The Code of the West

Last Tuesday I spoke to about ten inmates at our city jail about codes. I told these guys about the Don't Snitch code, the USMC code and the following Code of the West:

• Don't inquire into a person's past. Take the measure of a man for what he is today.
• Never steal another man's horse. A horse thief pays with his life.
• Defend yourself whenever necessary.
• Look out for your own.
• Remove your guns before sitting at the dining table.
• Never order anything weaker than whiskey.
• Don't make a threat without expecting dire consequences.
• Never pass anyone on the trail without saying "Howdy".
• When approaching someone from behind, give a loud greeting before you get within shooting range.
• Don't wave at a man on a horse, as it might spook the horse. A nod is the proper greeting.
• After you pass someone on the trail, don't look back at him. It implies you don't trust him.
• Riding another man's horse without his permission is nearly as bad as making love to his wife. Never even bother another man's horse.
• Always fill your whiskey glass to the brim.
• Never try on another man's hat.
• Give your enemy a fighting chance.
• Never wake another man by shaking or touching him, as he might wake suddenly and shoot you.
• A cowboy doesn't talk much; he saves his breath for breathing.
• No matter how weary and hungry you are after a long day in the saddle, always tend to your horse's needs before your own, and get your horse some feed before you eat.
• Cuss all you want, but only around men, horses and cows.
• Complain about the cooking and you become the cook.
• Always drink your whiskey with your gun hand, to show your friendly intentions.
• Be there for a friend when he needs you.
• Never shoot an unarmed or unwarned enemy. This was also known as "the rattlesnake code": always warn before you strike. However, if a man was being stalked, this could be ignored.
• Never shoot a woman no matter what.
• Consideration for others is central to the code, such as: Don't stir up dust around the chuck-wagon, don't wake up the wrong man for herd duty, etc.
• Respect the land and the environment by not smoking in hazardous fire areas, disfiguring rocks, trees, or other natural areas.
• Honesty is absolute - your word is your bond, a handshake is more binding than a contract.

The heart of my message to these guys was Our Code of Living - I told them that acting with integrity, loving mercy and walking in humility would change their lives.