Columnist Merritt Patterson of Park Cities Peoplereports that the Boy Scouts have disallowed a University Park Elementary dad from leading their annual fundraising popcorn sales because of his sexual orientation.
38 comments
Bravo, University Park! Your enlightened citizens will be a beacon of hope as we enter the 20th century.
@ 11:29 am on October 15, 2010
Guessing no one in UP watched any of those “It Gets Better” videos.
Stay classy, UP.
@ 11:44 am on October 15, 2010
Boy they are not wise! The Boy Scouts have a worse pedophile problem than the Catholic Church. Remember! The Boy Scouts and the Catholic Church DO NOT allow homosexuals in their clubs.
@ 11:48 am on October 15, 2010
What nasty little people these busybody U.P. “dads” are. No doubt, their sons are of the modern age and will soon see their fathers for the dirt-eating little heels they are. I’d support their secession from the human species, but they seem to be doing fine on that count without my help.
@ 11:53 am on October 15, 2010
these things never cease to amaze me. all this sadness that we inflict on each other is overwhelming sometime and sad.
@ 11:54 am on October 15, 2010
One more thought! I was a Boy Scout. Demeaning your fellow citizen is not a Boy Scout or American value.
@ 11:55 am on October 15, 2010
Too bad kids have to grow up in a world like this.
And I wonder how many divorced dads, DUI dads, embezzlement dads, girlfriend-on-the-side dads they will also disallow?
@ 12:17 pm on October 15, 2010
Living in an age where involved fathers are scarce, I can not believe how you are being treated, you should be celebrated, and other fathers could learn A LOT from you.
Shame on the “non-volunteering” homophobic fathers for complaining. To ask you to step down because of your personal life style, that I doesn’t affect anyone & is no one‘s business anyway, is just appalling. I will never ever buy another bucket of useless popcorn from scouts ever again, and I will encourage my friends to support this as well.
Jon Lanbert is an amazing father. His kids are well behaved wonderful kids. As a single mom, raising two boys, I too was a scout leader & volunteer, and I did not agree with a lot of the backwards, antiquated thinking of this organization.
I celebrate you Jon, you rock as a parent, and a lot of parents out there, including dad’s should wish they could be as awesome as you. ;=)
@ 12:24 pm on October 15, 2010
Homophobes and climate change deniers: you are our modern day flat-earthers, and future generations will heap scorn on your memory.
@ 12:31 pm on October 15, 2010
AND, another thing to those complaining, I am proud to say that my sons were raised around different cultures, and all my gay male friends have been amazing influences to them, more so than their own father. They are comfortable in different settings and with different people as a result of their exposure to the real world.
So there, in the words of our fav’ comedian, Kathy G., “SUCK IT!” to the intolerant and uneducated snobs! (and I don’t mean educated in the way of college degrees, I meant in the way of life and humanity)
@ 12:34 pm on October 15, 2010
Well in UP’s defense, everyone knows that you become gay from getting cooties. I for one am glad that UP Dads are basing their decision on fundemental playground epidemiology.
@ 12:54 pm on October 15, 2010
Are we sure that this is THE REASON this man was not given the position? I’m just saying…..
@ 1:15 pm on October 15, 2010
I’m curious as to how they can tell him from most of the other femme dads who sign their kids up for Scouts? They’d better keep the kids out of some of those churches if they don’t want them exposed to homosexual males. The Boy Scouts like most organized religions, are just hate groups that are accepted in that society. Nothing but dweebs are in either.
@ 1:16 pm on October 15, 2010
So much for “It gets better”……
@ 1:18 pm on October 15, 2010
@Question?-Mr. Langbert had already been in the position for over a year with excellent results and a great deal of praise.
After the complaints, in an e-mail to the pack 70 head volunteer, Roger Derrick with BSA said, “Jon is not eligible to register with the BSA as an adult leader. Therefore he cannot represent the pack at any level or in any capapcity.”
@ 1:37 pm on October 15, 2010
I don’t think these comments and the comments on the linked page appreciate the facets of BSA’s policy and the challenges facing the organization.
BSA simply has a membership standard that requires a belief in God. It does not say how one expresses or practices this belief. This is radically inclusive and is compatible with religions that don’t have an Abrahamic view of God or DIY spiritualists. It only really excludes those who have made the atheism choice. Atheists are free to set up their own ACLU Scouts movement.
Now the homosexuality policy–look back at the chartering organizations page. Note how the faith-based chartered organizations dominate the list. Now further notice how you don’t find a denominationally neutral view of homosexuality until you’re at #8, United Church of Christ, Congregational Church (and even that one varies per congregation). That’s after you’ve passed up 91% of the faith-based chartered units, or about 2/3 of _all_ chartered units. And that’s not factoring in churches #9-#26 or non-faith chartered units that don’t have neutral views of homosexuality, including Pack 70. (It’s chartered by a community group.)
Now do you see the immense organizational risk to BSA with a sudden change in the homosexuality policy?
Do I like the homosexuality policy? Not really. Homosexuality looks much less the clear-cut choice society once thought it was. Also, evidence is lacking that homosexuality makes someone more likely to abuse children.
However, I also appreciate the organizational risks. In the USA’s Scouting movement, the ultimate power rests in chartering organizations. BSA cannot survive if it angers 2/3 of its chartering organizations.
So what’s my point? The BSA is between a rock and a hard place on the homosexuality policy. I don’t see how BSA can suddenly end this policy without drastic turmoil. And I don’t like it when I see BSA being beaten up for serving its chartering organizations, even if I don’t fully agree with the policy it must uphold.
For clarity: I strongly support the BSA’s faith policy.
@ 1:45 pm on October 15, 2010
What exactly are you “just saying”, “Question”? Say it or don’t say it.
@ 1:45 pm on October 15, 2010
Dear Maria S:
Whereas I agree with everything you said, “SUCK IT!” is probably not the best choice of invectives under the circumstances.
@ 1:51 pm on October 15, 2010
So now Park Cities hits a new low after Ghetto Day and Fiesta Day where they made fun of blacks and hispanics…
@ 2:48 pm on October 15, 2010
Aren,
So the Boy Scouts teach American boys that moral cowardice is an acceptable fiduciary expedient, and “for clarity,” you agree.
@ 3:14 pm on October 15, 2010
Well said, Daniel.
@ 3:20 pm on October 15, 2010
New found understanding of what it means to be a UP Resident.
For many years I thought how nice it would be to live in UP. They seem to have all together. Great Schools, nice roads, don’t get me started on the UP Police. They never stop working… I know because I have the speeding tickets to prove. I just don’t get it. They seem to have this great society until you read stuff like this. I’m dumb founded. I truly believe that this decision is based on ignorance and if no one is going to do anything about this than we are just part of the problem. Jon Lambert’s name has been placed all over this. I want to know which UP Dad or Dad’s is responsible. I want to know so I can be so kind to tell him what I think of his mentality; moral and social etiquette.. If it really makes you sleep better at night to rip someone down like this publically then you need help. I wonder what deep disturbing childhood experience or home memories have brought this person to even begin to think that this behavior is socially and morally acceptable. I wonder if he really thinks that this father of 3 is out to get him, or his kids. Also, to the Mr Kravitz AKA UP DAD with too much time on his hands … Get a life!
@ 3:32 pm on October 15, 2010
Osacr S, the rule that prohibits Mr. Langbert from serving as an adult leader is a national BSA rule. I know little about Pack 70, but I know a fair amount about Circle Ten, the North Trails District and BSA National. The rule in question has been applied and enforced in the home towns, cities and communities of every poster on this thread for many years.
You folks sure are quick to condemn an entire community for the actions of one, or at most, a few pack dads.
@ 3:59 pm on October 15, 2010
Just to make sure i understand, it’s not ok for the boy scouts to shun a group of people because they’re not compatible with their beliefs, but it’s ok for us to shun the boy scouts because they’re not compatible with our beliefs? Allrighty then.
@ 4:26 pm on October 15, 2010
Pack dads? Lord have mercy.
@ 4:39 pm on October 15, 2010
@Doug – Thanks for bringing in the old warhorse “You are being biased because you won’t allow me to be biased” argument. That’s always a winner.
@ 4:46 pm on October 15, 2010
I do live in UP and we do have it all together–great schools, nice roads and a great police force. This isn’t about UP. This is about one Boy Scout troop. A troop that could be almost anywhere in town or any state. It’s about homophobia in our country. Maybe it’s a backlash against the recent court ruling re: “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”
@FRED, this has nothing to do with past mistakes made by some high school students.
@Oscar, try driving the speed limit. You’ll be amazed how many times you never get stopped.
@ 4:48 pm on October 15, 2010
@ Mickel – Not sure what you mean, i’m on your side, them bad, us good. That moral superiority sure feels nice doesn’t it?
@ 5:27 pm on October 15, 2010
When this hits the national news it’s going to be dateline Dallas and make the rest of us look bad. Remember when the Parkie John Hinckley shot President Reagan? ABC anchor Frank Reynolds looked into the camera and said, “Dallas. Dallas, of all cities”.
@ 5:55 pm on October 15, 2010
Why do I have a feeling these comments have less to do with this issue and more with UP envy.
@ 6:13 pm on October 15, 2010
I guess this means that you guys found out that serving popcorn is #12 on the Official Gay Agenda. It is also a recruiting tool because we know that all potential gay teens enjoy popcorn.
We are so busted!
@ 10:45 pm on October 15, 2010
I wonder what type of “skeletons” these offended UP Dads have in their closets? Maybe a secret mistress, more than normal alcohol consumption, maybe likes the prescriptions a bit more than they should, maybe recreational drugs? I would bet big money on this, I guarantee you there are some secrets those dads wouldn’t want exposed. Jon never kept his personal life secret, but he certainly never flaunted it either. I would love to find out, & I would definitely have to ask their church, school, club to exclude them for their less than Christian like choices. They might rub off on me if they sit to close. ;=)
If I find out who they are, I will find out those secrets, & share with you all! LOL
@ 11:29 am on October 16, 2010
@LakeWWWooder, your John Hinckley/Frank Reynolds reference brings back memories. I, too, was watching ABC that day, and for a while Reynolds identified Hinckley as being from Colorado. I was telling everyone in the office that I didn’t think that was correct, that he was the John Hinckley I knew from HP and his family had a second home in Colorado. Finally, Reynolds said, “We’re getting some updated information. It seems young Mr. Hinckley hails not from Colorado, but from” — pregnant pause, stare into camera — “Dallas, Texas.” His voice was dripping sarcasm. He did everything but say “Oh my God.” Come to think of it, he may have said “Oh my God.” I wanted to throw a brick through the TV, I remember that.
His apparent message? Big D either shoot presidents, or else breeds folks who go out into the world and do it.
On a side note, my sister graduated high school with Hinckley, and for the 20th reunion all alums from that class were sent a questionaire about their lives since high school. Responses that came back, including his, were collected into book form and given to all reunion attendees. He listed his address as St. Elizabeths Hospital in D.C., and wrote something to the effect that his fellow classmates had probably kept up with him more than he had with them. No kidding.
@ 3:32 pm on October 16, 2010
@ laurie, how can you possibly say that this has nothing to do with past mistakes made by your fellow residents?! The actions of this BSA troop are certainly in line with the pattern of intolerance displayed by the children who partook in the Cesar Chavez day debacle. It’s about smallmindedness in general. We are no longer living in the 1950s!! And get real, I laughed out loud when you said “we do have it all together…” keep telling yourself that. Nice roads and nice schools don’t make up for infidelity, drug use, alcoholism, and intolerance. UP is just Dallas with a higher average paycheck. As a UP resident, I’ve seen more substance abuse among my neighbors than I ever saw in college/law school. Get your head out of the sand and stop living in denial.
@ 10:21 am on October 17, 2010
Yep Dallas will take the rap. Despite having elected a gay county judge, clerk, sheriff and many gay council members. I certainly don’t envy a place which treats people thus.
@ 12:17 pm on October 17, 2010
I’m moving to Southlake…
@ 9:33 am on October 18, 2010
publicity stunt??? for the agenda of course. someone joined and waited for the prime time to run to the media. what a surprise. blah blah blah life isn’t fair, there are still haters in the u s of a. color me shocked. does this person have to be considered a martyr. i’m sure he has skeletons as well (don’t we all). just sayin. and yes it is more likely that there are dad’s already involved to be more worried about.
@ 2:04 pm on October 18, 2010
This is a BSA policy not UP. Lots of comments based on mis information. There is way more to the story than super spy national enquiror wanna be Merideth knows.
Let’s start a blog just watching her – her parking tendencies, tipping, and all the other areas that she fails to be perfect all the time
@ 5:15 pm on October 20, 2010
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38 comments
Bravo, University Park! Your enlightened citizens will be a beacon of hope as we enter the 20th century.
Guessing no one in UP watched any of those “It Gets Better” videos.
Stay classy, UP.
Boy they are not wise! The Boy Scouts have a worse pedophile problem than the Catholic Church. Remember! The Boy Scouts and the Catholic Church DO NOT allow homosexuals in their clubs.
What nasty little people these busybody U.P. “dads” are. No doubt, their sons are of the modern age and will soon see their fathers for the dirt-eating little heels they are. I’d support their secession from the human species, but they seem to be doing fine on that count without my help.
these things never cease to amaze me. all this sadness that we inflict on each other is overwhelming sometime and sad.
One more thought! I was a Boy Scout. Demeaning your fellow citizen is not a Boy Scout or American value.
Too bad kids have to grow up in a world like this.
And I wonder how many divorced dads, DUI dads, embezzlement dads, girlfriend-on-the-side dads they will also disallow?
Living in an age where involved fathers are scarce, I can not believe how you are being treated, you should be celebrated, and other fathers could learn A LOT from you.
Shame on the “non-volunteering” homophobic fathers for complaining. To ask you to step down because of your personal life style, that I doesn’t affect anyone & is no one‘s business anyway, is just appalling. I will never ever buy another bucket of useless popcorn from scouts ever again, and I will encourage my friends to support this as well.
Jon Lanbert is an amazing father. His kids are well behaved wonderful kids. As a single mom, raising two boys, I too was a scout leader & volunteer, and I did not agree with a lot of the backwards, antiquated thinking of this organization.
I celebrate you Jon, you rock as a parent, and a lot of parents out there, including dad’s should wish they could be as awesome as you. ;=)
Homophobes and climate change deniers: you are our modern day flat-earthers, and future generations will heap scorn on your memory.
AND, another thing to those complaining, I am proud to say that my sons were raised around different cultures, and all my gay male friends have been amazing influences to them, more so than their own father. They are comfortable in different settings and with different people as a result of their exposure to the real world.
So there, in the words of our fav’ comedian, Kathy G., “SUCK IT!” to the intolerant and uneducated snobs! (and I don’t mean educated in the way of college degrees, I meant in the way of life and humanity)
Well in UP’s defense, everyone knows that you become gay from getting cooties. I for one am glad that UP Dads are basing their decision on fundemental playground epidemiology.
Are we sure that this is THE REASON this man was not given the position? I’m just saying…..
I’m curious as to how they can tell him from most of the other femme dads who sign their kids up for Scouts? They’d better keep the kids out of some of those churches if they don’t want them exposed to homosexual males. The Boy Scouts like most organized religions, are just hate groups that are accepted in that society. Nothing but dweebs are in either.
So much for “It gets better”……
@Question?-Mr. Langbert had already been in the position for over a year with excellent results and a great deal of praise.
After the complaints, in an e-mail to the pack 70 head volunteer, Roger Derrick with BSA said, “Jon is not eligible to register with the BSA as an adult leader. Therefore he cannot represent the pack at any level or in any capapcity.”
I don’t think these comments and the comments on the linked page appreciate the facets of BSA’s policy and the challenges facing the organization.
BSA is not a religious organization. It _affiliates_ with faith organizations. See http://www.scouting.org/About/FactSheets/operating_orgs.aspx and http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/Awards/ReligiousAwards.aspx.
BSA simply has a membership standard that requires a belief in God. It does not say how one expresses or practices this belief. This is radically inclusive and is compatible with religions that don’t have an Abrahamic view of God or DIY spiritualists. It only really excludes those who have made the atheism choice. Atheists are free to set up their own ACLU Scouts movement.
Now the homosexuality policy–look back at the chartering organizations page. Note how the faith-based chartered organizations dominate the list. Now further notice how you don’t find a denominationally neutral view of homosexuality until you’re at #8, United Church of Christ, Congregational Church (and even that one varies per congregation). That’s after you’ve passed up 91% of the faith-based chartered units, or about 2/3 of _all_ chartered units. And that’s not factoring in churches #9-#26 or non-faith chartered units that don’t have neutral views of homosexuality, including Pack 70. (It’s chartered by a community group.)
Now do you see the immense organizational risk to BSA with a sudden change in the homosexuality policy?
Do I like the homosexuality policy? Not really. Homosexuality looks much less the clear-cut choice society once thought it was. Also, evidence is lacking that homosexuality makes someone more likely to abuse children.
However, I also appreciate the organizational risks. In the USA’s Scouting movement, the ultimate power rests in chartering organizations. BSA cannot survive if it angers 2/3 of its chartering organizations.
So what’s my point? The BSA is between a rock and a hard place on the homosexuality policy. I don’t see how BSA can suddenly end this policy without drastic turmoil. And I don’t like it when I see BSA being beaten up for serving its chartering organizations, even if I don’t fully agree with the policy it must uphold.
For clarity: I strongly support the BSA’s faith policy.
What exactly are you “just saying”, “Question”? Say it or don’t say it.
Dear Maria S:
Whereas I agree with everything you said, “SUCK IT!” is probably not the best choice of invectives under the circumstances.
So now Park Cities hits a new low after Ghetto Day and Fiesta Day where they made fun of blacks and hispanics…
Aren,
So the Boy Scouts teach American boys that moral cowardice is an acceptable fiduciary expedient, and “for clarity,” you agree.
Well said, Daniel.
New found understanding of what it means to be a UP Resident.
For many years I thought how nice it would be to live in UP. They seem to have all together. Great Schools, nice roads, don’t get me started on the UP Police. They never stop working… I know because I have the speeding tickets to prove. I just don’t get it. They seem to have this great society until you read stuff like this. I’m dumb founded. I truly believe that this decision is based on ignorance and if no one is going to do anything about this than we are just part of the problem. Jon Lambert’s name has been placed all over this. I want to know which UP Dad or Dad’s is responsible. I want to know so I can be so kind to tell him what I think of his mentality; moral and social etiquette.. If it really makes you sleep better at night to rip someone down like this publically then you need help. I wonder what deep disturbing childhood experience or home memories have brought this person to even begin to think that this behavior is socially and morally acceptable. I wonder if he really thinks that this father of 3 is out to get him, or his kids. Also, to the Mr Kravitz AKA UP DAD with too much time on his hands … Get a life!
Osacr S, the rule that prohibits Mr. Langbert from serving as an adult leader is a national BSA rule. I know little about Pack 70, but I know a fair amount about Circle Ten, the North Trails District and BSA National. The rule in question has been applied and enforced in the home towns, cities and communities of every poster on this thread for many years.
You folks sure are quick to condemn an entire community for the actions of one, or at most, a few pack dads.
Just to make sure i understand, it’s not ok for the boy scouts to shun a group of people because they’re not compatible with their beliefs, but it’s ok for us to shun the boy scouts because they’re not compatible with our beliefs? Allrighty then.
Pack dads? Lord have mercy.
@Doug – Thanks for bringing in the old warhorse “You are being biased because you won’t allow me to be biased” argument. That’s always a winner.
I do live in UP and we do have it all together–great schools, nice roads and a great police force. This isn’t about UP. This is about one Boy Scout troop. A troop that could be almost anywhere in town or any state. It’s about homophobia in our country. Maybe it’s a backlash against the recent court ruling re: “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”
@FRED, this has nothing to do with past mistakes made by some high school students.
@Oscar, try driving the speed limit. You’ll be amazed how many times you never get stopped.
@ Mickel – Not sure what you mean, i’m on your side, them bad, us good. That moral superiority sure feels nice doesn’t it?
When this hits the national news it’s going to be dateline Dallas and make the rest of us look bad. Remember when the Parkie John Hinckley shot President Reagan? ABC anchor Frank Reynolds looked into the camera and said, “Dallas. Dallas, of all cities”.
Why do I have a feeling these comments have less to do with this issue and more with UP envy.
I guess this means that you guys found out that serving popcorn is #12 on the Official Gay Agenda. It is also a recruiting tool because we know that all potential gay teens enjoy popcorn.
We are so busted!
I wonder what type of “skeletons” these offended UP Dads have in their closets? Maybe a secret mistress, more than normal alcohol consumption, maybe likes the prescriptions a bit more than they should, maybe recreational drugs? I would bet big money on this, I guarantee you there are some secrets those dads wouldn’t want exposed. Jon never kept his personal life secret, but he certainly never flaunted it either. I would love to find out, & I would definitely have to ask their church, school, club to exclude them for their less than Christian like choices. They might rub off on me if they sit to close. ;=)
If I find out who they are, I will find out those secrets, & share with you all! LOL
@LakeWWWooder, your John Hinckley/Frank Reynolds reference brings back memories. I, too, was watching ABC that day, and for a while Reynolds identified Hinckley as being from Colorado. I was telling everyone in the office that I didn’t think that was correct, that he was the John Hinckley I knew from HP and his family had a second home in Colorado. Finally, Reynolds said, “We’re getting some updated information. It seems young Mr. Hinckley hails not from Colorado, but from” — pregnant pause, stare into camera — “Dallas, Texas.” His voice was dripping sarcasm. He did everything but say “Oh my God.” Come to think of it, he may have said “Oh my God.” I wanted to throw a brick through the TV, I remember that.
His apparent message? Big D either shoot presidents, or else breeds folks who go out into the world and do it.
On a side note, my sister graduated high school with Hinckley, and for the 20th reunion all alums from that class were sent a questionaire about their lives since high school. Responses that came back, including his, were collected into book form and given to all reunion attendees. He listed his address as St. Elizabeths Hospital in D.C., and wrote something to the effect that his fellow classmates had probably kept up with him more than he had with them. No kidding.
@ laurie, how can you possibly say that this has nothing to do with past mistakes made by your fellow residents?! The actions of this BSA troop are certainly in line with the pattern of intolerance displayed by the children who partook in the Cesar Chavez day debacle. It’s about smallmindedness in general. We are no longer living in the 1950s!! And get real, I laughed out loud when you said “we do have it all together…” keep telling yourself that. Nice roads and nice schools don’t make up for infidelity, drug use, alcoholism, and intolerance. UP is just Dallas with a higher average paycheck. As a UP resident, I’ve seen more substance abuse among my neighbors than I ever saw in college/law school. Get your head out of the sand and stop living in denial.
Yep Dallas will take the rap. Despite having elected a gay county judge, clerk, sheriff and many gay council members. I certainly don’t envy a place which treats people thus.
I’m moving to Southlake…
publicity stunt??? for the agenda of course. someone joined and waited for the prime time to run to the media. what a surprise. blah blah blah life isn’t fair, there are still haters in the u s of a. color me shocked. does this person have to be considered a martyr. i’m sure he has skeletons as well (don’t we all). just sayin. and yes it is more likely that there are dad’s already involved to be more worried about.
This is a BSA policy not UP. Lots of comments based on mis information. There is way more to the story than super spy national enquiror wanna be Merideth knows.
Let’s start a blog just watching her – her parking tendencies, tipping, and all the other areas that she fails to be perfect all the time