About Rod D. Martin
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by Rod D. Martin
April 13, 2013
Obviously, most people will feel obligated to at least say they’re going to see 42, the Jackie Robinson movie.
But you really should go see it. Twice or more. With as many friends as you can take with you.
42 shows much more than the integration of baseball, or the struggles and successes of the still-amazingly talented Jackie Robinson. Those things are there, and unendingly worthwhile.
But 42 also shows the forces behind integration, in this case, the unshakeable Christian faith of Dodgers part-owner, President and General Manager Branch Rickey (played brilliantly by Harrison Ford), and matched by that of Robinson himself (meticulously brought to life by Chadwick Boseman). It is Rickey’s Christianity which leads him to integrate the team, and Robinson’s which enables him to overcome the deluge of hate poured out upon him. Together, their story is likely to prove the most inspiring of the year.
Director Brian Helgeland doesn’t stop at that. He also shows how market forces encouraged the decision: Jim Crow was not simply evil, it was very bad business. Black ball players meant black fans in the stands, Rickey’s stated motive for those unable or unready to hear his deeper views.
The net effect is extraordinary: a highly entertaining, extremely well-executed sports film showing the power of markets and of faith to conquer bigotry, hate, and deep-seated but wicked cultural norms. A strong performance by the beautiful Nicole Beharie as Robinson’s morally upright, thoroughly supportive girlfriend-then-wife only adds to the message sent and delivered: that light faithfully followed drives out even the most entrenched darkness, even between white and black.
A last point: Robinson could not have achieved reconciliation between races had he not first been excellent at his craft. Far too many in today’s churches practice a sort of “mediocrity for Jesus”: Jackie Robinson was excellent in every single respect. In this way he was able to earn his position, and then use it to triumph in a vastly more important game. Had he just been one more nice guy “just getting by”, he never would have gotten to the plate.
This is a must-see. Take everyone you can. It’s powerful, it’s moving, and it deserves support.
Rod is one of our nation’s leading minds. He’s smart, original, and very committed—a combination that one rarely finds.
Rod Martin and [former Howard Dean campaign manager] Joe Trippi are America’s two foremost experts on online politics.
Rod Martin is a Reaganite-Thatcherite conservative…[and] a man who has spent much of his life ministering to and working for the benefit of others. I know Rod as an advocate for freedom, a leader who understands the real changes we need in Washington, and who has the drive and ability to make those changes happen.
Rod Martin is the kind of dynamic leader who has the knowledge, ability and experience to lead us successfully into the 21st Century. His vision for America is compelling.
Rod Martin literally wrote the book on excellence. Humble yet brilliant, a man of love and compassion, with penetrating clarity he illuminates the world around us, and we are both stirred and enlightened.
Rod Martin is a born leader and an outstanding political mind. Anyone who takes him on is going to have a serious fight on their hands.
Rod Martin is a man of uncommon vision and character. Ever since I first worked alongside Rod in the early days of PayPal, I’ve been struck by his powerful vision for the future. Rod understands the intersection of technology, politics and culture in a way that few others do.
Rod Martin wears with uncommon grace an uncanny ability to link his vigorous faith to the practical challenges of both the business world and the political arena. Yet the respect he shows for others carries a warmth and modesty that are both too rare among those who are strong advocates of feisty positions.
America badly needs more leaders who really get the future. We need more Rod Martins.
Rod Martin is a modern day philosopher-statesman. He is a capitalist intellectual, a conservative iconoclast, a gentle adversary and a kind prophet. He inspires us towards a fresh national vision built upon the original founding principles.
Rod Martin is not only effective and efficient, but he is also perceptive, wise and gracious. He gets things done. He is a great friend and a great ally.
Rod is one of the sharpest, most gracious men I know, and one of the most gifted political thinkers today. His ability to analyze issues and communicate thoughtful insights on them have earned him the respect of people across the political spectrum.
I am proud to have been Rod Martin’s friend for a quarter century, and I can tell you that he is one of the finest men and most outstanding leaders in our church and in our country today. He has a knack for turning everything he touches to success.
Rod Martin is a cornucopian entrepreneur and eutropic thinker whose influence radiates through an array of companies, institutions, movements and churches. A renaissance American, he is also a prolific friend of freedom and faith around the globe.
If Rod Martin represents the next generation of leaders, America has nothing to worry about.
A leader and a servant, in public life and in private, Rod Martin strides at the top of his profession, and has nowhere to go but up. He is in the truest sense of the word ‘outstanding’.
Rod Martin is undoubtedly one of the most accomplished thought leaders today. He is a wonderful mentor, a humble role model, and a deep inspiration for the next generation of scientific innovators and entrepreneurs.
Rod’s achievements pale beside his character and his brilliance. He sees what others can’t. He leads when others won’t.
Rod Martin is one of America’s finest young minds.
