With similar smirks and arrogant airs,
The wealthy Hollywood actor
And the fair-weather ally from overseas
Spit their opinions of the man they despise.

“Stupid, war-monger, saber-rattling fool”
They shout into the proffered mics
(Any press is good press, they feel)
Expressing their hatred, sans disguise.

I laugh each time I hear the phrase,
Spoken in that same deriding fashion,
As if it were a shameful moniker --
“The cowboy president …”

I’ll take no sides on this issue of impending war,
No political statement or plea
But I’ll wager that simple phrase causes smiles
As GW sits in his White House residence.

The actor and the ally have no clue
(In so many areas -- but I digress!)
What a wonderful attribute they grant
To the man they so mistrust --

For a cowboy is a man among men.
With a work ethic unequaled
He is formed of true grit and determination,
Filled with honor for ideals that are just.

He loves the land and understands its value
Respecting the strength of Mother Nature,
He is at times a scientist, economist,
Meteorologist, builder, repairman, healer.

He treasures his friends and neighbors,
Honors his creator with prayer and praise,
Treats women and children with regard,
Casts a wary eye to the city’s wheeler dealers.

My grandfather, one of Oklahoma’s first pioneers,
Did his time on horseback, riding the range,
Tall hat on his head, dusty boots below,
A cowboy in true definition.

He was honorable and true , his word, his bond.
A helping hand for neighbors, the shirt off his back,
Loyal husband and father, salt of the earth,
A cowboy following all tradition.

Today’s cowboys still ride tall in the saddle --
Strong, yet polite, savy, yet kind,
Iron willed, tough as the leather they wear,
Proud of the heritage they carry.

So call the president any name you choose --
But if you wish to degrade him
Choose something other than “Cowboy,” you fools
‘Cause what you say, to what you mean, is contrary!