This is Your Commander-in-Chief
"I want to extend my sincere apologies to those in our Scouting family who were offended by the political rhetoric that was inserted into the jamboree. That was never our intent ... We sincerely regret that politics were inserted into the Scouting program."
"It is in no way an endorsement of any person, party or policies. For years, people have called upon us to take a position on political issues, and we have steadfastly remained non-partisan and refused to comment on political matters."
Scouts have continued to trade patches, climb rock walls, and share stories about the day's adventures. But for our Scouting family at home not able to see these real moments of Scouting, we know the past few days have been over-shadowed by the remarks offered by the President of the United States."
Michael Surbaugh, chief Scout Executive, Boy Scouts of America
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| Still from video |
(APPLAUSE)
And if you think that was an easy trip, you're wrong. But I am thrilled.
(LAUGHTER)
19th Boy Scout Jamboree, wow, and to address such a tremendous group. Boy, you have a lot of people here. The press will say it's about 200 people.
(LAUGHTER)
It looks like about 45,000 people. You set a record today.
(APPLAUSE)
You set a record. That's a great honor, believe me.
Tonight we put aside all of the policy fights in Washington, D.C. you've been hearing about with the fake news and all of that. We're going to put that...
(APPLAUSE)
We're going to put that aside. And instead we're going to talk about success, about how all of you amazing young Scouts can achieve your dreams, what to think of, what I've been thinking about. You want to achieve your dreams, I said, who the hell wants to speak about politics when I'm in front of the Boy Scouts? Right?
(APPLAUSE)
There are many great honors that come with the job of being president of the United States. But looking out at this incredible gathering of mostly young patriots. Mostly young. I'm especially proud to speak to you as the honorary president of the Boy Scouts of America.
(APPLAUSE)
CROWD: USA! USA! USA!
TRUMP: You are the young people of character, integrity who will serve as leaders of our communities and uphold the sacred values of our nation.
I want to thank Boy Scouts President Randall Stephenson, chief Scout executive Michael Surbaugh, Jamboree Chairman Ralph de la Vega and the thousands of volunteers who made this a life-changing experience for all of you. And when they asked me to be here, I said absolutely yes.
(APPLAUSE)
Finally -- and we can't forgot these people -- I especially want to salute the moms and the dads and troop leaders who are here tonight.
(APPLAUSE) Thank you for making scouting possible. Thank you, mom and dad, troop leaders.
When you volunteer for the Boy Scouts you are not only shaping young lives, you are shaping the future of America.
(APPLAUSE)
The United States has no better citizens than its Boy Scouts.
(APPLAUSE)
No better.
(APPLAUSE)
The values, traditions and skills you learn here will serve you throughout your lives. And just as importantly, they will serve your families, your cities, and in the future and in the present will serve your country.
(APPLAUSE)
The Scouts believe in putting America first.
(APPLAUSE)
You know, I go to Washington and I see all these politicians, and I see the swamp, and it's not a good place. In fact, today, I said we ought to change it from the word "swamp" to the word "cesspool" or perhaps to the word "sewer."
(APPLAUSE)
But it's not good. Not good. And I see what's going on. And believe me, I'd much rather be with you, that I can tell you.
(APPLAUSE)
I'll tell you the reason that I love this, and the reason that I really wanted to be here, is because as president, I rely on former Boy Scouts every single day. And so do the American people.
It's amazing how many Boy Scouts we have at the highest level of our great government. Many of my top advisers in the White House were Scouts. Ten members of my cabinet were Scouts. Can you believe that? Ten.
(APPLAUSE)
Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is not only a Boy Scout, he is your former national president.
(APPLAUSE)
The vice president of the United States, Mike Pence -- a good guy -- was a Scout, and it meant so much to him.
(APPLAUSE)
Some of you here tonight might even have camped out in this yard when Mike was the governor of Indiana, but the scouting was very, very important.
And by the way, where are our Indiana scouts tonight?
(APPLAUSE)
I wonder if the television cameras will follow you? They don't doing that when they see these massive crowds. They don't like doing that.
Hi, folks.
(APPLAUSE)
There's a lot of love in this big, beautiful place. A lot of love. And a lot of love for our country. And a lot of love for our country.
Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke is here tonight.
Come here, Ryan.
(APPLAUSE)
Ryan is an Eagle Scout from Big Sky Country in Montana.
(APPLAUSE)
The audience of
Isn't that what APPLAUSE is indicative of? Mind, the Boy Scouts had warned adult staff members to caution the audience that political chanting of any measure was to be discouraged in no uncertain terms. In no uncertain terms the audience appeared to echo back their chief patron's words of wisdom. The grand disregard for custom, integrity and neutral politics it seems, was trashed, not only by The Man Himself but by those in attendance whose position there it was to regulate proceedings.
West Virginia, perhaps is Trump country? West Virginia, where the Scouting jamboree took place hugely approves of the suave, cosmopolitan intellectual approach that their President brings to the office he holds, influencing, charming and astonishing the world at large with the level of his deep understanding of international affairs and his so very obvious willingness to work collaboratively with his nation's traditional allies. He has wowed them with his genius, and the Scouts have reason to be proud.
Evidently many in the audience found Mr. Trump's predecessor wanting. Demonstrating their respect for the office and the man who held it with two majority elections by booing on cue at the disparaging comments of this new president of unimpeachable integrity. "I saw nothing but roughly 40 - 45,000 boy scouts cheering the president on throughout his remarks. And I think they were pretty excited that he was there and happy to hear him speak to them", chided White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee in reaction to Mr. Surbaugh's apology.
Hear, hear. The man has demonstratively uparalleled skills at making friends and influencing people, preparing the new generation to take their place as proud Americans, using this estimable man's character as the benchmark for all future presidential position holders. God bless America and while he's at it, perhaps he could also protect it from itself....?
Labels: Boy Scouts, Trump, United States
posted by Pieface @ Saturday, July 29, 2017
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