I think I owe Republican Representative Bob Morris a debt of gratitude. The wacko Indiana lawmaker spouting off against the Girl Scouts and their attempts to turn our little girls into lesbians and communists (his words, not mine) has forced me to look up this 100-year-old organization for our nation's young females. And wouldn't you know it? I like what I see.
Way to go Bob! Instead of turning off one of our nation's mothers, you might have just made a Girl Scouts devotee outta me! And the irony doesn't stop there!
Just a week ago I was being chatted up by someone insistent on getting my daughter into the Girl Scouts, and I was hesitant. She already takes hip hop lessons and plays soccer. How much time can I spend shuttling this kid around? But since I took to Google to find evidence that the sweeties selling cookies are really just a "tactical arm of Planned Parenthood" (yup, Bob Morris' words, not mine), I think I need to call up the local Girl Scout mom and get my kid in a green sash.
These folks are awesome! And not just because the straight talk they've got on their organization website admits shocking truths like, "Just as young girls are confronted with difficult 'teen' issues like dating and sex at an increasingly early age, are learning that their family confidantes are often unwilling or unable to discuss such issues." (Sound familiar Bob?)
With a little girl who loves nothing more than getting down on the floor to build with LEGOs, I can't help but be attracted by an organization that's taken news that 74 percent of girls have an interest in the fields of science, technology, math, and engineering and run with it. Imagine! They're acknowledging being female doesn't mean going to college to get their MRS. degree! They're even willing to help get these kids into the careers of their choice. So much so that they've taken the fight to our leaders in Washington, D.C. (Bob could have come on over for a briefing!)
Now, I know that's kind of far off. I really need to think about my kid right now. At 6, she's already been suffering from the attacks of the mean girls for two years. So it would be mighty handy to have her involved in a group that's made a special point to fight bullying in all its forms, wouldn't it?
How about an organization that suggests girls "develop a strong sense of self" or "feel empowered to make a difference in the world." Yup, I want to sign my girl up. Glad Bob Morris gave me an excuse to look all this stuff up.
What about you? Will you look past the rhetoric and let your girl join the Girl Scouts?
Image via kalleboo/Flickr