Founded in 1914 in Virginia

Rotations June 10 2014

Posted by William Sherman 
on Jun 13, 2014
 

Speaker 6-10-14

LAST WEEK’S MEETING

Bob Heely didn’t stray far from the familiar with his selections: “Rotary’s a Grand Old Name,” “Down by the Riverside” and “God Bless America.”  The latter of which segued nicely into the Pledge.  Then Earle Bortell delivered a thoughtful and appropriate invocation.  The School of the Week, President Susan Donn, averred was Chesterfield Academy. 

It was Bill Gough who ended up doing the Visitation Report:

  • Marty Raiss (not “martyr” as my notes read) was not present, but was presumed to be doing well.
  • Bill had been unable to reach Tom Richard’s wife – so no update was available.
  • Ken Weeks was doing well.

Steve Jones (the old one who’s a CPA, not the new one in education) reported on our guests:

  • Sylvia Maisonet was a visiting Rotarian and social worker from Puerto Rico.  Banners were exchanged, or at least were going to be if we could find ours.
  • Susan Perkins was visiting from the Rotary Club of Polokwane – which the Powerful and Wise Google tells me is in South Africa. 
  • Chip Vogan had Ben Munson of Old Point National Bank in tow.
  • John Chittick brought along two of his interns: Tanya Hollingsworth and Chris Pena.
  • Al Carmichael was with his son-in-law, Ben Hogue.
  • Ray Pentecost was accompanied by his daughter Audrey.

Chuck Spence performed his wonted office of introducing us to familiar faces.  Rotarian of the Week was John McLemore.  John’s career has been as an attorney specializing in banking, small business, and bankruptcies.  You know, all that stuff that fails to produce compelling courtroom drama, but nevertheless is vital to civil order.  John is an alumnus of Suffolk High School, University of Richmond and the UVA Law School.  He has been a member of this club for 25 years, and served in many capacities including president and director.  And he is a multiple Paul Harris Fellow.  He is a resident of Larchmont, and father of three girls –Wahoos all.

Announcements & Club Business:

  • Mark Morelewski was inducted as our latest PHF.
  • Diane Wallach’s Red Badge changed to Blue.
  • Mark and Lisa reported that the Antique and Flea market (with Classic Car Show) was going to happen this coming June 13-14 “rain or shine.”  Work sign-ups are still needed, but that will be irrelevant by the time you read this.  Tax forms are available for those donating items.
  • Dean Thomasson reported that despite the loss of his red Magic Marker our EREY thermometer now stood at 90%.  But the remaining 10% of us must act quickly.
  • Diane Wallach reported on our participation in and success of Clean the Bay Day.
  • It was Brett Meredith’s last meeting with us before his transfer.
  • Morgan Trimyer was back with us!
  • It was “last call” on the 100th Anniversary photos, and “first call” on Gala photos.
  • The June 17 meeting is the actual and correct date that we meet in Chrysler Hall.

Congratulations & Fines:

  • Ann Baldwin threw down a few bills over Artfest.
  • John Searing was in the midst of wearing down his knee joints in a series of marathons and half-marathons.
  • Lois Kercher, having been absent the previous week, passed the Four Way Test with flying colors by volunteering her birthday bucks.
  • Shep Miller contributed in remembrance of D-Day and his father’s 90th.
  • Dean Rogis’s mother had had her 85th birthday the past week.

LAST WEEK’S PROGRAM

Sally Hartman was the Vice President in Charge of arranging our very distinguished speaker.  But it was Rotarian of the Day Linwood Beckner who made the largely unnecessary intro.  G. William “Bill” Whitehurst is a native of Norfolk and was undistinguished scholar at Maury High School.  After serving in the Navy during WWII, he attended Washington and Lee and then “The University.”  He began teaching history at what is now ODU in 1950.  Together with his appearances on local television, this served as a springboard for a career in Congress as Representative from the 2nd District of Virginia, “succeeding” (not replacing) Porter Hardy.  Dr. Whitehurst served on the Armed Forces, Intelligence and Ethics committees during his tenure from 1968 to 1987.  He is now back teaching at ODU.  Dr. Bill’s topic was “The Middle East: An Unpredictable Powder Keg.”

But before he tackled that subject, Dr. Whitehurst felt obligated to say a few words about the latest crisis in Eastern Europe. In 1993 an agreement was signed in Budapest between Russia and Ukraine.  It said that Ukraine would remove its nuclear missiles if Russia would respect Ukraine’s territorial integrity.  Vladimir Putin has violated that by taking Crimea, saying they really shouldn’t have made that treaty.

It reminds one of Hitler violating the Versailles Treaty by taking Austria in 1938.  In both cases Europe stood by and did little or nothing.  Putin does not believe he can take over the Baltic states, but will use intimidation to keep them under Russian influence.  Dr. Whitehurst does not believe we should remove our sanctions against Russia.  Putin is also playing strategic games with China.  G. William then turned to the original topic. 

Turkey lost its empire to the victors after WWI.  Everything changed again after WWII.  Expectations were high for the Middle East, but the region suffered the effects of a population explosion and secular dictatorships.  The combined GNP of all twenty-two Arab countries is still less than that of just Spain.  They also have suffered repeated defeats at the hands of Israel.

An obscure Egyptian (whose name I didn’t catch properly – but sounded something like “Cute Bee”) played a vital role in the Arab hatred of the U.S.  In 1948 he came here to study, and was horrified by what he saw (i.e. people enjoying life).  After he went back to Egypt, he was hanged by Nasser.  But not before he wrote a book that influenced Osama bin Laden. 

The current state of the Middle East: Al-Qaeda is not dead.  (But perhaps GM is still alive?)  Civil war is raging in Iraq, making our sacrifice of “blood and treasure” for naught.  That country is threatening to split into three parts.  The Muslim Brotherhood threatens Egypt.  Assad is set to prevail in Syria.  Iran is on its way to getting nuclear weapons.  But Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco seem fine.  (My Note: Better watch them very closely.)  Dr. Whitehurst wanted to end on a positive note, but didn’t.

During the Q & A:

  • Iranian nukes will dominate the Middle East.  The Saudis are terrified.
  • Putin is having “heartburn” over our fracking because it threatens his power over natural gas.
  • North Korea is a joke – but you never know.
  • We should let the “brain drain” move toward the United States.

The book “The Misadventures of Edgar and Allan Poe” was presented in Dr. Whitehurst’s honor for the Chesterfield Academy library.  Table 17 was 100%.  Bill McInnis reported that the pots stood at $20.00 and $573.00.  Shep Miller was the lucky ticket holder, but drew the ace of hearts.