WCMessenger.com: Living by the 'Cowboy Code'

Most of us live by some code of order in addition to the laws of the land. Those native to Texas understand that perhaps better than most.

Texans have a pioneering spirit strongly seasoned with a healthy dose of independence. That often creates an attitude perceived by non-Texans as braggadocios but which is just normal for the Lone Star State.

Over the years, I have learned that the puffed-up image of bragging Texans is a figment of the imaginations and, in some cases, prejudices outsiders have about us.

Growing up in rural or small town Texas probably gives those residents a clearer view of the aforementioned spirit and independence.

Sadly, much of that spirit and independence is disappearing because rural Texas is losing population, thus less people are inclined to adopt what seems to be the basic guide, called the Cowboy Code by some.

I have been aware of that code all my life since I grew up in a ranching family, first on the ranch then "in town," a metropolis of 3,000 folks. Most of the men I knew adhered to those rules for living often to their own detriment.

A 1954 musical comedy film - "Red Garters" - spoofed the broader idea of the Cowboy Code, referred to on the screen as "The Code of the West."

In the movie, each time someone said "Code of the West" all the men doffed their hats. The movie starred Rosemary Clooney, Jack Carson and Guy Mitchell and is available today on DVD.

You can Google "Red Garters" and find out how to get it if you're inclined.

While I've long understood the basic tenets of the Cowboy Code, an item from September 2007 in The Graham Leader gave me my first look at anything in print on the topic.

1. Honesty is absolute - your word is your bond, a handshake is more binding than a contract.

2. Be there for a friend when he needs you.

3. Real cowboys are modest. A braggart who is "all gurgle and no guts" is not tolerated.

4. Be hospitable to strangers. Anyone who wanders in, including an enemy, is welcome at the dinner table.

5. A cowboy always helps someone in need, even a stranger or an enemy.

6. Never pass anyone on the trail without saying, "Howdy."

7. Don't inquire into a person's past. Take the measure of a man for what he is today.

8. A cowboy is pleasant even when out of sorts. Complaining is what quitters do, and cowboys hate quitters.

9. Respect the land and the environment by not smoking in hazardous fire areas.

10. Live by the Golden Rule.

A recent viewing of a new film also has elements of this Cowboy Code but it is labeled something else in the Jack Nicholson-Morgan Freeman film, "The Bucket List."

Honesty and living by the Golden Rule are the absolute underpinnings for the Cowboy Code - particularly the word is bond and handshake agreement - and I've seen honesty to a fault where it cost the individual everything they had.

My late father would loan money to people, knowing full well he wasn't likely to get it back. And, he entered into a business agreement with a man on a handshake.

Dad honored the agreement totally and the "partner" did not.

It cost my father cash, hundreds of acres of land and hundreds of head of cattle to meet debts incurred through the deal and his "partner" got out of it with assets and no obligations.

Dad never complained about it to me.

Trying to live by this code, even though most if it is common sense and decency, can create some funny and awkward situations.

As a young man I went to New York for the first time and walking down the street in Manhattan, I did as I'd been taught and smiled and spoke to everyone.

I sure got a lot of funny looks and a remark or two questioning my sanity.

However, I still think it's a great code to live by.

Willis Webb is a retired community editor-publisher of more than 50 years. He can be reached by email at wwebb@wildblue.net.