When I was in Colorado, last spring, I came across a great magazine called COWBOYS & INDIANS.  I"ve bought a few issues since then, and my girlfriend got me a 2 years subscription to the mag for Christmas.  It's a deliteful magazine with lots of southwestern style art and fashion, news about upcoming rodeos, and cowboy gear.  It's got great cowboy poems and ballads and really spicy receips. It also has some great articles about the Old West and The Silver Screen Cowboys.

I stumbled across one article that just tickled me pink.  I've read it about 100 times, and I've read it to the Veterans at the Vets Home, where I am employed in the activities dept.  It was an article on Respect and the 10 Commandments all bundled up into our favorite hereos code on ethics and conduct.  I can remember, when I used to run around with a cape and mask thinking I was Zorro, and when I couldn't find the cape, I was The Lone Ranger, and when I couldn't find the mask I was Superman.  But my boyhood heroes had codes that I can remember slightly.  For instance, I recall Eat All of your Dinner and Wash Up and Make Your Bed.  Also, I remember, A Cowboy Loves Young People and the Old too. And there was 'play with puppies, and hug babies, and treat the women like ladies, but it was only our horses we kissed'.

Do you remember any of the codes? Oh, you're gonna love these cowboys and what they had to say.  Wait till you read some of these I have listed below.  WHY CAN'T WE PREACH THESE TO THE YOUNGINS NOWADAYS?

The Cowboy Code(My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys)

Gene Autry's Code of Honor A cowboy never takes unfair advantage - even of an enemy. A cowboy never betrays a trust. He never goes back on his word. A cowboy always tells the truth. A cowboy is kind and gentle to small children, old folks, and animals. A cowboy is free from racial and religious intolerances. A cowboy is always helpful when someone is in trouble. A cowboy is always a good worker. A cowboy respects womanhood, his parents and his nation's laws. A cowboy is clean about his person in thought, word, and deed. A cowboy is a Patriot.

Hopalong Cassidy's Creed for American Boys and Girls The highest badge of honor a person can wear is honesty. Be truthful at all times. Your parents are the best friends you have. Listen to them and obey their instructions. If you want to be respected, you must respect others. Show good manners in every way. Only through hard work and study can you succeed. Don't be lazy. Your good deeds always come to light. So don't boast or be a show-off. If you waste time or money today, you will regret it tomorrow. Practice thrift in all ways. Many animals are good and loyal companions. Be friendly and kind to them. A strong, healthy body is a precious gift. Be neat and clean. Our country's laws are made for your protection. Observe them carefully. Children in many foreign lands are less fortunate than you. Be glad and proud you are an American.

Wild Bill Hickock Deputy Marshal's Code of Conduct I will be brave, but never careless. I will obey my parents. They DO know best. I will be neat and clean at all times. I will be polite and courteous. I will protect the weak and help them. I will study hard. I will be kind to animals and care for them. I will respect my flag and my country. I will attend my place of worship regularly.

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 the truth, and the truth alone lives on forever. I believe in my Creator, my country, my fellow man.

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 care for them. Eat all your food and never waste any. Love God and go to Sunday School regularly. Always respect our flag and our country.

Roy Rogers Prayer Lord, I reckon I'm not much just by myself, I fail to do a lot of things I ought to do. But Lord, when trails are steep and passes high, Help me ride it straight the whole way through. And when in the falling dusk I get that final call, I do not care how many flowers they send, Above all else, the happiest trail would be For YOU to say to me, "Let's ride, My Friend" AMEN

Texas Rangers "Deputy Ranger" Oath Be Alert. Be Obedient. Defend the Weak. Never Desert a Friend. Never Take Unfair Advantage. Be Neat. Be Truthful. Uphold Justice. Live Cleanly. Have Faith in God.

Code of the West(from "Cowboy Ethics: What Wall Street Can Learn from the Code of the West" by James P. Owen) Live each day with courage. Take pride in your work. Always finish what you start. Do what has to be done. Be tough, but fair. When you make a promise, keep it. Ride for the brand. Talk less and say more. Remember that some things aren't for sale. Know where to draw the line.

The schools need these rules so very much in today's society.  Where and when did we lose it? 2 things I really miss on TV are Saturday Morning cartoons and the old westerns 1/2 programs like The Gene Autry Show.  Yes, I saw them all as reruns when I was a lad, and got digital on my cable so I could get the Westerns Station.  Now, TCM and AMC plays westerns on Saturdays, and I love 'em, but they are the full length motion pictures. 

Out of the above laws and codes, write a comment and tell me WHICH ONE IS YOUR FAVORITE CODE?  DO YOU HAVE A PRIMARY AND A SECONDARY CHOICE?  Personally, I think Roy Rogers' prayer before bedtime is remarkable.  As a matter of fact, I am going to start saying it each night. Yeehaw!