A word from "The Rocket" Rick Rodriguez

Beyond Survival by Gerald R. Coffee

By Rick Rodriguez

I've always been attracted to stories where the element of survival is stretched to the extreme.  This book is all about that and then some.  It's the story of Captain Gerald R. Coffee, a POW, in the Vietnam War.  It's the true story of Captain Coffee's capture and fight for survival in a POW camp.  It's also the story of the human will to fight and survive under the most dire circumstances.

I first learned of Captain Coffee's story at sales retreat that I attended.  There, Mr. Coffee, entertained us with his story but also shed the light on the risks posed by those in our armed forces.  He chronicled his experiences including torture, starvation, brain-washing, and every other atrocity the mind can imagine under these hostile conditions.

Beyond Survival Gerald R. Coffee " The only real security we have is the certainty that we're equipped to handle whatever happens to us.  Too often we try to build strength through position, possessions, family and friends, social and religious rituals--all the outer trappings by which we form our identities.  Stripped of them all, we have to draw on what is left: our basic sense of identity as human beings.  From there true security is born."  Often, I think back to when I scribbled these words down in my journal (1993), and how they became important when I slipped and fell in one of the many pitfalls I confronted.  It's especially important in these times where possessions seem to be where we draw our strength from.  Strip of them all!  What's left?  Just me and frankly that's all I need.  With this knowledge, I can focus on the problem at hand and know that I've got what it takes to confront it!

I read this book in 1993.  And, I have to stay that this book along with several others I read at the time inspired me to take on new challenges and fight off others.  In some ways, through Captain Coffee's experiences, the book, forced me to take a look at my own life.  Instead of asking why me (?), I began to explore new ideas like "show me, lord?"  Beyond Survival Gerald R. Coffee "When we cannot change a situation, resolution comes through the way we choose to handle it within ourselves.  To let go is not to deny but to accept.  Letting go moves us beyond the unproductive lament of "what if?" and "why me, Lord?"  To the constructive acceptance of "what is" and "show me, lord!" 

I never really knew the purpose of writing book reviews (hand written) in my journal (s) back in the early nineties.  But now, I guess, the reasons are clear to me.  Perhaps, by re-reading what I wrote back then--I can reuse--the ideas now!  But, also I can share here in my blog. My hope is that I inspire you to read this book!  It's truly an inspiring story of true American Hero!

Acapulco, Guerrero Mexico August 1997

My trip to Acapulco, was quite frankly one of the most enjoyable trips of my life!  We stayed at Las Brisas.  A beautiful seaside resort with panoramic views of Acapulco Bay.  The steepness of its location requires motorized transport to and from the room to the lobby.  And, this unique feature along with first class service; a private pool; and ample sized rooms make staying here a pleasure!  Clearly what I remember the most is the incredible view from our room!

I was first introduced to Acapulco by my parents as a child.  Back then in early 1970's, we would make the trek to Mexico City from our home in Hayward, California via the Interstate 5.  We'd drive through  California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas.  Once we got to El Paso, Texas we'd head south through Mexico.  I guess that's how I came to know towns like Flagstaff, Arizona and Albuquerque, New Mexico.  And places like Zacatecas, Aguascalientes, and Guadalajara in Mexico.  Once we arrived to Mexico City, the place to vacation for the locals was Acapulco on the west coast of Mexico.  And this is where my parents took us!

Stuffed in a car for two-thousand miles seems impossibly cumbersome.  But, I bet my folks, especially my Dad, instilled that sense of adventure in me on these trips that has stayed with me throughout my lifetime.  In fact, some of my earliest memories are of incredible lightening shows in New Mexico.  They scared the wits out of me but then again I was a kid!  But, Dad knew how to handle any on road situations including the wind gusts that often turned up in the open plains we encountered!  

Journal Excerpt Rick Rodriguez August 31, 1997 "Our activities included deep sea fishing; a ride on the Shotover Jet, and 18 holes at Tres Vidas golf course."  The day we went deep sea fishing was incredibly calm.  "Jim & Donna went on the fishing trip.  Our Captain was named Gregorio Roque.  He's a young guy.  He gave us some good insights.  The ocean is a wonderful place in calm conditions.  We enjoyed a beautiful day at sea.  We went out about twelve miles!"   Yes, and it took awhile adjusting to the idea that we were in a small boat and hours away from the shoreline; and in a relatively small boat!  We did end up catching a lone sail fish, and of the boats that went out that day our boat was the only one with a raised flag; signifying a catch for the day!  We gave the locals the fish and they readily lined up for their share!

Another highlight was a ride on the Shotover Jet.  This little adventure is a high risk boat ride that is incredibly exhilarating.  Journal excerpt "We also took a ride on the Shotover Jet. This is a high speed boat that rides over a couple of feet of water.  The jet propels through the water very fast!  Our driver's name was Polo: a highly skilled driver.  He took us onto Rio Papagallo at incredible speeds and dangerously close to the protruding rocks at rivers edge.  He showed us where parts of the movie Rambo II was filmed.  It was a great experience." I'd rank this experience pretty high on the adventure spectrum.  The only downside is the possibility of error by the boat driver.  We had to sign a waiver stating we complied with the risks associated including kissing your butt bye bye in a crash!  Yikes!!

My last treat was getting the opportunity to play the world class golf course Tres Vidas Golf course.  Journal Excerpt "Tres Vidas golf course is about the best course in Acapulco (1997).  I was fortunate to have played it.  My caddy was named Rodolfo.  A young man of twenty-three years.  We had an interesting day.  The highlight was a 4 iron I hit at a Par 3 into the ocean side Number 3 hole.  I watched the flight of the ball as it soared to the green!"  Playing golf with a caddy is always a special treat, and on this day I had a good guy.  I also played on a remarkable day with very few players on the course.  Perhaps, the $200 USD keeps players away but I'd certainly recommend playing here.  It's the 1st course I've been to that has an Olympic size swimming pool at the clubhouse.  A nice retreat after a game of golf!

  

San Ramon Valley Times 5/20/2009 "Assualt?" by Rick Rodriguez

By Rick Rodriguez

A few months back, Ruben Navarette, a syndicated national columnist writing for the San Diego Union, reported on a tragic death of an individual beaten to death at the hands of four white men.  The four white men were according to reports "All-American Boys on the football team that get good grades." The victim was an "illegal Mexican."  Apparently, there are contentions, according to witnesses, that the death occurred while the perpetrators shouted ethnic and racial castigations at the deceased.

Typically, these stories don't surprise me as we see these types of acts committed frequently throughout society.  And, I am not partial to any ethnicity; however, in this case, the perpetrators happen to be white and the victim is for lack of a better word Hispanic.  What puzzles and disturbs me is the continuance of these acts that wreak of ethnic hate.  Why must we continue to endure the harness of racism that envelopes our daily lives, and forms our daily perceptions.  Is or will there ever be harmony among people of different races/ethnicities?  Moreover, equally puzzling is the verdicts that juries put forth after hearing all the evidence.  Equally disturbing is how juries arrive at verdicts especially when ethnic relations are involved.

Navarette, San Ramon Valley Times 5/14/2009 P.A12 " In most parts of the country, the cowardly and hateful act of beating someone to death--while shouting racial slurs, according to witnesses--would be called by its proper name: murder.  Curiously, though in Pennsylvania's Schuylkill County, an all-white jury came up with another name for it : simple assault." 

So, of course I couldn't let that slip past me without my two cents.  Here's what I wrote to the San Ramon Valley Times and it was published in this morning's paper:

San Ramon Valley Times 5/20/2009 "Assault?" by Rick Rodriguez

"Let me get this straight (columnist Ruben Navarette Times May 14): Four white guys beat up one brown guy.  The brown guy ends up dead.  Two white guys are charged with assault.  The other two are still in trouble.  Assault?  Legal definition of assault:  "A crime that occurs when one person tries to physically harm another in a way that makes the person under attack feel immediately threatened.  Actual physical contact is not necessary; threatening gestures that would alarm any reasonable person can constitute assault."  I see.  And one brown guy ends up dead!"

Here, my argument is for the lack of justice for the deceased.  He was an illegal immigrant; something I vehemently oppose, a father of two children, and he was brutally murdered.  Of course, I was not present in the court house to hear all sides of the story; yet, somehow this verdict wreaks of injustice.  If "assault" does not have to include even an act of physical contact; how is it that these four men would only be charged with assault and not murder?  How is it that a man could be beaten to death under these circumstances and we as "Americans" are not screaming at the top of our lungs for justice?  Well, here I am "screaming at the top of my lungs" for a man I never met and for a story that never seems to end!

 

San Francisco, California China Beach May 17, 2009

As a native of the San Francisco Bay Area, it would be easy to take one of the world's greatest cities for granted, but I never do.  Often I marvel at the spectacularness of the City by the Bay, and it never disappoints.  The diversity is depicted clearly in the neighborhoods designated throughout the city.  And while I've been crossing the Bay and Golden Gate Bridges since I was a kid, I still find an undiscovered spot in the city nearly every time I visit. 

It is not untypical for us to go over to San Francisco just to ride the cable cars.  I often marvel at how many native Bay Areans skip this San Francisco Treat.  The tourists never do as evidenced by the languages spoken on board.  My kids love the ride as much as I did as a kid, and now as an adult, I can remember my folks taking us over to the city to ride the cable cars.  We usually catch the Union Square trip out to Ghirardelli Square.  And either head over to Fisherman's Wharf or the Buena Vista near the square. 

Recently, I had the pleasure of eating at Scoma's; a true depiction of an excellent seafood San Francisco restaurant.  The restaurant is slightly tucked away off the Wharf and away from the main tourist thoroughfare.  The food is excellent.  And, the venue is slightly family style dining with many seafood specialties!  The restaurant can get crowded and at times there is a wait.  But, if ever in the area, I recommend a stop at Scoma's in the city!

Today, we stopped in at China Beach near Sea Cliff.  Juxtaposed with Baker Beach (another favorite), China Beach would easily be skipped for its smallness and rocky beach.  Yet, while the crowds will flock to Baker Beach, there is always a chance that a coveted parking space might be had at China Beach.

Nestled below the mansions of the Sea Cliff neighborhood, China Beach is a land mark of San Francisco history, and a great place to cool off on a summer day.  The views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Marin Headlands are some of the best in the city.   Of course, if sand is what you are looking for you might be better off heading to Ocean or Baker Beach.  China Beach has some rocky outcroppings probably due to its proximity to the entrance to the Golden Gate.  There is a nice set of steps that facilitate the descent to the beach, and not a lot of room for large crowds.  So, this is an excellent option in order to avoid the crowds when a day in San Francisco calls for a day at the beach!

San Francisco, for me, is quite easy to figure out and I could drive aimlessly throughout the city and never get lost; eventually I'll run out of land except in the southerly direction.  So, most of the major streets are laid out in north/south and east/west directions.  At least, that is what I've come to know it as in all my years visiting.  And, while there are treasures to be found in every city, these few have brought many a happy memories for my family, and me!  I hope they do the same for you, too!

Lincoln on Leadership by Donald T. Phillips

By Rick Rodriguez

The American Civil War was arguably one of the most chaotic periods in our history. Yet through it all, Abraham Lincoln managed to keep the Union together and victorious. I read this this fascinating and insightful book back in 1993, and on occasion I harken back to its lessons when I get off track. The book reads like an instruction manual on anecdotes of what people will migrate to in times of turmoil or rather should at most any time.  Our current leader, Barack Obama, is clearly demonstrating these qualities as he moves us forward, or rather tries to move us forward!  Nonetheless, what appears painfully missing in some segments of our society is the leadership qualities demonstrated by our 16th President--Abraham Lincoln!

Journal Excerpt 2/8/1993 Rick Rodriguez paraphrased from Lincoln on Leadership by Donald T. Phillips "Some single mind must be master, else there will be no agreement in anything. Compromise need not be cowardice. He was not insecure or felt threatened by others.  He thirsted and burned for distinction! He was driven! He was reliable and tirelessly persistent! His vision was simple and he often preached it."

One of the most important lessons I learned from this book was to get out and circulate among the troops.  In other words, get out and talk to people, make new friends and build new relationships!  How about that in this age of social networking? Lincoln of Leadership by Donald T. Phillips (1992 P. 25) "One of the most effective ways to gain acceptance of a philosophy is to show it in your daily actions. In order to stage your leadership style, you must have an audience. By entering your subordinate's environment--by establishing frequent contact--you create a sense of commitment, collaboration, and community.  You also gain access to vital information to make effective decisions." This was a particularly valuable lesson for me as it compelled me to get out of the office and get in front of as many clients as possible!  I'm not fond of the word subordinate but it was used that way in the book. This lesson took a bit of courage, commitment, and perseverance.  Later, however, these steps paid dividends in many areas of my life!

Often in life unjust criticism comes our way, and undoubtedly it is difficult to deal with it separately without taking it personally. Lincoln on Leadership Donald T. Phillips (1992 P. 66-72) "But every man of courage must, sooner or later, deal with unjust criticism.  Throughout his life, Lincoln was the object of jealousy, envy, and malice.  This was largely the result of his burning desire for achievement, which motivated him to excel. When a man hears himself somewhat misrepresented, it provokes him--at least, I find it so with myself; but when the misrepresentation becomes very gross and palpable, it is more apt to amuse him."  Yes, Mr. Lincoln, just laughed it off. And, of course, in our own lives that's a very difficult lesson to apply; however, I will say that I've learned that in addition to success being the best revenge.  Forgiveness is the ultimate compliment paid to a trespasser! 

Donald T. Phillips reveals the strategies and tactics Lincoln employed, and offers ways that leaders can use those same strategies to make their businesses successful in these tough economic times.

I purchased Lincoln on Leadership in Cambridge, Massachusetts.  Ironically, a focal point of the American Revolution.  Lincoln on Leadership is 173 pages.  I read it in February of 1993.