Cowboy Spirit

I have to admit <a href="http://www.billingsgazette.com//index.php?id=1&amp;display=rednews/2005/12/05/build/state/40-legislators.inc">this one</a> made me laugh.<br />n<br />n<blockquote>'Cowboy spirit'<br />n<br />nOne of the measures designated July 23 as the National Day of the American Cowboy. Introduced by Sen. Craig Thomas, R-Wyo., and supported by most Western senators, the resolution that passed in May labeled the cowboy "an American icon."<br />n<br />nThe legislation stated that the "cowboy spirit" continues to infuse the country and that the cowboy embodies "honesty, integrity, courage, compassion, respect, a strong work ethic and patriotism." It also praised the approximately 800,000 ranchers in the United States and noted that rodeo is the No. 6 spectator sport in the nation.<br />n<br />n"Although cowboys are typically characterized as young, single men, those of us who come from the West know that cowboys come in any age, race, marital status, and gender," Thomas said upon introducing the bill. "One 19th-century definition described 'cowboy' as 'anybody with guts and a horse.' I personally believe trying to define a cowboy is like trying to rope the wind, but you certainly recognize one when you see them." </blockquote><br />n<br />nThe cowboy is an American icon. That's kind of a chuckle if you ask me. "Honesty, integrity, courage, compassion, respect, a strong work ethic and patriotism." "You certainly recognize one when you see them." <br />n<br />nThe ideal image of a cowboy is these things, yes. Try to find one now days, especially a young one, I don't think so. I've seen a whole lot of people that walk the walk, and talk the talk, but they definitely aren't cowboys. There are some older fellas around that I would label as cowboys but I don't know any younger ones that fit the definition. Most cowboys that come to work here want the image, not the work that is associated with the image. The only one of the definitions I would give them is Patriotism. I haven't met on that isn't but for the rest, search hard enough and you might find somebody that fits them all. Good luck.<br />n<br />nJust for the record I might at times call myself a dumb cowboy but I classify myself as a rancher, not a cowboy. Do I think these definitions apply to me? Yes, but I am a little bias, you would have to ask people that know me if they are true.<br />n<br />n<b>When you go in search of honey you must expect to be stung by bees. Joseph Joubert</b>


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