Boy Scouts dry up like raisins in the sun while waiting for no-show Pres. Bush

Bad news continue to follow the Boy Scouts of America as hundreds of patriotic boys wait in vain for a President who never showed up. As a reward, many received IV drips and visits to area hospitals:

Jul 28, 2005
Boy Scouts Recovering From Intense Heat
By MICHAEL FELBERBAUM Associated Press Writer

BOWLING GREEN, Va. (AP) -- The Boy Scouts marched onto the field singing, plopping down in the grass to wait for President Bush. But hours later, the news that Bush couldn't make it was drowned out by sirens and shouts as hundreds fell ill because of the blistering heat. About 300 people, most of them Scouts, suffered from dehydration, fatigue and lightheadedness Wednesday - just days after four Scout leaders were killed at the national Jamboree while pitching a tent beneath a power line. Temperatures at Fort A.P. Hill, an Army base where the 10-day event is being held, reached the upper 90s and were intensified by high humidity... Half of the 300 who fell ill were treated and released from the fort's hospital. Dozens more were sent to surrounding hospitals, where they were in stable condition Wednesday night, Jamboree spokesman Gregg Shields said. The more than 40,000 Scouts, volunteers, and leaders attending the event had been standing in the sun about three hours when word came that severe thunderstorms and high winds were forcing the president to postpone his appearance until Thursday. Bush's spokesman said Thursday that the visit would instead happen Sunday, at the Scouts' request.

I find it somewhat sad that a military base and a quasi-military group of men and boys trained in wilderness survival failed to understand the effects of heat and humidity while waiting in an open field. I dare say that some should turn in their badges... Meanwhile, Pres. Bush sat safely in his air conditioned office and waited for instructions from Karl Rove.