Trust Diminished

Say it ain't so, Magee. The trustworthy troops of the B.S.A.-Boy Scouts of America- being investigated for fraud? It stinks of the days when the Daley machine in Chicago counted on the votes of the dead, family pets and double dipping to sway election results in its favor. It seems that some Boy Scout Councils have inflated their membership via the age old political practice of padding the registration rolls with names that go without faces. While the paper drives are are great for public relations, the scout groups are primarily financed through business and charitable contributions , along with government funding , based on membership. I think we worry too much about Social Security supporting us in our old age. Our thoughts should turn on are there actually a sufficient number of scouts to help little old ladies cross the street or assist us in finding an address in a city "shrouded by a pea soup thick fog" ?

In a related matter, a blind man in Edinburgh, Scotland was arrested for biting his guide dog in the head after the dog refused to help him cross the street. Perhaps the blind man did not see the impending danger as did the dog. It is definitely becoming more difficult to cross the street without the Boy Scouts and those damn reluctant dogs.

In a somewhat unrelated matter. elephants are being used to clear debris in Banda Aceh, Indonesia devastated by the recent the tsunami. Animal rights activists claim that the elephants are subjected to harsh conditions and threat of severe injuries. Proponents of the use of the animals in lieu of scarce heavy machinery state that the elephants actually enjoy the work and receive the best of medical care including tetanus shots. Sounds similar to the arguments placed at a Worker's Compensation hearing. Paid with coconut palms, bananas, sugar and rice, they return to the government run forest camps for an R&R only to be leased out for an appearance in a local parade. Might be a good deal. If only we could ask the elephants, but they seem to be a rather apathetic group not willing to protest their plight.

I never have really placed much trust in elephants. Now I have my doubts about the Boy Scouts and guide dogs.