Description:
John F Kennedy was born into privilege, yet he was groomed from childhood for public service and developed an extraordinary empathy for those in need. An average student, he authored several best-selling books and delivered historically important speeches in language that still resonates and inspires. Wounded in war, he devoted much of his presidency to the pursuit of peace.
In this compelling talk, retired U.S diplomat Charles Blum explores JFK’s evolving vision for a more peaceful world. How did Kennedy assess Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev's overtures for "peaceful coexistence"? What foreign policy shifts was he planning at the time of his death? What combination of family history, education, military and political experience prepared him for his daring quest to end the Cold War and reposition the United States in the global system?
Join us as we examine the lasting lessons of a tragically truncated presidency, and reflect on what JFK’s quest for peace can still teach us today
Bio:
Charles Blum has spent a lifetime in international affairs. After completing his schooling at the University of the Americas in Mexico City, at what is now Eastern University in St Davids PA and the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, he entered the US Foreign Service in 1966. He served nine years in Santo Domingo, San Salvador and Washington, including political, economic, labor, refugee and consular assignments. In 1980, he joined the Office of the US Trade Representative, a White House agency, rising to the level of Assistant USTR for Industrial Trade Policy and then for Multilateral Negotiations. He left public service in 1988 to found a small consultancy and for more than 35 years advised clients, organized lobbying coalitions and pursued business opportunities in the US and abroad. His interest in trade and development took him to Russia, Uzbekistan, Poland, Czech Republic, China many times and North, yes North, Korea just once. Since moving to Sedona ten years ago he has remained active in foreign policy discussions and has a heavy teaching load at the Osher Lifelong Institute at Yavapai College.
Please Note:
Doors open at 9:00 am for optional buffet breakfast ($5 donation) and socializing. Speaker program begins at 10:00 am.
Important: $5 breakfast fee waived for awesome humans bringing in food to share!
Let us know you're coming! RSVP on Meetup HERE.
A Children's Program is available during the Speaker Meeting. Go to a separate Meetup to RSVP for your kids HERE.
If you can help with set-up, clean-up, and/or by bringing a breakfast casserole, please go to SignUpGenius HERE.
Prefer to join us remotely?
- Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88103534615?pwd=oxAEoZTZ6s220Xslo5LMkUgLuK8MYA.1
- YOUTUBE: You can watch live (15 second delay), or you can watch later. LINK HERE
Need help? Email humanist@hsgp.org before the day of this meeting.
The Humanist Society of Greater Phoenix presents its Sunday Speaker meetings twice a month on Sunday mornings. Meetings are free and open to the public.
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HSGP HUMANIST CENTER
MESA, AZ 85201-4009
United States