ImageAs chairman of the U.S. House Intelligence Committee, Congressman Mike Rogers gave Grosse Pointe Rotarians his own version of the National Intelligence Estimate at Rotary of Grosse Pointe's noon luncheon June 3. It was a sobering presentation.
 
Russia has just launched its first new nuclear submarine in 20 years; China is saber-rattling over dominance of the South China Sea and is engaged in the "breath-taking" theft of intellectual property, and "while you sit here, your credit card will be hit 300 times by people trying to get access to it." Those were just a few of the reasons why national intelligence efforts are necessary and vital, Rogers said. "This is the wrong time for the United States to stand down," he told the Rotarians and several guests who attended to hear the Michigan congressman speak. "I'm not talking military involvement. I'm talking about just being there." When asked if the U.S. can afford to be the "policeman of the world," what with the economic and domestic problems, Rogers replied, "Can we afford not to be engaged?" The congressman's Michigan staff and wife, Kristi, also attended the Rotary luncheon. After being introduced by Rotarian Ted Everingham, Rogers noted his wife's involvement — and close calls — in Iraq as a civilian, "When there's a bump in the night in our house, I send her down!" Rotary of Grosse Pointe meets Mondays at noon at the Grosse Pointe War Memorial. Lunch costs $15, and the public is invited. Additional information about Rotary of Grosse Pointe is available at www.gprotary.org. From left at the luncheon were Everinham, Rogers and Rotary of Grosse Pointe President Diane Strickler.