“TIME TO RIDE, BOYS!”

When I was young we'd play baseball on Saturday until something special happened every week: “The Lone Ranger” showed up on our black-and-white television to confront injustice.

Guess what my brothers and I wanted for Christmas? That's right - a badge, a mask, and a gun, 'cause we were lawmen! It may sound corny but we boys actually got inspired by watching those heroes.

I am still stirred when the William Tell Overture kicks in, and I expect the masked man to fly into battle any minute. We wanted to be the good guys - men who stood against evil, and for the oppressed. Note: that overture was the theme song for the show

So, years ago I took two of my boys and my youngest daughter to see The Legend of the Lone Ranger. Have to admit - I was looking forward to it. Once I got past Hollywood's shallowness and silly humor, I saw it again - someone who would put it all on the line for others. And he wanted none of the credit.

Yep, those were special days. So, what do I see now in my country? Well, let's think a bit ... How about:

• Cowardice

• Selfishness

• Stupidity

• Gluttony

• Sloth

• Weakness, weakness, and more weakness.

• Passive, lobotomized men.

Know what I'd like to see now? Men not apologizing for being men - tough, courageous, and a safe place for others.

Do we realize the silly action hero shows with the rugged female lead who takes no BS and knows every martial arts move this side of Bruce Lee's grave and never fails, is not real?!

(By the way, this is not a knock on those female actresses playing the leads).

Yep, men are too happy being eunuchs today, letting the culture shape their worldview of passivity, while women still want real men (well, at least most women do).

So, it’s time to get back in the saddle boys!

Let's lead our families, make a difference in our communities, and here's a good one - let's stand for something right and honorable!

What do you say, guys?