Too often in today's politics, walls are raised which keep sides from acknowledging truly notable efforts of those who differ with them. Yet it's important to recognize the efforts of a Republican member of the Indiana House of Representatives, Bob Morris, who understands that the only thing that matters beyond our differences is defending our country against its enemies.
"As members of the Indiana House of Representatives, we must be wise before we use the credibility and respect of the 'Peoples' House' to extend legitimacy to a radicalized organization," Rep. Morris (R-84th) wrote to members of the Republican caucus. In the face of such danger, Morris admonished his fellow Republicans not "to endorse a group that has been subverted in the name of liberal progressive politics and the destruction of traditional American family values."
Though Democrats may at times belittle what they charge is a small-mindedness and fear-mongering of today's Republican Party, it is unfair to not give credit to those willing to fight seriously for America's protection, and stand up against extremists of international social orders that do, in fact, exist.
"Of the 50 role models listed" in the sect's manifesto, he wrote, "only three have a briefly-mentioned religious background - all the rest are feminists, lesbians and Communists."
The cult, which has already infiltrated parts of America, has 10 million active members operating in 144 countries around the world. More frightening, it has an expanded network of 50 million dormant members. And this year alone, it has built up a massive war chest of $700 million preying upon the weaknesses of many unsuspecting Americans.
That group is the Girl Scouts of America.
I'm not making this up.
Bob Morris (R-84th) wants to block Indiana from passing a resolution honoring the 100th anniversary of the Girl Scouts.
The Girl Scouts.
T-h-e G-i-r-l S-c-o-u-t-s.
In his letter to fellow Republicans, the state representative wrote that the Girl Scouts "promote homosexual lifestyle." He added that there is evidence of an agenda that "includes sexualizing young girls through the Girl Scouts, which is quickly becoming the tactical arm of Planned Parenthood."
Worst of all, "the Girl Scouts of America don't stand for anything," he damningly told station WRTV in Indianapolis. "They let those girls do what they want in their troop meetings."
Anarchy! Out-of-control instant messaging and soulless pillow-fights may well be running rampant in basements across America, but with meetings secret, it's impossible to know how deeply this goes.
He also added...well, so much more that would make your skin crawl. How bad is it? Just know that Rep. Morris says that he's not only aware of it all, but also "other surprisingly radical policies of GSA."
"Surprising" seems an impressively appropriate word. Kudos.
It's pretty scary stuff. Not as scary as being a woman in Virginia, of course, but then what is?
And how did the intrepid Republican uncover this evil plot of the Girl Scouts? "I did a small amount of web-based research," he wrote.
All those of you now falling off your chairs in laughter, rest assured the lawmaker didn't just go on Wikipedia or read exchanges in a chat room for disgruntled ex-Girl Scouts. No, no, he did real research - albeit, a small amount. He found some articles, he said, on "World Net Daily." This is the website so off-the-edge far-right wing that it makes Glenn Beck look moderate.
Rep. Morris also confirmed his limited findings with the Girl Scouts themsel...well, okay, no he didn't. But you can't expect him to do everything.
He has his proof, though, so you can't deny the man. "The fact that the Honorary President of Girl Scouts of America is Michelle Obama," he writes, "...should give each of us reason to pause..."
While pausing, it's might be a good use of your time to know that since 1917, every First Lady of the United States has been an Honorary President of the Girl Scouts.
Of course, when you only do "a small amount of research," you miss things like that. But at least it's a good Teaching Moment for his school-age daughters.
Rep. Morris understands that his position isn't popular at the moment, but he knows that he's not alone among fellow-Republicans. "Each of us have our own beliefs. Many of my colleagues support me," he told the WRTV reporter.
The scary thing is that that's probably true.
One colleague who isn't supporting him though is House Speaker Brian Bosma (R-Indianapolis), who was not only spotted handing out but also eating Thin Mints in the statehouse while Rep. Morris was being interviewed.
(Honest.)
But even in the face of $700 million annual cookie sales, Bob Morris will persevere. "My family and I took a view and we're sticking by it," he told the Associated Press.
He is in good company. It was this same philosophy that drove the captain of the Titanic, General Custer, the Donner Party, and everyone who five years ago sold their Apple stock.
In response, the chief executive of the Girls Scouts of America, Anna Maria Chavez said - oh, who cares? Truly. Does it matter? The moment you heard the charge, did you really need anyone to give the other side of the argument??
If, however, you do answer "Yes" to that - sit down a moment, relax, take a breath. Have a cookie. The Do-si-dos are particularly tasty.