The Program
Our Rotarian of the Day was Lois Kercher, the retired Chief Nurse at Sentara system wide. She heard our speaker at a Rotary meeting a few years ago and subsequently audited his course at ODU. (He asked what grade she got but she allowed as only being in attendance, not taking examinations.)
Dr. Bill Whitehurst, a Norfolk native, served in the US Navy during WWII as a Radioman flying aboard carrier- based planes. After the war, he completed his education and began a long career in higher education, eventually becoming Dean of Students at ODU. In 1968, someone asked him to run for Congress and he began an 18 year run, becoming Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, one of the elite positions in the House. He is now the Kauffman Lecturer in Public Affairs at ODU.
Dr. Bill provided a short history of Islam, beginning with Mohammed in Mecca in 570 AD. At the time, citizens of Mecca worshipped multiple gods and he was forced to flee to Medina when he preached the worship of just one god. In Medina, he created a military force that eventually conquered Mecca. By his death, Islam was firmly established in what is now Saudi Arabia and had spread to India, North Africa and was north of the Pyrenees in Europe.
Eventually, Islam was sharply divided between Shia and Sunni factions, which continue to today. Islam at the time was a sophisticated society, having developed algebra, many health approaches good for the communities and an at sea navigation tool that assisted Europeans who explored the world. In the 14th Century, the Turks were captured as well.
After WWI, there was arbitrary distribution of lands by the winning side and secular governments (dictators) followed after WWII. An Egyptian wrote a book about the wrongs of secular governments that Osama Bin Laden subsequently read and used as the basis for Al- Qaeda and ISIS today.
Today’s true believers want to return to the 7th Century. They don’t believe in borders and have established a caliphate in parts of Iraq and Syria. It is about the size of the UK. If nothing is done, this will result in more chaos. There is turmoil in Western Europe that is being increased by the results of the chaos in Syria and Iraq. This is resulting in the face of Europe being changed. Dr. Bill attributed some of the blame to Jimmy Carter not supporting the Shaw of Iran to keep him in power.
Dr. Bill made the following points during questioning:
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West will have to rescue the secular states in the Middle East
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A stable West Bank won’t happen because radicals in place won’t allow an agreement to happen.
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If Israel leaves occupied areas, chaos will happen.
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This amorphous threat will be around for a long time and will be a problem for the US.
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If the Iran nuclear deal fails, Saudi Arabia and other nations will get nuclear weapons.
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There are some parallels to Munich in 1938
The Meeting: President Sally rang the bell at 1230, reminding all to silence cell phones, which is generous of her since those who forget get to make a sizable donation to Charities. Bob Heely led the gathering in song with Shine on Harvest Moon and America the Beautiful. Jim Clary gave the invocation.
Visitation: Jim Baker gave the visitation report:
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Bob Powell is doing well.
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Bryce Burton is recovering from his volleyball injury.
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Erin Thomasson is doing well as is Sue Wells.
Guests: Dean Rogis introduced the many guests who no doubt heard that Doctor Bill Whitehurst was going to speak:
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Assistant District Governor Nancy Joslin.
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Michelle Nettles introduced Rupal Master of Sanpiper Financial.
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Eleanor Schoonover introduced her daughter Catherine who is Executive Director of The Modern Republic.
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George Raiss, Marty’s husband, returned after a long absence.
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Lindsay Russell introduced Mike Cox, a Norfolk native who has returned as part of the consolidation of Norfolk Southern folks in Norfolk.
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Jack Kavanaugh introduced former state Representative Thelma Drake.
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President Sally introduced Steve Gunn, new editor of The Virginian-Pilot
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Winston Whitehurst introduced his better half, Eunice.
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Dan Peters introduced a fellow BBT commercial banker, Tim Schwan.
Announcements:
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President Sally gave Rick Coradi a check for his raffle winnings but we were unable to coax the actual dollar amount out of either President Sally or Rotary Rick.
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Ed Ware (new member) was welcomed. Applications for the third charity to benefit from Suds and Buds on May 13 are due.
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The District Conference is coming on the first weekend in October and can include golf at the Kingsmill River Course. Club pays conference registration but not green fees.
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President Sally thanked Bill Davis, Jin Kitz and Steve Jones (the CPA) for efforts on hosting events for Club members.
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There are multiple opportunities for service outside of Club meetings. See the website for the comprehensive list. Perfect attendance for the month equals three meetings and one optional service activity. (There are also makeups available.) If you have questions, ask President Sally or Jim O’Brien.
Congratulations and Fines:
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Eleanor Schoonover $10 for a new grandson on September 3rd. 8 lbs 11 Oz
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Jim Clary: He met his wife Ashley 15 years ago today.
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Joel Heaton for 47 years of marriage.
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Linwood Beckner to give a Norfolk Forum promotion
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Dean Thomasson announced a relocation of the House Call Company the Chesapeake Square Mall area.
The Raffle: On a brighter note, there was $17 in the daily pot and $271 in the large pot. Dr Steve Jones won the raffle and picked the 2 of Clubs. Tables 5 & 8 had 100% attendance.
