Sunday, October 22, 2006

My Heros Have Always Been Cowboys

Saturday, we had Rafi G (Life in Israel) participating in the blog interviews. And one of his answers got me thinking.

The question was:
What do most Israelis think of George Bush?
And the answer was:
They used to love Dubya, when he was first elected. I think most Israelis have, since then, come to realize that he does not really know what he is doing and is more of a cowboy.
Hmmm. I think that was supposed to be an insult.

But here's the thing. I like cowboys. Or the idealized cowboy. So, to me, calling the President "a cowboy" is a compliment.

When I think of cowboys, I think of the Lone Ranger. A survivor of a brutal ambush, who, with his best friend, fights for truth and justice. He helps the helpless, is a friend to the friendless, and a beacon of hope in a world run by outlaws.

I also think of John Wayne. The "take no sh*t off nobody" kind of guy who stands up for what he believes. From playing the Ringo Kid in Stagecoach to Rooster Cogburn in True Grit, John Wayne is an all-American hero. And the idealized all-American cowboy.

I also think of Chris, the character played by Yul Brynner in The Magnificent Seven, who, along with six other cowboys, defended a small town from bandits.

Those are cowboys. They are heroes.

George Bush should feel honored to be called one of those. I know I'd like to be thought of as someone like that.

2 comments:

  1. I think GW, like any 2nd term Pres., is running out of political steam. I'm disappointed in him too - but Isreal has to remember, he has stood by them no matter what; cowboy or not - and if a lib had been in office, they would have demaned Isreal tuck tail and run.

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  2. I'm with you, basil, I like cowboys, too!

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