WSJ Columnist Cites ‘War on Boys’ and Harvey Weinstein in Bizarre Boy Scouts Rant

Speaking on Fox News, Wall Street Journal columnist Bill McGurn trashed the decision by the Boy Scouts of America this week to allow girls to join the organization starting next year.

In doing so, George W. Bush’s former speechwriter blamed a so–called “war on boys and masculinity” for declining Boy Scouts enrollment, and then drew a bizarre link between the accused Hollywood sexual predator Harvey Weinstein and the decision to allow girls to participate in Boy Scouts programs.

The point he was trying to make is a bit muddled.

“I never got past second class,” McGurn admitted, referring to the Boy Scouts’ ranking system and its requirements, which include learning how to camp, demonstrating first aid skills, and participating in anti–drug and anti–alcohol programs, among others.

He continued (emphasis mine):

I don’t think we can blame the Scouts. I mean, one of the reasons for this drop [in numbers], the Scouts have been public enemy No. 1 to a lot of left–wing groups that have pushed them off the public square, because of the gay Scout issue, and really because of the left’s objection to anything that celebrates boys and masculinity. I mean, let’s face it. That’s what the Girl Scouts are mad [about]…

Look, it’s just this war on boys and masculinity, and we complain about guys like Harvey Weinstein, and that there’s no character, and then we knee–cap organizations that have been very good at trying to, I think it’s, maybe the Scouts didn’t have any choice, but it’s sad.

The Boy Scouts announced last Wednesday that starting next fall, girls would be allowed to participate in Cub Scouts programs for younger kids, and then in 2019, older girls could participate in the Eagle Scouts programs, according to CNN. The details aren’t yet clear, but those programs likely will not be coed.

In explaining the decision, much emphasis has been placed on considering the needs of families. A statement from the organization said: “Families today are busier and more diverse than ever. Most are dual–earners and there are more single–parent households than ever before, making convenient programs that serve the whole family more appealing.”

Boys Scouts of America Chief Scout Executive Mike Surbaugh told CNN that, “What our parents have said is that their daughters, girls, we know are interested in the types of programs that we offer in Cub Scouting and Boy Scouting.”

So, apparently, this “war on masculinity” is coming from the parents themselves, who therefore are to blame for…Harvey Weinstein? OK, got it.