Took this from the monthly newsletter from the Oregon State shooting Association…. I enjoyed the read… mark mekenas mark@cannonbeachguns.com www.cannonbeachguns.com 503-436-0345
The Cowboy Code Comes To Life AGAIN By Pete Pedone COSSA Member, Bend
“How many of you have heard of the Cowboy Code or the Cowboy Way,” asks a New York High School Teacher? After a noticeable pause, a young woman raises her hand and says, “I’ve read recently that a Cowboy or a Cowgirl always tells the truth, and when pos- sible they help people who need help. ” “Exactly” responds the teacher. “That’s two of the major principles of the Cowboy Way. Es- sentially the Cowboys and Cowgirls out west believe if you always tell the truth, then you don’t have to re- member anything, because you al- ways tell the truth, and helping peo- ple who need help is something we should all do when we can. Can anyone think of anything else in the Cowboy Code?” “Yes Sir,” yells a young man from the back of the room, “a Cowboy is a true patriot. A Cowboy is a real American!”
And so it goes. Conversations of this nature are not only spoken in New York nowadays they are being said in every state of the union. Gene Autry’s Cowboy Code has been adopted as a standard of con- duct and behavior in school districts through out America.
The need for a Code of Ethics has been recognized. Our nation’s edu- cational system has come to real- ize it’s time to take a hard look at our values and morals, especially on the heels of the recent corruption on Wall Street, and the dishonesty associated with the causes behind the current recession. Whatever the rea- son, America is taking a hard and appreciative look at the legacy our Western Heroes have provided for us.
“Our legendary Cow- boy and Cowgirl are embraced and re- spected by people the world over as a symbol of rugged individu- alism. Each represents a commit- ment to explore, work hard and seek adventure while demonstrating the personal determination to survive. He/she is loyal to an HONORABLE CODE of ethics as well as persistent and tenacious in the face of any chal- lenge,” said Congresswoman Gabri- elle Giffords recently at a Western Celebration in Tucson, Arizona. Like Congresswoman Giffords, Cowboy Action Shooters in and out of the State of Oregon also have their opinions on the Code, or the Cow- boy Way. When asked about a defi- nition, retired Army Lieutenant Colonel Jack Trippon responded: “To me it’s a compilation of all of the ideals espoused by our childhood heroes, including those on the Silver Screen. Our Military Personnel both past and present, political leaders such as Theodore Roosevelt, and just plain honest, hard-working, every- day folks. In short, the concept of The Cowboy Way represents the person who we all hoped to become – someday – when we grew up. It is the standard to which, if we try hard enough and manage to live long enough, we just might be able to meet. Yes indeed, I like that defini- tion better–a lot better.”
In its organiza- tional preamble and website, the Sin- gle Action Shooting Society has long ago indorsed the Cowboy Way…“We at SASS promise to do everything in our power to uphold the respect and traditions of our his- toric American Old West through the true and honest pursuit of Cowboy Action Shooting. We will maintain a fair and equal playing field so all can play and participate. All we ask is you play and have fun with a zest for The Spirit of the Game.”
It’s easier to patch a broken mirror than a reputation. LTC (Ret.) Jack Trippon “In short, the concept of The Cowboy Way represents the person who we all hoped to become, someday, when we grew up.” Another member of SASS, whose Handle is Shenandoah, puts it an- other way: “Their moral code (of the Cowboy) was very black and white as seen in Owen Wistler’s The Vir- ginian and in many circumstances in McMurtry’s Lonesome Dove. Sim- ple was the key as there was rarely time for philosophical discussion.
Above all they viewed themselves as honest, independent and enterpris- ing. They were specialists and jour- neymen at their trade and NOT la- borers. They were ‘Knights of the Range,’ and that anything that really needed to be done could be done from the quarterdeck of a horse.
Lesser tasks were left to the Wad- dies or the apprentice Cowboys. Chivalry and honor were guiding principles whether or not they would have used those words. Generosity and courtesy was given and expected and failure could result in ‘fightin’ words.”
“Finally,” Shenandoah said with a big smile, “my last thoughts on the Cowboy Way are if it’s not yours, don’t take it. If it’s not true, don’t say it, and if it’s not right, don’t do it. These very same moral codes ap- ply to us as CAS Shooters and often are integrally knit into what we call Spirit of the Game.” A recent Shoot- ing Newsletter, added some addi- tional Cowboy Wisdom as follows.
Cowboys will help a fella who is down on his luck but they got no patience with free- loaders.
The best sermons are lived, not preached. You can’t unsay a cruel thing. It’s easier to patch a broken mirror than a reputation. Gene Autry’s (the original) Cowboy Code:
?? The Cowboy must never shoot first, hit a smaller man, or take unfair advantage. He must never go back on his word, or a trust confided in him.
?? He must always tell the truth. He must be gentle with children, the elderly, and animals.
?? He must not advocate or possess racially or religiously intolerant ideas.
?? He must help people in distress. He must be a good worker. He must keep himself clean in thought, speech, action, and per- sonal habits. Jake Myrick, his Cowboy handle is Shenandoah “If it’s not yours, don’t take it. If it’s not true, don’t say it, and if it’s not right, don’t do it. These very same moral codes apply to us as Cow- boy Shooters. It’s what we call the Spirit of the Game.”
?? He must respect women, parents, and his nation’s laws.
?? The Cowboy is a Patriot.
And now, even the media is on board. Political Commentator Pat- rick Dorinson says, “Unlike politi- cians and our current crop of busi- ness “leaders”, a cowboy still makes a deal with a handshake and his word is his bond. A cowboy does not make rash decisions because the wrong decision can be the difference between life and death for him, his horse and those he works with.
And a cowboy lives by a code-a set of un- written principles that no one has to teach him because it is instilled in him at birth. Cowboys don’t whine and stomp their feet like spoiled children as some people seem to do when the going gets tough.”
Thanks to the shooting sources men- tioned above, and to all of you for remembering and resurrecting the Cowboy Way…And don’t forget…If it’s not right, don’t do it.
You’re a Daisy if ya do.