Congress took to the prairie Monday night, and sang it all high and lonesomelike: July 26 should be recognized as the National Day of the Cowboy.
Yes, cowpokes, Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, D-Ariz., found 52 co-sponsors for her resolution, which passed the House by voice vote (jangling their spurs in support would have been too unscientific).
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In support, her resolution notes that “the cowboy embodies honesty, integrity, courage, compassion, respect, a strong work ethic, and patriotism.” Not only that, “the cowboy spirit exemplifies strength of character, sound family values, and good common sense”; the cowboy “occupies a central place in the public imagination” and “is an American icon.”
Yet, Giffords didn’t manage the bill on the floor. That honor went to Del. Madeleine Bordallo of Guam, not exactly known for its cowboy culture. “Mr. Speaker, it is reasonable to assert that our great country wouldn’t be what it is today without the significant influences of the cowboy,” Bordallo said.
Republican Joe Wilson of South Carolina added, “From Maine to California, from twisted urban streets to the vast, open plains, Americans envy and respect those who each day, ride off into the sunset.”
We reckon they’re both right.
