Meeting |
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Meeting |
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Report |
June 19, 2001 |
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| Queens College President Billy Wireman gave his
annual update on China and, as usual, he did not disappoint. Despite recent travails
including the downing of the spy plane, the honorary Club member painted a fairly positive
picture of the world's oldest nation-civilization as it continues to emerge from Mao's
grip. "We expect too much of China and Russia," the world traveler stated. "If we misfire by applying our western liberal democratic mindset, we could be in for some difficult times. China and Russia have had thousands of years of different values." But first of all, why do China, Russia and Asia matter, Wireman asked. "During the 21st century, Asia will eventually produce 40 to 50 percent of the world's gross domestic product." The "Charlotte Observer" op-ed columnist said, "We must help shape China's young leaders. Freedom is spreading like wildfire in China. It's everywhere you look. But they have a long way to go because they started so far back. Wireman noted several key issues to monitor as a gauge to China staying on track in her trek toward better times economically and, from the west's point of view, politically. Taiwan. Chiang Kai-shek's Chinese Nationalist forces fled to the island in 1949 after defeat by Mao's Communist forces. An economic powerhouse, Taiwan is becoming more democratic. The new president is not from the traditional ruling party. Possible flash points, Wireman said, include the possibilities that Taiwan will declare independence, the U.S. will put nuclear weapons on the island or Taiwan will foment insurrection off the eastern coast of China. However, Wireman is optimistic because "China wants to be rich and powerful," and Taiwan, along with Hong Kong, will help make that possible. The tiny island has more than $50 billion invested in mainland China, mostly in coastal areas. The Olympics. China wants the 2008 Olympics for Beijing. Paris and Toronto are the competition. Always paranoid, the Chinese think the west is ganging up to keep the Olympics from their country. The man who has built Queens College from 500 students in 1979 to more than 1,500 today said China should get the Olympics. It's a good way to keep them involved in the world. "Berlin in 1936, Moscow in 1980 and Seoul in 1988 were not exactly paragons of civic virtue when they were awarded Olympic games, but look where they are today." World Trade Organization. This situation is much the same as with the Olympics. China must be involved in the world, he said. "This is a way to level the playing field. It will be the first time in 5,000 years an organization will be able to punish China in a meaningful way." The Falun Gong movement. This is a group that believes in "exercise, Buddhism and that we have a wheel in our stomach that emits good and bad vibes," said Wireman. It has "scared the Chinese leadership to death." "How an aging government can feel threatened by such a group" is testimony to "the level of paranoia in the old leadership." The harsh treatment of the sect has even the moderates in the country rebelling. "The Chinese are wrong on this," he said. "Why do governments always act in a way that is counterproductive to their interests? Further crackdowns could further destabilize the country." Corruption. "It's widespread," Wireman said. "And the opportunities are unimaginable." There were 600 executions related to corruption last year. But, he said, the system invites it. It's run by a small group of aging leaders trained by communists in Russia, so "What do you expect?" The only way to get this "unbelievable corruption" under control is to continue to promote openness and checks and balances. Corruption could bring the current regime down. Spratley Islands. This uninhabited chain of islands in the South China Sea is disputed among Brunei, China, Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam. "The Japanese may even have a claim in there," Wireman said. They are near all north Asia sea-lanes and there is reported to be gas, oil and other resources there. How these disputes work themselves out will be important to how China becomes a world player, Wireman said. Leadership change. The country's top three leaders are all in their 70s and will step down soon. "We need to watch this process in 2002," he said. Underground newspapers. The Kentucky native said, "these are popping up everywhere. This may not last but it's happening now. The whole country is seething with restlessness and curiosity" about the United States and the rest of the world. The Internet. There are currently 50 million users in the country and use is expected to grow by at least 50 million annually for the foreseeable future. "I am cautiously optimistic about this," Wireman said. "This is an interesting time for Chinese, American and Russian relations," he said. "There is some promise and a minimum of volatility." Twenty years ago only 50 percent of the world's people had market economies. It's now 90 percent, he said. Sixty percent of the world's people now live under some form of democracy. We need to keep our values and help shape emerging China toward justice, liberty, openness and democracy. The year is winding down for President Don, but that did not stop his quest for new members. John Tabor introduced his wife Lee who is head of U.S. Mortgage. Harry Weatherly introduced his boss, County Manager Harry Jones. Mary-Stuart Brooks introduced Bart Landis of the Foundation for the Carolinas. Outgoing Lt. Governor David Hodgkins presented the Club two awards: the Membership Development and Extension Award for adding more than 30 members, the best in District 7680, and a Presidential Citation — Create Awareness, Take Action — for meeting all the goals of Rotary. For the fourth year in a row, all clubs in District 7680 received this award, a tribute to the district's hard work, Hodgkins said. Don Carmichael introduced guests and visitors, Tom Hutchins gave health and happiness, Ed Ellis led a sloppy rendition of "Row, Row, Row Your Boat" and Jim Kelley gave the invocation. Others at the head table included Brent Trexler, Phil Van Hoy, William Rikard, Mary-Stuart Brooks, and Richard Rankin who introduced the speaker, his former boss. Formerly chief fundraiser at Queens, Richard is now headmaster of Gaston Day School. * * * |
New Member
Radio Broadcasting AHVN, INC., & WNMX-FM5732 N.Tryon St. (28213) 704-596-1240 FAX 704-841-9742 Tom was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, the Village of Kirkwood. Spending his growing up years between Lancaster and Ashe County, N.C., Tom graduated from Lansing High School in Lansing, N.C. Following high school graduation Tom briefly attended Lees McRae College in Banner Elk, N.C., but soon opted for broadcast training in Charlotte, where he fell in love with radio broadcasting. After completing school his first paying job was with Charlotte's WIST. After a year he accepted a job at WATA radio in Boone, N.C., to be closer to Brenda, the lady he eventually married. From there, Tom continued his career in radio and television in Bristol, Virginia, and Columbia, S.C., before moving back to Charlotte in 1973 to accept the: position of General Manager at WHVN Radio. Tom's responsibilities have since grown to managing four radio stations: WNMX-FM ("MIX-106"), Charlotte; WHVN, Charlotte; WAVO, Rock Hill, S.C.; and WCGC, Belmont/Gastonia, N.C. Tom's wife Brenda is financial secretary at Mouzon Methodist Church. They have two sons, Tom, Jr., and Eddy. Tom and his wife Haley presented them with their first grandchild 18 months ago. Tom's hobbies include songwriting and golf. He was honored to have been asked to write a Bi-Centennial song for Ashe County, N.C., when it marked its 200th birthday as a county in 1999. Brenda and Tom enjoy travel, good friends, and church activities. Welcome to Charlotte Rotary, Tom. * * * |
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