A word from "The Rocket" Rick Rodriguez

Birthdays...we get one a year!

By Rick Rodriguez

Every year most of us celebrate our birthday with a bang!  And, we usually celebrate the milestone birthdays even more extravagantly.  Now, looking back those birthdays stand out poignantly especially now that I am a Father!  I remember my 9th Birthday for the gift I received from my Father, an ABA Basketball; a basketball rim and net!  The net was fashioned in red, white, and blue to match evenly with the ball.  That birthday was special for me because in that moment, my life, became about basketball and that love has never left me! 

These days capturing these moments is simpler thanks to the tech world we live in.  As quick as a download, I've got my daughter's 9th birthday gifts online memorializing her gifts for posterity!  I wonder what she'll think about when she's 46 and looks back on her 9th birthday gifts.  Perhaps, she'll wonder how little she received; or how old the technology was back then (2009), or what compelled my Dad to write these silly words!  I wonder whether she'll feel like she received something as memorable as I did when I was 9? 

My hope is that when she looks back she remembers what she's given me in her short lifetime.  The love of a child: the greatest love of all!  I hope she knows that everyday of her 9 years has been a blessing to me!  I hope she knows the love she brings into the world; the smile that melts my heart, and the tears I've shed for her.  I hope she remembers the joy she has brought me on her 9th birthday.  The expressions that make her so adorable.  I hope she knows how much people admire her and are astonished by her friendliness and care for others!  Yes, my daughter, is my sweetheart, and I love her very much!  More than anything in the world (along with my boy--Justin)!  

I am not sure what compelled my Father to give me that ABA Basketball, and I bet he doesn't even know that I remember!  But, surely, somewhere hidden in that gift was the meaning that I've carried on to my kids.  Thanks Dad for the ball and teaching me about the greatest gift of all!  Happy 9th Birthday Amanda!  I love you!

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 Ramon Valley Times 4/15/2009 " Language Bill" By Rick Rodriguez

By Rick Rodriguez

I am for a national language.  I am for multilingual individuals right to express themselves in the language of their choice.  In the proposed Language Bill SB 242, the government, specifically Senator Yee, is introducing a bill that would make it against the law for an employer to require the use of a specific language unless required as a business necessity or for safety purposes.  The contention is prohibiting the use of a language other than English is discriminatory.  While I can see that any issue gets blurred when discrimination enters the fray; in this case, a deleterious inference shouldn't be used as the main premise of the argument.  The very nature of the contention of discrimination begs the question when will it all end; gender, race, sex, color, etc, and now language!  Are we really discriminating requiring a mainstream language (English) to serve as a unifying language of the Masses?  Is it not imperative for communication sakes, personal growth, competitive employment factors, and improving society as a whole?  Are these acts discriminatory? 

San Ramon Valley Times 4/15/2009 "Language Bill" by Rick Rodriguez

Letter to Editor:

"I disagree with your endorsement of SB 242 "Back Language Bill" Times editorial April 9, and I don't believe it will achieve the strong signal that you believe Californians will embrace; the state's diversity.  That will only be achieved when terms like "non-Hispanic Caucasians and single largest ethnic group" become relics of the past.  You claim that you are for diversity; yet, the terms you use to describe people are divisive.  These terms continue to propagate the notion of separateness, and as was the case with the LPGA players, introduce situations inferring ethnocentrism

Moreover, lost in this debate is the tremendous value multilingual individuals contribute to many facets of society.  Endorsing a language bill that allows individuals to continue to embrace native languages will undoubtedly lead them down the path of least resistance: not learning the English language!"

Again, my stated purpose is not that I am for any discriminatory contentions.  Frankly, I am for individual growth, and it is my belief that this bill will limit or permit individuals to take the easy way out rather than push them toward improving, refining, or being of greater service to society.  This can be accomplished by learning the mainstream language (English) while continuing to communicate in their preferred language! 

 

46

By Rick Rodriguez

It comes at a curious time.  Change!  Something that is always with us but seems to unnerve us at the most inopportune time, or just about anytime.  Yet, nearing the end of my 45Th year on this planet; this is where I find myself renegotiating with life about my future.  And, after an intense struggle I slowly recede to acceptance, and eagerly await what is around the corner in this adventure we all now enjoy.

So, what have I learned most?  Immediately coming to mind is the incredible resilience we all possess to overcome whatever obstacle befalls us; I know this from first-hand experience, and while others may question it--this miracle--is there waiting to be uncovered for you.  I also know that there are important things in life that we take for granted!  The ability to give and receive love is there for all of us; and it is our duty to demonstrate this to others.  I know that concepts like character and values (i.e. trust, integrity, honor) seem to waning into the past as traits of a bygone era, but I know those that possess these traits will carrying them forward to posterity.  I know that it's easy to talk a good story but better to prove it!  I know the value of being a great Father and role model to children.  I also know that my faith in a higher power has and will carry me forward for the rest of my life!

Looking back just a few posts ago.  My words were telling me something about my future.  And, now it is comforting to look back and know that I was laying the groundwork of my future.  Perhaps, my unconscious was telling me something about my future that it wanted me to know?  And, now I know it.  I am at the next step.

What I want you to know today is this:  If you've made me smile--you are my friend.  If you made me angry--I cared enough about you to show you my emotion.  If we've laughed together--I look forward to the next time we meet.  If we have shared food and drink--we have nourished ourselves together!  And, lastly if you came into my life in these 45 years and are still with me--know that I love and thank you for honoring me with your friendship!

San Ramon Valley Times 1/19/2009 "Henderson is real superstar of baseball" by Rick Rodriguez

By Rick Rodriguez

Reading something in print that incenses or strikes a passion in me usually leads me to write to the newspaper's editor.  Last week was such a time, and after coming up with a brief concise statement and submitting it; I received a call from the San Ramon Valley Times (SRV Times) requesting confirmation and permission to publish my story.  I was writing to contest a position propagated by SRV Times writer Carl Steward, a sports columnist, and a writer that I have come to enjoy over the years. 

I disagreed with a column written by Mr. Steward.  In that article, Mr. Steward contended that Baseball's Hall of Fame, and I'm paraphrasing, should make an exception for players of the steroid era, and other players of alleged indiscretions currently making them ineligible for induction to the Hall of Fame!  He mentioned the familiar stars of the nearest baseball era: Pete Rose; Roger Clemens; Mark McGwire; Barry Bonds, etc. And while all the allegations against these players have never been proven; evidence and player denials in some ways contradict the player's positions on the subject. 

Coinciding with the Carl Steward column about steroids was one written by Gary Peterson celebrating the induction of Rickey Henderson to the Hall of Fame.  Say what you will about Rickey Henderson, but accusations about steroids or other transgressions against the game of baseball have never been associated with Mr. Henderson.  As an Oakland A's fan, I watched the majority of Rickey's career in Oakland and throughout his two decades plus in the game.  Here's what I said in my SRV Times letter to the Editor:

San Ramon Valley Times "Henderson is real superstar of baseball" January 19, 2009

"Carl Steward's Jan. 12 column juxtaposed nicely with the article of Rickey Henderson.  It helped me realize what an actual superstar Rickey Henderson was on the playing field, and why other potential "Hall of Famers" are not.

Steward's suggestion that a special Hall of Fame class be anointed in the future for all alleged malcontents (e.g. steroid users, performance enhancers, gamblers, and cheaters) seems ridiculous, and further suggests that the standards of greatness ought to be lowered.

Says Steward, "I watched Mark McGwire for 11 years work out hard" yet while he mentions the players alleged culpability, no mention is made of the deleterious influences these "Hall of Famers" have had on the game of baseball and on their disciples--the fans!

Steward's claim that these players are part of history and should be appropriately recognized is undoubtedly correct, but I bet to a man none would want to be part of Steward's special class!"

My contention is and has always been that that these players of alleged wrong doing have damaged the game beyond repair!  As a consequence, the game has lost its luster as America's pastime.  Moreover, many youths have been negatively influenced as a result of mimicking the behavior of their hero's.  Some youths, in fact, have suffered serious injury as a result of use of steroids or performance enhancers.  Yet, my main beef is how society as a whole has come to accept cheating as the norm!  While not entirely culpable, the players have with their transgressions contributed to this fate of our society!

A message from a friend

By Rick Rodriguez

Here we are again...the end of another year of our lives.  We move enthusiastically into the new as the old fades away into history.  2008!  Oh, what a year it was; has there ever been another like 08'?  Most of us crimped and clawed our way toward the end of the year; if not financially--emotionally, battered by politics, war, and just plain old uncertainty.  We learned to appreciate things a bit more--I bet.  I found myself reevaluating what I value most: family, family, and family.  The little things: some free!  My daughter's laugh and my son's joy.  And, when they drove both Mom and me nuts.  Wow, what a blessing to be a Father, a Husband, and to be alive!  

2009 is promised change!  We've seen the past, and while our leaders portend an inkling of what lies ahead, I resolve to forge my own way and attempt to make a difference where I can.  I resolve to better health, experiences, and appreciations.  I resolve to improvement and inspiration!  Be it incremental, or not.  I resolve to appreciate every day as I get it!  I wish you nothing but the same.  Happy New Year--2009!!!

Baseball Cards

By Rick Rodriguez

Of the many constants of my life, few span my entire existence on planet Earth like my collection of Baseball cards--my lifetime hobby.  I started collecting Baseball cards in 1969!  And, I remember the experience of opening a pack of cards in front of my godparents home on Redding Avenue in Oakland, California.  I was with my older brother, Jaime, that day, and as kids we collected hundreds of cards.  In that pack of cards that day, I only remember one player from that pack, a Detroit Tiger, pitcher Daryl Patterson.  That's the card pictured here!  Of course, I don't know why as a 6 year old I could have such fine recollection of Mr. Patterson, but I do!  Perhaps, it was the distinct black and yellow colors of the card that caught my eye, or his position in a follow thru mode; or the hazy color of the grass. I don't know what it was but here we are both today sharing a paragraph together--nearly 40 years later!  Yikes--I've been collecting for 40 years!

In 1970, collecting cards was a banner year for us (my brother & me) as we bought loads and loads of baseball cards.  Back then, we collected bottles and turned them in for cash, and yep, bought baseball cards.  Our cause was also aided by our older cousins from San Francisco, Michael & Jesse Madrigal, that heaped dozens of cards at us when we visited their home on Paris Street.  We'd walk away with football cards from the mid 1960's; as well as, many late sixties Topps baseball cards. 

Right about that time (early seventies) , the A's, Raiders, and Warriors (yes, Golden State) were about to embark on a unique time in the Bay Area--winning championships!  The A's won three straight World Titles; the Raiders had many memorable playoff moments before winning the Super Bowl in 1976, and the Rick Barry led Golden State Warriors won the NBA Championship in the 1974-75 season!  It was a great run for the Bay Area.  Of course, those years further enhanced my collecting of cards of all three sports, and to this day memories of those years have remained a constant in my life.  I collected other things ,too. The infamous seat cushions (A's), wristbands (Warriors), bats, autographs, and pennants (A's).    Many of the items I collected stood the test of time and are still with me.  Others, befallen to  calamities such as mom's cleaning day, never made it.  While my cards have survived over the years stored in everything from cigar boxes to an army green metal toolbox; my other collectibles haven't been as fortunate.  In my many moves, I've lost track of many precious possessions, but alas, these items exist somewhere even if for now they remain out of my possession.

The explosion of free agency in the 1976 ended the reign of the Oakland A's.  I never got used to Catfish as a Yankee, or Reggie as an Oriole, or Captain Sal Bando as a Milwaukee Brewer thus toward the end of the 1970's my collecting came to an end.  The Warriors lost in the NBA Western conference finals in 1975-76 Season, and never regained the status that saw them sweep the Washington Bullets (4-0) in the finals.  The Raiders went on to two more Super Bowl wins in 1980 and 1983.  But, when the Raiders went south to Los Angeles, my heart stayed here with memories of my beloved Oakland Raiders of the 1970's.

Due mainly to the explosion of baseball cards as an investment, and the introduction of a plethora of new card companies (Donruss & Fleer); and the idea that players were no longer part of team for more than a few seasons--my interest waned!  It was a sad end to the boyhood I had as a kid growing up in the Bay Area, collecting wax packs of baseball cards for the pure joy of it, and actually caring about the players as if they were somehow part of the family.    

Today, I'm a proud owner of many baseball, football, and basketball cards.  I am still a fan of the A's, Warriors, and in a nostalgic sense of the Raiders.  My heart never went back to the Raiders once they left town!   And, while today's athletes have in many ways contributed to my enjoyment of the sports and teams; many have helped to further deteriorate my interest in the games.  I still collect cards, but only those of my boyhood days.  Over the years, I've added to my collection, and perhaps some day I'll get all the cards I'm missing or wanting.  I'm sure when that day comes, I'll sit back and recall that day back in 1969 when I first encountered Mr. Daryl Patterson...

Barack Obama President-Elect of the United States of America

By Rick Rodriguez

Finally!  It's over!  And, it couldn't come any sooner for our ailing nation looking for solid direction.  One thing is always sure--change is the only thing we can count on--and this election has certainly proved it.  So, congratulations has to go out to the Barack Obama campaign, and now we will see if the promises offered during the campaign will come to fruition.  It's pointless in debating whether those promises will surface, now that 52% of the voters have decided that change is what we need!  The changes will come now as the president and congress see fit.

I actually thought the president-elect had won by a wider margin, but after the votes were tabulated he barely outdistanced our reigning President G.W. Bush in margin of victory in the last presidential election.  So, it is with the slight blessing of half the American voters in his camp that we move on in the course of direction our new president will set. 

Many people weighed in on who was the best candidate for presidency including yours truly:  Here's what I said:

The San Ramon Valley Times October 29, 2008 "Curious Time" by Rick Rodriguez

 "The San Ramon Valley Times (SRV Times) endorsement of Barack Obama for president comes at a curious time.  Why the endorsement some three weeks prior to the election?  What agenda is the SRV Times attempting to influence by submitting a public endorsement so early with so much clearly at stake?

In my observations, Barack Obama has a questionable background and much has to with his association with interesting characters; however, I'm not so concerned with his past history.  I am more concerned with his experience as a leader.

The world-wide financial debacle has created a situation where a "rookie" (Obama) is clearly inexperienced.  Add to that, the possibility of a world war, especially with the tenuous economic situations around the world, and you've really got a whole lot for a young senator to handle.  His tax plan really doesn't make sense with the unprecedented financial situation.  So, essentially saying goodbye to all his social change programs seems realistic.

If his plan is to tax Americans and give breaks to the middle class; how is he going to accomplish this given the extraordinary outlay of government commitments in the preceding weeks?  So, what will the SRV Times endorsed "dynamic" leader do?

Contrast this with the SRV Times 'one heart beat away" theory for the John McCain camp; why is it that McCain is one heart beat away from dying?  We're all one heart beat away!  In the SRV Times endorsement for Obama, the implication is let's not vote for McCain; he may die and then we get Sarah Palin--and she's not experienced or dynamic?  So, who is running for president?  And, why is the SRV Times attempting to influence/promote Barack Obama with so much time left in the campaign?"

Looking back now, I wrote this Letter to the Editor for several reasons:  The first, was that I opposed the reasons the SRV Times seemed to offer as a defense for a Obama presidency, and one of the most profound statements made against McCain--he was simply too old!  Undoubtedly, the course the country has taken is not the direction either candidate is willing to continue.  How could either candidate succeed in the present course of events?  Secondly, this notion that somehow Obama was/is more experienced than McCain or Sarah Palin is hardly a clear cut argument.  Certainly, placing Sarah Palin as the candidate for presidency served its purpose in that it weakened McCain's campaign, and perhaps that's what many in the media (including SRV Times) used to persuade; and the notion that McCain is one heart beat away from dying. Lastly, I opposed the three week lead time the SRV Times used to endorse, promote, and influence with their early endorsement.  Most of the time, the SRV Times waits until just prior to elections, to voice its opinion.  In this case that didn't occur, and I opposed their influence on the populace with so much time left in the campaign.

  Barack Obama is unquestionably a dynamic and charismatic orator, and perhaps he will be a great leader( Bobby Kennedy comes to mind).  As he said in his speech, he is my president, too!  And, it is time that we all come together despite our differences and begin the healing process.  In this effort, I hope that the challenges I highlighted in my letter that President-elect Obama not only overcomes, but achieves the necessary success our ailing nation so desperately needs!  My hope is that he succeeds and leads us back to being the undisputed leader of the world where beliefs like hope and progress continue to exist!

Reassessing what we value

By Rick Rodriguez

As we all scramble to reassess the value of our net worth, perhaps, it's also time to reassess what we value most?  Much of what I read and hear in the news is focused (rightly so) on making, saving, or accumulating money.  And yes, after all, we have to make a living to support our families, businesses, and essentially keep our economy going.

In volatile times like these, take a look around an re-evaluate what you value most.  Perhaps, it's spending time with family, or reconnecting with nature, or improving your physical conditioning.  What ever it is that you value most; stop and reestablish your relationship with it. 

I have found that being to focused on my net worth, especially now, disconnects me from things I should recognize daily!  While extremely challenging, I've learned to appreciate with more attention the moments that make up my day, and the things I value most!

Understanding the unpredictability of our net worth, we can only look toward what we really value; and  often, we discover, that what we value most has little to do with our net worth.

 

 

San Ramon Valley Times September 19, 2008 "Defensible" by Rick Rodriguez

By Rick Rodriguez

I never realized what an asset it would be to learn the mainstream language of this country, nor how controversial it would become.  Growing up in the 1970's, and learning the spoken language in my home (Spanish) first was normal, for me.  Speaking English certainly was never considered an attribute or something special in those days.  Today, however, it's a controversial subject, and while many are outspoken about the unneccesity to capture the mainstream language; I remain a proponent of learning  English--the mainstream language of United States. 

There are several reasons for learning and benefiting from English.  Some are: employment factors, social integration, and understanding and functioning in today's society.  Sure, anyone can get by in this Country with a limited understanding of the language; however, how well?  I contend that to achieve and sustain the skills necessary to continue to function effectively/productively in this society learning English is imperative.

Recently, I commented on an article written by Ruben Navarette, a Harvard graduate and syndicated writer for the San Diego Union. Mr. Navarette is also the Author of A Darker Shade of Crimson, a book I've read on three occasions.  I'm a great admirer of Ruben Navarette.  I believe he has achieved astronomical success.  He writes extensively about issues related to race, and often his work appears to offer a defense for minorities.  Often, he singles out individuals that have offended, either through subterfuge or openly, minorities.  In one of his recent commentaries, Mr. Navarette came to the rescue of Asians(?), over a controversial proposal by the Ladies Professional Golfer's Association (LPGA) to suspend or fine its members for their failure to learn English.  I wrote to the San Ramon Valley Times to voice my opinion.

San Ramon Valley Times September 19, 2008 "Defensible" by Rick Rodriguez

"While the LPGA's proposed "English-only" policy to fine/suspend its members was publicly derided, the end result is defensible. LPGA players, and other participants in the American economy, would greatly benefit from learning the mainstream language of this country--English.

In his commentary (LPGA Sept. 11), Ruben Navarette once again comes to the defense of the minority, this time "Asians," and while some of his rhetoric makes perfect sense; most of his argument is antiquated regurgitated gibberish.

More obvious, however, is the adroit delivery of his argument.  Navarette is the benefactor of a Harvard education, and now owns a position as a nationally syndicated writer achieved mainly as an "English-only" writer.

Navarette, more than others, should know the benefit and sacrifice necessary to learn and deliver exemplary communications.  Perhaps, more than anything, the LPGA was attempting to address the lack of a valuable skill of its members, and the necessity of it for their continued sustenance."

Of course, my interest in this issue is chiefly related to the importance of learning English.  And, while I clearly acknowledge the difficulty of it, the benefits dramatically outweigh the sacrifices!  On a grander issue, I believe the issues of defending minorities weakens rather than empowers individuals.  While this issue seems never to go away, I believe it's time we begin to move forward from the trappings of the past, and put this antiquated regurgitated gibberish behind us.