All the Pages Are My Days - the first 12 years
the (archived) online world of Mike Rodriquez 2002-2012
Do the following words ring true. On this 300th anniversary of the birth of one of our nation’s founding fathers, Ben Franklin, these words have more relevance to the future of our nation than perhaps at any other time since originally published. They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little safety deserve … Read more
The President is merely the most important among a large number of public servants. He should be supported or opposed exactly to the degree which is warranted by his good conduct or bad conduct, his efficiency or inefficiency in rendering loyal, able, and disinterested service to the Nation as a whole. Therefore it is absolutely … Read more
Our country, right or wrong. When right, to be kept right, when wrong to be put right. Carl Schurz Remarks in the Senate, February 29, 1872. More information/context about Schurz’s quote is available. This little blog hasn’t had much luck in putting things right again, but we only fail when we stop trying.
It is said an Eastern monarch once charged his wise men to invent him a sentence to be ever in view, and which should be true and appropriate in all times and situations. They presented him the words, “And this, too, shall pass away.” How much it expresses! How chastening in the hour of pride! … Read more
This quote seems appropriate after our year of traveling and moving, and is also fitting for the dawn of a new year. We shall not cease from exploration And the end of all our exploring Will be to arrive where we started And know the place for the first time. TS Elliot The Gilding
Random thoughts … Once selected; once elected. It’s not like ’64 or ’72 or even ’84, where the winner arguably had a clear mandate from the people. No one can blame Kerry for the continually worsening situation in Iraq, the upcoming draft, nor any of the other consequences of this year’s election. And let us … Read more
At times like this, the sacrifices made by soldiers in service to our country is certainly felt more deeply than during times of peace. Protecting our freedom and civil liberties is (supposed to be) one of the key reasons our nation puts its soldiers at risk. Well, as this photo demonstrates, freedom of expression is … Read more
I saw a great quote over on /. and went to confirm it’s veracity before sharing. Not only did I confirm it as being authentic, I found that it was part of a whole essay on the topic. Herewith, from noted scifi author Jerry Pournelle, come these thoughts on preserving freedom. Our answer to al … Read more
My life, from age 5 through 15: “The training, transportation and logistical support we are providing in Vietnam has succeeded in turning the tide against the Vietcong.” –General Barksdale Hamlett (US. Army Vice Chief of Staff), October 10, 1962 “The spearhead of aggression has been blunted in Vietnam.” –John F. Kennedy, January 14, 1963 “Victory … Read more
Powerful, inspirational lyrics from Bruce Cockburn’s song Waiting for a Miracle: You stand up proud You pretend you’re strong In the hope that you can be (I first came to know this song by hearing it performed live by the JGB. It’s a very nice, gospel-tinged song, and a fine performance is available on their … Read more