This whole article reads so strange. Why are we calling a 24 year old an Eagle Scout. Why was he at the same bonfire as a random 16yr old. How are they gonna make felony charges stick for something that doesn’t exactly seem like a malicious assault( just a dumbass) why were there 3 witnesses who saw him do it, then proceeded to stay by the fire.
There is an internal narrative in Scouting that achieving Eagle Scout is a significant life accomplishment that carries respect throughout your adult life, so some people feel compelled to bring it up whenever. Some things I’ve heard:
- the police may give you some leeway like its a PBA card.
- the military will automatically consider you for higher rank upon induction
- it will always be a positive on a resume.
Of course, at the end of the day it’s a youth organization, and bringing up your youth accomplishments past your first interview or college application should be embarrassing at best.
In this case I think it’s just short for “someone who should have known better than to throw random bullshit in a bonfire.”
The eagle scout bit feels like an attempt to make him seem otherwise responsible, but I know plenty and we did some dumb shit with fire and fireworks growing up. Also, you have to get that before you turn 18. He’s 24 now and a lot can change in that time including access to alcohol.