PaladinBridge
I consider myself
a "Paladin"
My hands are clean -
Like many who grew up in the late 50's and early 60's, I watched just about every western television show that aired.
I liked Gunsmoke, Bonanza, The Big Valley, The Rifleman, The Lone Ranger and others, but the one that I really identified
with was
Have Gun Will Travel.
Actor
Richard Boone played a hired gunslinger called Paladin. The thing that differentiated Paladin from other hired guns was that he didn't always do as expected. You know,
somebody paid him money and then they thought they owned him but Paladin was independant and would always try to right wrongs. More
often than not, Paladin switched sides and it wasn't uncommon for him to return his fee and fight the bad guys.
"The Calling of the Paladin is of the most high and ancient origin. Long ago, when Men of all
races strove against Chaos and Darkness, the Gods sent down grace and leadership unto those among us who were pure of heart
and purpose. Those so chosen became shining beacons of leadership and courage to all around them. Each Paladin throughout
the ages has been a focus for the forces of Light against Darkness. Thus, each Paladin must ever seek within for the dedication
and purity of spirit required to lead and inspire. We lead, not by shouting orders or commanding from afar, but rather by
our example. A Paladin shall ever be the first into battle and the last to retreat, never quavering no matter the odds lest
others fail in their own courage as well. A Paladin must ever be a shining example of courtesy and honor -- 'tis better never
to have been born than to forswear your oath once you give it as a Paladin. Yet all is not grim, for a Paladin is not some
hermit locked in a tower and forbidden the taste of life. No, far from it! For each Paladin may choose to wed in good time
and raise a family, such that honor and courage may be taught even to the babe on his mother's knee. The one abiding purpose
of a Paladin be to live as an example to others of courage, virtue, and leadership. A wise Paladin never seeks judge over
others, but shall never refuse to aid in settling a dispute if aid may be given. If ever the Darkness should conquer the Light,
the last gleam shall come from the uplifted blade of a righteous Paladin.
"It is important that you understand that to be a Paladin
is not just a profession, it is a method for being."
- reference
| Outspoken on Many Levels |
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| because It Happened To Me |
If you know me personally, I'll wager that you should be able to see a little bit of a Paladin's personality in
some of the things that I do and the way that I often treat friend, stranger and/or foe in the course of daily business.
I jokingly say that I am "B E I G E" because of my skin tone... and truthfully, what difference does any of that really
make? So why not joke about color?
