【Thriller Archives】

The Thriller Archivescountry's most radical cookie-selling organization is coming to Washington D.C.

Last night, the Girl Scouts of the USA came under fire after the release of parade participants revealed that they would be marching at the inauguration. Critics and parents accused the organization of marching for a President who doesn't respect the rights or bodies of young women, or even the values of their own organization.

On Twitter, the Girl Scouts defended the move, arguing that they had supported inaugurations for over a century, hoping to teach young girls about democracy and civic responsibility.

@scATX Since 1917, Girl Scouts have engaged in Presidential inaugural events to learn about the US democratic process & civic engagement.

— Girl Scouts (@girlscouts) January 17, 2017

The Girl Scouts decision to participate came as a shock to many long accustomed to the organization's otherwise progressive values. The group has embraced transgender youth long before many Americans did. In June 2015, one chapter of the organization handily rejected a $100,000 donation that required that only cis girls benefit from it.

Even though Scouts will not be forced to march, Twitter was not happy, and the outrage continued well into Wednesday morning.

.@girlscouts Trump has sexualized young girls again &again. How can you defend sending children to the inauguration? https://t.co/nMhZM3uM6N

— Jessica Valenti (@JessicaValenti) January 17, 2017

@girlscouts I'm the mother of a Girl Scout and I hope you reconsider your participation. Trump does *not* honor your values, as shown below pic.twitter.com/ozT3Qm3ZrN

— Sarah Kendzior (@sarahkendzior) January 17, 2017

If you wouldn't leave a girl scout in a room alone w/ donald trump, you shouldn't be participating in his inauguration, @girlscouts. #resist

— Imani Gandy (@AngryBlackLady) January 17, 2017

Really disappointed to see @girlscouts on this list. ☹️ https://t.co/p9mNi3scrn

— Parker Molloy (@ParkerMolloy) January 17, 2017

Why are the @girlscouts participating in the inauguration parade? I expect the Boy Scouts to be all over that but not the Girls. https://t.co/PvNPcauw1m

— Jessica Luther (@scATX) January 16, 2017

i was a brownie scout leader; the idea of @girlscouts marching to celebrate inauguration of a proud sexual predator makes me want to vomit

— Tim Dickinson (@7im) January 17, 2017

.@girlscouts How does "nonpolitical, nonpartisan” add up to encouraging girls to march for a man who admits to committing sexual assault?

— Happy ValengrimesDay (@andreagrimes) January 17, 2017

For many progressives, it's a strange turn of the events for the historically tolerant and (presumed to be) left of center organization. The Family Research Council once accused the Girl Scouts of promoting promiscuity, liberal indoctrination and same-sex marriage. Betsy Devos, Trump's pick for Education Secretary, contributed to the creation of that group.

While the Scouts may claim to to be non-partisan, their participation sends a disappointing message to many of their biggest supporters.