Organizing the Community

Wild times over at Cougar Pass, but I can't tell you about it, seeing as this is family-oriented material. What matters is that I'm back and ready to write.

Just so you know, I took out the Google ads. Maybe I'm biting the hand that gives me a voice here, but it's for you. These ads would track your movements on the Web, and I won't stand for that.

I had the pleasure of watching Randolph Scott in Trail Street. In this flick, cowboys (cattlemen) are the bad guys that are harassing the farmers of Kansas. But this bunch were not just passing through, they wanted the farmers actually out. The town of Liberal did not have a lawman. Until Bat Masterson (Randolph Scott) came to town.

Masterson had a reputation already, and that worked to his advantage. He declared in no uncertain terms that law would prevail in the town. Naturally, the cattlemen that wanted to own the town were determined to put him six feet under.

Bat had his reputation going for him, but he was also persuasive. When the cow chips were down and the townsfolk were leaving, someone brought to their attention a reason to stay. And to fight for their homes and their dreams.

He was persuasive, and managed to have his sidekick catch up to the farmers that were headed out of town to come back and help fight to keep the town. At the appointed time, the farmers came back to join the fray and kick some sidewinder tail.

"What's the point, Cowboy Bob?"

First, the reputation thing helps a great deal. Second, pleading your case to reasonable people carries some measure. Third, when you're in there helping someone, chances are, they'll be willing to help you help them. Fourth, as my father said, "Don't let anyone steal your dreams".

OK, short and sweet today. Somebody want to stir the coals on that campfire?