Cross-Border Cowboy

One of the enduring iconic images of the American and Canadian wests is the frontier cowboy. He is independent, fearless, hardy and good-hearted, particularly with women and animals, but willing to indulge in violence to maintain a largely self-determined natural justice.

To many, the frontier cowboy is the epitome of true democracy—unencumbered by the perceived effeteness and social orders of the eastern American and European cultures—who is willing to vigorously defend the free exercise of individualism.

This image ties into other deeply held beliefs, particularly in the United States. He is free to exercise self-defence and defend democracy through the unfettered use of guns. He is also a willing participant in vigilantism to overcome incomprehensible laws and corrupt governments that impede natural justice.

Of course, life is never as black and white as this. Vigilantism is often an expression of bigotry and the violent oppression by...