Letters to the editor: Local Scouts sound off; animal cruelty often leads to more violence

Interested in scouting? Here are some facts from a Tenderfoot Scout

To the editor:

You may have heard about scouting. You may have seen Scouts selling popcorn at Sam’s Club or Christmas trees at Walmart. But what do you really know about scouting? I am a Tenderfoot Scout in Troop 252 of the Church of Christ at Hagerstown. I have been a Scout for six years, having started as a Tiger in Cub Scouts and joining the troop in March. I will be sharing with you some facts about scouting.

• Scouting was not created to teach kids how to camp or tie knots, but to teach them important life skills such as public speaking and personal management.

• In Boy Scouts, there are seven different ranks that you can have: Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life and Eagle.

• Eagle is the highest rank and it takes at least two years to achieve, although most achieve it in four to six. The Eagle award is so prestigious that since 1911, only 4% of Scouts have achieved it.

• Scouts earn merit badges in over 135 different subjects. You need at least 21 merit badges to achieve the Eagle ranking, 14 of which are specifically required.

• I am writing this letter in partial completion of my Communications Merit Badge.

• Troops are divided into smaller groups called patrols. My patrol is the KFC Chickens. (The original name was the KFC Chickens Coop, and it somehow got shortened). While in scouting, you get to go on fun trips and do awesome things. For example, in the past year I have been kayaking, canoeing and sailing on the Chesapeake Bay. Scouting is a great way to make new friends and learning about the world along the way.

• BSA has four High Adventure camps, Philmont Scout Ranch, Florida Sea Base, Northern Tier High Adventure Base and Summit Bechtel Reserve. I am looking forward to attending the National Jamboree at Summit Bechtel this summer.

If you want to be a Scout, look for a troop at beascout.org.

Myles W. HenryHagerstown

Local Boy Scout backs call for Williamsport dog park

To the editor:

Last night (Jan. 9), I attended the Williamsport City Council meeting. Someone suggested that we build a dog park in Williamsport.

I have two dogs and live very close to Williamsport, so I think this would be a wonderful idea. This would give people a place to take their dogs to play if they don’t have yards.

Right now, Williamsport doesn’t have a dog park at all, so I think this would be a positive addition to the community.

I hope the town of Williamsport will consider this idea.

Samuel DiFonzoHagerstownBSA Troop 252

Link between animal cruelty, interpersonal violence well documented

To the editor:

I am frightened and angered that the Hagerstown man charged with aggravated cruelty to animals for allegedly striking a puppy so forcefully that the puppy suffered severe head trauma and two broken legs has been released on recognizance (Jan. 4). If convicted, he must receive jail time, a lifetime ban on contact with animals, and counseling.

Animal abusers are bullies and cowards who target “easy victims,” and routinely go on to commit acts of violence against their fellow human beings. Anyone who would be capable of reacting so violently to a potty-training mistake must not be trusted around any vulnerable beings, including children.

Related:Humane Society: Abused Hagerstown puppy needs to have leg amputated

The link between cruelty to animals and interpersonal violence is well documented: The American Psychiatric Association identifies cruelty to animals as one of the diagnostic criteria for conduct disorders, and the FBI uses reports of animal abuse in analyzing the threat potential of suspected and known criminals.

It is imperative that crimes against animals be taken seriously, for everyone’s safety. If you know or suspect that someone is harming an animal, please notify authorities immediately.

Emily JonesFrederick, Md.Written communications managerThe PETA Foundation

Students won't be able to avoid learning about Trump with release of taxes

To the editor:

A recent letter to the editor (Jan. 1) stated that 40,000-plus Washington County voters voted for Donald J. Trump.

Now with the release of his tax returns and his proposed run for a third presidency, one must wonder how this man can say he is a shrewd business man. Trump governed this country just like he ran his organizations, like a rudderless ship. They ran aground or sunk (bankruptcy).

An old adage is "the truth is the light of the world" and it will "set you free." In the end, Washington County Public School students will know the facts because it is all coming out in the wash now. Donald Trump was a disaster that set this country back in a multitude of ways emotionally, racially, financially and many others.

Chazz Brown Chambersburg, Pa.

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This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: Hagerstown-area Boy Scout offers facts on scouting