Let me beg your pardon in advance. I’m a little hacked off and it’s going to show. Ordinarily, I try not to offend unless it’s necessary. If you find yourself offended by what I’m about to say — well, I’m sorry.

On Sunday, I overheard a pundit say our country is improved because our foreign policy is moving away from “the cowboy” strategy. Since I wasn’t paying close attention, I thought my ears were playing tricks on me. But later, I heard another pundit warn against “going cowboy” on Iran.

Now I grew up thinking I knew what “cowboy” means. Strictly speaking, it refers to a guy who makes his living working cattle from horseback. I’m a little biased in favor of all working men, but there’s a special place in my heart for cowboys.

It would take more space than I have to tell you all the reasons we ought to look up to the tough, resourceful and independent men who work cattle all across the world. Let’s just say there’s nothing about a cowboy that automatically makes “cowboy strategy” something contemptible.

But then there’s the cowboy of myth, legend and tradition. The men of my generation grew up believing that the “Cowboy Code” was a darn fine guide to how a manly man behaved himself. Here’s how the Cowboy Code, otherwise known as the Cowboy Commandments, were expressed by Gene Autry:

1. Never shoot first, hit a smaller man or take unfair advantage.

2. Never go back on your word or betray a trust confided in you.

3. Always tell the truth.

4. Be gentle with children, the elderly and animals.

5. Never advocate or possess racially or religiously intolerant ideas.

6. Be quick to help people in distress.

7. Be a good worker by always doing a fair day’s work for a day’s pay.

8. Always keep yourself clean in thought, speech, action and personal habits.

9. Respect women, your parents and the nation’s laws.

10. Be a patriot.

You can see why I’d be perplexed by these pundits. How could a cowboy strategy be contemptible? How could “going cowboy” on Iran be a mistake?

Well, here’s what got me wanting to hog-tie somebody. I looked it up. Somewhere along the way, the term “cowboy” got hijacked. According to the New Oxford American Dictionary, the informal definition of “cowboy” is “… a person who is reckless or careless, esp. when driving.”

Now wait a cotton pickin’ minute! Who in the world decided that recklessness is a typical cowboy attribute? I’d like to know how the erudite Oxford American Dictionary can back up the statement that a careless person can justifiably be called a cowboy.

The term “prejudice” comes to mind, doesn’t it? Our dictionary defines it as “… preconceived opinion that is not based on reason or actual experience.” To equate “cowboy” with recklessness and carelessness is just plain, rotten prejudice.

I challenge anyone to justify, from reason or experience, the blanket assertion that cowboys are reckless or careless. Since most cow ponies might buck without warning and cattle have hard horns and hooves, any cowboy that expects to last long on the range better take care of his gear and keep his mind on his business. There’s not much forgiveness for the reckless and careless.

Somehow, in the modern world of rabid political correctness, it became OK to demean cowboys. It’s unnecessary for me to dwell on the outrage that would explode across the country if prejudice of this type was expressed toward some groups — especially those with well-paid lobbyists or organized aggressive watchdogs. I’m surprised such blatant, untrue and insulting bias can be expressed about any group. What is it about cowboys that makes it OK? I’m sure there’s a reason, but it’s past me.

This week marks the anniversary of Gene Autry’s birth and death. He was born Sept. 29, 1907, and he died Oct. 2, 1998. For what it’s worth, Gene, there are still lots of us trying proudly to live by the Cowboy Code.

I’m Hink and I’ll see ya.