A word from "The Rocket" commentary by Rick Rodriguez

Some New Year thoughts............commentary by Rick Rodriguez

Commentary By Rick Rodriguez

As the dawn of new decade arrives another reclines into the sunset...and what a decade it was--the millennium decade!  We witnessed change, tragedy, technological advancement, growth, struggle, and triumph! We were supposed to stop at 2000 as the millennium was borne on an uncertain world tied together by technology; to the 911 tragedy; to ubiquitous tech gadgets; to amazing financial growth and then the struggle to keep it!  And then, triumph, limping into the end of the decade our faces marred by the sweat on our brow and tears in our eyes the decade and year closes!

As the battles waged to defend our freedom, a new President promised a new direction while divisively we moved forward disagreeing on what is right and what is wrong!  Nonetheless, the people spoke and forged a new direction for our country; and mightily we move forward to that new direction as the dawn of 2011 is upon us! 

At home, I saw the birth of my two children in 2000 & 2004, the most significant moments of my life!  Nothing could or has brought me closer to love and happiness than my two children.  It is an incredible blessing to be a Father and to be called "Dad!"

For many, the last three years has brought a myriad of changes and painful struggle.  Some have questioned the promise of hope!  While others have faced the challenges as the only way America knows: head down, nose to the grindstone and a gritty determination to forge ahead!  The uncertainty of the roof over our heads and the remuneration of our labor threw us for a loop!  The optimism turned to pessimism and propagated like an infectious disease!

Alas, in the dawn of this decade, America, once again, attempts to lead like it always has and I aim to do my part!  I aim to try to make a difference for my children, family, friends, and those I serve.  I aim to improve, inspire, and set the best example I can as a father, son, friend, businessman, colleague, and in all the other endeavors that I aspire!

Whether I succeed or fail, only time will tell but I will forge ahead as I join many Americans that will do the same.  America  will forge ahead like it always has...and always will! 

Happy New Year and all the best for a healthy, prosperous, and blessed new decade and new year!

Launceston, Tasmania, Australia to Cradle Mountain October 1998 commentary by Rick Rodriguez

Commentary By Rick Rodriguez

 
Follow the rules when your out and about in the unknown....an old adage that I've heard so many times but  don't always adhere to...such was the case one day up in Cradle Mountain on the tear drop Island of Tasmania.  I was offered an adventure in Tasmania sightseeing in the Soloman Caves and Cradle Mountain by a couple of friends from England.  It was only a one day dash from home base in Launceston and when the offer came about I couldn't refuse!

The Caves are guided and I was not squeemish about a peak into the darkness of Tasmania!  I had toured caves in California and this one could not be a whole lot different.  

The Soloman Caves were an experience but not unlike others I had seen.  But, I am sure I would receive a lot of contention from Geologists since their are numerous intricacies that make the Soloman Cave singularly spectacular!  Inside, it was, like most caves amazingly quiet and of course so dark that I couldn't see my hand in front of my face at lights out; the caves are lighted and guides shut off lights to give us the ultimate cave experience!  Learn more at http://tourtasmania.com/content.php?id=kingsolomon

We headed out west from our hotel in Launceston toward Mole Creek, a small town that would be a welcomed sight that evening on our way back. Most of the ride to Mole Creek was scenic; however from Mole Creek it is a 90 minute drive to Cradle Mountain through forest and spectacular mountain scenery, including a mountain-top lookout where you will feel, quite literally, on top of the world. 

Our trek began in Weindorfer's Forest, where we checked in at the trail head and quickly skirted through a short loop trail.  Not settling for such a meager effort, we decided to head up to Hounslow Heath, a longer climb estimated at the trail head to be three hour round trip. 

It must have been about 1pm and we planned to climb up the mountain, have a look around and make our way back down.  As with most trails, unpredictable becomes commonplace, and this trail proved to be so.  We quickly climbed the first part of the trail and thought nothing about the slushy run off coming down the mountain and over the trail.  Exposed roots littered the trail making each step slippery and challenging.  We climbed for some time with difficulty but were lost in conversation and focusing on the work up the mountain. 

Reaching the top, the expanse snow covered--unexpected--even despite the wintry conditions; it was summer time!  The trail was now barely discernible and we had climbed about 1.5 hours.  Our decision to proceed was logical given the challenge of climbing back down over the slippery terrain (none of us were equipped with gear!)  We reasoned the trip was a total of three hours and by now we were half way finished.  Well, the snow turned the hike into 5+ hours, arduous, and suspenseful to say the least!  Each step was a plant, remove foot, and plant again effort as the snow was mid-calf in height!  Additionally, our ill-equipped foot gear, now thoroughly drenched was beginning to pose a foot freezing situation.  Yikes, I was concerned as the day dwindled away!  Everything I knew about making mistakes in the wilderness we had now achieved: No food, gear, maps, or safety provisions!  Moreover, I had little knowledge of the terrain or could not make out any conspicuous land marks over the snow covered valley. Of course, not a soul knew my whereabouts accept fro my trail companions!

Once I saw a bushy looking creature (a wombat), I wondered "what's next" and then a small herd of wallabies scampered by!  I snapped a few pictures and continued on and luckily didn't encounter anything else.  As the day moved past us, I questioned the trail we selected (very common on lost expeditions); I felt the day was getting too long and evening was fast upon us; nonetheless, we moved forward and finally began our descent!  Relieved, we scampered down the mountain into the valley and finally back down to the safety of our vehicle; the trip took nearly 5.5 hours! 

Cradle Mountain

 

 

"Cradle Mountain forms the northern end of the wild Cradle Mt - Lake St Clair National Park, itself a part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.  The jagged contours of Cradle Mountain epitomise the feel of a wild landscape, while ancient rain forest and alpine heath lands, button grass and stands of colourful deciduous beech provide a range of environments to explore. Icy streams cascading out of rugged mountains, stands of ancient pines mirrored in the still waters of glacial lakes and a wealth of wildlife ensure there is always something to captivate you. The area is one of the most popular natural areas in Tasmania. A visit will reveal why.

Cradle is the starting point for the world-famous Overland Track, a magnificent 6 day walk that will take you through the heart of some of the finest mountain terrain.

The Cradle Mountain - Lake St Clair National Park shares a "Twin Parks" agreement with the World Heritage listed Jiuzhaigou Nature Reserve in the People's Republic of China"

The drive back to Mole Creek Inn for dinner was quiet and comforting.  We dodged a bullet and learned a lesson!  Follow the rules, check in at the trailhead and be prepared for everything!!

San Ramon Valley Times "Navarette" October 8, 2007 commentary by Rick Rodriguez

By Rick Rodriguez

I wrote to the San Ramon Valley Times in response to an article  written by syndicated columnist Ruben Navarette.  Mr. Navarette, had written a castigating story about Ken Burns producer of a "World War II" documentary.  In that the documentary, Burns discusses the contributions of World War II veterans omitting the contributions of Mexicans which created an uproar in the Latino Community.  Some called it a travesty.

"Maggie Rivas-Rodriguez, director of the U.S. Latino and Latina World War II Oral History Project at the  University of Texas at Austin and an associate professor of journalism, said the absence of Latinos from the documentary furthers common perceptions of Latinos as less American than other U.S. residents. Anti-Latino bigotry exists in part because many people are unaware of Latinos roles in seminal historical events such as World War II, she said."

"I can't even think about how much damage to young people this will cause," said Rivas-Rodriguez, who helped found Defend the Honor and was involved with discussions about the documentary with PBS officials earlier this year. Latinos are going to continue to be a blind spot in this country's history."

I believe that assessment is a bit harsh as well as the backlash Burns received.  I don't believe Burns was aiming to reduce Mexican contributions; and I can't speak toward the omission of obvious contributions from Mexicans and other ethnicity's that were part of the efforts of World War II.  Many ethnicity's received far harsher treatment including 110,000 Japanese that were deported to "war camps" after the bombing at Pearl Harbor.

I am big fan of Ruben Navarette having read his book "A Darker Shade of Crimson" the "Odyssey of A Harvard Chicano" three times.  Navarette writes about the plight of Mexicans including political, immigration, residency, and other issues.  He frequently defends latinos in a manner that appears to me unnecessary.  Here's what I said to the San Ramon Valley Times on October 8, 2007

The San Ramon Valley Times "Navarette" October 8, 2007 by Rick Rodriguez

"Ruben Navarette's commentary in the Times seems always bent toward Latino sympathy, and this seems odd to me, especially from a syndicated columnist, author, and Harvard graduate.

Ruben Navarette is a successful American who happens to be from Mexican descent.  He is not Mexican unless identified by his ethnicity.  His accolades are comparable to any American having achieved same.  So, as I see it, it's laborious reading article after article about the indecencies attributed to Mexicans (Ken Burns Sept. 27), or their plight.

There are plenty of Mexican success stories, and American/Mexican descent success stories; Navarette is one of them.  Reading Navarette's recent commentaries to the Times, readers might believe there are few of these stories, or worse, that Navarette propounds a Latino sympathy complex."

The success stories I refer to are everywhere!  However, some may need to be uncovered and admittedly many are overlooked.  I recommend reading Navarette's book I mention above and also "Hunger of Memory...The Education of Richard Rodriguez" to get a better understanding of the Latino Experience.  The Classic "History of the Conquest of Mexico by William H. Prescott gives the reader a dynamic foundation of Mexican experience prior to Cortes and should instill a bountiful and abundant pride in any person of this ethnicity!

Of these works, the latter is a supreme challenge at nearly 1000 pages but is well worth the effort.  I refer to it occasionally not only to capture the brilliance of the Aztec (majority) civilization and their contributions to man-kind but also the other accurately described adjoining peoples visited by Cortes in the Spanish's initial examination of the New World.  It is without doubt that I discover a new detail to ponder each time I part the pages of this massive work!  It should be a mandatory quest for any person interested in North American history especially those  Americans of Mexican descent to read, absorb and appreciate this classic work!