Black Bart was a notorious outlaw from California’s frontier days. But he was known as a gentleman outlaw. While robbing 26 California stagecoaches from 1875 to 1883, he never shot a gun (although he was shot in the course of a robbery), never cussed, and was polite to his victims. Another thing: he believed himself a bit of an artist leaving poetry at the scene of some of his holdups, signing at least one poem: Black Bart the po8.
We thought, since those of us who practice in the political world are considered scoundrels, that Black Bart would make a good symbol for saluting the Californian of the Year. After all, the winner could be a gentle soul but still is involved in the dark arts of political give and take. And, all of us Californians are artists in our own worlds—at least most of us have an unproduced or half-written screenplay.
Therefore, Fox and Hounds Daily proudly announces its first annual Californian of the Year, affectionately known as the Fox and Hounds Daily Black Bart Award.
As 2009 comes to a close, we can look back at a lot of people and events that added verve and color to California politics and business this year. As a good-bye salute to 2009, Fox and Hounds Daily will choose a Californian of the Year.
I have asked our most frequent contributors, Joe Mathews and John Wildermuth, to join me in nominating a Californian of the Year; and a couple of honorable mentions, if the writer chooses.
There are no specific criteria to follow in making the selection. Each author will explain his reason for making his choice. Perhaps, the selection took one courageous act, or a dastardly deed that had great repercussions, or performed heroically in difficult circumstances.
Our readers should feel free in nominating their own choices in the comment sections after the articles.
Joe’s piece published today (click here to read it), John’s Tuesday, mine Wednesday. On Thursday we’ll offer our consensus opinion and name the Black Bart Award winner—then Fox and Hounds Daily will be off until January 4, 2010.
Happy Holiday Season to All.