Belief: We should develop an alternative to The Boy Scouts of America.

The Boy Scouts should improve their requirements to reach their first advancement category.

(Score: 1 + 2 + 7 + 3 = 13)

• Reasons to agree: 2

  • 1.1 The Boy Scouts should not require people to be "properly dressed" in a Boy Scout Uniform in order to advance to their first rank of "tenderfoot".
    (Score: 6+3-1-1 = 7)

    • Reasons to agree: 6

      • You have to go through a monopoly to purchase a Boy Scout Uniform. Monopolies are bad.

      • The uniforms are a racket.

      • Even if uniforms were important, they should be a "nice to have" not a requirement.

      • The belief that what you wear is important is unnecessary. As long as clothing is clean and shows respect for yourself and your troop, it shouldn't matter.

      • There is no strong reason to require uniforms. (Score: +3-1 = 2)

        • Reasons to agree: +3

          • The Boy Scouts of America are judged on outward appearances rather than their values.
          • The organization didn't adapt marketing strategies to appeal to modern youth.
          • Not everyone understands or values the military-style structure.
          • Grown men in the military are less affected by peer pressure than teenagers.

        • Reasons to disagree: -1

          • The military still uses uniforms.

    • 1.2 There is something somewhat awkward about getting merit badges and wearing them on a sash.
      (Score: -1)

      • Reasons to disagree: -1
        • The military still uses uniforms, so some aspects of uniformity are beneficial.

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2. We need an alternative to the Boy Scouts that does not emphasize camping.

(Score: +1 -2 +4 = +3)

• Reasons to agree: +1

  • 2.1 You can enjoy nature without sleeping in it.
    (Score: +4)

    • Reasons to agree: +4
      • You can go on hikes and appreciate nature without sleeping in the woods.
      • Bird watching in the city can be just as fulfilling as camping.
      • Canoeing on a river or lake allows for nature appreciation without requiring a tent.
      • Fishing offers a way to enjoy nature without staying overnight outdoors.

• Reasons to disagree: -2

  • Camping allows youth to experience what is truly necessary for survival.
  • Living in a primitive environment provides insight into self-sufficiency.
  • Cooking and sleeping in the outdoors can be an enriching experience.

Background:

Below are the first advancement category "tenderfoot rank requirements".

Reasons to agree:

• There should be youth groups for people who don't like camping.

• The Boy Scouts have many great elements, but members should have the flexibility to choose their level of involvement rather than making a long-term commitment.

• The Boy Scouts have a lot of great aspects.

• Reasons to disagree:
• The Boy Scouts of America offer valuable merit badges that benefit personal development.

Reasons to agree:

1. The Boy Scouts should improve their first advancement requirements

   • The current requirements may not reflect modern values or priorities.
   • Certain skills, such as uniform requirements and traditional camping, may not appeal to all youth.
   • Alternative organizations could allow for more flexibility in skill development.

2. The uniform requirement is problematic

   • You must go through a monopoly to purchase a Boy Scout uniform.
   • Uniforms are expensive and may not be necessary for personal development.
   • Prioritizing outward appearances over core scouting values can discourage participation.

3. A youth organization should not emphasize only camping

   • Many valuable skills can be learned outside of camping.
   • Urban environments offer learning opportunities such as leadership, civic engagement, and technology.
   • Some youth prefer nature activities that do not involve overnight stays.

4. The Boy Scouts' structure may be outdated

   • Their reputation has been damaged by past controversies.
   • They may not effectively adapt to modern youth interests.
   • A new organization could focus on inclusivity, innovation, and modern skill-building.

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Reasons to disagree:

1. The Boy Scouts already offer a structured and valuable program

   • They provide leadership training and lifelong skills.
   • Many youth benefit from the structured rank advancements.
   • Instead of creating a new organization, the Boy Scouts could be reformed.

2. Camping is an important skill

   • Camping teaches self-reliance and teamwork.
   • Experiencing nature firsthand is valuable for personal growth.
   • Removing camping from the curriculum would take away a core strength.

3. The uniform serves a purpose

   • The military still uses uniforms to instill discipline and unity.
   • The uniform reinforces identity and commitment to the organization.
   • If affordability is an issue, alternative solutions (e.g., second-hand uniforms) could be implemented.

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Interest/Motivation of those who agree:

1. Advocates for diversity in youth organizations.
2. Parents seeking more inclusive and flexible alternatives for their children.
3. Individuals who find traditional scouting outdated or inaccessible.
4. Those interested in modernized leadership training that integrates technology and civic engagement.

Interest/Motivation of those who disagree:

1. Traditionalists who believe the Boy Scouts' structure is effective.
2. Former scouts who value their experience and wish to preserve it.
3. Supporters of the character-building aspects of the Boy Scouts.
4. People who see the Boy Scouts as an established institution worth reforming rather than replacing.

---

Shared Interests Between Those Who Agree and Disagree:

1. Desire for youth to develop strong leadership and survival skills.
2. Interest in character-building and teamwork.
3. Belief in outdoor and hands-on learning experiences.
4. Commitment to mentoring young people and preparing them for the future.

Opposing Interests (Key Obstacles Preventing Resolution):

1. Differing views on whether the Boy Scouts can or should be reformed.
2. Disagreements on whether uniforms are an essential component.
3. Conflicts between tradition and modernization.
4. Differing attitudes toward camping as a fundamental part of the experience.

---

Evidence that agrees:

1. Studies on youth engagement showing changing interests in extracurricular activities.
2. Reports on financial and legal challenges faced by the Boy Scouts.
3. Evidence of the success of alternative youth programs like 4-H, Civil Air Patrol, or coding academies.

Evidence that disagrees:

1. Data showing the positive long-term impact of the Boy Scouts on leadership and career success.
2. Case studies of successful Boy Scouts reform efforts.
3. Reports demonstrating strong public support for traditional scouting.

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Most Likely Benefits:

1. Greater inclusivity in youth programs.
2. More modernized learning opportunities (e.g., technology, entrepreneurship).
3. More flexibility in participation and skill selection.
4. Avoiding past controversies associated with the Boy Scouts.

Most Likely Costs:

1. Difficulty in building a new national youth organization from scratch.
2. Potential division among those who support youth development programs.
3. Loss of tradition and established scouting methods.
4. Uncertainty in securing long-term funding and public support.

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Books that agree:

1. The Death of Expertise – Discusses the evolution of institutions and resistance to change.
2. Tribe by Sebastian Junger – Highlights alternative ways of building youth communities.

Books that disagree:

1. On My Honor – A defense of the Boy Scouts' structure and values.
2. Be Prepared: A History of Scouting – Details the benefits and evolution of scouting programs.

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Local, Federal, and International Laws that agree:

1. Laws promoting youth education and leadership programs.
2. Policies supporting non-profit alternatives to established institutions.

Laws that disagree:

1. Policies reinforcing the Boy Scouts’ role in schools and communities.

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Songs that agree:

1. “Changes” by David Bowie – Reflects the need for evolution in institutions.
2. “Breakaway” by Kelly Clarkson – Represents the desire for new opportunities.

Songs that disagree:

1. “Tradition” from Fiddler on the Roof – Celebrates the importance of longstanding customs.

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People who agree:

1. Advocates for alternative youth leadership programs.
2. Parents and former scouts seeking modernization.

People who disagree:

1. Leaders within the Boy Scouts organization.
2. Traditionalists who value the existing scouting experience.

---

Web Pages that agree:

1. Articles discussing the flaws in scouting and the need for alternatives.

Web Pages that disagree:

1. Reports defending the legacy and benefits of the Boy Scouts.

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Objective Criteria for Assessing the Validity of this Belief:

1. How many young people are interested in alternative programs?
2. Are new programs able to provide the same or better leadership training?
3. Can alternative organizations sustain themselves financially?

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Most Likely Root Cause of Associated Problems:

1. Resistance to change within long-standing institutions.
2. Lack of modernized youth programs that balance tradition and innovation.

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Conclusion:

• The argument for an alternative to the Boy Scouts is based on a need for modernization, inclusivity, and flexibility.
• The argument against it emphasizes the value of tradition and existing leadership structures.
• The best path forward may be a reformation of scouting programs rather than a full replacement.

You should post your kids old school work on line +2

Reasons to agree: +5

1. The internet has more room than the refrigerator
2. Grandparents can't see your refrigerator, if they live thousands of miles away.
3. You can usually assume other people will want to be treated the way you want to be treated. I wish my parents had access to scanners and the internet when I was little.
4. Kids will want to see their work when they are older. If you house burns down, has water damage, or you loose things, or throw them away, the internet can back them up.
5. Kids will need to get used to their efforts being evaluated by others including their teachers, their boss, and the public.

Reasons to agree: -2

1. Kids might think you are making fun of them, by posting their early work.
2. You don't have the right to publish things, unless they give you permission. 

Belief Score: +5 -3 = +2

Images that agree:

Soft: Echolocation, a piano, and a bat in a cave
Load: An elephant, a lion, and and avalanche









Self Portrait





Gealaejea







James Laub, Mammal, Warm bloodid, A mammal has fur, warmblood and drinks milk












James, 2012. Their little mistakes are cute, because they remind us how much there is to learn, and reminds us when we were little, and trying to figure stuff out. If you look carefully you will notice the following: no "x" in the alphabet, includes "and" as a letter on the keyboard, as = us, momy = money, nise = nice. That's my son. And just so adults don't get too high and mighty, you might notice that the question omitted the word "give".









James, 2012: James: "She will make a thump!" I love breakfast! Today I had jeltin and cereal. The jeltin was shalbe flaber. The cerial had brownshager. on it. Do you like breakfast? Items in the above image: James sitting at our table. Megan climbing under the table. She will make a thump. A fly in our Kitchen. The ceiling fan, faucet, and cupboards.












James, 2012: "When I grow up I want to be a zoo keeper. I want to be a dophim chaner. I want to swim with dolphim. I want to look at Dolphim emery day. I will never choe my jod. I like dolphim. I want to make sher that the dolphim are helfy. And thay git lots of exersise. I want thme to be good. the end. James"











James, 2012, Dolphin are sort









James, 2012: "My fabrite animal is a humpback whales! It lives in the sea. It eats crill"

Its alright to let your young kids chase geese +5

Reasons to agree: +7

1. Young kids will never catch geese.
2. Geese can bight back. They have sharp teeth. 
3. Geese are overpopulated. For instance here in Chicago they put chemicals on eggs to prevent them from hatching, because their are too many, and they poop everywhere and create environmental problems.
4. The lack of predators have allowed geese to overpopulate. 
5. If you eat meat you are guilty of more violence against animals than chasing geese. 
6. Geese may get chased by wild animals. They are violent against each other. They rape ducks (google it, it is a fact). You can't apply people ethics to animals. Animals chase each other. Cats chase mice and play with them. If you don't want animals tormented you will have to kill all cats. 
7. Its cool to watch birds fly. Letting kids chase birds until they fly gives kids an awe, and an experience, and an appreciation for animals. It is possible to love animals, and hunt them, as native Americans taught us. Chasing them, and smiling at them as they fly away is not bad. The French who force feed geese in a cage are bad. But little kids who chase them, and make them get some exercise are not. See image below for evidence to support this belief.

Reasons to disagree: -2

1. From "Auguries of Innocence by William Blake": A robin redbreast in a cage Puts all heaven in a rage. A dove-house filled with doves and pigeons Shudders hell through all its regions. A dog starved at his master's gate Predicts the ruin of the state. A horse misused upon the road Calls to heaven for human blood. Each outcry of the hunted hare A fibre from the brain does tear. A skylark wounded in the wing, A cherubim does cease to sing. The game-cock clipped and armed for fight Does the rising sun affright. Every wolf's and lion's howl Raises from hell a human soul. The wild deer wandering here and there Keeps the human soul from care. The lamb misused breeds public strife, And yet forgives the butcher's knife. The bat that flits at close of eve Has left the brain that won't believe. The owl that calls upon the night Speaks the unbeliever's fright. He who shall hurt the little wren Shall never be beloved by men. He who the ox to wrath has moved Shall never be by woman loved. The wanton boy that kills the fly Shall feel the spider's enmity. He who torments the chafer's sprite Weaves a bower in endless night. The caterpillar on the leaf Repeats to thee thy mother's grief. Kill not the moth nor butterfly, For the Last Judgment draweth nigh. He who shall train the horse to war Shall never pass the polar bar. The beggar's dog and widow's cat, Feed them, and thou wilt grow fat. The gnat that sings his summer's song Poison gets from Slander's tongue.
2. My wife says we were geese bullies. 
3. Animals are cool. Leave them alone. 

Idea Score: +7 - 2 = +5

Images that agree:

Me in Idaho Falls with my brother. An old man came and yelled at us.

Chicago and Chicago Land are good place to raise a family

Background, definitions, and assumptions

• For a place to be considered good, it must be better than average. 
• Chicago land is, of course, Chicago and the surrounding suburbs.

Reasons to agree: +10

1. Chicago has lots of stuff to do, that don't cost too much money. 
2. Trips to the zoo are good for kids (+1). Chicago has good zoos. 
3. Chicago has good mass transportation (+2). 
4. Chicago has good architecture (+0). Its cool to live near good architecture. 
5. You can leave near Chicago, and still have a back yard. Despite criticism of suburban sprawl kids have fun in their back yards (+0).
6. Bolingbrook, a typical suburb of Chicago, has pretty good parks.
7. Kids like fireworks, and there are often good fire works shows around Chicago. For instance Navy Pier has free fireworks during the summer, their are good firework shows across the suburbs on the 4rth of July, and the Chicago Air Water show has good fireworks.
8. Numbers are what matter, and on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being best and 10 being worst) Bolingbrook, a typical Chicago suburb, is a 4 on property crime, and a 5 on violent crime, which is about average for the USA. 
9. You should make wherever you are home. 
10. Chicago has a lot of stuff to do.

Reasons to disagree: -6

1. Hiking is a good pastime. Hiking is only fun in the mountains. There are no mountains in Illinois. There is no good hiking near Chicago. City walking is not as cool as hiking in the mountains. Sure, Boise is hot during the summer, but its cooler in the mountains. It is hot everywhere in Illinois in the summer. It is too humid in the summer to hike. There are too many bugs, and the forest have too much undergrowth. 
2. State Parks in Illinois are anticlimactic (compared to Idaho).
3. There is a culture of corruption in Chicago, that rewards people based on who they know.
4. In Illinois kids from worse neighborhood go to much worse schools than those who are from better neighborhoods. 
5. A good place to raise a family is close to extended family. It is hard to go from a place you grew up in, and then just live somewhere else. It may always feel unlike home. 
6. Shooting is fun, but you have to pay to go shooting around Chicago. 

Total Score:

• Reasons to agree: +10
• Reasons to disagree: -6
• Net reasons to agree with reasons to agree minus reasons to disagree: +1+2
• Total: 

Images that agree: +3