February 17, 2004 Program

Our speaker today was H. David Ramezani, Software Engineer and Co-Founder of the Atlanta-Based Iranian-American Friendship Foundation which serves as a vehicle to focus attention on the current situation in Iran. In sharing with us about Iran, Mr. Ramezani's remarks included the following points:

  1. Iran has a population today of 67 million people, more than 50 percent of who are under 30 years of age.
  2. Iran is a bi-polar society consisting of Fundamentalists versus Reformists. The Fundamentalists are those who subscribe to following, without deviation, Islam, the Koran, and the Guarding Council whereas the Reformists are those who seek more diversity, liberalism, democracy and Western culture.
  3. Two surrounding countries that support the Fundamentalists are Russia and Iraq.
  4. Under the current political structure in Iran, any candidate for office must pass many checkpoints including ideological loyalty to the system and its supreme religious leader, the Ayatollah. In a recent election to Parliament, 3000 elected persons were rejected by the Guarding Council and the Ayatollah.
  5. There are urgent needs, particularly, for societal stability and progress, to have a separation of Church and State and the institution of a democratic form of government in Iran.

Future Speaker

February 24   "The Personal Diaries of Mary Todd Lincoln"

Visitors

We were delighted to have visiting with us this morning Kendal Carter (Yvonne) and Nader Rostegar (colleague of the speaker).

Pin Violations

Bill and George surrendered quickly and with little fanfare to Our Compassionate Mel.

Kiwanis Education

Elected by delegates at a District Convention, the Governor of Kiwanis has membership on the District Board and International Council.

President Elect Ray's Quote

"A man's mental capacity is in direct proportion to the amount of coffee he drinks."
-- Henry McKibbon

Recognition

President Elect Ray expressed thanks to Yvonne and Ronni for their leadership in coordinating the Valentine Gala which was attended by 225 guests and provided our Club with $2,800.00 in funds. Recognition was also given to Bill who encouraged us to attend the Alliance Theater and enjoy "My Fair Lady" and "All Men for All Seasons".

Announcements

  1. Our Division Rally will take place on March 4th.
  2. BOARD MEETS ON MARCH 5TH.
  3. Mark your calendar for February 28th for Mid-Winter Training Conference at Wesleyan College in Macon.
  4. Rising Leaders Program will be held on March 9th.


Back to the Newsletter Archive