Bulletins - 2008 - 07/23/2008
This
Week's Bulletin Was Written
By Paul Downey
President Mel Gallegos rang the bell at 7:30 a.m. sharp and introduced Jonathan Stone for the invocation. In homage to the beginning of NFL training camp, he inspired us with words of wisdom from Vince Lombardi. Jim Mulvaney led a spirited rendition of Yankee Doodle Dandy.
Gift certificates were raffled off for some great eats at Beaumont and the Crab Catcher. Caroline Chen bid on two dress circle seats for Phantom of the Opera donated by Nancy Vaughan.
Gary McElroy introduced his son Mark who is returning to a teaching post in China. Several other visiting Rotarians and prospective members were also introduced. Maureen Eberle introduced ambassadorial scholar Daniel who was visiting the Club for the last time before returning home to Brazil. He will be back in the U.S. later this year to present his work on cerebral palsy at a conference in Atlanta.
President Mel acknowledged the yeoman efforts of Pete McGuire in handling registration each week. Pete received a standing ovation from club members.
The next District Conference will be held August 12th at the Escondido Center for the Performing Arts and feature the Rotary International Youth Symphony. Susan Bleicher thanked Tom Sayer and Lynn Hamilton for hosting a couple of the international musicians who will be performing.
Slots for the Holes for Heroes Golf Tournament on October 24th are about 80% filled. Contact Jonathan if you would like to play or have contacts for sponsorships.
All Rotarians are encouraged to attend the upcoming District Membership Seminar on Saturday, July 26, 2008 at the Braille Institute (4555 Executive Dr, San Diego, 92121) from 8:00 to 11:30 am. A (free) light breakfast will be served.
Karny Stefan introduced Kevin Keenan, the Executive Director of the San Diego and Imperial Counties’ chapter of the America Civil Liberties Union. Kevin is a graduate of Yale Law School and was appointed Executive Director in 2005. Kevin began his presentation by outlining the mission of the ACLU: “The ACLU of San Diego and Imperial Counties fights for individual rights and fundamental freedoms for all.” He also discussed the core values of the organization:
- The dignity of every human being
- Vigilance against abuse of power
- The principled approach rather than the convenient one when individuals’ rights are at stake
- Speaking truth to power even when it is unpopular to do so
- Fairness and respect in human and organizational interactions
He noted that nationally the ACLU has 700 staff members including 200 attorneys. It is the largest public interest law firm in the nation. The local office has 10 staff members, including one full-time attorney, and a budget of $1.1 million. Much of the local legal work done on behalf of the ACLU is pro bono from San Diego law firms.
Many of the ACLU’s more famous – and controversial legal actions – were discussed. These included:
- The Scopes Monkey trial where legendary attorney Clarence Darrow served as an ACLU cooperating attorney.
- Helping James Joyce get his “Ulysses” published in the United States.
- Obtaining permission for the Nazi party to march through a heavily Jewish neighborhood in Illinois back in 1978. Kevin said that the ACLU lost about one-third of its members over its decision to intervene in the case.
- The case of an Escondido teen-ager who was disciplined by a school administrator for wearing a bandana of the American Flag.
Kevin also mentioned that the ACLU has represented several prominent conservative figures including Oliver North, Rush Limbaugh, Jerry Falwell and Bob Barr. Members followed the presentation with numerous, thought provoking, questions.
President Mel ended the meeting promptly at 8:30am.
| 
