Los Banos Rotary Club History
Merced Publisher Laments Laxity In World Interest

Decrying the vary passive attitude that is being evidenced by the average American concerning the world problems of today, Dean Lesher, well known publisher of the Merced Sun-Star and other California newspapers, urged members of the local Rotary Club to take an increased interest in the affairs of the world and resolve that their thinking be continuously expressed to our national legislators for their guidance in determining future policies.

Lesher, who was making his official visit to the club as district governor of Rotary, veered sharply from the customary club "pep talk" to point out the seriousness of the Arab and Middle East tempest, and the eventual consequence of this country's present foreign policy as it is being forced upon the Arab nations.

Rotary preaches and believes in the self-determination of people," Lesher pointed out, "but our government is at present not demonstrating such thinking. The Arab nations think we are standing in the way of their national independence – an independence for which they will willingly fight and die."
Citing our blind, antiquated support of Britain and France, Lesher pointed to our present support of these countries which "are despised the world over."
"One of the great teachings of Rotary," he said, "is the right of fellowship and friendship to all peoples. Today we cannot win in the Middle East if we continue our present policies."

Lesher pointed to the Egyptian leader, Nasser, as a living symbol of Arabic nationality, and as long as this country continues to support France we risk the antagonism of the Middle Eastern people. Nasser, he said, is so bitter against the British that he will seek and accept aid from anyone and any country.

Lesher praised Rotary's student exchange program and urged the club to subscribe to the fund that is used to carry on this program. The personal contacts and friendships that are developed through this program, he said, will prove to be one of our most important weapons in the preservation of world peace.

August 12, 1958

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