'Scouts' dishonor'

I like the concept of Boy Scouting. In an increasingly nasty, self-absorbed society, just about any organization that promotes respect and other-centered values is a good idea, which is why their national anti-gay policy is so mystifying and out of character.

In any case, that's why it's disheartening to read this investigation that details how many Scout locals are involved in environmental rape.

For decades, local Boy Scouts of America administrations across the country have clear-cut or otherwise conducted high-impact logging on tens of thousands of acres of forestland, often for the love of a different kind of green: Cash.

A Hearst Newspapers investigation has found dozens of cases over the last 20 years of local Boy Scout councils logging or selling prime woodlands to big timber interests, developers or others, turning quick money and often doing so instead of seeking ways to preserve such lands.

A very disappointing read.


Update: Planet Albany blog offers a different take on the issue