US Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas is on a book tour promoting his memoir entitled, "My Grandfather's Son", which is described as a "scathing denunciation of liberal activists, Democratic senators (ouch, that will hurt his chances to ever become Chief Justice!!), and Anita Hill" via a book review by a group of Washington Post writers.
This review explains the book's title by noting that Justice Thomas' father abandoned the family and his mother was unable to care for her sons so Justice Thomas' grandfather, Myers Anderson, raised Thomas while he grew up in rural Georgia. Now I am biased about several things so this quote from the book review caught my attention since it mentioned two institutions I love - Boy Scouts and sports. The excerpt reads as follows:
"Thomas's depiction of his grandfather is of a man unsparingly tough. Anderson would let him (Thomas) play on sports teams or join the Cub Scouts."
Granted I did not grow up in rural Georgia so perhaps there were good reasons for Mr. Anderson to keep young Clarence out of these activities but setting that aside I really have to question this decision. The reason being I know of few things beyond sports that teach children discipline and how to deal with loss -- experiences that will serve them well later in life. As for the Cub/Boy Scouts the lessons I learned there such as "do a good turn daily" have stayed with me all the way to my current mid-life age.
Unfortunately Justice Thomas' book tour does not include my State of Minnesota otherwise I would be sure to attend so I could ask him about his grandfather's world view.
Enjoy your years on the bench Justice Thomas,
Todd
Showing posts with label Boy Scouts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Boy Scouts. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Boys will be Boys
A recent book review by the Associated Press' Jill Lawless (a "girl") regarding this new title caught my attention --
"The Dangerous Book for Boys" (DBFB) by Conn and Hal Iggulden (who are brothers)
Ms. Lawless notes that this book, "allows American boys - but not their sisters - to learn how to play marbles, make invisible ink.................." The book's title probably does not have the sexism that Ms. Lawless seems to suggest, rather it is great marketing if you ask me because such a title would attract both boys and girls given its taboo persona.
This book was a best seller in the United Kingdom where it was named Book of the Year prize at the British Book Awards before being published in the USA on May 1st. DBFB's success continues in the USA where it resides on several best sellers lists.
At some point I will probably buy copies for my godsons but will have to read it first myself primarily due to my love of the Boy Scouts program. Assuming this is a practical and useful book perhaps the Boy Scouts (founded in the United Kingdom coincidentally) should tap into its success by inviting the Iggulden brothers to do a Boy Scout-sponsored book tour across the USA as a recruitment tool.
As an Eagle Scout and Vigil Member myself I happily promote the Scouts so let me encourage my readers to get involved in the Boy Scouts if the opportunity presents itself. For more information please visit -- http://www.scouting.org/
"The Dangerous Book for Boys" (DBFB) by Conn and Hal Iggulden (who are brothers)
Ms. Lawless notes that this book, "allows American boys - but not their sisters - to learn how to play marbles, make invisible ink.................." The book's title probably does not have the sexism that Ms. Lawless seems to suggest, rather it is great marketing if you ask me because such a title would attract both boys and girls given its taboo persona.
This book was a best seller in the United Kingdom where it was named Book of the Year prize at the British Book Awards before being published in the USA on May 1st. DBFB's success continues in the USA where it resides on several best sellers lists.
At some point I will probably buy copies for my godsons but will have to read it first myself primarily due to my love of the Boy Scouts program. Assuming this is a practical and useful book perhaps the Boy Scouts (founded in the United Kingdom coincidentally) should tap into its success by inviting the Iggulden brothers to do a Boy Scout-sponsored book tour across the USA as a recruitment tool.
As an Eagle Scout and Vigil Member myself I happily promote the Scouts so let me encourage my readers to get involved in the Boy Scouts if the opportunity presents itself. For more information please visit -- http://www.scouting.org/
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