Dave Hartman lead us in our invocation today, followed by Pledge and song (Row, Row, Row Your Boat and R-O-T-A-R-Y) orchestrated by Stacie Cook. No visitors or guests joined us today and interestingly, no Rotary birthdays were celebrated this week.
Our sunshine report brought us information about Cara Sauceda’s husband, Dallas, who has been sick for several days and has become progressively worse. Cara and Dallas went to the hospital this morning seeking answers. Special prayers were extended for Cara, Dallas and their family.
An announcement was made by Carol Murray who let the cat out of the bag that she is running for Mayor of Wichita Falls. We all wish you the best of luck, Carol! Stacie Cook then circulated our Brag Bucket among members Benay Ayers, Larry Tegtmeyer and Shirley Craft who all had very positive things to brag about. Jody Brannon was then called upon to tell us about himself in our Member Spotlight.
Carol Murray was happy to announce the new member induction of Keaton Dolan, who was installed into our Club by President Arnold. Keaton is an Edward Jones Investment Advisor and just happens to be Carol’s grandson’s (ages 5, 8 & 9) financial investment advisor. Welcome to the Club, Keaton!
Dave Hartman introduced today’s program, our speaker, Dr. Steve Garrison, who is Professor of Political Science at MSU. Dr. Garrison gave us an interesting program about Political Violence – Why Rebel? Dr. Garrison is originally from Topeka, Kansas, and is a PHD graduate of Kansas University. He is also the Director of the Redwine Honors Program at MSU. Other identifiers of Dr. Garrison include being a local Political Media Analyst (you have probably seen him on the local news analyzing political races and election results), as well as being the sponsor of the Royal Saudi Arabian AF, and is even a Kansas state barbeque judge!
Dr. Garrison gave us an interesting and in depth look at riots and political violence, the psychology involved and the parameters that define them. A riot is defined as public violence, tumult or disorder which is created by three or more persons. Riots are spontaneous in nature and no leaders are required. Also, the participants know the good guys from the bad guys by sight (i.e. militant activists vs. uniformed law enforcement). Riots start with cues that are based on common values in the community, and looters believe they are being rational. Riots typically relate to protest and rebellion. They are usually unplanned and the coercive capacity (law enforcement or military force) are usually lower than can reasonably handle them. As a rule, revolutionary leaders always hope for a riot in order to give credence and strength to their positions. Again, a very deep and analytical presentation of a topic that has been around for centuries, but very insightful and interesting.
Our speaker’s gift book in honor of Dr. Garrison will be given to Hirschi High School. We closed out our meeting as always with the Four Way Test.
BALLOT
The following named people have been proposed for membership in the Rotary Club of Wichita Falls and approved for balloting by the
Board of Directors.
BRYCEN WHITAKER
OWNER / AGENT
BRYCEN WHITAKER STATE FARM
PROPOSED BY: LISA STEPHENS-MUSICK