Donald Boesch, UM Professor of Marine Science, is on a board that advises the MD Governor on the Chesapeake environment. The Chesapeake is the largest estuary in the US and its watershed extends over six states and DC, and accommodates a popula- tion of more than 15 million. The Bay is a highly productive estuary with high economic and social importance to the region. The 1972 Agnes storm was a wake up call. Prior to 1972 there was strip mining of oysters and the industrialization of agricul- ture. The storm created an excess of nitrogen and phosphorus. A board was created with members of the 6 states to restore the health of the Chesapeake

Dr. Mehdi Heravi is a retired college history professor, author, and editor, born in Tehran and educated in Iran, England and the US. His interest was in international relations (with a focus on the Middle East and American government). This led him to the School of International Service at American University. In the early 1970’s the Shah of Iran was afraid of both the Red Revolution (Russian communist’s) and the Islamic Marxists in the small villages. His grandfather encouraged him to go to the US. He said 87 people hold 50% of the world’s wealth and they promote their political self interest VS the peoples interest. He talked about ISIS and said Iran was the only Middle East Power that could defeat ISIS.

The Sentencing Project is a non-profit organization engaged in research and policy advocacy of criminal justice reform. Marc Mauer has frequently testified before Congress and state legislative bodies. US prisoners are up sharply since 1972 as a result of the break down of black families and drugs in the large cities. US has 5 times as many prisoners than Europe. Blacks are 1/3rd of the prison population; Hispanics 1/6th and Whites are 1/17th. Marc thinks drug prison terms are too long and California’s ” 3 strikes and you are out” is an injustice because the 3rd offense can be trivial. Though more prisoners for longer terms reduces crime by 25%, the annual cost per prisoner is $25,000.