Charging my batteries in the final quarter of a challenging moon, watching Have Gun Will Travel and playing mostly bad poker. Venus square Saturn is always a drag.
The old cowboy shows are more illuminating of the culture of the 1950's and 60's when they were made, than the 1800's they depict, unless I miss my guess. 60 years ago, things like truth, justice and honor still meant something. Self-reliance, independence were held high, with many a down and out character refusing to accept 'charity', no matter the circumstances. If you called a man a liar, he would knock your teeth down your throat.
But withal, there's a sense that people are basically *good*. There are a few rotten apples, and they have to be dealt with, but always within the Law. The 'authority figures' who transgress~the crooked bankers, ranchers, oil, railroad men, and even the occasional sheriff who defy the Law are either shot or off to the pen by the 4th reel. The people, the townies and country folk alike respect the Law. They obey the law for the same reason you help an old lady across the street~it is simply the thing to do. Without fear of punishment, or hope of gain.
Nowadays, we have lost all respect for the Law and its administrators. They say a fish rots from the head. This system is rotten clear to the tail. Washington is obviously corrupt~Obama has assumed powers never dared by Hitler, Stalin or Mao. By Law, he can order the detention and/or assassination of US citizens here and abroad. Local and state 'good cops' are being increasingly forced out by new recruits with the proper thug, 'brownshirt' attitude.
What is really tragic is that in the process, we have not only lost faith in our leaders, but with ourselves. We are taught to be mistrustful and suspicious of our neighbors, and to report anything that looks 'suspicious'. This might be carrying a rifle from the car into the house after a hunting trip, or allowing the kids to play in the yard without an adult watching every move. Competitive sports are frowned upon, as being the 'loser' might damage some child's self esteem. Everybody gets a medal.

It's a soul sickness. From thinking we were an American version of the Noble Savage, we have been reduced to thinking ourselves the most miserable beasts incapable of Noble anything...just a nightstick away from rape, murder, and larceny.
Before we can fix the system, we must fix our Selves, restore our shattered American Dream and take back our towns and country.