SCOUT EXECUTIVE -JAMBOREE JOURNEY









Let's Pause for this brief Commentary on a Presidential Visit to the Jamboree!

July 24, 2017









As I have mentioned in a previous post, it is the tradition of the BSA to invite the sitting president to visit the Jamboree, some have accepted some have not, from both parties. As most know, President Trump was invited to attend the 2017 Jamboree and accepted. This was a exciting event for the Scouts and Scouters. Trump delivered, the type of speech I expected, typical Trump, those that love him loved the speech, those that hate him hated the speech, and those in the middle rolled their eyes!





I don't want to get into politics, but I will say a few things that I think need to be said and those that are demanding the BSA to apologize for inviting trump. Here are what I think are the key points:





1) When the BSA starts deciding to not invite a President because the President may say something political, then the BSA loses. It is about the Presidency, not the person in the office, the President of the United States has always been the honorary president of the BSA, no matter their politics, no mater their party, no matter whether they are popular, impeached, resigned or disgraced. It is the right thing to do and we should continue.





2) The Scouts in attendance were treated to a true Trump speech, what a lesson in civics and the American way. Those that criticize the Boy Scouts in my opinion disrespect the office of the presidency,(see point #3 for clarification) the BSA and the great American tradition of debate, free speech and diversity of ideas. Hopefully those scouts who did not like what they heard will get involved and work hard in the process to support a candidate that can run against Trump and beat him in the next election. Those scouts who like what they heard, should get involved and work hard to get Trump reelected. What an amazing lesson in American Politics.





3)If you don't agree with what the President said, criticize him, boo him, do whatever you want, but the BSA and the BSA leadership did the right thing, they did it with integrity, they did it with class, they worked hard to give the right talking points. They did America proud, you should be proud of the BSA and proud of the lessons in character we teach, and proud that they did the right thing, at the right time at the right place.





Meet the Press Reporter Chuck Todd said it well in a tweet, " Please @POTUS don't put the Boy Scouts in this situation. Keep politics out of the Jamboree. What a mess. Totally unfair to these kids."





Now with that brief commercial interruption, lets go to the sights and sounds of the Presidential visit. Our team did a great job working through all the challenges and pitfalls, here are a few pictures of our team, scouts getting ready, the stadium, and the Trump visit, enjoy this ring side view of America at its Best!!!





Airforce One flying over SBR

Air force Run, getting ready to land!

Scouts anticipating the President's Arrival

Presidential Motorcade pulls into the back of the Stadium

Former Governor Rick Perry, current Secretary of Energy and Eagle Scout steps on stage to get a photo of the crowd.

Trump takes the stage!

Taking in the Crowd

Trump on the big screen

Cabinet Members, Zinke, Perry and Price with President Trump

Recognize any of these folks!

Let Trump be Trump!

Trump finishing up his Speech









Scouts from Trinidad and Tobago

Is this almost over?

Bryan Wendell (Bryan on Scouting) taking a lunch break before the Stadium Show

Great Support from our military, they were imbedded with our team, amazing Americans who love our country and love Scouting, can not imagine putting on a Jamboree with these folks.

Greater Alabama Scout, Camron W.

Sweaty Press Pool awaiting the Secret Service to escort all of us into the stadium

Inside the Stadium, awaiting the President

Scott and Tom in the Press Paddock

Bryan on Scouting with his game face on!

I thanked this soldier for his help after we got back to the Media Tent, he said it was a honor to be here and support the visit of the Commander in Chief to the Jamboree! What a true American!!!!

Press working hard tweeting the event!

John, Michael and Hayley, having a good time at the Pre-Show

Randy Piland getting just the right photo!









Hopefully I will have time to make a couple more posts before I head out on I will drive a few hours, take a needed rest in a hotel, two weeks in a tent have been enough! and head home to my beautiful wife Ginger and wonderful daughter Lydia, both of who I miss very much!!









J.T.Dabbs, III, Scout Executive of the Greater Alabama Council and member of the 2017 National Jamboree Media Team

What a ride!!!!





From the Citizenship in the Nation merit badge pamphlet:



As Scouts fulfill the requirements for this merit badge, they will learn how to become active citizens are aware of and grateful for their liberties and rights, to participate in their governments and protect their freedom, helping to defend their country and standing up for individual rights on behalf of all its citizens.