As you know from my profile, I was born in the late '50's and grew up in the sixties! I watched TV and movie cowboy heroes and shows like "Bonanza", "The Big Valley", have Gun Will Travel", and "Lassie." These shows were often based in morality, and often times there was a back-drop element of good versus evil, and if someone did something wrong, there were consequences. Parents, or anyone else, weren't blamed. It was the choice made by the individual and there was often punishment for those actions. Back then we were taught to respect our elders, to obey our parents, to help those in need, and many other good traits. Compare that to the shows that kids are exposed to today. The use of profanity, rudeness, disrespect for parents/siblings, and disrespecting authority is the norm. I prefer the lessons we learned relative to morals and principles during the 50's and 60's.
During a presidential campaign a few years ago a candidate's opponent remarked "He's just a cowboy." Now really, is being a cowboy supposed to be a bad thing? A central Florida veterinarian and author, R. W. Stone, did some research and found some information about the "cowboys" that some of us grew up with - Gene Autry, Wild Bill Hickock, The Lone Ranger, John Wayne, Hopalong Cassidy, Roy Rogers and the Texas Rangers. Doctor Stone has assembled this information into a handout for the customers at his veterinary clinic. An acquaintance of mine was fortunate enough recently to meet Doctor Stone and receive one of his handouts. Here it is. I particularly like the Lone Ranger's Creed.
CODE OF THE WEST
Gene Autry's Cowboy Code of Honor
1. A cowboy never takes unfair advantage - even of an enemy.
2. A cowboy never betrays a trust. He never goes back on his word.
3. A cowboy always tells the truth.
4. A cowboy is kind and gentle to small children, old folks, and animals.
5. A cowboy is free from racial and religious intolerances.
6. A cowboy is always helpful when someone is in trouble.
7. A cowboy is always a good worker.
8. A cowboy respects womanhood, his parents, and his nation's laws.
9. A cowboy is clean about his person in thought, word, and deed.
10. A cowboy is a patriot.
Wild Bill Hickock Deputy Marshal's Code of Conduct
1. I will be brave, but never careless.
2. I will obey my parents. They DO know best.
3. I will be neat and clean at all times.
4. I will be polite and courteous.
5. I will protect the weak and help them.
6. I will study hard.
7. I will be kind to animals and care for them.
8. I will respect my flag and my country.
9. I will attend my place of worship regularly.
The Lone Ranger Creed
1. I believe that to have a friend, a man must be one.
2. That all men are created equal and that everyone has within himself the power to make this a better world.
3. That God put the firewood there, but that every man must gather and light it himself.
4. In being prepared physically, mentally, and morally to fight when necessary for that which is right.
5. That a man should make the most of what equipment he has.
6. That "this government, of the people, by the people, and for the people," shall live always.
7. That men should live by the rule of what is best for the greatest number.
8. That sooner or later...somewhere...somehow...we (each of us) must settle with the world and make payment for what we have taken.
9. That all things change, but truth, and the truth alone, lives on forever.
10. I believe in my Creator, my country, may fellow man.
John Wayne The Shootist
1. I won't be wronged.
2. I won't be insulted.
3. I won't be laid a hand on.
4. I don't do these things to other people.
5. I require the same from them.
Hopalong Cassidy's Creed for American Boys and Girls
1. The highest badge of honor a person can wear is honesty. Be truthful at all times.
2. Your parents are the best friends you have. Listen to them and obey their instructions.
3. If you want to be respected, you must respect others. Show good manners in every way.
4. Only through hard work and study can you succeed. Don't be lazy.
5. Your good deeds always come to light. So don't boast or be a show-off.
6. If you waste time and money today, you will regret it tomorrow. Practice thrift in all ways.
7. Many animals are good and loyal companions. Be friendly and kind to them.
8. A strong, healthy body is a precious gift. Be neat and clean.
9. Out country's laws are made for your protection. Observe them carefully.
10. Children in many foreign lands are less fortunate than you. Be glad and proud you are an American
Roy Roger's Riders Club Rules
1. Be neat and clean.
2. Be courteous and polite.
3. Always obey your parents.
4. Protect the weak and help them.
5. Be brave, but never take chances.
6. Study hard, and learn all you can.
7. Be kind to animals and care for them.
8. Eat all your food and never waste any.
9. Love God and go to Sunday School regularly.
10. Always respect our flag and country.
Texas Rangers "Deputy Ranger" Oath
1. Be alert.
2. Be obedient.
3. Defend the weak.
4. Never Desert a friend.
5. Never take unfair advantage.
6. Be neat.
7. Be truthful.
8. Uphold justice.
9. Live cleanly.
10. Have faith in God.
Stand With God, Stand For Liberty!
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