Freethinkers are people who decide what to believe
based on reason (facts and logic) - not authority or dogma.
There are two Free Thinkers Club meetings in most months. We host speakers on a variety of topics and encourage debate, discussions and questions after an initial presentation. There are Freethinkers Club meetings on the 2nd Thursday of each month at Bridgeport Recreation Center at 2:30. We also meet on the 4th Thursday of each month at Aviary Recreation Center, at 3:30. We were asked to give meetings at this location a separate name for administrative purposes, so Freethinkers Club meetings at Aviary Rec. Center will be referred to as "Freethinkers Club South" meetings. For more information, or to get on our email distribution, email us at freethinkingvillager@gmail.com. Villages Resident or Guest ID are required to attend.
The Freethinkers Club collaborates administratively with The Humanists Club. We share the same email distribution list and management. Emails with information concerning future presentations for both clubs will be sent to the joint email distribution. The list below shows upcoming Freethinkers Club meeting topics.
Upcoming scheduled topics
Mar 12 Mark Welton Bridgeport 2:30 Iran: Current Crises and Prospects for the Future
Like any war, the conflict with Iran raises questions of what the future might hold for that country and its relationships with the rest of the world. Regardless of the outcome, Iran will have to deal with a number of crises that were coming to a head before the fighting began, and will challenge any regime that might emerge after the fighting ends. This talk will describe these crises and what might come next for the country, its government, and its people.
Col Mark Welton is a retired Army JAG Corps officer who spent most of his active-duty career in Europe, working with NATO and EU counterparts on legal and national security issues. Dr. Welton also is an expert on Iran and the Middle East. He is also retired from his second career as a Professor at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Mark is a very popular and prolific speaker at venues in and around The Villages.
Mar 26 Frank Jenista Aviary 3:30 Update on the War in Ukraine
What is the latest on what is happening in the war in Ukraine? How have the Ukrainians been successful recently in re-taking territory from the Russians? What is the historical context leading up to the war? What is at stake for the U.S. and Europe, and the prospects if Russia wins this war? What are the pros and cons of U.S. policy options?
Dr. Frank Jenista was a U.S. State Department diplomat for 25 years, retiring to accept a position as Professor of International Relations (for 17 years). He has given dozens of presentations on the war in Ukraine to groups in and around The Villages and is, by far, The Villages foremost expert on Ukraine and its war with Russia.
Apr 9 Frank Jenista Bridgeport 2:30 Update on the War in Ukraine (updated repeat of Apr 9 presentation)
Apr 23 John Griffin Aviary 3:30 How Our Economy Can Work for Everyone in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence and Robotics are advancing at speeds that surprise even the researchers working in the field. Many observers are predicting massive job losses for both white-collar and blue-collar workers. This presentation offers a way to make that brave new world work for everyone, while being fair to all participants.
John Griffin has a BS in Computer Science and Mathematics from Michigan State University. Although he took only introductory University courses in Economics, he has supplemented that knowledge through research due to a life-long interest in how economies work.
May 14 John Griffin Bridgeport 2:30 How Our Economy Can Work for Everyone in the Age of A.I. (repeat of Apr 9 presentation)
May 28 Mark Welton Aviary 3:30 Iran: Current Crises and Prospects for the Future (updated repeat of March 12 topic)
June 11 Peter Irwin Bridgeport 2:30 Title TBD
June 25 Peter Irwin Aviary 3:30 Title TBD
July The Freethinkers clubs do not meet in July
Aug 13 Mark Welton Bridgeport 2:30 Law, Policy, and U.S. Intervention in Venezuela
The recent U.S. military intervention in Venezuela and removal of Nicholas Maduro to the U.S. raises numerous questions of law and policy. Was the action a violation of international law, U.S. law, neither or both? How do some of the policy implications for the U.S. and the international system factor into this action? This talk addresses the intersection of law and policy in the context of this important turning point for Venezuela and U.S. involvement in the Western Hemisphere.
Dr. Mark Welton is a retired Army JAG colonel who spent most of his active-duty career working with NATO and EU counterparts on legal and national security issues. He is also retired from his second career as a Professor at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Mark is a very popular and prolific speaker at venues in and around The Villages.
Aug 27 Mark Welton Aviary 3:30 Law, Policy, and U.S. Intervention in Venezuela (repeat of Aug 13 presentation)