Ted Poe: “They have been the focus of legend and lore, portrayed on radio shows and the silver screen. It was this month, in 1835…”

“They have been the focus of legend and lore, portrayed on radio shows and the silver screen. It was this month, in 1835, the new Republic of Texas officially created a law enforcement force of three companies, 56 men each, known as the Texas Rangers. The Rangers wear a star made out of a Mexican cinco pesos coin on their western dress, with, of course, the ubiquitous cowboy hat. Captain Bill McDonald said it best: ``No man in the wrong can stand up against a fellow that's in the right and keeps on a-comin'.'' They are the oldest law enforcement agency in North America with statewide jurisdiction. These Texas lawmen have always had a certain swagger and a certain awe about them. Legendary Ranger ``RIP,'' rest in peace, Ford said this: ``They did right because it was right.'' And when the Dallas mayor needed to call in the big guns to prevent an illegal prizefight, Captain McDonald answered the call. As the story is told, the mayor asked: ``Where are the other rangers?'' McDonald replied: ``Hell, ain't I enough? There's only one prizefight.'' Texas Rangers: One riot, one ranger. And that is just the way it is. ____________________”