Inspiration

By: Colonel James Saenz
United States Army, Retired

In times of crisis, we often look to leaders, role models, and heroes for inspiration.  The continuing absence of appropriate Hispanic representation at senior levels within the U.S. military is indeed a crisis.  César Chávez is a leader, role model, and hero for the Mexican American community.  Concerning this crisis, I find inspiration, motivation, and direction from these César Chávez quotes:

“We cannot seek achievement for ourselves and forget about progress and prosperity for our community…Our ambitions must be broad enough to include the aspirations and needs of others, for their sakes and for our own.” – César Chávez

“Society is made up of groups, and as long as the smaller groups do not have the same rights and the same protection as others – I don’t care whether you call it capitalism or communism -it is not going to work. Somehow, the guys in power have to be reached by counterpower, or through a change in their hearts and minds, or change will not come.” – César Chávez

“Preservation of one’s own culture does not require contempt or disrespect for other cultures.” – César Chávez

César Chávez was an American labor leader, community organizer, businessman, and Latino American civil rights activist.