Chronicle of the Old West - Living the Code

In the Old West, there was an unwritten code of behavior. This code was passed on both verbally, and by the actions of men and women. Western writer Zane Grey first chronicled it as the “Code of the West.” This code stressed integrity, self-reliance and accountability. It relied on cooperation with neighbors in finding solutions to problems.

Thankfully, this “code” is alive and well today. Not only individuals, but city and county governments are operating based on this code of behavior.

We at Chronicle of the Old West believe strongly that this code was important in making the United States the preeminent country it is today. And its continued practice is important in making sure we continue as a strong democratic country.

We have taken the various elements of “The Code,” condensed them and did a little modernizing of the words. But lest you fret, they maintain the same power that they did 150 years ago.

Click HERE to see an expanded version of The Code.

We all have a friend, or maybe even more than one friend, who always seems to have things happen to them. If there’s one cow pie in the field, they step in it. Or maybe they get curious about things like, “What would happen if I lassoed a buffalo?”

Well, I have such a friend. His name is Cowboy Joe. Every time I see him, he has another story to tell. But, the great thing about Cowboy Joe is that even though he gets himself into some of the strangest situations, he’s philosophical about them. For instance, after stepping in that cow pie, he learned that you have to watch where you step when there’s a lot of bull around. As for lassoing the buffalo, well, I don’t think anyone’s that stupid.

What I’m going to do here is to pass on to you some of the stories that Cowboy Joe has told me. I cannot vouch for their authenticity, but quite possibility, we can learn from them anyway.

Our current Living the Code story...

SHAKE IT OFF

I was helping Sunny in the garden when Cowboy Joe rode up on his bay gilding, and jumped off. He was a bit more excited than usual. Which is basically no excitement at all.

After tipping his hat to Sunny, he said, mule "Did you hear about the mule that fell down in the abandoned well at the Johnson's'?"

"No. I hadn't." I responded.

"Well, the mule wasn't injured. But, because he was quite upset, and doing a lot of struggling, no one wanted to climb down there and put a sling around his belly to pull him out. So, finally they decided just to give up on the mule. And, in order to make sure no one else fell in the well, they decided the only thing to do was to fill it up, with the mule in it.

"At first, the mule was Shake It Off! hysterical as the dirt fell on his back. Then he realized he could shake it off and step up. The mule kept shaking off the dirt and stepping up until he actually stepped out of the well.

"It was the darnedest thing I ever saw. You know, we could sure learn a lesson from that dumb old mule. If we could only shake off those hardships that come our way, instead of letting them bury us, they could probably benefit us."

And, with that, Cowboy Joe turned around; jumped on his horse; and rode away.

I turned to Sunny and laughed. "You know, Hon, he sure has a point."

Go the distance.

If you want to read past stories, click HERE.

If you would like to get more information about Living The Code and its importance in the United States becoming the preeminent nation that it presently is, visit www.LivingTheCode.org.

Click HERE to see an expanded version of The Code.