Inspired by a John Roberts OSHER course on Melanesia, Lee and Carla Jeffrey wanted to see it for themselves. This Wednesday, Past President Lee Jeffrey will share stories and photos from their travels, which included very small planes landing on grass runways in the Papua New Guinea highlands and a Russian icebreaker with Zodiacs to reach the volcanic Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.
Over thousands of years the volcanic topography in dense tropical rainforests resulted in hundreds of isolated communities, clans, and tribes with their own unique culture and language. Wontok comes from the Pidgin term for “One Talk” and refers to the societies that developed when you could only depend on those who spoke your language for sustenance and protection. In some of these societies the warriors believed their power was increased by collecting heads and eating body parts of their enemies who spoke a different language.
In the 16th century European explorers discovered and exploited many of these communities on the thousands of islands accessible by sea. However, little was known about the PNG Highlands tribes until the early 20th century.
Today, enactments of cultural traditions provided unique photos opportunities. It is also intriguing to contemplate how pressures from the more developed world are affecting the rapid transition from the stone age to today’s technology.
Dr. Lee Jeffrey is a retired OB/GYN who has done volunteer medicine in Democratic Republic of Congo, Zimbabwe, Honduras, India, and the Amazon Basin. Regardless of his amazing career, he claims to be best known for his own transition from practicing traditional medicine to running the audio/visual technology during his 2013-14 Presidency. He and Carla enjoy exploring our world and interacting with the people they meet.
The Enduring Legacy and Myths of America in World War II
Last Wednesday Dr. Henry Weisser examined the American role in WWII and the myths created and major achievements of American society both in the war itself, and as a result of the war. According to Weisser:
WWII was the largest single event in history, involving nations on all continents except Antarctica
Estimates are that between 50 and 60 million died. 50 million would be equivalent to 16,667 World Trade Centers.
The war lasted 2174 days, averaging 22,999 people dying each day.
WWII was the first time genocide was officially recognized as a crime against humanity.
The war involved massive state-sponsored terrorism through the bombing of citizen populations.
For the first time, women and minorities were employed in previously all-male, all white jobs in the defense industry.
The full employment brought about by the war brought millions into the middle class, and created a massive industrial base, later leading to US economic dominance world-wide.
The GI bill caused a huge expansion of education, housing and business.
At least one Japanese bomb transported by balloon exploded near Timnath, scaring a number of cows, but causing no damage.
As a result of pre-war conversations and agreements, the word “appeasement” became a very negative term.
The US supplied 25% of all Allied troops during the war, and suffered 2% of all Allied deaths.
Russia claims to have suffered 64% of all Allied deaths, including at least 1.2 million at Stalingrad, more than the US suffered during the entire war.
Americans tend to believe WWII was a ‘good war’, because the enemy were evil oppressors.
According to Dr. Weisser, while the D-Day invasion was a magnificent achievement, the greatest amphibious invasion every carried out, the tide of the way had already turned and Germany in full retreat before the Russian army, the victors in the immense battles of Moscow, Stalingrad and Kursk. At least 3 of 4 German casualties, perhaps even more, had occurred on the eastern front.
The US industrial machine did supply massive amounts of war material and support to Great Britain, Russia and other Allied nations fighting prior to the US’s entry after December 7, 1941, and 25% of all troops engaged in fighting the Axis nations thereafter to the end of the war.
The US was the primary, though not solitary, fighting force in the Pacific theater, and came to dominate the Pacific rim thereafter.
Weisser asserts that Hitler did not come to power by violence, since he was legally made chancellor in 1933.
Weisser’s final point: The us won the war bigtime: our enemies were crushed and over time viable democracies were established in Germany and Japan. We had a sense of unity, something so lacking today.
(If you have any comments or questions, please contact the editor)
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Rotary History Fellowship will meet right after the regular meeting in the foyer. Our topic this week will be 'In this time of political and social strife, to whom or to what may we look to for some optimism?' Everyone and all opinions are always welcome."
John Roberts encouraged members to visit Egypt at the Global Village Museum before the exhibit closes mid-June. He reminded all that GVM would be open for First Friday Gallery Walk this week.
The online Rotogear is in dire need of an additional editor. Erin Mounsey's availability is changing. Basic comfort with a computer and about 2-3 hours of availability between Sunday evening and Tuesday midday is all that is needed. Training provided. Please let Erin know if you would be willing to be trained to help compile the online Rotogear.
Bonnie Titley announced a two-week trip to Morocco in September 2018. Because travel to Morocco is hot right now, we must file reservations by June 30 or we will lose our slots. Deposit: $350 per person. Basic cost: $4145, including airfare from Denver. Pre- and Post-extensions are available. Travel insurance strongly encouraged at $499 per person for basic trip (additional for extensions).
Call Bonnie if you have questions, or of you are interested and get our assigned group number. Additional info online at oat.com. Look for Morocco Saharan Odysset.
Dawn T-Baumgartner has volunteered to summarize program contents for the third Wednesday each month. Individual volunteers are needed for the other weeks. "If I can do it, you can do it", Dawn asserts.
Our club provides many thousands of hours of volunteer service in addition to annual giving to charitable projects. Our giving to charitable projects has not grown to keep up with inflation and growing community needs. The RCFC Legacy Fund has established as an endowment that will provide supplemental funds into the foreseeable future for humanitarian and educational programs in and around Fort Collins. Your contributions to the Legacy Fund are tax deductible and will assure “Service in Action Forever”.
Inspired by a John Roberts OSHER course on Melanesia, Lee and Carla Jeffrey wanted to see it for themselves. This Wednesday, Past President Lee Jeffrey will share stories and photos from their travels, which included very small planes landing on grass runways in the Papua New Guinea highlands and a Russian icebreaker with Zodiacs to reach the volcanic Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.
