Back To Basics
By Monty Rainey (01/03/03)
On our way home from Christmas vacation, my wife and I took time out to visit the Texas Ranger Museum in Waco, TX. It’s a worthwhile stop if you’re ever in the area. The Texas Rangers have been an integral part of the rich history of Texas.
While perusing the massive firearms collection, saddlery and other memorabilia, I happened into a gallery dedicated to Hollywood’s pop culture of the Rangers. There, I stumbled across something I had not seen, or thought of, in years. Reading over those profound words reminded me of what is, in no small part, a portion of the problem with our society today.
How I long for the days when American youth were openly taught such virtue. These words are far too politically incorrect to ever be uttered to our youth today. For those of you, who recognize these words, enjoy. For those who do not, don’t worry, I’ll tell you where these words came from.
"I believe that to have a friend, a man must be one."
How many times do we see someone in need and we fail to offer our help? A friend doesn’t have to be someone you know. A friend can be a complete stranger with a flat tire on the side of the road. We all seem to have a lot of acquaintances and few friends.
"That all men are created equal and that everyone
has within himself the power to make this a better world."
Just imagine a new generation of Americans who were taught that their future is in their own hands, not the hands of government. The knowledge that you cannot do everything, but you can do something. Imagine the difference the feeling of personal empowerment could make in a young life. After all, if they live in America that empowerment is still a reality.
"That God put the firewood there but that every
man must gather and light it himself."
What a concept the author had of teaching children they are actually responsible for their own welfare. Notice the author does not say the firewood will be distributed equally, but rather that each person is responsible for their own firewood. Self-reliance seems to be a thing of the past, but together, we can change it. Of course we can’t tell our children this today, at least not without taking God’s name out of the equation.
"In being prepared physically, mentally, and morally to
fight when necessary for that which is right."
Okay, so it’s obvious this was not written by a liberal. The writer is actually telling us that sometimes, war is necessary! Undoubtedly, this was written by some war mongering right wing fanatic.
It’s been said the World War II generation of Americans were the greatest generation. When you look at all the things they accomplished for America and the world, one can hardly dispute that claim. Perhaps it is because they knew these words and believed in being prepared to fight when necessary.
"That a man should make the most of what equipment he has."
Does this mean the government is not responsible for leveling the playing field for everyone? Does the author actually think a person should be able to overcome their circumstances, even if it means they were born into poverty or an ethnic minority? And why does the author address men only? Obviously written by a chauvinist.
"That 'This government, of the people, by the people and
for the people' shall live always."
I think this one refers back to the part about fighting when necessary. It would seem that the message here is that our representative republic form of government is worth protecting and preserving.
"That men should live by the rule of what is best for
the greatest number."
Ah, a representative republic democracy! Even better! Some examples here would be lowering the school standards to meet the needs of the few, rather than upholding the standards for the benefit of the greatest number. Or giving special rights to gays or minorities because a few people are offended, to the detriment of society as a whole.
"That sooner or later... somewhere...somehow...
we must settle with the world and
make payment for what we have taken."
The concept of personal accountability. Can there be a greater personal attribute that has been all but destroyed in our society today? No one today is responsible for their actions. Everyone is some kind of victim of circumstance. Criminals are criminals not because they broke the law, but because they had a crappy childhood. Terrorists are terrorists not because they are misguided zealots, but because the US has not given their country enough money. Homeless bums are homeless bums not because they are drug addicts who can’t hold a job, but because of a capitalist system that expects results. Personal accountability would go a long way towards correcting the problems of our nation today.
"That all things change but truth,
and that truth alone, lives on forever.
In my Creator, my country, my fellow man."
Truth. Would that mean it doesn’t matter what the meaning of is is? Would that mean we should actually expect our elected officials to have honor and integrity? If so, we’ve made a marked improvement, but still have a long way to go.
I’m sure by now, some of you have figured out, this is the Lone Rangers Creed, written by Fran Striker in 1933. Ah, Kemo Sabe, now you remember! Two generations of Americans were taught such simple virtues as these words, uttered by Clayton Moore. Today, they may be seen as unrealistic, idealistic rubbish, but those two generations learned a lot from Misters Moore and Silverheels. We learned about friendship, we learned about life, we learned about knowing and doing right from wrong. Maybe I’m just a sentimental old fool, but I don’t see this as a bad thing.
I can’t say for certain, but something tells me the children of today are not being taught these virtues through popular programming. I don’t believe the same messages are being passed around by the likes of the Rugrats and Spongebob and I don’t believe their xbox games are teaching them how to determine right from wrong.
For many years, parents knew when their children were watching the Lone Ranger, they were being taught that crime doesn’t pay. They were being exposed to some of the harsh realities of life. Young boys were taught to respect women. Perhaps by today’s standards, the Lone Ranger and Tonto would be considered corn ball, but the message written by Fran Striker over a half century ago is just as valuable and needed in our society today as it was then.
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