To the Editor:
I am a “passive aggressive,” and this is important to the following story:

When my youngest sons joined WE’ll BE LOyal Scouts (“Webelos”), the previous Cub Scout leader left the position, and no one rose to take the lead. I did, because no one else would, and my boys were going to have Cub Scouts, as they wanted.

When I took over, I explained that I would not be providing a free child-care service for other parents. I demanded that, if others’ sons were in the pack, then those others would have no choice but to help out.

Some moms immediately began telling me how to run the pack to their satisfaction.

I’d smile, and thank them for offering to take over leadership of the pack, as I really did not want to be the pack leader. Immediately, these good folks would get defensive, and explain that they did not want to take over. I then let them know that, if they would not accept leadership, then I would not accept their “advice.”

I enjoyed a few years of leading the pack, without the whines of parents who would not accept leadership. In fact, after the initial resistance by some, all parents were glad to be involved, and to see the good that Scouting was doing for their sons, and for their sons’ friendships with other boys of their age.

I am a “passive aggressive.”

Edgar V. Tolmie

Altamont