To Honorable County Council Members: Fill & Download for Free

Yes! I received my detention this morning. It took so long only because I missed Thursday and Friday of school due to my representing the school at County Band. That was fun.Anyway, it was a wonderful experience. Our school had planned an alternate remembrance ceremony, due to the school board deciding not to take a political stance (and also disliking the cause), and I’ve heard that it was wonderful. They were silent for all seventeen minutes. We were silent too, but we needed to take a political stance. We were sorry to miss the assembly, of course.We all stood around for some time, chanting and talking. One kid wore a shirt that said “Pro-gun, Pro-police, anti-murder” and read his Bible. Finally, the ringleaders stood and said a few words in honor of the protest and the victims, and we listed off the names of the victims. Then we stood silently, until a few more kids said some more. We were right under the flags, and snow was falling, so the whole time, that was the only noise we heard. It really was moving.Even more moving was the reaction. If you search “Pennridge School Walk out”, you’ll find out all about it. We’ve all written some, and some of my friends were even interviewed. One of our school board members retweeted something calling us “Marxist Truants”, and we’re protesting at every detention until we finish up. Last Saturday, there was a sit-in.It was the most moving, defining experience I’ve ever had. I’m so proud of myself for doing it, my classmates for organizing and attending, and for the student council members who organized the school-sanctioned assembly.

Being inclusive of all faiths does not include being inclusive of no faith.The Scout Oath promises doing one’s “duty to God” and the Scout Law promises being “reverent”. I don’t think an atheist can say those and be trustworthy. And neither did the atheist Orange County Council (CA) scouts, the Randalls, who sued in 1991 and lost in 1998. They left prior to becoming Eagles because they couldn’t say the oath. (I honor their commitment to being trustworthy!)1998: Agnostic O.C. Twins, Gays Lose Scouting Fight“…on the verge of getting Eagle Scout badges--the highest honor in Scouting--the Randalls said they will leave the organization rather than recite an oath they don't believe.”Scouting is a private organization of its members, with the right to choose whether to associate with atheists or not. They have chosen “not”.(Note: The prohibitions against gays and girls debated in the 1990s have now fallen. However, a Scout must still be “reverent”.)(The post by DeAnna Fuller Perry is incorrect.)Update after comments:I have never seen anyone kicked out because someone hunted down their religious beliefs and disagreed with them.I think the message there is — if you don’t make a big deal out of agnosticism or atheism, neither will BSA. But if, presented with a religious requirement, you make a big stink, and even sue the Boy Scouts, they will push back.The case was Randall v Orange County Council Boy Scouts of America. The council the primary defendant. The National Council weighed in during the trial on behalf of Orange County Council.Here is the final decision:FindLaw's Supreme Court of California case and opinions.

I was able to do things, things that I probably never would have, had I not been homeless. I discovered I had a voice. I was able to advocate for positive changes. I was able to speak before the King County Council. I was also able to meet some of the members. The same with the City Council and its members. I learned about The Homeless Remembrance Project, the ten year battle W.H.E.E.L. waged to place the statue in the north end of Victor Steinbruck Park. I learned about Women In Black, and drew great comfort from the fact that if I died while homeless, this wonderful organization would stand silent vigil, to honor my memory, and those like me. I learned about www.fallenleaves.org . A site where you can request a bronze leaf be placed at one of several sites, to remember thought loved ones.I've met some fantastic people, that I hope to stay in touch with. I've lost several people that were dear to me.When I read the stories on here about the shelter system, people's experiences, I thank the universe, that those were not my experiences. I don't know if it's where I live, Seattle, hell, I don't know but the abuse some of these people suffered while trying to have a safe place to sleep sickens me.