We had the Air Cadets when I was growing up.

]]> By: zandar http://www.neatorama.com/2009/05/30/secret-weapon-in-the-war-on-terror-boy-scout-swat-team/comment-page-1/#comment-1756820 zandar Sat, 30 May 2009 15:58:21 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2009/05/30/secret-weapon-in-the-war-on-terror-boy-scout-swat-team/#comment-1756820 I think this is step backward compared to the scouts as I knew them thirty years ago. We learned woodcraft, firetending, camping and hiking skills, communication, water rescue, first aid- all falling under that ever-important umbrella of public service. Although this could be construed a public service of sorts, serving citizens by helping them with errands and dressing their wounds when they are ill or weak, using radios for emergency communications, helping keep citizens CALM and things of this nature are just as important as shooting guns around if there were some sort of widespread public emergency. I'd much rather see them serve this sort of role and letting law enforcement do the job they are supposed to do. My son wanted to join the cub scouts last year and we gave it a try. I was shocked to see in the past thirty years scouting somehow to devolve into nothing more than popcorn sales. Training our boys to be a door-to-door sales force is a total waste of an institution. Frankly I think it's a dearth of meaningful activity in today's scouting (lack of imagination on the leaders' part, most likely) that lead to out-of-whack craziness like this. I think this is step backward compared to the scouts as I knew them thirty years ago. We learned woodcraft, firetending, camping and hiking skills, communication, water rescue, first aid- all falling under that ever-important umbrella of public service.

Although this could be construed a public service of sorts, serving citizens by helping them with errands and dressing their wounds when they are ill or weak, using radios for emergency communications, helping keep citizens CALM and things of this nature are just as important as shooting guns around if there were some sort of widespread public emergency. I'd much rather see them serve this sort of role and letting law enforcement do the job they are supposed to do.

My son wanted to join the cub scouts last year and we gave it a try. I was shocked to see in the past thirty years scouting somehow to devolve into nothing more than popcorn sales. Training our boys to be a door-to-door sales force is a total waste of an institution. Frankly I think it's a dearth of meaningful activity in today's scouting (lack of imagination on the leaders' part, most likely) that lead to out-of-whack craziness like this.

]]> By: dutchboy http://www.neatorama.com/2009/05/30/secret-weapon-in-the-war-on-terror-boy-scout-swat-team/comment-page-1/#comment-1756813 dutchboy Sat, 30 May 2009 15:51:29 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2009/05/30/secret-weapon-in-the-war-on-terror-boy-scout-swat-team/#comment-1756813 What kind of tool would put his kids in this? What kind of tool would put his kids in this?

]]> By: Kalel http://www.neatorama.com/2009/05/30/secret-weapon-in-the-war-on-terror-boy-scout-swat-team/comment-page-1/#comment-1756805 Kalel Sat, 30 May 2009 15:41:26 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2009/05/30/secret-weapon-in-the-war-on-terror-boy-scout-swat-team/#comment-1756805 The training seems rather lop-sided if the children are not also carefully trained to monitor and report on their peers, parents, teachers, and churches. The training seems rather lop-sided if the children are not also carefully trained to monitor and report on their peers, parents, teachers, and churches.

]]> By: headsign http://www.neatorama.com/2009/05/30/secret-weapon-in-the-war-on-terror-boy-scout-swat-team/comment-page-1/#comment-1756803 headsign Sat, 30 May 2009 15:40:29 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2009/05/30/secret-weapon-in-the-war-on-terror-boy-scout-swat-team/#comment-1756803 I was going to say Hitlerjugend but it has already been said. So I'll just leave you with the correct spelling. I was going to say Hitlerjugend but it has already been said. So I'll just leave you with the correct spelling.

]]> By: smallerdemon http://www.neatorama.com/2009/05/30/secret-weapon-in-the-war-on-terror-boy-scout-swat-team/comment-page-1/#comment-1756793 smallerdemon Sat, 30 May 2009 15:30:21 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2009/05/30/secret-weapon-in-the-war-on-terror-boy-scout-swat-team/#comment-1756793 Bag News Notes has a nice analysis of this story's visual elements: http://www.bagnewsnotes.com/2009/05/learning-for-life.html Bag News Notes has a nice analysis of this story's visual elements: http://www.bagnewsnotes.com/2009/05/learning-for-life.html

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