Once again we find ourselves on the slippery slope of political discussion. I agree with about half of the comments about John Wayne, however, he was, after all an just an actor. A very good one, true, but an actor none the less. His political opinions are just that, opinions. He has no more weight than any other when it comes to politics.

Now, don't get me wrong. I own a huge library of his films. I have always enjoyed them, over and over again. But I keep his films seperate from political ideology.

In my war, very few wanted to be "John Wayne."

"Tomorrow is the most important thing in life. Comes into us at midnight very clean. It's perfect when it arrives and it puts itself in our hands. It hopes we've learned something from yesterday." John Wayne stated these words in the 1971 PLAYBOY magazine interview.

His interview was also controversial with comments concerning the American Indians and that this land of the United States free for the taking or his additional comments on black America needing to take responsibility through education. It was a straight forward comment that perhaps today might not be accepted as politically correct. However, the Duke never seemed to hide what was on his mind nor played games with what might be the truth.

I grew up with his motion pictures enjoying his heroic roles portraying the good Cowboy, the lawman, or military figures with action packed scenes from Pearl Harbor to Viet Nam. The roles he played mentoring a standard of being a real man. To have courage, to be a straight shooting individual and humane for those of need.

His patriotism inspired many Americans. His politics supported FDR and Truman believing in conservative ideas. Although, like Ronald Reagan, he cross the border of political parties perhaps feeling the Democratic side was becoming to liberal. Nevertheless, he stood by the Commanders in Chief regardless of parties and appeared not to bash the other group.

John Wayne has earned many titles. One loose term where his name is the nickname on the military can opener due to his many heroic roles, "hand me a John Wayne" states a former sailor opening a can of sea rations, to the bold courageous acts as an American Icon, "Acting in a John Wayne manner" meaning brave. Honored with his patriotism with the two highest awards a civilian can receive "Congressional Gold Medal and Presidential Medal of Freedom."

John Wayne certainly influenced this world. My Naval career took me to so many foreign lands and wearing a Cowboy hat through Asia, South America, Africa or the middle East, one could hear the calls "John Wayne" when referring to me and my hat. I believe, John Wayne represents honorable Cowboys, men of courage an the understanding of truth. He was more than just a COWBOY role.

His shoes would be hard to fill by any man. His name alone is an Icon world wide. I believe today he would continued being the American Patriot and perhaps once more say, "I didn't vote for him but he's my President, and I hope he does a good job." I believe he meant that America has to stand together as one nation though we come from all walks of life. John Wayne seems to be the reflection of this great nation, the land of the free and the opportunity to seek that which might seem the unreachable dreams. We need role models that reflect exemplifying examples be it through parenting, hero's or those legendary character's that John Wayne portrayed.