Reel Cowboys and the code of the west

During the last century Hollywood created gallant Six-Gun heroes that lived in a mythical West.  They were the white-hatted 'good guys' that rode a fictional Western frontier, and helped maintain law and order.

Some of those reel cowboy heroes… like Hopalong Cassidy (William Boyd), Gene Autry, Roy Rogers and the Lone Ranger -- defender of truth, justice and the American way! -- (Clayton Moore) gave us a cowboy code to live by…

Hopalong Cassidy's "Creed for American Boys and Girls"

1.The highest badge of honor a person can wear is honesty. Be mindful 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 or 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.Our 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

Gene Autry's "Ten Commandments of the Cowboy"

1. A cowboy never takes unfair advantage. 

2. A cowboy never betrays a trust.

3. A cowboy always tells the truth.

4. A cowboy is kind to small children, to old folks, and to animals.

5. A cowboy is free from racial and religious prejudice.

6. A cowboy is helpful and when anyone's in trouble he lends a hand.

7. A cowboy is a good worker.

8. A cowboy is clean about his person and in thought, word, and deed.

9. A cowboy respects womanhood, his parents, and the laws of his country.

10. A cowboy is a patriot.

Roy Roger's "Rider's 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 our country.

The Lone Ranger's 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.

Afterword

I always figured my heroes helped point my moral compass it the right direction.  It's a shame youngsters today have Hip Hop and not Hopalong Cassidy.

I guess he code of the West died with our Silver Screen Heroes.