<p>Everybody knows Plebes are stupid. That is why they are Plebes! ;)</p>
<p>(That was a joke)</p>
<p>Certainly, no decision is made in a vacuum. That being said, I know Chris McMahon to be a individual of the utmost integrity and conscience. Adm. McMahon has never portrayed himself as anything but the Deputy Superintendent. </p>
<p>I would not assume or jump to the conclusion based on an outline on a web site of the many beliefs welcome in Unitarian Congregations that he will make a decision that wouldn't be in the best interests of the Midshipmen and the Academy. </p>
<p>To the contrary, I think that his board background (including his Divinty Degree and open perspective) and understanding of the many needs of the Academy will lead to a very wise choice.</p>
<p>Don't ever call the plebes stupid, even in teasing. That kind of negative teasing is caustic and can be very hurtful and destructive. The candidates, plebes and upperclassmen are among the finest, most intelligent and wonderful people in the world.</p>
<p>As far as the other area, everyone is entitled to their own opinion.</p>
<p>This is INSANITY! Has everyone lost the point of the intention of this discussion? I thought it was to put the best interest of the PLEBES first and foremost and not use it as a personal platform to strong-arm the choice of chaplain IF theres even to be one appointed?</p>
<p>(Why did I disengage from religion? Oh yeah, I remember .THIS is why: no one can agree to disagree.) As I see it, this is NOT a religious issue. I am under the impression that this dialog is to hopefully raise awareness and action to enable our sons and daughters to have a safe, comfortable place to fall when they need it, and to continue to have relaxing social opportunities at the Academy. </p>
<p>Why has this discussion become a place for hubris and insensitive comments (LFWB dad you need to reacquaint yourself with the definition of joke.)? Why is the flavor of the chaplain the biggest concern of everyone chiming in? </p>
<p>The whole point of accepting life at the Academy is to learn to ADAPT: is the church service EXACTLY like the one they left behind at home? Maybe not. Is their pillow exactly like the one at home? Food? Roommate? DAILY LIFE? </p>
<p>Not even close.</p>
<p>Lets stop arguing about what background the spiritual support may come from and focus on it being there at all. When your Plebe needs an open, objective ear, he is certainly mature and realistic enough to know that the basic foundation of faith is the same no matter who is representing it. His issues will be his own at that moment and probably will have little or nothing to do with the fact he is provided with a spiritual counselor that mom or dad doesnt approve of. </p>
<p>If the process of obtaining a chaplain for the Academy is going to be a difficult one, why throw in the added obstacles of approving or disapproving the church they may represent? As I see it, a religious individual may find a more intimate connection with a chaplain when they seek counsel and support. And I certainly respect that. Thats why I would help in the effort to keep a chaplain in place. Its all the same God, and I cant see any young person shunning needed help because of religious prejudice. He will take from it what he can use and forget about the rest. </p>
<p>Actually, I thought the Chaplains are for ALL Midshipmen not just Plebes.</p>
<p>Tall Poppy you are right that all things don't have to be the way they are at home.</p>
<p>All preferences aside, having closely observed the Administration of the Academy and the growth of my son in the two years he's been there, I have full confidence in Adm. Stewart and Adm. McMahon to make the right decisions. </p>
<p>Finally, I didn't start making assumptions about what other people's Midshipmen would or would not do in a certain situation. I shouldn't have continued the nastiness and I apologize for taking the bait. Nonetheless, I have been lectured enough by newbies, so I'm checking out.</p>
<p>Wow, I've been away for a few days and what a discussion has developed here. I've turned it over in prayer to the Lord. I strongly believe that God is the one who will decide who will be the spiritual leader at the Academy, and I completely trust his choice. If it is someone we, as parents, or otherwise don't feel comfortable with we must trust that right person is there, and we must also trust that the administration, whom God has given authority to over our children will make the correct decisions.</p>