NIE

02/27/2012

Indiana lawmaker attacks Girl Scouts as 'radical'

In response to a proposed resolution celebrating the Girl Scouts’ 100th anniversary, Indiana Rep. Bob Morris, R-Fort Wayne, called the group a radicalized organization that supports abortion and promotes a homosexual lifestyle. In a letter to fellow lawmakers, he also warned against supporting Girl Scouts because Michelle Obama is honorary president of the group and "the Obamas are radically pro-abortion and vigorously support the agenda of Planned Parenthood." A Girl Scouts spokesman dismissed the charges, adding that "our cookie sales are up from last year."

■Class discussion: Find news reports on political controversies involving Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts. Which group do conservatives often criticize? Which group often draws liberal criticism? What policies make the groups political targets? Is it fair to draw youth organizations into political debates? Why or why not? Why do you think boys and girls join scouting? Do you think the groups have a big impact on what kids believe? What is the "culture war" and are its issues important to you?