Once again, the Junior Fellows were in attendance at a World Affairs Council sponsored event, this time Mr. Parsi being the guest speaker at the elegant Junior League Headquarters in Houston.

Junior League Courtyard

Mr. Parsi was a fine speaker and made the complex situation (or more accurately, situations) in the Middle East- particularly with Iran-more comprehensible.   His basic argument was that the Obama administration had the right strategy going into negotiations with Iran but has not followed through with their original goals.

Christian Bionat, Trita Parsi, Cameron Goodman

There are a multitude of reasons for this “stalemate”, but it can be primarily attributed to distrust of one another.   For instance, to prevent or delay Iran from creating any weapons-grade uranium without losing their ability to gain energy self sufficiency by way of nuclear power, the Obama administration wanted an agreement with Iran to allow the US to be the “middleman” in taking all or some of the unprocessed uranium out of Iran.   This would allow countries such as France and others who have the ability to refine the uranium down for energy consumption purposes in a responsible manner while simultaneously guaranteeing the US that part of Iran’s uranium stockpile was not being produced by Iran for more sinister purposes.   Another benefit to this plan is that it takes away any justification or reason Iran might have in building and maintaining uranium processing plants since it would be getting refined outside of their country.   However, Iran felt that the US would only take their uranium and never return it or at least delay the return of the processed uranium to Iran; thus, a deal was negotiated between both sides where Turkey (in which the US and Iran mutually agreed on as a trustworthy third party) would hold Iran’s Uranium in escrow, this way Iran would be guaranteed to get their uranium back if the US were to ever renege on certain stipulations. The rest of the plan as previously designed (to be refined in countries designated by the US would still be in place).  This compromise had most of the details worked out, and was ready to be signed by both sides, but, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton declared that there was no chance that the US would accept the provisions in the plan; an obvious reversal, the reasons for which were never specified by the administration.

This was just one example described by Parsi, who interviewed more than 70 US and Iranian leaders and journalists while writing his book, and who demonstrated a deft capacity for incorporating appropriate examples with broader theories.  The discussion was particularly enlightening because it built upon previous WAC events the Junior Fellows had attended, and because the audience was given the opportunity to ask questions.  It was another first-class event by the World Affairs Council of Houston, and a step in the right direction for diplomacy.

]]> http://politicalsciencejuniorfellows.wordpress.com/2012/05/27/trita-parsi-iran-us-relations/feed/ 1 politicalsciencejuniorfellows A_Single_Roll_Of_The_Dice Junior_League_Courtyard_web christian_parsi_goodman_web http://politicalsciencejuniorfellows.wordpress.com/2012/05/23/junior-fellows-at-the-state-park/ http://politicalsciencejuniorfellows.wordpress.com/2012/05/23/junior-fellows-at-the-state-park/#comments Thu, 24 May 2012 00:51:04 +0000 Political Science Junior Fellows http://politicalsciencejuniorfellows.wordpress.com/?p=1160 Continue reading →]]> After the Junior Fellows volunteered at an event featuring David Dewhurst on May 19, 2012, thirteen members, alumni, and friends packed into four vehicles and embarked on an overnight camping adventure. Upon arriving at Huntsville State Park, The Junior Fellows got to work on pitching tents and getting a campfire started. As the members gathered around the campfire, ‘Smores were made while having discussions about the evening.

Junior Fellows Having Smores Around the Campfire

Restless members took the liberty to scope out the grounds to plan the next day. Docks to launch the Kayaks and Canoes were found.

The Junior Fellows began the next day early (some of them did so involuntarily) with a hearty breakfast (breakfast tacos and hobo coffee!) and loaded up the Kayaks and Canoes and headed out to the lake. With three Kayaks and three canoes, twelve of the members were able to paddle their way around the lake. With the weather being perfect, the Junior Fellows relaxed and enjoyed themselves as they maneuvered around the Lilly Pads…

…birds…

…other boats…

…and alligators…

Alligator at the Huntsville State Park

That’s not something you see every day.

Our photographer didn’t say much about spotting an alligator, which perhaps explains why five of us decided to go swimming a little later in the afternoon.

We capped off our camping trip with a hotdog-laden lunch, and then packed up, headed home, and prepared for an evening of archiving organizational records.  Camping is more fun.

Junior Fellows with Lt. Governor David Dewhurst

The wonderful event was hosted by local resident Jeff Bradley, who seemed to enjoy himself immensely….

Host Jeff Bradley

…and was attended by many interesting guests. During the course of the evening we got the privilege to meet Captain David Moran. Captain Moran is a Marine who did two tours in Iraq and was hit by an IED on his second tour.  His commitment and selflessness was incredibly inspiring to all of us.

Captain David Moran

It was nice to see many friends of the Junior Fellows: Mac and Leanne Woodward…

Mayor Woodward with Lt. Governor Dewhurst

…Clint and Diana McRae…

Does Anyone In The World Look More Like A Sheriff Than Clint McRae?

Dr. Bill Green, Tracy Sorensen, Jim and Nancy Gaertner…

Lt. Governor Dewhurst with President Gaertner

David and Kelly Weeks, Judge Danny Pierce…

Judge Pierce

…Councilmember Don Johnson…

…and some of our County U alumni: Philip and Laura Hons, and Ronnie and Reba White, and Shane and Madeline Loosier.

The Loosiers

And, of course, the ever present Ryan Brim, who is starting his political career early…

Ryan Brim

We also had the opportunity to renew some more recent acquaintances, such as Representative and Mrs. Otto….

Representative and Mrs. Otto

and Representative Charles Schwertner.

Representative Charles Schwertner with Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst

It was also nice to hear Lt. Governor David Dewhurst speak about his career in the Air Force, the CIA, and the business world.

The theme of the evening, by and large, was service, patriotism, and the American Dream.  As young students, it was nice to be reminded about the importance of hard work, opportunity, and service to community and country.

It was great to see campaigns up close while also being allowed to be a part of the process and pursue our goals of service, professionalism, and education.  It was an incredible learning opportunity in many ways.

But that’s exactly what we did last week when the Junior Fellows took a group of members, SHSU alumni, and community leaders to a World Affairs Council luncheon with the former Secretary of State. 

Junior Fellows, Alumni, and Friends

Dr. Rice, who grew up in segregated Alabama in the 1950s, has a BA, MA, and Ph.D. in political science.  She has also served as National Security Advisor, Secretary of State, and Provost and Professor at Stanford University. In short, Dr. Rice has a lot of education and experience to draw on when discussing the world. 

Secretary Rice recently shared her education and experience with a large group hosted by the World Affairs Council of Houston.  During her talk, Secretary Rice highlighted three dramatic events that have shaped our country and its population: the 9-11 terrorist attacks; the 2008 economic meltdown; and the “Arab Spring,” the recent revolutions in Arab countries.  Dr. Rice noted that amidst these swirling events some people wondered whether the United States could maintain its place in the world as a dominant power while maintaining its values. Her response was emphatic. “There is no way we can maintain our place in the world,” she noted, “without maintaining our values.”

Condi Rice Speaking

In particular, Dr. Rice urged the audience to hold dear the love of “free people” and “free markets,” qualities that impart both unity and optimism to Americans.  These values, she continued, do not—and should not—discriminate along racial, ethnic, or socioeconomic boundaries.  What’s important, she repeated, “was not where you come from, but where you’re going.” For an organization whose membership consists of a majority of first-generation college students, that’s quite an inspiring message. 

Dr. Rice’s major theme was the importance of service.  When one of the Junior Fellows asked her which of her public positions—Provost, National Security Advisor, Secretary of State, Professor—was most rewarding, she responded that “making a difference” in people’s lives was the “most rewarding” thing she had done, irrespective of her specific job.  For students in a public-service related organization, that’s another inspirational message.

Considering Secretary Rice’s desire to make a difference, we asked her whether she would consider joining the Romney ticket as Vice Presidential candidate.  “Thanks, but no thanks,” she responded, noting that she “loves policy, but hates politics.”

Fortunately, Dr. Rice’s love of policy is broad and enlightened.  Knowing she began her college career—at the age of 16—as a music major, we asked her what role she thought the fine arts had in public education.  “Arts aren’t extra-curricular, they are critical,” she said.  “They give young people the chance to perform and build confidence.”  For an organization that regularly volunteers at the Wynne Home Arts Center and other art-friendly venues, it was another inspirational message.

Christian Bionat and Santiago Casas Had a Chance to Interview Secretary Rice Following the Lunch

Although our time with Dr. Rice wasn’t part of our official curriculum at SHSU, her career and her message both evoke our University’s motto, “The Measure of a Life is its Service.” It’s a worthy message, one we are fortunate to have regularly reinforced inside and outside the classroom by University faculty, local community leaders, and even the former Secretary of State.

The Junior Fellows in the PAC

President Gibson and the Priority One advisor, Peter Roussel, were on hand to ask questions, with Ryan providing entertaining anecdotes and sharing life lessons.

Ryan, as it turns out, was not only one of the best pitchers in baseball history, but also a savvy businessman.  He owns a cattle business, and is the current CEO of the resurgent Texas Rangers.

He also has some local connections.  In response to a question from President Gibson, he noted that three of his siblings attended SHSU and, in fact, he almost attended.  He was given a scholarship, but opted to sign with the Mets instead.  Eventually, he found a business partner in Don Sanders, who graduated from SHSU in 1958 and for whom the University’s baseball stadium is named.

Before playing baseball, Ryan was far from the millionaire he is today.  Growing up, he delivered newspapers to earn an extra buck, and he identified his family as his greatest influence.

His advice to students was simple and straightforward: (1) treat people the way we’d like to be treated, and (2) do things that you are passionate about.

President Gibson, Nolan Ryan, Peter Roussel

This was a great opportunity to meet an interesting man who had a great career and an interesting life.

Today eight of the Junior Fellows took to the downtown to help clean up our community at Spring Clean hosted by Huntsville Main Street. Main Street, of course, is a great City department that helps promote our beautiful and historic downtown.

After a Day of Trash Pickup

Director Kim McAuliffe, Assistant Jessica Carmona, and Intern Megan Wilkinson all did a great job hosting this event. It’s a pleasure to work with them, and the Junior Fellows have made Spring Clean a staple in their spring calendar, volunteering for six years running.

It's good to have skills to fall back on, in case law school doesn't work out...

The Junior Fellows were assigned to a block on the south side of the square, where we picked up trash and teamed with Dave Zellar to plant six crape myrtle trees on University Avenue…

Planting Crape Myrtles

…and a Magnolia tree in Rather Park.

Reenacting the Flag Raising on Iwo Jima.

We particularly enjoyed the opportunity to plant trees, which allowed us to beautify the downtown.  Along with the planting of the Magnolia tree in the park, the Junior Fellows uncovered many artifacts from the Rather home—pieces of hand-blown glass, a silver spoon, and pieces of pots and other crockery.

Junior Fellows' Artifact Collection

Following our morning of mild labor, we stopped for lunch at Farmhouse Sweets & Eats.  Farmhouse Sweets & Eats is a local gem, featuring an old fashion soda machine, soups made fresh daily, burgers and sandwiches, and wonderful deserts.  We highly recommend the Poblano soup, the Reuben sandwich, and the pulled pork sandwich. 

It was a great meal, capping off an enjoyable morning of community service with Huntsville Main Street.

The play was written by Reginald Rose for television in 1954, then adapted for film in 1957,

1957 Film 12 Angry Men

and made it to Huntsville in 2012.  It was worth the wait.

HCT Production of Twelve Angry Men

The local cast is interesting.  Standouts were Scotty Cherryholmes as the heavy (Juror #3, played by Lee J. Cobb in the film), Steve Everett as the juror from the slums (Juror #5, played by Jack Klugman in the film), Ray Cheek as the coldly logical juror (Juror #4, played by E.G. Marshall in the film), and Domonic Orozco as the protagonist (Juror #8, played by Henry Fonda in the film), but the entire cast was fine.

The play did a good job of allowing the individual juror’s personalities to develop and capturing some of the film’s powerful moments.  One interesting omission: the play does not have the dramatic scene in which Juror #3 breaks down, implicitly acknowledging that he is projecting his personal family problems onto the accused.

In looking back at the film, it’s amazing how many of these actors went on to have strong careers in television or film.  Martin Balsam (the foreman) was in Psycho, Cape Fear, Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Little Big Man.  Lee J. Cobb was in Exodus, the Man in the Grey Flannel Suit, and On the Waterfront.  Jack Warden was in Donovan’s Reef, All the President’s Men, and The Verdict.  Henry Fonda, of course, was one of the greatest actors of all time, and throw in supporting figures such as Jack Klugman (Quincy, The Odd Couple), E.G. Marshall (Absolute Power), Robert Webber (Dirty Dozen), and Ed Begley  (Dark City), and you’ve got a fine movie.

And the Huntsville Community Theater has a fine play.  It’s the kind of production that’s just right for Huntsville.  A simple set without a lot of moving parts; a well-known production that can draw people in; a timeless and dramatic story with a feel-good ending.  It’s a lot of fun.

Today was the last performance of Twelve Angry Men, but the HCT resumes its production schedule on June 15 with the Wizard of Oz.  Auditions for Oz open on May 19.

With the interview on Friday, and my return flight on Sunday, I had all day Saturday to sample the City of Brotherly Love.

I stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn Hotel, which is located next to the Philadelphia Convention Center and the Chinatown district.  Fortunately, Philly is foot-friendly, and I was able to visit numerous sites without having to resort to a taxi or public transit.

Although the City is known as a working-class metropolis, the heart of Philadelphia is a historical treasure trove, and the newer structures largely complement its historicity rather than detract from its heritage.

Philadelphia’s historical preservation board has done a great job of keeping its historical structures in pristine condition.  Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, for example, are complemented by park enhancements such as the National Constitution Museum and attractive landscapes.

Independence Hall

Liberty Bell

One of my favorite aspects of the City is its small cobblestone streets.  They aren’t friendly to modern vehicles, but they compensate with their charm. Everyone knows about the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, but small things such as the streets or coming across a random plaque for Cyrus Curtis…

Plaque for Cyrus Curtis

…or randomly coming across the site of the birth of the Republican Party…

Plaque for Republican Party

…or a landmark relating to the Barrymores, the famous acting family…

Barrymores' Plaque

Philadelphia has more than its share of restaurants and it offers some great food.  I couldn’t sample it all, but I did manage to get by the Green Eggs Café, where I had the best Eggs Benedict I’ve ever tried.  I also sampled the customary cheese steak—in fact, it was next to the Liberty Bell on my to-do list.

Various guides suggested Jim’s Steaks, and this recommendation was seconded by many in-store autographs and pictures of famous people thanking Jim “for the great meal.”  No one asked for my autograph or a picture with a testimonial, but my cheese steak was delicious.  I didn’t order the “Cheez Whiz” cheese steak, but the regulars there chided me for not going all the way, and if I return, I’ll give that a shot.

Philly Cheese steak

Overall, the City was wonderful: the people were hospitable, the history was amazing, and its food was wonderful.  I may or may not receive the internship for which I applied, but one way or another, I’ll make sure I get back to see more of Philadelphia.

Adickes, of course, is the artist who sculpted the sixty-odd foot statue of Sam Houston on I-45.  He’s become famous, in fact, for his large statues.  He’s done the Beatles; presidential heads; Stephen F. Austin in Angleton; the Virtuoso in Houston.

The Virtuoso

But he’s done thousands of paintings, too.  And, now, you can see a lot of his art work here in Huntsville at the Adickes’ Foundation Museum.

The Adickes Foundation on University Avenue

The museum has more than 300 paintings. The works are distributed in different rooms based on styles and periods of his career.

The Museum isn’t fully open to the public at this point.  Rather, Mr. Adickes is having a series of openings for different people, with the hope of being open to the public during regular hours at some point in the future.

In the meantime, you can find his work on I-45 and across the nation–enjoy!

The Beatles by David Adickes

The game brings Democrats and Republicans together for the purpose of supporting local causes.  Thirteen players from both parties agreed to donate approximately $100 each and to play in weekly practices for the game.  They began by donating the first $1,400 to the fundraiser.

Pre-Game Prayer

From there, community support followed.  In all, more than 40 people or organizations contributed.  Other fundraisers bring in more money, but the Junior Fellows have endeavored to create a small, sustainable fundraising program that could contribute to local causes.  Over the past five years, they’ve raised $14,800 for these two worthy causes.

There was lots of football action, including Justin Veillon showing his speed

Christian Bionat Stops Justin Veillon With a Diving Grab

Justin Beiser showing off his arm…

Justin Beiser Throwing

Laken showing that she can catch Yawn

And Laken leaping for a catch, which she caught!

Laken Makes the Grab

“The Justins” showing their leaping abilities…

Justin and Justin Going for the Ball

Melva coming down with the ball…

Melva Makes the Catch

Everyone got into the action…

…the game also featured some entertaining half-time activities.  It started with a sack race…

Hair Flying in the Half-Time Sack Race. Notice YMCA Chairman of the Board, Margaret Gulledge, in Blue.

…moved on to a tug-of-war contest, a frisbee toss, an egg toss…

Egg Toss (Notice Ryan Brim and Christian Bionat Cheating with the Egg Handoff)

and the YMCA dance…

Dancing to the Village People's YMCA

Also, congratulations to Ryan Brim for winning a Sam Houston football autographed by Coach Fritz and the players, and to Rosemary Heinsohn, who won a football signed by thirty-three elected officials in Walker County.  Ms. Heinsohn’s winning raffle was particularly nice, because she was a participant in one of the Junior Fellows’ other programs, County U.

Following the game, players and supporters joined for a check presentation for the YMCA…

Check Presentation to the YMCA, Featuring Representatives from both Parties, Mayor Mac Woodward, YMCA Staff, YMCA kids, and all the Players.

…and the John Holcombe Scholarship.

The Junior Fellows and Friends Presenting a Check to Cindy Truax, from SHSU's University Advancement

With this donation, the Holcombe Scholarship will be officially endowed.  The organization and our advisors donated seventy-percent of the $25,000 necessary to endow a scholarship.

We’d like to thank the following public officials for attending: Mayor Mac Woodward, Councilmember Tish Humphrey, Councilmember Lydia Montgomery, Judge Danny Pierce, and Judge Mike Countz.  We’d also like to thank political candidates Bill Daugette, Philip Hons, and Shane Loosier for being there.

Philip Hons, Bill Daugette, Mayor Mac Woodward, Junior Fellows, and Friends Look On

And, of course, we’d like to thank all the Democrats and Republicans who put their partisan differences aside and tried to make a difference in the community.

Participants in the 2012 Charity Football Game

*This total includes walk-up donations.  The giant checks do not reflect the money donated at the game or the money raised from raffle sales.