A deadly war on American police officers. Bloody terrorists attacks in Europe. A failed coup in Turkey. An evil dictator leaving a trail of carnage in Syria. The splintering of the European Union. A nasty political season. The events of the last few months have sowed seeds of universal despair.
What the world needs now is a smiling Roy Rogers. Yes, that Roy Rogers. The singing cowboy who ruled the movie box offices and early television. The King of Cowboys, as Roy was known, was one of the most trusted Americans who ever lived. Everyone believed in Roy Rogers.
Born in 1911, Roy picked fruit and toiled grueling hours in a factory while he was still a teenager. From these humble beginnings, he rose to fame first on radio, then movies and television. He was one of those rare public figures who was the same in real life as he was on the stage.
During his career, he appeared in more than 100 films which often stressed cowboy principles such as honor, loyalty and courage. Roy was a straight shooter, who could ride a horse, yodel and twirl a rope. Rogers lived by an honest, unpretentious code of ethics.
Rogers often shared his values with the legions of his juvenile fans, affectionately known as Little Buckaroos. There are adults today who grew up in the 1940's and 50's who can still quote the principles Roy wove into the dialogue of his westerns.
Rogers' philosophy is embodied in the ten principles promoted by The Center for Cowboy Ethics and Leadership, a non-profit organization in Austin that advocates a set of moral guidelines for people, businesses and organizations. Roy would approve of these ten virtues he championed:
1. Live Each Day with Courage In the face of so much depressing news, Americans need to conduct their lives without fear or trepidation. Never cower in the face of evil.
2. Take Pride in Your Work Made in America used to mean something. It stood for quality, a fair price and craftsmanship. Those values need to be instilled in every workplace.
3. Always Finish What You Start Americans still dream big. But too many allow life to detour their aspirations. If you have an idea or a passion, pursue it with gusto until you succeed.
4. Do What Has To Be Done Americans often feel helpless in the midst of turmoil. Even the least among us can make a difference with a smile and a kind word. Just do it and quit making excuses.
5. Be Tough, But Fair Raising children in today's world requires more than just an app on a smart phone. Parents need to be involved and demanding while loving each child unconditionally.
6. When You Make A Promise Keep It Presidential elections are the mother of all promise generators. Candidates pledge free stuff, vow unity and profess equality. Few deliver.
7. Ride For Your Brand A handshake and your word are your bond. Never go back on either. How you act tells everyone what you stand for. Your good name is your brand.
8. Talk Less And Say More It is almost impossible to have an honest political debate anymore in America. Everyone wants to be heard, but no one wants to listen and compromise.
9. Remember That Some Things Aren't For Sale Integrity, fairness and decency should never be traded for a sale, a deal or a job. Your moral compass should always be worn with pride.
10. Know Where To Draw The Line Americans need to stand for freedom at home and abroad. The nation needs patriots who know when to rise up against tyranny.
Who will be the next Roy Rogers? Amid the world's turmoil, America needs decent and noble leaders like the white-hatted cowboy who will stand for honor, generosity and hope. Not just leaders in Washington, but in neighborhoods, schools, businesses and civic organizations.
Whatever your station in life, accept the challenge to make a difference by standing for principles that will change the world for the better.
Happy Trails everyone.
Name: Leonard Franklin Slye
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