The Cowboy stood for morals and still does today.
Lets look at what the older Cowboys thought of / stood for:
The Lone Ranger Creed:
"I believe that to have a friend, a man must be one.
That all men are created equal and that everyone has within himself the power to make this a better world.
That God put the firewood there but that every man must gather and light it himself.
In being prepared physically, mentally, and morally to fight when necessary for that which is right.
That a man should make the most of what equipment he has.
That 'This government, of the people, by the people and for the people' shall live always.
That men should live by the rule of what is best for the greatest number.
That sooner or later... somewhere...somehow... we must settle with the world and make payment for what we have taken.
That all things change but truth, and that truth alone, lives on forever.
In my Creator, my country, my fellow man." --The Lone Ranger-
Roy Rogers Riders Club Rules:
Be neat and clean.
Be courteous and polite.
Always obey your parents.
Protect the weak and help them.
Be brave but never take chances.
Study hard and learn all you can.
Be kind to animals and take care of them.
Eat all your food and never waste any.
Love God and go to Sunday school regularly.
Always respect our flag and our country.
The Code of the Old West
- Respect yourself & others
- Accept responsibility for you life
- Be positive & cheerful
- Be a person of your word
- Go the distance
- Be fair in all your dealing
- Be a good friend & neighbor
"Ten Commandments of a Cowboy"
A Cowboy never takes unfair advantage.
A Cowboy never betrays a trust.
A Cowboy always tells the truth.
A Cowboy is kind to small children, to old folks, and to animals.
A Cowboy is free from racial and religious prejudice.
A Cowboy is helpful, and when anyone's in trouble he lends a hand.
A Cowboy is a good worker.
A Cowboy is clean about his person and in thought, word, and deed.
A Cowboy respects womanhood, his parents, and the laws of his country.
A Cowboy is a patriot.-- Gene Autry-
A Cowboy point of view:
· You knew who the bad guy was and never let him win.
· You fought tough if you had to, but learned to be civil and courteous.
· You enjoyed facing a challenge like learning to rope or quick draw.
· You took care of animals and fed them before you ate a meal yourself.
· You played rough and tumble and learned how to handle a bloody nose or bruised knee without sniveling.
· You respected the outdoors as you were out in it most of the time.
· You learned cowards never stand up to a person of courage.
· You found out a good deed can be done anonymously.
· You valued straight-talk and simple wisdom.
· You stood tall in the saddle on issues of importance.
· You stood firm against oppression and evil.
· You gave of yourself to family, friends, and country.
American Way:
The American way is the Cowboy way. When the word 'Cowboy' is mentioned, many folks think of the days of yesteryear when names like Wyatt Earp and Wild Bill Hickock were household names. This may be true, but during that dawning age of America, most of the Cowboy values like respect, belief in God, and a certain purity that's not often seen nowadays were a prevalent part of everyday life. This is not to say that these things don't exist today, however, they're not always seen as so much of a priority today. So why Cowboy? The answer is simple; the Cowboy way is not just about horses and riding the range. It's morals, duty to God, country, family, and being true to ones self. The Cowboy is the patriot grounding threading and moral fabric that keeps our flag waving free. America has seen the Cowboy consistently take the hard right over the easy wrong in order to get the job done and bring everyone home. We've seen the Cowboy wounded, and courageous enough to stay in the fight to help a buddy so he can make it home as well. 'Greater love hath no man than this, that he lay his life down for a friend'. It's been one of my life's great privileges to see men ready to do this, and the Cowboy has always walked with heroes. This is engrained in them, and not something that can be easily taught, if at all. These values are alive and well in every day life today, both on ranches and ranges across the country, and abroad through our military forces.
So does America still need the Cowboy? I hope that everyone will yell in a loud voice Yes. We need him now more than ever.
Personal Note:
On a personal note, I am heading to Afghanistan in January and have all the faith in the
"Cowboy Crew", that I take with me. We may not all understand this war but we can understand that our children and grandchildren need us as much now as they ever have before to stand up and know the right from the wrong. After over 17 years in the Active Army I am sure that the
Desert Cowboys will ride in pride and have our victorious days against this enemy. So pray for all of us who are over seas and thank all of those who have already returned. Take a moment to pray especially for those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
Russell Anderson
Detroit Cowboy; Leader of "The Desert Cowboys" and the "Cowboy Crew"
The Thomas Ranch
God Bless the Cowboy! God Bless America! God Bless The Thomas Ranch!
