Cowboy Values

Americansareknownforbeingoptimists.Butitdoesn'ttakeacynictoseethatourcountryisseriouslyofftrack.We'reupsetbygreedycorporateexecutiveswholinetheirownpocketsatothers'expense.Disgustedbygutlesspoliticianswhopandertointerestgroups.Andappalledbyacultureglorifyingmaterialismandself-gratification.It'sasif"What'sinitforme?"wereournationalmotto.Nowondersomanyusfeeladeepyearningforsimplertimeswhencivilityreignedandahandshakecouldsealanydeal.Wecan'tturnbacktheclockorlegislateourwayoutofsociety'smalaise.Buthere'swhatwecando:LooktothebedrockvaluesallAmericansshare.WemaynotbeabletoagreeonIraqorgaymarriage,butcan'tweagreethat"Yourwordshouldbeyourbond?"Foradefinitionofthosesharedvalues,weneedlooknofurtherthanthewayoftheworkingcowboy--anenduringAmericanherobecausehelivesbyacodecenteringonprincipleslikehonesty,loyaltyandcourage.It'snottoolateforustogetbacktothequalitiesthatmadeAmericagreat.CowboyValuesgivesusaplacetostart.