Every person needs a code, a creed to live by—particularly someone in a position of public trust. Consider the Chivalry code of medieval knights that emphasized courage, loyalty, honor, integrity, compassion, and fair play, the Bushido code of Japanese Samurai that prioritized righteousness, courage, mercy, integrity, honor, and self-control, or the Code of the West that focused on integrity, loyalty, perseverance, and respect for others.
The Code of the West was an unwritten expectation of behavior among pioneers and cowboys in the Dakota Territory and the American West. Western authors began writing about it in the 1930s. If we want any hope of repairing our ongoing political dysfunction we must overcome partisanship. Requiring public officials to cease performing for partisan audiences and simply abide by the common sense principles of the Western frontier without regard to political affiliation is a necessary first step.
As a Navy sailor, Air Force officer and judge advocate (JAG), I spent my military career living by and enforcing a variety of moral and legal codes. Fixed standards consistently applied are essential to gauge the actions and character of individuals and groups. Unfortunately, partisanship too often means only rivals are expected to abide by the standards. I urge you to hold me, and every public official or candidate for public office, on your “team” or rival, accountable to the timeless standards of the Old West:
Live Each Day With Courage
Physical and moral courage includes the willingness to face challenges and do what’s right no matter the situation, people, or place involved because actions matter more than words. Public officials have a greater obligation to stand up and speak out when something isn’t right–even if it means going against their political party. Recognize if a job needs to be done then do it to the best of your ability. Public officials focused solely on self-serving media attention or who routinely disregard what’s right because their party isn’t interested should be ashamed rather than proud of partisanship. My father taught me if something is worth doing, it’s worth doing well. Quitters, whiners, and complainers are of no value in tough situations. When there is something for everyone to do, everyone must do something. Public officials have a duty to lead, follow, or get out of the way. Our country has many issues deserving greater attention and action but if a political party isn’t interested partisans are far too content to do nothing. Regular folks know not everything that counts can be counted, and not everything that can be counted counts but action is better than inaction. A tough leader sets high standards and is not afraid to impose consequences for failure to meet them while a fair leader is impartial and consistent with the standards. In essence this means consistently treating everyone with respect and understanding, regardless of any personal attributes you may disagree with or dislike. This is a low standard but partisans still freely violate it. Words are what people live by—words they say and mean. Partisanship outsources the integrity of public officials to a political party that makes decisions for them. Yet whether a billionaire or a custodian, a person is only as good as his/her word. Keeping promises is integrity in action that builds trust. American society is built on trust so public officials must be better held to this standard without regard to political party affiliation. What is the brand for a public official? Do they work for a political party, wealthy campaign donors, or the interests of regular folks who vote for them? The answer, of course, should be regular folks but career partisans who spend too long in Washington seem to forget the regular folks who sent them there and why. South Dakota public officials must work first and foremost for regular South Dakotans. What someone does or does not do is a much better indicator of true intentions and character than what they say because actions speak louder than words. The values and principles a public official believes and what they stand for should be clear to regular folks watching their actions. The dysfunction of partisanship can be overcome if public officials continually strive to connect with regular folks of all political affiliations by engaging them directly, convey accurate information in a clear and concise way, and explain how core values and principles apply. In A Cowboy’s Prayer, Badger Clark–South Dakota’s first Poet Laureate–explains this concept clearly. Cowboys had few material possessions so were instead focused on enjoying God’s creation and the well-being of family, friends, and neighbors who stand by you in tough times. Public officials acting on behalf of regular folks must keep their priorities in the proper order. Everyone has a personal limit on what you will say, do, or allow to happen in your personal or professional life. Because of the potential risk to our society, however, public officials have a greater obligation to recognize, respect, and ensure accountability for violations of the boundaries. Partisanship undermines this responsibility by expecting inaction for violations supported by the party.
Always Finish What You Start
Do What Has To Be Done
Be Tough, But Fair
When You Make A Promise, Keep It
Ride For The Brand
Talk Less & Say More
Remember That Some Things Aren’t For Sale
Know Where To Draw The Line
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