Yesterday's WRC of SLC Meeting

Thank you to everyone who came to yesterday's meeting.  What a wonderful time we had at Market Street Grill.  The food and accommodations were fabulous.  We were pleased to hear from Dr. Donna Lee Bowen, a political science professor at BYU.  In fact, Dr. Bowen was one of my favorite professors when I attended school there many, many years ago.  Dr. Bowen specializes in Middle Eastern studies.  She spoke for an hour about current events in Egypt, Tunisia, and Libya.  It was extremely interesting.  The following is from a few notes I took:


*  Two Middle Eastern dominoes have fallen: Tunisia and Egypt. 
*  Why have they fallen?  It is a rejection of humiliation.  The people are tired of being humiliated through oppression.
*  The Middle East is a spiral of violence.
*  Our world's history is that of constant bloody battles interrupted by periods of exhaustion that we mistakingly call peace.
*  What's happening now, is that people (who most of the world has written off) are saying "no more; we've had enough."
*  It (Egypt) was a democracy in name only.  If we don't vote, we get another dictator; and if we don't vote, we get what we deserve."  (I cannot remember the name of the person Dr. Bowen attributed this quote to.)


It was a truly wonderful afternoon.  I enjoy, so much, being around smart and informed women.  Thank you for coming each month.  You inspire me and re-charge my spirit.  George W. Bush once said that "this young century will be liberty's century."  He also said that "the momentum of freedom in our world is unmistakeable."  I say, God-speed to everyone who yearns to breathe free.  I don't know what role the U.S. will continue to play in the Middle East, but I hope we will forever remain a beacon of hope and liberty throughout the world.  


One more thing, we are so happy that Junko's family in Japan is safe.  Thank you so much for giving us an update on events there.  We know this has been a difficult time for you.  You are in our thoughts and prayers, Junko.  Please let us know if we can do anything for you.


Here are some photos taken at yesterday's meeting: