January 24th 2007

Last Meeting
January 24, 2007

Reporter – Theresa Miley

The meeting was called to order by President Elect Beetle Bailey. The invocation was given by Blount Shepard. Interim Sergeant-at-Arms John Hanson introduced our visitors. Dr. Lynn Campbell tested our knowledge of The Rotarian. Lyman Whitehead provided our humor of the day using the comparison between a newborn baby and three elderly gentlemen!

Dr. Judy Johnson reminded the committee chairs of a brief art auction meeting after our meeting today. Bob Berry solicited ads (our business cards) at $25.00 for our art auction program. Great marketing strategy, especially since he would be waiting at the only exit door when you leave. Way to go Bob! John Adair is doing a full ad and auctioning a piano at a great bargain. Thanks John.

Kelly Payne updated our group on the status of Dutch Fork's desire to do the "Alive @ 25" program through the Interact Club. They are awaiting approval from the School Board.

Chip Lyerly updated us on Shadow Day, to be held February 7th. We still need
volunteers and he passed around a sign up sheet. This will begin with breakfast and end with a 12:30 luncheon.

John Wilkins introduced our guest speaker, Jose Monge. Mr. Monge is an attorney who specializes in immigration law. Mr. Monge shared his views and work efforts in regards to immigration. He feels immigration is an economic issue. He talked about the difference between migration and immigration. Migration is the moving from one place to another and immigration is the system to control migration. He reminded us that at one time there were no rules-if you wanted to move, you could move. Now, due to increase in population, there are rules to try to attempt to control peoples' movements.

Lately, he feels immigration has been politicized and is often linked to terrorism. These are two separate issues. He addressed two specific issues:

1. Undocumented Immigration: Due to supply/demand, there are 15 million estimated undocumented workers in U.S. In Mexico, workers do same type of work for $25/week and in U.S. they make $12.00/hour. Many Americans do not want to work for $12.00/hour, but immigrants desire to do work. There is a demand for labor and the supply of labor is the illegal immigrants.

2. The system for documenting people is broken. It is a patchwork system that is under funded and unrealistic. There is no streamline system for becoming a legal citizen and no easy answer to make find workable solution.

Mr. Monge ended by saying there is a human element to the problem, as well as
an economic element.

To conclude the meeting, Ginny Barr indicated we can continue to bring magazines for the DJJ interact Club next week. Chris Joye reminded us of our speaker for next week. John Adair informed us that our next District Governor will be Allan Walter from Pawley's Island.