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.
i Upcoming scheduled topics
June 26 Ian Walmsley Aviary 3:30 Is the Role of the U.S. in the Geopolitical World Order Changing?
Some powerful nations, like Great Brittain in the 18th and 19th centuries, are "Whales" - global maritime superpowers that become dominant due to economic strength generated thru free trade. Other powerful nations are "elephants", like Germany under Hitler or the U.S. in the 19th century - that gain wealth by taking it from others and dominate their region thru land conquest and bullying other nations. The U.S. has been the greatest whale in the world since World War II. Is it morphing back to an elephant?
Ian Walmsley is a historical economist, former corporate CFO and software engineer. Ian is a frequent speaker at discussion clubs in The Villages.
The Freethinkers Clubs do not meet in July
Aug 14 Frank Jenista Bridgeport 2:30 Ukraine Update: What's Been Happening? What's Next?
What is the latest on the status of the war? What progress has been made toward a cease fire? Will President Trump be able and willing to put enough pressure on Putin to force Russia to decide it is in Russia's best interest to end the war? What are the main obstacles to reaching an agreement for a lasting peace?
Frank Jenista grew up in Asia, the son of missionary parents. After 25 years as a diplomat for the State Department, he took early retirement in order to take a position as a Professor of International Studies. Dr Jenista retired from that second career after 17 years and moved to the Villages in 2020. Easily The Villages foremost expert on the war in Ukraine, Frank has given dozens of presentations on that war to local organizations over the last several years.
Aug 28 Peter Irwin Aviary 3:30 How do We Learn to Speak?
Learning to speak is a complex process that happens in stages, involves multiple brain areas, and requires both biological readiness and social interaction. Misunderstandings are differences in interpretation of meaning. How does all of this occur?
Peter Irwin is a retired clinical scientist who worked for pharmaceutical companies developing drugs that address diseases of the brain. He is also a frequent speaker at discussion clubs in The Villages.
Sep 11 Bud Webber Bridgeport 2:30 Is It Time To Do Something About the Soaring National Debt?
Why is the National Debt increasing so rapidly, whether Democrats or Republicans are in control? What are the benefits from deficit spending (spending more than you collect in taxes)? What are the downside risks of a national debt that grows faster than GDP? Is the fear of an economic collapse really justified, given the strength of the U.S. economy? Do the benefits outweigh the risks?
Bud Webber is a retired insurance company actuary who has a Masters Degree in Physics. Bud is a frequent speaker at discussion clubs in The Villages, and leader of the Freethinkers Club.
Sep 25 Bud Webber Aviary 3:30 Is It Time To Do Something About the Soaring National Debt? (repeat of Sep 11 topic)
Oct 9 Mark Welton Bridgeport 2:30 Can Europe Provide For Its Own Security Without the U.S.?
Recent actions and statements by the U.S, in relation to Ukraine and NATO have led to great uncertainty and doubt that the U.S. can be relied on to lead the Free World in protecting European democracies from Russian aggression and honoring its pledge as a NATO member. Putin has made it clear his goal is to conquer the European nations that once were part of the Soviet Union, some of which belong to NATO. Other nations formerly in the Warsaw Pact (e.g. Poland) also fear Russian aggression. Non-Nato members feel even more vulnerable. Without U.S. assistance, is Europe destined to revert back to times where war and the threat of war are ever-present? Can Europe get its act together?
COL Welton is a retired Army JAG officer who spent most of his active duty career in Europe, co-ordinating with counterparts in the EU and NATO on legal matters. He is also retired from his second career as a Professor at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
Oct 23 Mark Welton Aviary 3:30 Can Europe Provide For Its Own Security Without the U.S.? (repeat of Oct 9 topic)