Category: Eagle Scout

What is America Coming To?

On By scottpetersenIn Eagle Scout, Eagle Scout politicians, Hillary, Trump1 Comment

We had a discussion of politics — Trump/Hillary — with some friends. Very uncomfortable.  I do not like politics or discussion of it since I am always right on such things (to understand this comment see July 6, 2014).  Some swear by Hillary despite her lying and corruption.  Some said Trump irrespective of his arrogance and stupid comments.

On reflection, given the choices — I would vote for neither. I would probably write in the name of someone who has honesty, integrity and ability.  Like my dog Daisy.  Or some Eagle Scout pal.  Seriously folks — what is America coming to — where our prospective choices are a clown and someone who belongs in prison?  Oh yes – and then there’s the socialist who would turn America into France or Venezuela or North Korea.   What are people thinking?   What do these choices say about our electorate?  What would our parents/grandparents say about the parade of horrors now in contention for the biggest job in the world?    

What ever happened to the likes of Everett Dirksen, Tip O’Neill, Ronald Reagan, Franklin D. Roosevelt, John Kennedy, Dwight D. Eisenhower or the constellation of Founding Fathers who planted the seeds for our nation?  If they were around, I’m sure Hillary would lie about them.  Trump would ridicule them.  And Sanders would condemn them.        

 

American Sign Language

On By scottpetersenIn American Sign Language, Eagle Scout1 Comment

I was sitting on the train a few weeks ago — waiting to pull out of the station. Three young girls (probably high school) came in and sat in the 4 seater ahead of me. They began conversing animatedly. Laughing. Giggling. And I watched. Fascinated.  What caught my attention was — they didn’t make a sound. One of the girls was deaf. And the three were mouthing words to each other and using sign language. “Signing.”  They were fast.  And fluent. 

American Sign Language (“ASL”) originated in the early 19th century at the American School for the Deaf in Hartford, CT.   Today, it is used by nearly a million people.  I have two friends who are conversant in ASL:  my partner Dave D. and my former priest, Fr. Bob M. (both Eagle Scouts by the way).  Watching these three young women “talking” was something of a wake up for me.  Since then, when I have lunch at my desk (which is often), I will sometimes log onto an ASL site just to stretch my small brain.  The site is http://lifeprint.com.  I can say “I am a grandfather” and a few other things in ASL.  It is pretty cool to creak open this door.  I even looked into the cost of a class at a Loop college a few blocks away. 

If you want to stretch your brain, this would be a great way to do it.  I guess I have a special reason to look into ASL.  You see my father was clinically deaf from World War II.  And he never learned ASL.  And neither did I. . . . .  

Eagle Scout Politicians – Revisited

On By scottpetersenIn Eagle Scout, Eagle Scout politiciansLeave a comment

I have never repeated a post.  Until now.   I look with disgust on those who occupy the House, the Senate and the White House.   I and most Americans like to throw all of the bums out and replace them.  I think we ought replace them with Eagle Scouts (or the Girl Scout equivalent).  On September 11, 2011, my post was on that precise topic.  It bears repeat at this time of national urgency.   

(9/11/11) – I am an Eagle Scout. I grew up with – and was inculcated with – the Scout Oath: “On my honor, I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law. To help other people at all times. To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight.” The Scout Law added further obligation: “A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent.” All of the Eagle Scouts I know continue to try and live their lives according to these solemn oaths though Donna doesn’t always feel I’m obedient when she asks me to take the garbage out or clean the garage. I’m not real cheerful about that stuff either. . . .

When I see the gridlock in Washington, it seems too bad we don’t have more Eagle Scouts (or the Girl Scout equivalent) running the country. I would wager that Democratic and Republican Eagle Scouts would get along a far sight better and work a lot more diligently than the parade of horrors found in Washington today. They would sing campfire songs while drinking beer at the Old Ebbitt Grill.  They would hike to the office with backpacks doing good deeds along the way.  And most importantly, they would take seriously – very seriously – their duty to this great country, their obligation to be thrifty and the promise to “help other people at all times.”

Semper Paratus

On By scottpetersenIn Be Prepared, Eagle Scout, Semper paratusLeave a comment

As a Boy Scout (I am an Eagle Scout), I learned to live by the Scout motto “Be Prepared.”  I should’ve taken that motto more to heart when I went off to college. . . .

The first week of my freshman year — I was in a beginning political science course with the dour and very serious Dr. Erickson.   Dr. Erickson had assigned the class to review something-or-other for the next class.   However, given the newfound freedom of being away from home for the first time at the age of 17 (I had skipped a grade), and given the wide world of temptations that lurked, I walked into class that day without having read a word of our assigned project. 

Dr. Erickson droned on – and on – walking back and forth – as I stared out the window on a warm September afternoon.  Pondering my freedom and possible exploitation of it.  Suddenly I was distracted when I heard my name.  “Mister Petersen” he said.  “Please explain [yadda yadda].”   I hadn’t a clue.  So I spoke up easily “I’m not prepared” and I went back to looking out the window.

“Mister Petersen . . . . stand up.”  Huhh??  “Stand up Mister Petersen.”   I stood.  “Soooo. . . .you’re not prepared.  You’re not prepared today.  So you probably won’t be prepared tomorrow.  Or next week.  Or perhaps ever.”  Sweat began dripping down my neck . . . . “I feel sorry for you Mister Petersen.  You might try . . . at least try . . . to be prepared.”  

Lesson learned.  From that day on, I was prepared.  Oh and Dr. Erickson?  He became my mentor and faculty advisor.  Poly sci was my major.   Semper paratus. . . . .  

A Lifebuoy Lesson

On By scottpetersenIn Camp Napowan, Eagle Scout, Life's Lessons1 Comment

When I was 12 years old (1959), I spent part of the summer at Camp Napowan — a great Boy Scout camp in Wild Rose, Wisconsin.  One hot sunny afternoon, I was loping back to my campsite when I saw a fellow camper named “Wiley.”  I looked at him and called him a “______.”   It was a highly offensive and nasty slur.  What prompted my outburst, I don’t recall but from the moment the words left my lips, things began moving verrrry quickly.  And with great and lasting impression. 

The Senior Patrol Leader, Bill B. – age 14, heard my comment and yelled an order to other Scouts.  They grabbed me and dragged me shouting and struggling to the wash stand.  Bill took a well-used cake of Lifebuoy’s finest and pushed it into my mouth.   Then – with a word from Bill – I was released.  I ran back to my tent on the verge of tears – spitting soap shards.   When I emerged, the matter was forgotten.

But you know what?  From that time on, I never used an epithet like that.   I learned.  Some might say “the hard way.”   But I disagree.    I wish other young people could learn like this — from their peers.  I look at this lesson (and others I’ve had) as being key to my development (see posts of 8/16/11 and 11/23/11).  I’m glad I learned.           

Oh and Bill B.?  He and I went on to become Eagle Scouts.  We worked together on staff at Camp Napowan for the next 3 years.   He became one of my two closest friends (along with my great pal Col. “Ox” – another Eagle Scout).   Bill was best man at my wedding.  And we talk frequently.  Today, he’s the finest veterinarian in the State of Kentucky.   And to this day, I’ve rarely heard Bill utter anything stronger than a (usually appropriate) “doggonit.”  

First Aid

On By scottpetersenIn Eagle Scout, First aid, Heimlich ManeuverLeave a comment

One of the best courses I ever took in college was a year-long (two semester) course in first aid.*  We started with the American Red Cross beginning course, moved on to the intermediate course, then moved into advanced.  We concluded the second semester with the Civil Defense Emergency Responder course which included clear instruction on a wide variety of serious emergency medical situations. 

When I signed up for the course I thought “I’m an Eagle Scout.  This will be a snap.”  Truth be told – it wasn’t as easy as I thought.  My point is that it is of great value — and could save a life — knowing how to deal with medical emergencies.  You will learn that the first response to any emergency is to call “911” or call your medical professional.   But when that’s not possible or help is delayed, know CPR.  Know the Heimlich Maneuver.  Know how to quickly respond to bleeding, pain, fever, and trauma.  Know the basics.  And perhaps know a little more.  All it takes is that one day – that one moment – when everyone stands around.  And you answer the call.      

*My best high school course was typing.