President Donald Trump needs to know this about Boy Scouts: “The Boy Scouts of America is one of the nation’s largest and most prominent values-based youth development organizations. The BSA provides a program for young people that builds character, trains them in the responsibilities of participating citizenship, and develops personal fitness. For over a century, the BSA has helped build the future leaders of this country by combining educational activities and lifelong values with fun. The Boy Scouts of America believes — and, through over a century of experience, knows — that helping youth is a key to building a more conscientious, responsible, and productive society.”

Trump, who gave a speech at the Jamboree, a Scout gathering held every four years, had a great opportunity to speak to the future leaders of our country. As a Scout leader for over 20 years, I found his speech very disappointing. He did not speak to the boys. Some of these Scouts have been earning and saving since the last Jamboree. Many traveled long distances to make it, and for some it’s a once-in-a-lifetime trip. I did not hear him congratulate all those that made Eagle Scout, or thank all the leaders that put in countless hours every four years to give the Scouts this opportunity.

Whoever wrote this speech should have researched the topic. The president took this as an opportunity to criticize others, demean others and make Trumpites feel good. We did not need talk about crowd size, energy and health care policy, fake news, leaks, and trashing the media and President Barack Obama. Some language was uncalled for in a speech to Scouts. The Boy Scouts don’t need that type of talk, Mr. President, and you should feel ashamed.

Ron Emery

Scout Leader

Troop 479

South China