After a full day of events, the ever-generous Jeff Guinn was up for a another full day of events–this time, with larger crowds. Bringing together Public Health, Criminal Justice, and Political Science students, the LEAP Ambassadors were also ready (or mostly ready) for a busy day.
Yvette Mendoza led with the introductions, performing well in front of a crowd of more than 100 of her peers.
This session covered the Waco tragedy, of course, but with a bit more focus on the sexual offenses that occurred at the Mt. Carmel compound. In the audience were Dr. Holly Miller and students in her Understanding Sexual Offending class, alongside Dr. Tamara Waggener’s “Texas Government” class and other interested audience members.
In all, when counting radio, podcasts, book signings, and television appearances, Guinn made more than 200 appearances discussing his Waco book. It was perhaps no surprise then, that, Guinn was his usual entertaining self, and his experiences and observations went over well among the audience. Indeed, there were more than 25 questions from the engaged audience, many of which showed insight, and understanding of the subject matter, and genuine curiosity.
Following a quick transition and discussion of what tweaks could be made for the second session, the LEAP Ambassadors were at it again. Yvette again did the introduction, this time in front of more than 300 people.
The audience also included Dr. Ivys Fernandez Pastrana and Dr. Christine Cardinal from Public Health; Dr. Jason Enia, Chair of Political Science; Jennifer Alexander, Tabitha Shanley, and Kaley Hunter, from the Office of the President. Dr. Gene Roberts, Director of the Student Legal and Mediation Services, was also there. Indeed, his office helped sponsor the event!
This session was even more engaging than the previous sessions. In addition to discussing the Waco tragedy, the author also discussed his work on Jim Jones, Bonnie and Clyde, Santa Claus, and Charles Manson. In fact, he recruited an audience member–ironically named Charles–to demonstrate the techniques of stabbing that Manson’s family used in the execution of crimes. Charles (the student) was a good sport, and he was rewarded with a book.
Guinn discussed the larger implications of his subjects and the aftermath of the tragedies associated with them. Subjects such as Jim Jones and David Koresh, whatever their original motivations, became enamored of power and control, which often manifested itself in sexual control over the female subjects. And, in the case of Waco, tragedy also resulted from blinders on the part of law enforcement officials. There was no conspiracy or ill will; the ATF and FBI simply didn’t stop to consider the perspective of religious zealots and how their perspective might prompt them to reach to encroachment.
Guinn took pains to point out that no such outcome has occurred in the last 30 years, suggesting that lessons have been learned on the part of law enforcement. Other legacies, however, such as increasing ideological polarization in the American public are less promising.
Following the event, Guinn gamely endured another hour or so of signings.
….before saying goodbye to the LEAP Ambassadors…
…and heading back to Fort Worth, where he had research to do for an upcoming HBO special.
The LEAP Ambassadors would like to thank Tabitha Shanley for her tips on event planning and Student Legal and Mediation Services for co-sponsoring the event.
Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics 