Boy Scouts of America......No Ban on Stupidity.

Those who have read this blog for a while know that I am less than happy with the direction in which the Boy Scouts of American are headed.

Anyone reading anything regarding the BSA should not be surprised to learn that BSA policies prohibit pointing simulated firearms at people and "yes, that includes water guns".

According to the 2015 Boy Scouts of America National Shooting Sports Manual,

1) "Water guns and rubber band guns must only be used to shoot at targets, and eye protection must be worn."

2) "Pointing any type of firearm or simulated firearm at any individual is unauthorized. Scout units may plan or participate in paintball, laser tag or similar events where participants shoot at targets that are neither living nor human representations."

Why the rule?

Bryan On Scouting says, "A Scout is kind. What part of pointing a firearm [simulated or otherwise] at someone is kind?"

The BSA manual places water guns in the same category as crossbows, grenades, cannons, blow guns, spears and shovel throwing.

Shovel throwing?

Is that a big problem in the BSA?

With paintball and laser tag, the scouts may shoot at targets provided the targets are not "living nor human representations". You can aim these "simulated weapons" at targets, but not at targets that look human?

Look, I understand safety. I realize some things have to be banned for safety's sake, but they're not talking safety here......the BSA is regulating the use of water guns because pointing something that is shaped like a gun isn't "nice".

I'm sorry, but water pistols are not the gateway to killing. Can we have a little common sense here?