Americanism
Have you attended a rodeo, horse show, or other equine event this summer? Hopefully you have and I hope you have participated in these events too. The thing that strikes me the most about these events is that patriotism is alive and well here in the wild, wild, west. I just attended the Prescott Frontier Days Rodeo in Prescott, AZ. The opening ceremonies included a prayer, the National Anthem, and the honoring of our soldiers all done from the back of a horse. In spite of a multitude of attempts by the far left, we western horsemen still believe in our country, honor our soldiers, and don’t mind saying prayers to help others. Some folks may try and laugh at our traditions, but we hold to them because doing the right thing is ingrained in us. You know, I thought that is what America was all about. Rugged individualism should be paramount in our thought process. Most western horsemen tend to be quite self sufficient and don’t need or wouldn’t accept a government hand out. We are just used to doing things on our own, and don’t need a useless bureaucracy trying to save us. Stop and think about this a minute. How many great things were accomplished with a horse and a man, not a government?
Do you remember April of 1775 and the midnight ride of Paul Revere? I’m afraid to say it, but I doubt we would have been here without Mr. Revere and his horse. How about George Washington leading our armies during the American Revolution using his own money and his own horses to further our cause of liberty from an oppressive government. That’s right, the father of our country was never paid for his service during the American Revolution. George Washington was known for breeding good horses and being an accomplished rider. He is also credited with the development of the mule. Why? Because farmers needed a hardier and more efficient animal to farm with and there’s nothing like hybrid vigor. No, the farmers didn’t call on the government and ask for help. Farmers, one of them being George Washington figured it out for themselves. Let’s skip ahead to Manifest Destiny and exploration of the west. How about Daniel Boone, Kit Carson, and Jim Bridger traveling hundreds of miles finding a way west either walking or riding a horse? Wouldn’t you have to agree these men were pretty self sufficient and figured out a way to expand our great country? Most of you know the story of David Crockett having been a three term congressman, leaving his home and going to Texas to fight and die for freedom. His critics said he never authored one piece of legislation while he was in Congress. Mr. Crockett didn’t see a need for making any more rules. Don’t you wish we had a few congressmen like that today? Heck, I just wish we had a public school system that emphasized the rights and responsibilities of the individual or taught the things I just mentioned. Don’t you think the former Arizona Cardinal football player Pat Tillman was a great example of an American. He gave up a three million dollar football contract to fight for someone else’s freedom in Afghanistan, where he lost his life?
If you get a chance I want you to do some reading. Yes, I mean reading some great “true” adventure stories. The first one is the story of Tom Bass and the second is Beautiful Jim Key. Both Tom Bass and Dr. Jim Key were former slaves that became very involved with President Theodore Roosevelt through horses. The next one you won’t want to miss is the story of Colonel Alois Podhasky, General George Patton, and the saving of the Lipizzaner horses during world war two. Yes, between the collaboration of two horsemen in a war zone these two men saved these fabulous animals. You will come to realize these are not just great men, but great horsemen as well.
With our current economy in a shambles, a president that says we are not a Christian nation, and is laughed at by our enemies, the American people will prevail. We have been in trouble before and always come out on top. Some of you will probably remember Canadian broadcaster Gordon Sinclair’s 1973 message entitled “The Americans”. If not, you can still see it on “You Tube”. This is a great example of history repeating itself. “They (The Americans) will come out of this thing with their flag high. And when they do, they are entitled to thumb their nose at the lands that are gloating over their present troubles.” to quote Mr. Sinclair.
We know longer have John Wayne, Gene Autry, or Roy Rogers, or my grandpa to save the day. What we do have however, is their spirit of patriotism that needs to continue to keep our country great. Get out there and fight for what’s right and the American tradition. It’s up to us now, saddle pals.