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.

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.

The Lone Ranger Creed

I believe in my Creator, my country, my fellow man.

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.

Gene Autry’s Code of Honor

• A cowboy is a Patriot.
• 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.

An Old Cowboy’s Advice

• Live simply.  Love generously.  Care deeply.  Speak kindly.
• Keep your fences horse-high, pig-tight & bull-strong.
• Keep skunks & bankers & lawyers at a distance.
• Life is simpler when you plow around the stump.
• A bumble bee is considerably faster than a John Deere tractor.
• Words that soak into your ears are whispered…not yelled.
• Meanness don’t jes’ happen overnight.
• Forgive your enemies.  It messes up their heads.
• Don’t corner something that would normally run from you.
• It doesn’t take a very big person to carry a grudge.
• You cannot unsay a cruel word.
• Every path has a few puddles.
• When you wallow with pigs, expect to get dirty.
• The best sermons are lived, not preached.
• Most of the stuff people worry about is never gonna happen anyway.
• Don’t judge folks by their relatives.
• Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.
• Don’t interfere with somethin’ that ain’t botherin’ you none.
• Timing has a lot to do with the outcome of a rain dance.
• Sometimes you get, & sometimes you get got.
• Don’t fix it if it ain’t broke.
• Always drink upstream from the herd.
• Good judgment comes from experience, & a lot of that comes from bad judgment.
• If you get to thinkin’ you’re a person of some influence, try orderin’ somebody else’s dog around.

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.

CODE OF THE WEST
by J. Verl Silvester

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. A MAN’S WORD IS HIS BOND
When a man gives his word, it should be taken as fact. Lying for the purpose of cheating an individual is not tolerated. No victory is worth being labeled a liar or a cheat.

2. A MAN RIDES FOR THE BRAND
When a man accepts employment he is expected to remain loyal to the outfit. As long as he receives his pay, he is obliged to do the job as best he can. Any less is bordering on theft.

3. A MAN IS A STRAIGHT SHOOTER
A man is fair and honest, and he expects others to be the same. He takes a very dim view of backshooters, horse thieves, cattle rustlers, robbers, bullies, vandals, sneak thieves, and yellow bellied polecats.

4. A MAN IS NEIGHBORLY
A neighbor is ready with a helping hand to those in need. If a stranger “hellos” his camp and behaves in a proper manner, it is customary to offer the security of his camp. However there are usually reasonable limits.

5. A MAN TAKES CARE OF HIS OWN
A man strives to be as self-relient as possible. It is his responsibility to provide protection, sustenance, and good moral values for himself, his family, his friends and his community.

6. A MAN KEEPS HIS EYES PEELED
Every man must help keep the peace within his community. Any man who sees criminal activity has an obligation to see those transgressions properly rectified.

7. A MAN USES HIS HEAD
A man decides what he accepts as being proper for him, but the rights of others must be honored.

RIGHTS

1. A MAN’S RIGHT TO SPIN A YARN
As long as nobody is unfairly injured by somebody’s good natured “windy”, the truth need not stand in the way of a good story. “Joshing a dude” is an old western tradition.

2. A MAN’S RIGHT TO A BREATHER
A man’s recreation may be church, hunting, billiards, cards, dance halls, saloons, sowing one’s oats, horsing around, blowing off steam, or whooping it up! But he’s always on time for work.

3. A MAN’S RIGHT TO WHAT’S HIS
As a man works he earns the things that he wants and needs. That property he depends upon and it becomes part of his life. He has the right and responsibility to do what is necessary to protect what belongs to him.

4. A MAN’S RIGHT TO PRIVACY
A man has the right to live his life as he sees fit as long as it causes no unfair burden on another person. Otherwise, nobody may enter his home uninvited. A knock at the door or a “hello the cabin” is the accepted request for admission.

5. A MAN’S RIGHT TO BE ARMED
The best defense against criminal activity is a threat of resistance and immediate reprisal. Therefore, a man has a right and an obligation to be prepared for any emergency that may occur.

6. A MAN’S RIGHT TO KEEP ORDER
If a man witnesses a crime against a neighbor, it is a threat to his community. It is not only a right and an obligation to intervene, but it is a pleasure.

7. A MAN’S RIGHT TO HIS SAY
A man has the right to offer his opinion in matters that may affect him, his family, and his community.

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

Hopalong Cassidy’s Creed for American Boys and Girls

• Children in many foreign lands are less fortunate than you. Be glad and proud you are an American.
• 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.

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.