Tuesday, November 8, 2016
Open Board of Directors Meeting
San Bernardino Community College District
114 S. Del Rosa Drive
San Bernardino, CA 92408
Minutes
Present: Patty Arlt, Deborah Barmack, Peter Barmack, Carole Beswick, Tom Brickley, Mike Burrows, Jake Coin, Kevin Dyerly, Dick Hart, Scott Hofferber, Mark Kaenel, John Mirau, Khalil Saba and Kristine Scott.
Guests: Ruth Stringer
Announcements: 1) A majority of the members present voted to extend an invitation of membership to the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Redlands-Riverside. P.T. McEwen, CEO will serve as the member. 2) A 5K family Turkey Trot Relay is scheduled at 7a.m. on Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, November 24, 2016 at the San Bernardino International Airport. For more information please use the link provided http://www.active.com/san-bernardino-ca/running/distance-running-races/san-bernardino-turkey-trot-2016 . 3) Inland Action members and alternates are invited to the annual holiday party on Thursday, December 8, 2016. The event will be held at the home of Carole Beswick. 4) We were saddened to learn that past member, Jim Bookhout, died Monday, November 7, 2016. 5) The Inland Empire Visioning group has completed the application for the Brookings Institute. Past member Lou Monville has agreed to serve as the Project Manager.
M/S/P: Minutes from November 1, 2016.
Kevin Dyerly introduced Dr. Graeme Auton, Professor of Political Science, University of Redlands.
Dr. Auton stated that this election has flummoxed most of the experts. Although not an expert in domestic politics, he stated that this election has been relatively calm although the rhetoric is over the top. As a comparison, he cited 1968 as likely the worst year in politics since the civil war. At that time our country had rioters burning numerous major cities and the civil rights movement continued as it morphed into the anti-war movement. The Cold War, however, was much more predictable than the terrorism of today.
There is a potential for civil unrest on both sides of this political race. The Republican Party is out of touch, and they must realign and eliminate stereotyping. The Hispanic population is traditionally conservative, and the GOP could find a natural alignment with this important minority.
Economy
Our economy has changed dramatically over time. Globalization has changed our profile. We no longer are the manufacturing giant we once were with large steel and auto worker unions. We retain some highly specialized manufacturing but the major unions are now from public employees (school & government workers).
Societal Change
In 1960 some 85% of our population were non-Hispanic whites. By 2010 a steady increase in minority groups reduced the number of non-Hispanic whites to 63%. The trend continues and by 2040 will become a minority.
Government assistance has grown to an unhealthy and unsustainable number. Some 50% of our population are receiving some kind of public assistance (Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, food stamps, etc.).
Technology Change
Our economy has and will continue to change. Technology is moving rapidly, and our population requires a higher education than in the past.
Millennial’s
Millennial’s (those born 1982-1994) have been overprotected and awarded for mere participation. They typically have little or no faith in government. The generation has grown up with an entitlement but also fear. They are also known as “snowflakes” as they are extremely delicate and can easily fall apart. This thin skinned fragile generation also requires “trigger warnings”. Universities and college instructors use “trigger warnings” at the onset of any discussion or subject that may cause them distress or offense.
There has been a shift where people believe that if someone does not agree with you, they do not deserve respect. A cultural change is needed so we will honor and respect each other’s opinions. We must dialog-without discussion there will be no growth.
A Q & A period followed.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:35 a.m.