[IMC-Editorial] Letter to the Editor: In Defense of the Cowboy

[ARI Media]

Dear Editor:

Many who oppose war with Iraq sneer that America is acting like a
"cowboy."

But to most Americans, the cowboy is not a villain but a hero. What we
honor about the cowboy of the Old West is his willingness to stand up to
evil and to do it alone, if necessary. That's why, when President Bush
said of Osama bin Laden, "Wanted: Dead or Alive," most Americans
cheered.

The only valid criticism of President Bush, in this context, is that he
is not true enough to the heritage of the cowboy, who symbolizes the
virtues of courage and independence. When cowboys went after bank
robbers or rustlers, they didn't ask permission from the villains' gang.
Yet Bush has asked permission from a U.N. Security Council that includes
Syria, an active sponsor of terrorism.

If America fully embraces the cowboy's wisdom and courage, then the
Islamic terrorists and the regimes that support them had better run for
cover. They stand no chance in the resulting showdown.

Sincerely,

Andrew Bernstein, Ph.D
Ayn Rand Institute
Irvine, CA  92606 US
(914) 747-7780

Please let me know if you decide to publish my letter. Thank you.

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