Dodge City News Cowboys? In Dodge City? Where?

[Tee]

I found this news on the main page of Dodgeboard and thought it kind of funny.....

Delegates saddle up for Dodge City

Stockport Express, UK
19/ 3/2008




DELEGATES from Offerton Park Parish Council have been preparing for their trip to Dodge City next week by brushing up on their cowboy skills.



Representatives from the Parish Council will be jetting off to the American city on April 3 in a bid to forge closer relationships with the famous ‘cattle’ town and build on the existing friendship agreement between Stockport and Dodge.



The historic links between Offerton and Dodge City were first established when William Dodge left Offerton in 1629 and with the help of his relatives went on to found Dodge City.



Parish clerk, Craig Ainsworth, who with the help of deputy clerk Damian Eaton will be keeping a blog of their experience in Dodge, said: "Myself and the six other delegates are really excited about the trip now. We have got a great itinerary planned and can’t wait to get well and truly stuck in to the cowboy way of life.



"Offerton has a unique relationship with Dodge City and it’s amazing that we can support the Friendship Agreement made by the city and Stockport council in 2001, identify the joint initiatives that will benefit both towns and ultimately celebrate the historic link between the two communities."



The Dodge City Commission has welcomed the visit and, like the Offerton delegates, hope the experience will enhance education, business and community links between the two communities.



Dodge City manager, Ken Strobel said: "I think it would be a valuable experience on learning how the people in the Offerton Parish live and deal with their issues. An increased connection with Stockport would be an excellent idea."



The Parish Council has provided financial support for Councillor Keith Ryan, Chairman of the Parish Council, and Damian Eaton to make the visit to Dodge City and the head of business at Offerton School, Jennifer Faricy, will also be joining the delegation to represent young people in the Offerton community.

Wont they be disappointed!

Can you tell us how Stockport deals with their illegal immigration problems?

[Highwayman]

Maybe they’d like some essence of Dodge City souvenir air wicks for the folks back home.

[jackknife]

You have really never seen a cowboy in Dodge? I should probably tell my brother that he doesn't exist.

[Made in the USA]

I wonder if those ENGLISH folks can speak our language?? Si' Senor!!

[Lou]

Sadly, the Britons will the learn the hard way that the "old American west" doesn't exist anymore. But what they will find will have them quickly boarding the plane for the trip back across the pond. Should they attempt a conversation with a "local Joe", there's more than a 50% chance they'll immediately find they cannot communicate. Hopefully, the city "Dads" will keep the visitors out of, and away from, any auto parts store, Wal-Mart and all businesses on east Wyatt Earp, where English isn't even a remote "second language".

"Would you like a spot of tea with your biscuit?" That's not a phrase you'll hear in any of those establishments, especially spoken in the "Queen's English", with a clipped accent.

Fantasy, mythology and history take a harsh kick-in-the-ass for visitors (especially foreign) who visit the city. I know from experience, having worked in a local establishment for 10 years. Those visitors usually leave Dodge deflated, confused and disappointed. Kind of like the rest of us.

[Detector]

We simply explain that while Wyatt and Bat were out chasing bad guys, we were over run by Santa Anna's people.

[Clueless]

I think we've forgotten that the Stockport brits have visited Dodge City before and I think we reciprocated too.

Why does this visit have to be negative - are we embarrassed to be a sister-city - is there not even a flicker of pride left? I want some more positive friends.

[Neo]

I think the key word in your post Clueless is embarrassed.

What has changed since their last visit? Other than the immigrant population and taxes?

Are you proud of what dodge city has become?

Are you not embarrassed knowing these people come here with the old west on their minds and see well what they see?

I am proud of dodge city's past and what it could be but I am not proud of what we are today.

[Clueless]

Originally Posted by Neo

I think the key word in your post Clueless is embarrassed.

What has changed since their last visit? Other than the immigrant population and taxes?

Are you proud of what dodge city has become?

Are you not embarrassed knowing these people come here with the old west on their minds and see well what they see?

I am proud of dodge city's past and what it could be but I am not proud of what we are today.

I won't disagree Neo - embarrassed is a good definition.

[Detector]

I think Dodge City is like many other cities who are struggling with the immigration issue. Taxes, on the other hand, are a whole other mess of issues.

We all have a stake in the future of dodge, and so at times it's hard not to be frustrated when seeing things on the inside, but we've also got to remember the people outside looking in. If we ever hope for a better future, we've got to do our part and not rely on the city to help itself.

I'm on several boards with other detectorist that have many members from over seas, and I can say the British never fail to impress me. While their history makes ours look so insignificant, they are simply consumed by our "old west" stories. Another thing to remember, that many of us take for granted, is that "The Old West" is unique to the Americas, and Dodge City IS the Queen of Americas old west cities.

We should be as proud to be affiliated with Dodge City as Offerton is to be our "sister city." Yes I am embarrassed at times when I drive down Wyatt Earp, once the legendary Front Street, and see nothing but Boot Hill as a reminder for visitors of a once famous western town. But I refuse to give up hope.

Offerton is as much a connection to our past as we are to their past.

The Old West isn't dead yet!