Sam I Am

Here's an email I received earlier today. I almost always check these out, especially if from a friend, then delete them. This one I passed on.

The following was written by Ben Stein and recited by him on CBS Sunday Morning Commentary.

My confession:

I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish. And it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful lit up, bejeweled trees Christmas trees. I don't feel threatened. I don't feel discriminated against. That's what they are: Christmas trees.

It doesn't bother me a bit when people say, "Merry Christmas" to me. I don't think they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, I kind of like it. It shows that we are all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year. It doesn't bother me at all that there is a manger scene on display at a key intersection near my beach house in Malibu. If people want a creche, it's just as fine with me as is the Menorah a few hundred yards away.

I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution and I don't like it being shoved down my throat.

In light of the many jokes we send to one another for a laugh, this is a little different: This is not intended to be a joke; it's not funny, it's intended to get you thinking.

Billy Graham's daughter was interviewed on the Early Show and Jane Clayson asked her "How could God let something like this happen?" (regarding Katrina). Anne Graham gave an extremely profound and insightful response. She said, "I believe God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but for years we've been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives. And being the gentleman He is, I believe He has calmly backed out. How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand He leave us alone?"

In light of recent events...terrorists attack, school shootings, etc. I think it started when Madeleine Murray O'Hare (she was murdered, her body found recently) complained she didn't want prayer in our schools, and we said OK. Then someone said you better not read the Bible in school. The Bible says thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as yourself. And we said OK.

Then Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem (Dr. Spock's son committed suicide). We said an expert should know what he's talking about. And we said OK.

Now we're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves.

Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out. I think it has a great deal to do with "WE REAP WHAT WE SOW".

Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world's going to hell. Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says. Funny how you can send 'jokes' through e-mail and they spread like wildfire but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing. Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school and workplace.

Are you laughing?

Funny how when you forward this message, you will not send it to many on your address list because you're not sure what they believe, or what they will think of you for sending it.

Funny how we can be more worried about what other people think of us than what God thinks of us.

Pass it on if you think it has merit. If not then just discard it... no one will know you did. But, if you discard this thought process, don't sit back and complain about what bad shape the world is in.

My Best Regards.

Honestly and respectfully,

Ben Stein

Amen, Ben.

Amarillo newspaper guest column reprinted verbatim:

An apology is in order, so, please, forgive me. It was not until this morning on my ride to work that I fully understood I was in error.

Yes, I've noticed that there are many very busy and important people on the roads. You all are hard to miss with the cell phones, laptops, breakfast bars, coffee, cigarettes and all, but until now, I didn't realize I was causing so much trouble for you busy, multitasking drivers.

I figured it out this morning, thanks to the nice lady working on the laptop who needed the lane I was in.

First, ma'am, let me say that when I honked at you from the shoulder, I didn't mean to startle you. My intent was just to give you a little beep to let you know the lane was all yours. But I was braking so hard, I couldn't lift my thumb off the horn button. My bad.

I surely didn't mean to cause you to nearly hit the guy talking on the cell phone. You know, he was smoking and talking as he moved his SUV right into the space you had just left.

Anyway, the good news is, that's when I realized all of you multitasking drivers must be texting each other about intended lane changes and running traffic lights and stop signs and such. I'm sorry - I'm still using old-fashioned blinkers. I didn't realize you needed some time to e-notify that guy that you needed the lane back. I really messed it up for both of you!

I can only say that the guard rail was a little distracting, and I was only thinking about myself. I'll try harder next time.

Like I said, I didn't know that was how you multitasking drivers were communicating. It must have been in an e-mail, but my laptop fell off my tank and I haven't replaced it.

However, I have a solution.

I know many of you are so busy and important that you have no choice - you have to eat, work, talk, read and do lots of other really important things as you drive. Those of us who use the road only for traveling would be happy to stay out of your way; we just need to know you're coming.

A little visual clue would help - I was thinking of a bumper sticker. That way, everyone could identify you as Drivers Utilizing Multiple Behaviors.
Of course, that's a little long, so we'd cut it down to an acronym - DUMB.

If you'd place stickers on the front, back and maybe the sides of your car, the rest of us would know not to interfere with you on the road.

I think it's such a good idea, I'll pay for the bumper stickers and even put them on for you. Deal?

Again, I'm sorry I got in your way. I'll try harder to see you coming from now on.
I promise!

Larry Supina is an Amarillo resident. He works as a safety manager at Pantex.

Article reprinted from Amarillo.com

Recently I posted on Bruce-n-Ray Biker Forum that I was in full support of MADD Ray Henke, who declared "no compromise, no surrender" in response to the Delray Beach biker ban fiasco.

Read Ray's post here.

Ray replied that my words defined a "fire" that he and many others believe the legendary Quig instilled in many bikers today.

Although my fire was lit months before I knew who Quig was, perhaps this is true in the reasoning behind Quig's lifelong fight against biker discrimination and the right to ride free.

I really don't know what initially fueled this passion in me. Perhaps it was the sudden and conclusive realization that law makers didn't really care about stopping the frequent "murders" of bikers by distracted drivers, but instead insists on forcing helmet laws. Perhaps it was just the idea that government continually tells me what I can and can't do without just cause, as in so many other piddly laws that get shoved down my throat without my consent.

Perhaps it is because I live in a country where we often hear the words, "Land of the Free, Home of the Brave", which I know I have to fight for every day.

I am a passionate woman, in most things I do, and believe in. Freedom is a hard won option in life. If you don't fight for it, and fight hard, you will lose it. It's not going to always be there for you just because it says so in our Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem. To believe so is naive at best.

I've been told that because I have red hair, my temper is one to avoid, and perhaps that is true on occasion (however, I doubt the red hair has anything to do with it since it is actually very gray underneath the Ms. Clairol). Most times I think my anger, or passion, is justified, for it is truly rare for me to be fired up about trivial things. I have some basic rights that spark my temper on occasion; such as the right to free speech, the right to fair and honest service for those I pay for, and the right to be treated with dignity and respect as a human being. I don't view those rights as trivial. Freedom is not trivial by any sense of the word and I will fight for it as long as I breathe, red hair or not.

History is full of men and women who were "fired up" about their potential loss of freedom.

Joan of Arc led French soldiers into battle to defeat the English. The English were convinced she was supernatural because she rallied a second time in spite of being wounded. Joan was not supernatural - Joan was fired up. She fought for freedom.

Bunker Hill pitted common farmers against trained military and sparked a war that won America its freedom from British oppression. Were they more disciplined than the British soldiers and thus knew they would win? No. They were fired up. They had much to gain, but even more to lose; their freedom.

I could go on, but you know where I'm going with this. We have to be fired up about all the injustice going on against bikers. Delray Beach wants to ban bikers from their restaurant row on Atlantic Avenue because a few restaurants decided to put tables outside, right next to the road. Diners want a peaceful meal.

Wait, isn't eating out at restaurant a lifestyle choice, just as riding my motorcycle is? You have the right to choose where you eat based on the food, service, and/or ambiance, and the government does not tax you on the maintenance of those restaurants, while I do pay for the maintenance of those roads. So I say, diners, find another restaurant, or go home and eat, for your personal demands infringe upon my personal freedom! I don't tell you what your rights are because I don't like what you drive, what you wear while driving it, or what it sounds like.

This focus is not on all the noise on this stretch of road either, but just bikers. Though, they would have you believe otherwise. Does that fire you up? It's clear discrimination. Do these restaurants (and diners) focus on the noise a local train makes? Other vehicles? No. They know they'd lose that battle. How about now, fired up yet?

They focus on bikers because they dislike us, as a group, and because IT IS ALLOWED TO HAPPEN. Why is that, do you think? I'll tell you why. Because the majority of bikers are complacent in their comfortable existence and won't get involved. "I don't go to that city", or "I'll just ride a stock bike", they say. It's always someone else's fault, or "I can't get involved because of my job", is another one I hear, but many fight anonymously. Shall I go on?

Because of a Call-To-Action at the last minute, the city commissioners were inundated with emails and letters of protest against this ban. A small number of bikers rallied to the city meeting (and I say small because, given the number of bikers in the local vicinity, it was a paltry number). A small victory was won that day, as the commissioners voted to table the ban for now. What might have happened if ALL of us were sitting home snug in our complacency, waiting for others to take action???

This war is not over folks. Delray Beach's solution now is to implement a severe noise ordinance. This means that I, with my after-market pipes, which are not noisy at all, will be targeted. Law enforcement in Delray Beach will, with no scientific justification, pick us off one at a time and issue outrageous fines for perceived noise, while ignoring the other sources of noise also present on this Avenue.

Yes, we won this first round, because enough bikers rallied together to fight it. Now we must regroup, discuss a new strategy, and attack again before they can gain a foothold. We must not waffle on this issue!

But wait, now I'm hearing voices in the wind, crying "compromise, compromise!".

South Florida Sun-Sentinel

What this says to me is, "Gosh, you were so nice to drop the [illegal] ban of bikers on Atlantic Avenue, I'll just give up a small portion of my rights in return".

As Ray Henke says, "I spit". Except, I'll go further and say, I spit ON YOU for even suggesting such a thing.

NO WAY should we compromise and allow this to happen! In doing so, we invite every city in the country with roadside restaurants (or any other perceived reason) to follow suit. We invite law enforcement to indiscriminately target us and collect huge fines for sound that is part of our heritage. And our right!

Can they differentiate between those who truly are in violation? No. They don't have the expertise or equipment to do so. Therefore I say to you now, do not compromise on this issue. it is unlawful and still very much discriminatory. If this law is passed, many of us will pay the price to restore our freedom, while filling the coffers of this small bigoted town. Will you be willing to fund my court costs?

Do we, as bikers, want our right to ride where we choose severely limited? While those with boom boxes in their cars go thumping merrily down the road wherever they choose? And so diners can sit on a busy road and not have to see or hear bikers on it? What about the "bad biker" image this law substantiates if successfully passed? That all bikers are a nuisance and should be "under the control" of others?

I know I don't fall into that category. And I won't allow this to violate my freedom to ride wherever I choose, after-market pipes or not. If I am ticketed and fined in Delray Beach for my after market-pipes on my otherwise stock Harley, I will fight it. And I will win. My video camera will be running, and I WILL ride wherever I please. Bring it on!

I will protest the unlawful search and seizure should they touch my bike, or shove a night stick up my pipes. I will demand to know how they've determined my bike is too loud. I will have witnesses. And I will win. I still hope it does not have to come to that. And when things get tough, I'll just keep fighting, and look up to the sky and give Quig the "thumb's up".

I may be a woman, but I still have the "cajones" to fight for my freedom. Do you?

Fight for the right to ride free, or get off your bike and sell it to someone who cares enough to join me.

Brotherhood is not about discrimination, it is about uniting in a commonality. I've said it before, and I'll say it again. Motorcycles come in all shapes and sizes, and those who ride are the commonality, not the type of bike they ride.

Regardless of what someone rides, they are a "biker" and belong to the Brotherhood of bikers. Women are part of that analogy, though we are women. In this sense, Brotherhood encompasses all of us who ride.

If we are to be united in order to fight off those who would take our freedom to ride and stomp all over it, we must recognize that no matter what you ride, or what someone else rides, we are all part of this Brotherhood!

Read a post on RC's blog, Big Bend bikers For Freedom, sent in by a Sportbiker.

If you've done this sort of thing to a Sportbiker, to any biker, you may hang your head in shame right now. This makes you nothing more than a bigot, and worthy of nothing from anyone except pity.

I dislike this type of attitude (does that make me a bigot?). If you're one of "them", be sure to keep your mouth shut around me, or expect a new orifice to appear somewhere on your body.

Ride free, ride hard, ride whatever you like, just ride.

Or should I say "by the light of Moonrider"?

I've spent a lot of time harping on Jouralism, and the ignorance or unethical writings of this country's Journalists. But I'd like to bring your attention to one Journalist who could write the book on Journalism.

She goes by the name of Moonrider. She is a Journalist, a true Journalist, meaning that's her profession. And she lives by the creed that all Journalists should live by, but sadly do not. She's also an avid motorcyclist.

All of her blog posts are well written and refreshing. Here you'll find not just editorials on the M$F, but on other subjects. Many of them will make you snark, chuckle, or just laugh hysterically. And some will inspire you to join the Freedom Fighters of this country who despise those who would take away our right to ride free.

Take a moment and view the video created by Moonrider below. This video is also posted on Big Bend Bikers For Freedom along with another editorial about it.

As in all of Moonrider's videos, this one is extremely well done, and spells it all out in plain words:

We, as motorcyclists face another foe who has no qualms, feels no remorse, about killing us. The very people who sell us our rides are in league with the M$F, and unless we come together to fight it, our next generation riders are going to suffer.

It's time to start asking questions, folks. Do the motorcycle dealers in your area support this farce? What is the M$F's agenda anyway?

Check out Moonrider's blog here and see for yourself. You'll find all the answers there, the data to support it and a huge eye-opener.

Ride free, keep your friends close, keep your enemies even closer.

I ran across this website tonight and liked what I saw:

http://www.flexyourrights.org/

Given that bikers are often in the cross hairs of law enforcement these days, and those "public servants" might feel more inclined to harass you rather than shake your hand, this website can give you some insight on your 4th Amendment Rights and keep you out of trouble.

And while you're there, check out the videos on bad cops. Simply astounding, given it was a 20 year old who had the cajones to take on the local law enforcement in his town.

Check it out and remove any doubts about your rights when you are confronted with law enforcement. Whether it be a traffic stop on the highway, an illegal checkpoint, or an approach while you are stopped, there's some great advice here.

It surely can't hurt to be prepared for those times when you can't resist cruising that boulevard where bikers are banned, or wearing your favorite DOT baseball cap in a helmet state.

I had to wonder: Is searching your pipes for baffles illegal without consent?

And when you've got about 45 minutes or so, watch the video. It's well done and I have to say I learned a great deal from it. I'm almost looking forward to an opportunity to try these new skills out.

Recent issues surrounding motorcycle rights have glaringly brought to the forefront a wide dissension among the ranks. Why this is can only be discerned from a number of sources. I apologize up front for the long post. However, this post encapsulates many related issues of late.

Since coming to Tallahassee, I have become accustomed to frequenting several "bike nights" in the city. This is a great place to share information, find out who is doing what, and enjoy camaraderie. Tallahassee has two such bike nights that attract a large number of motorcyclists; Famous Dave's BBQ on Wednesday night, and Hooters on Thursday night.

About three weeks ago, information about a new bill in Florida raised its ugly head. A bill that, if passed, would allow law enforcement to permanently confiscate your motorcycle and remove your endorsement for 10 years. The violation? Speeding at 30 mph over the speed limit in what is deemed reckless operation of a motorcycle. The call on reckless driving would be up to the officer's judgement.

Now this bill is first and foremost a HUGE discriminatory move on the part of law makers. No mention of automobile drivers committing the same act is included.

Many of us who actively work independently as freedom fighters immediately called all those we know to action and wrote or called the state rep responsible for the bill.

The question cropped up, as it has in the past; where is ABATE?

ABATE of Florida, who claims to work for all Florida motorcyclists, was silent. No word of encouragement that all would be well, no alleviation of fears. Upon opening the ABATE of Florida's website, I expected to see a call-to-action. Nothing. Not until a few weeks later, when out of the blue Doc handed a "directive" down for everyone to cease and desist with the phone calls to the state rep. The missive said - the bill is killed.

Calls to the rep's office for days afterward confirmed it was not - as Doc stated - killed, but very much alive. Rumor has it that Doc was negotiating for different wording! Not for the demolition of this bill. Did Doc offer any information on what he was really doing? No. Just the usual "run along, children, it's all taken care of".

With all the "helmet" stuff going on with NTSB and NHTSA, and no substantial information on any assistance from ABATE of Florida, I had just about had it with ABATE-come-lately.

Then, recently, the city of Delray Beach, Florida, announced a hearing and their intention to ban ALL motorcycles from a 5 block stretch of road in their city, simply because diners along that stretch of road do not like loud motorcycles. A huge outcry from many biker sources ensued.

NO WORD FROM ABATE. Nothing. Nada.

I am a frequent visitor to a forum called Bruce-n-Ray's Biker Forum, where all issues surrounding motorcycle rights are posted by many freedom fighters around the country. Bruce Arnold of this forum is like the rest of us. He wants the protection of biker's rights for all, and has drawn us all into a unified army of freedom fighters through this forum. His logic is sound, and his motives are non-judgemental, and if biased, only heavily so in favor of our basic right to ride free and safe from cagers.

Many of us voice our "opinions" of ABATE, and other various motorcycle organizations around the country, but Bruce carefully remains "politically correct". (Remember this later when I tell you about an unwarranted attack on Bruce, by one ABATE chapter president and then by Doc himself.)

As a blog writer, I enjoy the freedom of saying exactly what I think, but always try to substantiate those words with facts. My goal is to get readers to think, and to sit up and take notice of what is going on around them.

Florida bikers, sit up and take notice.

Now, I've never met the president of ABATE of Florida. But here's what I know about ABATE and the infamous Doc. I will leave out what I have heard from RC of Big Bend Bikers For Freedom, as it is common knowledge that there is no love lost between RC and ABATE, and I wish for you to understand that these are my own conclusions. The words that follow are based upon articles and letters written by others about Doc and ABATE of Florida over the past many years. It is also based on ABATE meeting videos as well. I'll add my comments to the statements in italicized text in square brackets.

Doc is a paid lobbyist and President of ABATE of Florida. ABATE hired him on a contract to lobby for them. He cannot be fired from the job without being paid off for the guaranteed two years of salary. Doc is also reimbursed for all expenses incurred.

[I view this as a direct conflict of interest. As President AND lobbyist for ABATE, membership is helpless to oppose Doc's final decisions, many of which are indeed opposed by the majority.]

Doc has never disclosed a financial report as a lobbyist for ABATE, nor has ABATE disclosed when they've received government monies or how and when it was used.

[More suppressed information.]

ABATE of Florida is either late in confronting serious issues with regards to Florida's bikers, or does not deem it their responsibility to inform all of it's membership (or other Florida bikers) of what is happening, when it happens.

[It is my opinion that ABATE does not feel it's their responsibility to inform Florida's bikers. I also believe that Doc develops his own agenda until his actions are brought to light, and then changes them to align with what is supported by all. What I do know along these lines, is even when the ABATE membership wants a particular issue handled in a certain way, Doc has the authority to change it without the membership's consent. He did this blatantly with the cell phone bill. The membership wanted the bill to say 'ban all cell phones', and Doc amended it to 'all but hands-free'.]

Doc informs all government officials in Florida that he, as a lobbyist for ABATE, speaks for ALL Florida's bikers.

[Doc does not speak for me, or many other bikers of Florida. Doc speaks for himself, and a small number of ABATE members. This is a concern for me. What arrogance and disregard for those of us who differ in opinion from Doc. I am entitled to my opinion of what my rights are as a biker. So is Doc. However, Doc is paid by ABATE to lobby for it's membership, is NOT entitled to inform anyone that he speaks for me.]

ABATE of Florida has a history of bickering over who was the organization responsible for resolving individual issues.

[My, my, my. Are we talking about adults here? Or children arguing over who found the best tree house first. This is surely an overflow of Doc's arrogance onto it's membership.]

Now, let me break away for a moment and address a few things. First of all, when I first started reading about ABATE and their President, Doc Reichenbach, I started with a clean slate. I wanted to be objective in the outcome of my view of this person who has caused discontent with so many for so long. So one of the things I did was to ask others, face to face, what they knew of or thought of this person. What I heard was overwhelmingly negative.

Interview question: "Do you know who "Doc", the President of ABATE, is and what he does?"

Out of approximately 100 people, 43 of them were women, 57 were men. All own motorcycles. Of those 100 people, 66 did not know who Doc or ABATE was. Of the remaining 34, 26 were women. Here are the main threads of comments in this survey:

Those women who knew who Doc was, had starry-eyed praise for Doc as a figurehead, but when asked, had very little clue of what he does or doesn't do.

The men who knew of Doc merely stated Doc was a lobbyist, or president of ABATE.

Those women who DID know about Doc, and what Doc does, had a common thread to their comments; Doc is a sexist.

Now, I won't print their comments here, as I do not want to worry about meeting up with some hit man in a dark alley, but some of these comments would make any woman's skin crawl. It is enough for me to know that Doc feels threatened by women of any intelligence. I guess that means there will never be a chance to ask Doc questions and get reasonable answers. I am, after all, a woman engineer of reasonable intelligence, and very tall (strike three).

But I digress.

I got two line items from this interview with local bikers:

A very alarming number of motorcyclists in this state do not know who or what ABATE is.

Those women who have had any interaction with Doc aside from exchanging pleasantries, thought he was a sexist.

I don't know which one alarms me more; the fact that a great majority of bikers know nothing about ABATE, what they do or are doing (even members), or that Doc, who presumes to speak for me as one of Florida's women bikers, is a sexist. At this point, I'm struggling to find a reason why I should like or trust Doc with any of my freedom fighting.

Somehow I don't think I'd get idle pleasantries from Doc. So here's a few questions for ya Doc, so you can be prepared if and when we ever meet and we can avoid the idle UNpleasantries:

Why do you think you have the right to tell me whom I can and can't write to, when no one (other than maybe a choice few) has any clue what you are up to, at any one given moment?

Why is it that a place like Bruce-n-Ray's Biker forum broadcasts issues long before ABATE does? And very often from forum visitors, not moderators.

What gives you or ABATE the right to criticize those of us who fight for the rights of bikers?

As a public figure, and paid lobbyist for ABATE, why is it no one has ever seen a financial accounting for the ABATE money you spend?

If you have nothing to hide, and you know people are questioning your motives and actions, why won't you disclose to the public what you are doing?

So let's look at a recent squabble involving ABATE and another Florida motorcycle club, the Enforcers. We've already covered the fact that ABATE is more often than not late in addressing serious issues at hand. Last week, Bruce Arnold sent out a call-to-action requesting help in stopping the Delray Beach motorcycle ban ordinance. The highest of praise and heartfelt thanks should go to Bruce for calling in all freedom fighters and swamping the email boxes of the city commissioners who will decide this issue tomorrow.

NO ONE HEARD ANYTHING FROM ABATE.

However, apparently the Enforcers MC planned to rally and protest this city hearing, and since ABATE had already made contact with the city's officials, an argument ensued. Not about the fact that another club was organizing a protest, but about who got there first! And of course, the president of the Palm Beach ABATE chapter had to throw in a slur against the Enforcers MC, and Bruce Arnold as a scapegoat for anyone hearing this call-to-action from other than ABATE, because once again, ABATE failed to inform anyone of what they were doing!

Here's a few quotes from the Palm Beach ABATE President, "Strongbow" in answer to an inquiry as to what is going on (see the thread here and judge for yourself):

Of the Enforcers MC, he says, "In fact this group of cops and ex cops are not welcome at alot of local establishments and motorcycle events for the very same reasons that this ordinence had been proposed. This action is purely for their own purpose.

"Their trying to make it appear that they are responsible for organizing this rally when in fact they contributed to the the city taking this action."

Read a rebuttal to this comment from a member of the Enforcers here. Now there's a man with integrity.

And here's what Strongbow says about Bruce:

"You must have received an email from Bruce Arnold who has had a hard on for ABATE since he was rejected as a candidate for webmaster for ABATE of Florida 4 years ago."

A "hard on"? This is an elected chapter president? Is this how an organization conducts itself, who claims to represent me, a biker of Florida?

So I ask you, the reader, is it any wonder our right to ride free is being challenged more and more frequently? That we are losing ground, losing respect?

What else can we expect, can I expect, from these immature little boys making an attempt to play at being adult.

Can we focus on what the issues are at hand? Can we unite as bikers, one and all, in an effort to thwart the ever increasing violations to our rights as Americans to ride free?

Over and above the obvious kowtowing to Doc Reichenbach by a whole lot of bikers who can't think for themselves,

Over and above the fact that Doc Reichenbach is a sexist (my opinion based on numerous other comments made directly to me),

Over and above ABATE's sad organizational and social skills,

The issues at hand are more important than anyone's ego.

Get over yourself, all of you. Put aside your differences, and GIT'R DUN!

Rumor now has it that Doc went into a tirade, in an ABATE meeting no less, about RC and his blog. It seems that Doc doesn't like that RC prints things about him. Yet, when RC has tried to ask Doc questions Doc doesn't want to answer, Doc gets angry, Doc gets nasty, and Doc threatens RC with his bodyguards. If this is how Doc has treated the women I interviewed, no wonder they have a low opinion of him.

OK, so let's recap here.

Doc Reichenbach has treated some women bikers with less than acceptable decorum.
[Surely does make me anxious to meet him! I can't imagine any woman biker would want to support ABATE or Doc knowing that Doc treats women this way.]

ABATE is slow on the take when it comes to critical issues, and squabbles over who got there first.

Doc and ABATE's reputation is gaining notoriety which causes Doc to launch into a tirade at a state ABATE meeting. [Enough to cause someone to warn RC to watch his back. Read a threatening letter from Doc to Bruce here, when he posted his support of RC.]

ABATE and Doc Reichenbach continually warn off those of us who would add our voices to the others in Florida who are not ABATE members, stating that we 'might screw up' Doc's (ABATE's) chances of achieving his agenda. [They insist "we" must join them, but they will not join "us" and unite in a common cause.]

And to all this I say, to Doc and ABATE of Florida: You are not the majority I think, not anymore. You're screwing with OUR goals now. (Squabbling with, and defamation of, the Enforcers MC. Lagging and withholding of information on critical issues. Opposing what Florida bikers want on legislative issues.)

I guarantee you, Doc, I won't be having a temper tantrum in front of multitudes in a state ABATE meeting and make idle threats over one person (now two) who isn't afraid to ask the right questions. I left that behavior behind in my teenage years. What I'd be happy to do is provide you with a mirror, for there you will find that which must be corrected; your own behavior, your own actions.

If you can't do that, stand down and allow the army of freedom fighters to march on, uninhibited by the dissension of your making.

Tonight as I was surfing the net for useful information, I stumbled upon a wonderful piece, written on riding in groups. I thought it was well written and informative, and I wanted to post it here, for the benefit of new riders and those who are new to groups. Heck, I garnered a few tips from this article myself.

The author says he got most of it from somewhere else and didn't need any credit. However, I'd like to thank him anyway. I don't know his real name, but he is the webmaster for the Tallahassee Sportbike Syndicate forum. Check them out. Nice bunch of people.

In the article below, I've added a few lines from my own experience [italics in square brackets].

Without further ado, here it is:

Group Riding

[Preface: Riding in large groups is not for beginner riders. As a beginner, you need to concentrate on riding your bike well, maintaining balance, starting and stopping correctly, etc. If you are a beginner rider, go on numerous rides with one or two other experienced riders before attempting a ride in a large group. Each rider in a large group needs to feel secure with the riders around them. In the early stages of getting your feet wet, you may jeopardize the safety of another rider without meaning to. It is up to you to tell the Ride Captain that you are a rookie rider, so he/she can place you in-between two other more experienced riders for your own safety, as well as the safety of others.]

A group ride could be defined as any group of two or more motorcycles riding together. There are many specifics concerning group riding, including, instructions before the ride so everyone understands the hand signals, the route, how long between rest stops and a myriad of other necessary instructions. This article is not going to go into specifics, but rather into the general guidelines of group riding so as to have a safe ride; but not be so overwhelmed with things to remember as to take away from the enjoyment of the ride.

Riding Formation

A Group Ride is normally composed of a Ride Leader [also known as a Ride Captain] and a Sweep or Drag Rider [also known as a Tail Gunner] (bringing up the rear). For organized rides they usually have Radio or CB communication and knowledge of the route including not only the final destination, but also the stops along the route. If more riders in the group have radios, then casual chatter during the ride should be kept to a minimum by the riders of the group so that the Lead and the Sweep Riders can be in instant communication whenever needed. Motorcyclists normally will monitor Channel 1, but this can be easily changed if a new channel is agreed upon before the ride starts, or even during the ride, if necessary. If communication between other riders in the group is desired; then they should go to another channel.

Normal riding as a group is done in a staggered formation. This is, basically, dividing a lane in half with each rider occupying his/her own half of the lane. It is each rider's responsibility to ride in the half of the lane as dictated to by the next rider in front. If the rider in front needs to change lane halves to maintain the stagger, then it is the following rider's responsibility to change lane position on down the line to accommodate this change. The Lead Rider usually starts the stagger in the left half of the lane position. While in staggered group riding, the normal stagger distance is 1 -> 2 seconds, and no more than a 3 second gap, in order to maintain a tight formation and not allow traffic to interrupt and break up the formation. This means that each rider will be 2 -> 3 seconds behind the rider directly in front and using the same half of the lane.

When coming to a stop, the group generally forms up two abreast / side by side. When the group starts off, the rider on the left starts first.

[NEVER overtake the rider immediately in front of you unless you are motioned to pass. When you invade the space of another rider, you remove that cushion of manueverability in the event that rider needs to avoid an obstacle or the rider in front of him/her. When moving forward at a traffic signal, allow the next rider in line enough time to move out. Watch the rider in front of him/her for delays, as this will mean you must wait for the rider in front of you to wait also.]

[On long runs with no stops or turns onto other streets, maintain your distance and match the speed of the rider in front of you. In large groups, constant speeding up and slowing down becomes even more exagerated the further down the line you go.]

When riding in curves, the stagger is no longer warranted and a single file type of formation is normal. Single file riding allows the riders more freedom to negotiate the curves and to dodge obstacles while having the freedom to use the whole lane. In single formation the normal distance between riders is increased to 3 -> 5 seconds. For safety, the single file formation should not be elongated to such a distance that the rider in front cannot be seen. There are two reasons for this:

It is much easier to negotiate around corners by using the next rider's position to "see" further around blind curves, and
The rider can see and pass back hand signals indicating obstacles or other information ahead.

[It is customary to move toward the left half of the lane when a vehicle is pulled off to the side of the road, for two important reasons:

it may be a disabled automobile and the driver may suddenly open a door, and/or
the vehicle may suddenly pull out into the lane of traffic.
Your Ride Leader or Captain may or may not indicate a single formation.]

If any rider feels that the group pace is too fast for comfort, then he/she should motion the following bikes to pass until the only one left following is the Sweep/Drag Rider. Then ride at your own pace until the next stop; when you should inform the Lead Rider that you are uncomfortable with the pace. It will then be up to the Lead Rider to either separate the ride into two groups, or go at a slower pace so that all members of the group feel secure. Group riding should not be, and is never, a race!

If a rider in the formation needs to pull out for any reason, the group will close up the gap and reorganize the stagger. Please do not pull off also, unless you need to do so. The Sweep/Drag Rider of the group will aid the rider who has pulled over. He will also communicate (via radio) with the Ride Leader so as to apprise him of the situation. The next (last) rider then becomes the Sweep/Drag rider until the Sweep/Drag rider returns to the group.

When turning onto another road, if the next rider back cannot be seen, either due to having traffic in-between, or a large enough gap in the group for any reason; the last rider in the line must wait at the turn for the next rider to show up before leaving the turn so as to signal that the route has taken a turn. This will keep the group together on the same route even though there may be unforeseen gaps in the formation.

Passage of Information through Signals

During the ride, the Ride Leader will make various blinker light, hand, and leg signals. These signals indicate lane changes or turns, obstacles, increasing/decreasing speed, or whether to form a stagger formation or a single line. These hand signals need to be passed back through the group from the front rider to the next rider in line. That way each rider only needs to be cognizant of signals from the rider directly in front of him/her rather than everyone trying to keep an eye on the Ride Leader.

Blinker lights should always be used to not only allow everyone to see the upcoming change, but to feed back acknowledgment. In a group ride, whether it be the Ride Leader or in the middle of the pack, the bike in front needs to see the blinker light of the following rider before turning in front of the following rider/bike (such as a right hand turn when the bike in the left stagger crosses over in the right stagger lane). This prevents the bike in front from crashing into the (surprised/unprepared) following bike/rider when making the turn. Assuming that the following bike sees your blinker light. Sometimes riders don't notice blinker lights right away, so they should be turned on well before the turn. That way everybody in the group becomes aware that a turn is coming up.

If an obstacle is spotted in the road, it should immediately be signaled to the riders in back for safety. Sometimes, when the obstacle is spotted in a blind curve, and one doesn't want to take one's hand off the handlebars, the signal is often done with an outstretched leg (indicating which side of the lane the obstacle is located). This can be very useful when you don't want to take your hand off the throttle and the obstacle is on the right side of a blind curve.

Some typical obstacles which should be signaled as to where they may lie in the lane are:

sand/dirt/gravel/rocks, pot holes, dead animals, road dragons, (pieces of truck
tire treads), vehicular debris, range cattle, tar snakes (road tar repairs),
furniture, etc.

These obstacle signals should always be passed to the rear as soon as possible so as to give those riders the best opportunity to dodge them. Don't forget that the riders towards the rear in a group ride will not be able to see as much of the whole road surface as those in front due to the visual blockage of the front riders. Other hand signals include speed changes, directions for coming alongside or passing, need for food or rest stop, and other miscellaneous things like telling another rider that his blinker light is on unnecessarily. [See image below this article for most hand signals.]

Riding Strategies

There are certain tips which, when incorporated into one's riding, will make the ride safer as well as enjoyable. The following are some generalities of how to ride in rural areas.

Small animals

These can sometimes be seen down the road by the dozens in certain areas. Even though no one wants to hit one of these cute little critters; do not attempt to dodge or brake for them as this will actually increase the odds that you will hit them. They will dodge or stop at just the last moment, and if you attempt to swerve or brake for them; you will be more likely to lose control if you do hit one. On those occasions where you are worried about hitting one of them; just get a good grip on the handlebars and ride your line. At worst, even when leaned over in a curve, you will only feel a slight bump if you happen to run over one.

Dirty roadway

Sand/gravel is sometimes found in curves from cars and trailers running a wheel off the roadway and "splashing" up some of the sand/gravel from the side of the road. Sometimes in the springtime there are also some "dirty" sections of the roads in the higher elevations due to snow melt runoff. When encountering a dirty roadway, the inside tire track of the lane (closest to the centerline) is almost always the cleanest part of the road and should be taken in a single file formation.

Conclusion

Group Riding can be a lot of fun if all the members are comfortable within the group. If one or more members of the group are not comfortable; then this should be discussed at the next stop so as to accommodate or correct the cause of the problem. It's very easy to take each problem and, with a little tact, teach whomever might not have a sufficient understanding of these simple rules. We all can then enjoy the fine sport of Motorcycling.

Hand signals
Click on the image for a larger view

One hand signal that is missing here: Tapping your hand on top of your helmet means: Law enforcement near - behave yourself.

Note: The terminology may be slightly different than you are used to. It depends on what group you ride with. However, whether you call your leader a Ride Leader, or a Ride Captain, the job is the same.

Another great read, The Deadly Dozen: 12 Motorcycle Myths Revealed.

Recently, on October 7, I participated in an annual poker run put on by none other than the Chrome Divas, Tallahassee Chapter. This event raises money to fund breast cancer victims. Each year dozens of Tallahassee merchants contribute a considerable amount to this very worthy event.

A large number of Chrome Diva members, dressed in bright pink T-shirts, hustled through set-up, registration and the sale of raffle tickets in a smooth and efficient manner. The Director of this chapter worked long and hard, along with dozens of volunteers, to make this happen. Bikers from all over come out to this event. All in the name of breast cancer victims. Kudos to all.

In spite of being deathly ill the two days before, I went out to help with this event also. There were over 200 bikes registered that morning. Everything looked to be running smoothly with no lines at the registration table and lots of people with smiles on their faces.

ABATE makes an appearance

While mingling with the crowd and chatting with my good friend, RC, a tall man approached us and addressed RC. He had on a rider's vest emblazoned with ABATE of Florida patches and all manner of pins and such. My first impression was of surprise, since I rarely see ABATE members flying colors at any event, so if they attend anything, they surely don't advertise. However, it became apparent after a moment that he was simply there to solicit. I'll explain that in a moment.

He asked RC to print something on his blog, Big Bend Bikers For Freedom, and since I was not addressed directly I didn't catch what specifically he wanted printed. I later asked RC just who this person was, for just moments after he was there, I turned around and he was gone. I hoped to meet up later with this person [I had questions, you see] and went off to the last stop of the poker run to collect photos (see them here). I waited, but I never saw him come through.

The end point of this poker run is held at The Moon, a large dance club in Tallahassee. A good portion of the netted donation to Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare comes from the silent auction displayed at The moon. All the food offered to participants was donated by local merchants as well. (WingStop on Mahan (RT 90) donated 500 wings for this event! Mmmmm). With live music and good camaraderie, I was looking forward to it.

So, when I arrived at The Moon, I went looking for this ABATE person. I figured I'd just missed him at the last stop and would find him somewhere there. Not so apparently, and not substantiated as factual, but it appears that this ABATE representative was merely there to gain ABATE recruits and didn't ride or register or donate.

Now, as a woman, this poker run is near and dear to my heart, in more ways than one [two?] and I feel even more warm and fuzzy toward ABATE of Florida now. NOT!

So he came to the registration gathering for this event to solicit members but couldn't bother to fork up $15 to register? Someone needs to educate this man on the fine art of diplomacy. Do I even want to reconsider joining ABATE of Florida now?

Secret machinations of ABATE

Currently, the president of ABATE of Florida is claiming to have 'killed' a bill that would, if passed, allow Florida law enforcement to permanently confiscate your motorcycle, AND suspend your endorsement (10 years!) for exceeding the speed limit by 30 mph (just motorcycles, mind you, not all vehicles - hello? discrimination here folks).

Since I don't ever plan to exceed the speed limit by 30 mph, my main concern for this bill is the outright discriminatory implication of its existence. And, in light of the current pitiful penalties for failure to yield-the-right of way and killing a biker, and the blatant refusal of our lawmakers to rectify that, this bill is indeed a slap in the face. Apparently it is justifiable (to one politician at least) to severely penalize the act of motorcycle speeding, and not cagers speeding or even killing through negligence or traffic violations.

And even more disturbing, word has it that this bill is still very much ALIVE, not dead as the President of ABATE states (see RC's blog here). A call this morning, October 12, CONFIRMS that this bill is NOT DEAD. So who is misleading whom here?

Not only that, the information broadcasted loud and clear to ALL motorcyclists of Florida (not just some ABATE members) is to cease and desist with calls to government officials about this bill. No real or accurate information on what is really going on has been published anywhere that I know of, and certainly not on ABATE of Florida's website.

Excuse me folks, I didn't know that ABATE was a law enforcement agency. Who are they to tell me what I can and can't do? They are not the only freedom fighters in Florida, but it would seem to me that the President of ABATE would have politicians believe HE is the final word on what I, as a biker in Florida, want. That is so far from the truth it makes me laugh hysterically. And believe me, you don't want to hear that laugh.

I informed someone I know about this directive to cease and desist from the president of ABATE. She IS a member of ABATE of Florida, and she had received no communication whatsoever on this directive. OK, so now I'm truly laughing. My view of ABATE's president [Napoleonic dick-tator] becomes more descriptive by the minute.

And why is it that this so-called president doesn't deem it important to notify all ABATE members, or even update them on what is obviously a serious issue? Never mind the website. At this moment, there is NO accurate information on what this president is doing. Why is that, I ask. What is he hiding?

ABATE makes a social and political blunder

So I ask you, if the above confusion over the bill at hand (that is an obvious slur against all bikers), and the secretive machinations of the ABATE president were not in the obvious forefront, would I want to donate my money (join) to ABATE of Florida? Not on your life! Especially after seeing ABATE solicitation at a charity event and seeing no reciprocation/participation. How crass.

Now, there may have been other members of ABATE attending this poker run, but I didn't see any of them flying ABATE colors, so I wouldn't know. Maybe they don't want me to know either. (Sounds like a trend, doesn't it?)

This event was for a charity that affects all women, including women bikers, your daughters, mothers and grandmothers, and some men too, in a very personal way. I didn't see anyone else soliciting. It would have been a social blunder to do so. And, in my view it certainly was for ABATE to do so.

Thanks to local bikers for your support

The total donation collected for this Breast Cancer Poker Run is not in yet (will post later), but it will be substantial I'm sure. I would be negligent in my blogging not to thank all who participated and supported the Chrome Divas of Tallahassee in this event. Your good will does not go unnoticed by them or me.

Message to ABATE of Florida

If you want me to support ABATE, come forth in the open, tell me how you are going to rein in your president and force him to work for what ALL bikers in Florida want. Show me you aren't just a bunch of sheep blindly following a dictatorship. Only then will I consider supporting an organization that has sadly been misled down a path far from its original Grassroots intention.

And, although I am a friend of RC, I have read all the history myself, and come to my own conclusions. I do not blindly adopt the opinions of others without substantiation. Don't even imply that I do.

If you want me to support your president and his actions, get them out in the open so I, and others, can make an informed decision. Don't ask me to blindly join the flock. I have too much respect for myself and other bikers to do that.

So far, I've only voiced my opinion on Doc's secretive ways, but if he makes another compromise on a bill that goes against the majority, it will be all out war. Hell hath no fury....

Message to ALL Bikers of Florida

Ride free, live free, write or speak to whomever you wish. The United States Constitution gives you that right. Now get the flock outa here and ride!

Disclaimer: The views of this blog post are solely my own and not those of any other member of the Chrome Divas of Tallahassee, or of said organization as a whole.

As a biker, I am concerned about the growing discrimination by our nation's government toward those of us who ride. It's all "dressed up" in shiny words about how they want to save our lives by making us wear helmets, but refuse to address the most common cause of motorcycle deaths; distracted drivers and ROWV.

There have been letters sent, too numerous to count, yet they still ignore the facts and insist on pushing this mandate in spite of knowing their facts and figures are wrong. In spite of knowing they could work toward saving many, many more lives if they would leave off with their own personal agenda. But they won't. And the President won't do anything either. In fact HE appointed them to their posts.

So I am looking very seriously at the coming campaign for President, and I've thought about what I want as an individual from my government. And I've made my decision.

With all the hullabaloo going on with motorcycle rights, foreign policies and the war in the middle east, here's what I'm hearing on the election front:

Liberals: Spend more money, take more control. [Stupid little American tax payers don't know any better, so we'll make all their decisions for them.] Constitution be damned.

Republicans: War, war, war. Spend more money. Constitution be damned.

Libertarians: Govern by the Laws of the Constitution, by the people, for the people.

Hmmmm, now I wonder which of these might be what is good for our country, especially today with taxes eating us alive, too much government spending and squandering, too much government control of us, when it should be the other way around.

I've stated here before that I am a group of one, an individual, whose rights are dwindling with each new controlling law the government hands out. If I'm to be expected to hand over so much of my hard earned pay to support our government, then I want to feel like they work for me.

I believe in the Constitution and so does Ron Paul. His record speaks for itself. He says what he thinks and feels, and he does what he says. How unique is that? I like what Ron Paul says.

Ron's recent rebuttal on his foreign policy states that he is not an isolationist, but rather a non-interventionist. See the story here.

Read the comments of overwhelming support for this man who would be President. Again, I am encouraged that there is hope for the voting American people yet.

And, as a side note, I thought to myself, wow, a journalist who really does cover both sides by allowing the rebuttal, and then he burst my bubble by posting his arrogant nasty reply to all the comments.
"Ron Paul is the Dennis Kucinich of the GOP, he doesn't have a chance, he makes a good conscience for the front runners but he is not electable, I will be glad when fringe candidates like him leave the race so that we can get some substantive discussions between the ones who could be elected, all he is is a time consumer at debates., when he starts rambling I shut him off."
- Richard L. Fortin, Manchester
Interesting how he never makes a comment on what Ron Paul's policy positions are, but rather he criticizes Ron Paul as though he [Mr. Fortin] has a perpetual hair up where the sun don't shine. Are there any journalists out there who aren't part of the political puppetry? I am happy my daughter decided journalism wasn't for her. I would hate to lose respect for my own daughter.

The comments to Ron's rebuttal are encouraging. I found them to reflect my own thoughts after reading the story. One interesting comment though, gave me pause to stop and consider how this would affect our country's position on terrorism.

Would a non-interventionist foreign policy mean that we would not defend ourselves, or keep safeguards in place within our country as we have since 911? I don't think so. I don't get that from Ron Paul's words.

What I get is this, we are all different, unique. Each country has it's own way of governing its people. America is not to sit in judgement over whose government is right or wrong. (How much arrogance is that?) I don't believe that Ron Paul, if elected President, would tolerate crimes against humanity, but surely the form of a country's government would make no difference to him. Non-intervention means just that, no intervention.

Our ability and will to defend ourselves as a nation is strong, but politics should be left out of war as much as possible.

I have never believed it was our place to help overthrow a government so we could establish a democracy against the will of that's country's people. We must be diplomats not war-mongers, and stop using strong-arm tactics by blocking free trade. This is what Ron Paul supports.

How refreshing is that? Live and let live. We will still be a super-power to be reckoned with, but we don't have to arrogantly flaunt it in the faces of others.

Yes, there are a few things Ron Paul says that I don't agree with. But when the majority of what he says gives me hope that we can reclaim this country back from those in government who wield too much power, and get back to the basics of our Constitution, I am encouraged.

There is hope.

The media in this country will try to convince you that Ron Paul will hurt the election and hurt the GOP or divide votes. I say, pure and simple hogwash. The media is controlled by the liberalized government (see my blog on Oct 2) and this is what they want you to believe.

This election is not a popularity contest. It's not whether to vote for Hillary because she's a woman candidate or not (God help us). It's not about getting a Democrat or a Republican elected. It's about electing the candidate who will work for the people. It's about who will listen to US. Not this group or that group, but all of us.

Our government is like a large family of children who have run amok for too long; spoiled rotten, willful, wasteful and deceitful. What it needs is a strong firm hand to bring them back into line. I believe Ron Paul can do that.

I believe Ron Paul can turn our government around, straighten out our federal [non-existent] reserve, assure me that my Social Security will still be there when I retire, and that of my children, and bring this country back to the prosperity we once had. And that's what I want too.

Ron Paul gets my vote. Who will you vote for?

Left: More spending, more control up front.

Right: More spending, more control by hidden agenda.

Libertarian: Less spending, less control, more freedom of choice, Honor our Constitution.

It's a no-brainer.

Support Ron Paul NOW, and get him elected. This country needs a fresh perspective, and a return to the rightful honoring and upholding of United States Constitution.

I was just sitting here wondering what to write in my next blog, when in comes a couple of emails.

The first is about our Pledge of Allegiance.

OK, I admit to being old enough to remember the Red Skelton Show. I was a little girl, and I'd beg to watch Red's show each week. I still hold Red as being one of America's comedians of distinction. You see, Red never used any bad words, or disparaged anyone. And each night when his show was over, he would say, "Good night and God bless". He instilled a love of God and a love of country early on in my life.

The following link is a narrative of the Pledge of Allegiance by Red Skelton. Listen and remember, and wonder, if you will, if Red could possible have predicted the future.

Red Skelton on the Pledge of Allegiance

The second email was about a man who heard of an injustice regarding this country's flag and refused to stand for it. This man, an American who loves his country, fought for his country, became enraged and did what any American should do.

Jim Broussard of Reno, NV just couldn't stand by when he heard a downtown bar was flying a Mexican flag above an American flag. Jim is an Army veteran, and one who paid a price for the freedom of all Americans. And Jim did what every American should not be afraid to do - stand up for what this country means to him.

OK, so what did Jim do? Jim jumped in his vehicle, drove down to the bar, and cut down the two flags, then walked away with the precious American flag, daring anyone to take it away from him.

See full story here.

See news video here.

Hear an interview with Jim here.

This report makes a very blaring statement: Americans are afraid to speak out in fear of being called a bigot. Jim is not a bigot, he is an American, and one who is proud of his country, as all Americans should be.

Our tax dollars are being used to supply Hispanic speaking teachers, Hispanic printed materials, and any other thing Hispanic groups wants. And if they don't get what they want, they cry discrimination. Simply because a number of the Hispanic immigrants in this country refuse to assimilate into our culture.

I am not a bigot. I don't care what race, religion, or "flavor of the week" you are. You move here, you become a citizen, you are American. Your heritage may be of some other nation. Your religious beliefs may be different than mine. Your holidays might be on different days. But this is The United States of America, not Mexico, not France, not Russia, not Canada. It's OK to be different, just don't ask me to be you.

I am proud of the legal immigrants of this country who assimilate into our society. I am proud of their accomplishments. In a small way, I can relate. I once moved from the west coast, where I'd lived 44 years of my life, and traveled 3300 miles to New England (which is darn near a country all by itself). I had no money and no job, and I was on my own (single and free). People asked me where I was from, since I didn't talk like them. Grocery stores didn't have the things I was used to, and driving laws were different too.

I survived, and I didn't take one hand-out from the government. Imagine that! Even more amazing is I didn't remarry and get some man to support me. (That's not to say I would have said no if some sugar daddy showed up on my doorstep, but sadly there aren't any that look like The Rock.)

Seriously though, I am delighted that I, as an American citizen, can offer a better life to those who come here seeking it. Here's what I owe you: the freedom that comes with being a legal American, same as I have; the freedom to earn a living and make your life better because of it, the freedom to worship any God you choose, the freedom from slavery, and the freedom of speech.

Don't ask me for any more than any other American deserves. I don't go to work every day for you, I work for me and mine. But I will fight for your freedom, same as mine. You're free to speak any language you want, in the privacy of your own home, and to others who understand you.

But, NO, I will not press 2 for English. When I get this "command" after the Spanish request to press 1 for Spanish, I hang up. I can find another merchant to do business with. If companies don't respect my right as an American to speak English, I don't need to give them any of my hard earned money.

I view this incident with Jim Broussard and the American flag with outrage too. How DARE anyone disgrace our American flag that way? Had it been a different nation's flag, I would still see it the same way. Could an American do such a thing in Mexico and not be crucified? What Jim did was true and right. He righted a wrong, and he didn't hurt anyone in the process.

I view Jim Broussard's actions in the same vein as the crew and passengers of Flight 93. Jim decided what he would do, and he just did it. "Let's roll!". I believe I would have done what Jim did too.

Hear me now immigrants of this country - French, Russian, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese or any other language but English, is not my language. I was born here. My parents and grandparents were born here. No, I will not learn Spanish, nor will I frequent a business where I am not understood. I will not tolerate the disrespect any longer.

And to all the Hispanic "watch-dog" politicians out there, who plan to make a big deal over this incident. Americans are watching. I personally will stand behind Jim Broussard with everything I have. Too bad this had to happen, as now Americans will look at this disrespect of OUR culture as a major affront. Americans have been far too tolerant, for far too long.

To all our American immigrants who are of Hispanic descent, and have embraced the American way of life, I salute you. Stand behind this issue as an American, stand with all Americans who came here looking for a better way of life. If not for that, there would be no America to come to.

Voice your concerns over others of your heritage who are making life more difficult for YOU, by their demands that Hispanics be given more consideration than anyone else in this country, by their blatant disrespect for the country that made them citizens.

Flying any other flag above an American flag is a federal offense. Where was local law enforcement, I ask you? According to this report, they didn't know what to do. Perhaps they were afraid of being called a bigot? Well, let me tell you, Reno PD, I am disgusted that you didn't have the cajones to stand up for our country's flag.

Jim Broussard did.

What would YOU do? I know what I would have done.

I pledge allegiance to the flag, of the United States of America, and to the republic, for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Isn't that what immigrants are asked to recite when becoming a citizen? Was this pledge not understood?

On Saturday morning, I silently limped out to the mailbox to get the mail. The box is full again. I don't pick up the mail every day. It's too depressing. Back to the house and into my office to see what the mail carrier has brought me this time.

There's my mileage tax bill for the month. Moving closer to work to shorten the round trip miles hasn't helped. Ever since that law passed, taxing my miles driven, I only drive to work and back, and make sure I stop at the grocery store on the way home if needed. I don't go to church anymore - it's way across town. My motorcycle sits in the garage, unused. I can't afford the mileage tax to take those wonderful all-day rides anymore, even though the cost of gas is minimal. The government even made me pay for one of those GPS units to put on my car, and one for my motorcycle. It's a $100 fine to be caught without it.

And there's my doctor bill. Another reason I don't ride the motorcycle anymore. No insurance company will cover injuries on a motorcycle anymore, and that spill I took 6 months ago that left me with a broken leg cost me $22,000. Funny though, the insurance paid to repair the bike. The other driver, who made an illegal left turn in front of me, well, he paid his $45 fine. I didn't even have a scratch on that brand new helmet the federal government made me buy and wear. It sure protected my leg that day! Not!

I don't see a lot of motorcycles out on the road anymore. A few here and there, but not many. I guess most riders are in the same bind I am. No one will buy my bike from me, not for anything close to what it's worth.

Thanks to President Hillary Clinton, my federal taxes went sky high when she implemented free medical insurance for the nation's children, illegal or not. How ironic! I can't get medical insurance to ride my motorcycle, but the illegal aliens in the country can get free medical care, on my dime! And I was born here! Makes me wonder why I even go to work, or keep my job. Where did people think she would get the money to pay for such a thing? On trees?

Sometimes I am ashamed to be a woman. After all, it was the single and divorced women of this country who elected Hillary Clinton into office. Elect Hillary! She'll "take care of you". Oh look, a "strong woman", she deserves to be President. God, how I wish these women would read what Hillary's agenda really is. I don't think they even read, beyond the Wal-Mart advertisements. It's a Bill Clinton/soccer mom election all over again. Maybe I'll shave my hair off and pass as a man. Most of them were able to see what a mistake it was to elect Hillary.

It makes me wonder too, why I ever bothered to stand on my own two feet after my own divorce. No one "took care of me" except me. I didn't want that anyway. I wanted to be responsible for myself, and my own actions. I nurtured my ambition to excel in my job, and make a comfortable living. I wanted to enjoy my senior years, doing what I like to do best. Like riding my motorcycle. Ya right!

First they force me to wear a helmet of their choosing. I was already wearing one, thank you very much. Then they take away my medical insurance on my bike. It's too risky of a hobby, they said. People die whether they wear a helmet or not. The American public won't stand for all these "crazy" motorcyclists risking their lives anymore.

Now, those who want to ride a motorcycle to work to save on fuel, must pay mileage tax at the same rate as the gas-hog SUV next door. So much for global warming, and resource conservation.

With a big sigh, I settle onto the sofa and turn on the TV. This is the only entertainment I can afford now. I guess I should enjoy it while it lasts. In a few years, when I am forced to retire, I won't have to drive to work anymore, but my Social Security was reduced last year because the funds have been depleted. So the cable TV will have to go.

The year is 2012, almost 40 years since I graduated from high school. I'm not even 60 yet. I can still remember the year I graduated. We rode our dirt bikes all over creation and back. We raced our muscle cars on the local drag strip. Now, even dirt bikes are almost nonexistent; owners have to pay mileage tax on those too. Racing bikes are exempt, but no one goes to see them race anymore.

I miss the days, not so long ago, when you could go where you liked as long as you could buy the gas. Do what you liked as long as you didn't hurt others. Take home most of what you earned. Where did America go? Home of the free, land of the brave?

Is this story a dream? A nightmare? Or a coming reality?

First the helmet laws become mandatory, removing yet another right to choose. It's currently in progress. Some of us are fighting it, but most are just sitting back playing the waiting game.

Then insurance companies realize we die anyway, helmet or not, and find a way to limit the insurance we get for medical on motorcycles, defeating the move to amend the HIPAA loopholes. Have YOU checked your insurance coverage lately?

It's much easier to make it hard for us to ride motorcycles, than it is to remove the use of cell phones by the drivers who kill us. God forbid should people have to pull over to use a phone. I'm old enough to remember when phones were attached to a wall in your house!

Statistics show single women and divorced women vote most often Democratic, and polls have shown that they want Hillary for President. Women outnumber men in this country. You do the math.
Hillary wants medical insurance for all children to be free. That means if you don't want to work, your children's medical insurance will come out of my pocket. Don't kid yourself. The money has to come from somewhere, and it's not sitting in some federal bank somewhere earning interest.

There is already a test going on in several states, with GPS devices designed to track vehicle mileage, so the driver of said vehicle can be sent a mileage tax bill. There is no plan to designate what type of vehicle either. This is an alternative to a gas tax, since DOT's in these states claim there isn't enough money to repair the roads. No mention of bridges though.

Mileage tax is a reality folks. Gonna wait this one out too?

Think this is fiction? Think again. If the government can do this to motorcycle riders, hard working Americans who have the same rights as anyone else (or do we?), what do you think they will do next? Foreclose on your home when you can't pay the mortgage? Throw you out in the cold? It's already happening.

Don't worry, your children will have medical insurance, compliments of me.

When that happens, I'm quitting my job and moving to Australia. But I'll leave this country fighting for my rights with my last breath. And damning the rest of you "it-doesn't-affect-me-so-I'll-just-ignore-it" people.

And all you sniveling single and divorced women who whine so much about having no one "to care for you", get a grip, and when you get up in the morning and look in the mirror, I want you to thank ME for your livelihood, because you didn't earn it yourself. Oh, and don't forget to thank all the bleeding heart liberals, because they took it from me, so you could have it. It's the American.... er, un-American way.

But if you're like me, a woman who knows that life isn't worth living unless you are responsible for it, sit up and take notice. Times are changing right under our noses. Government has become too powerful, too sneaky, and too self-serving. And the media is their lackey. Be above it, be smarter, be American. Fight for your freedoms and rights. Don't hand them off in exchange for empty promises.

I'm riding free as long as I can, and brave enough to fight for it. What are YOU doing to preserve freedom in this country?

My summer vacation

This past weekend, and my first vacation in a long time, I rode my bike, along with Viking on his bike, down to Panama City Beach. We left on Thursday afternoon with plans to stay until Sunday. I was looking forward to no work, no worries, and lots of R&R. My friend, Jeanne, joined us on Friday night, and the three of us bummed around together all weekend.

However, my first attendance at the Thunder Beach Biker Rally left me with mixed opinions on whether I'd do it again or not. Perhaps a one-day trip, but certainly not a 4-day weekend.

Weather

The weather cooperated for the most part. I assured Viking that we would not be rained on during our ride down from Tallahassee. Each time I looked up at the clouds filling the sky, it sure looked to me like we were going to skate by and miss anything serious. Of course, I must have jinxed the ride by saying so, because about mid-trip, it started to rain. Not hard, but enough to make the road wet, and Viking passed me up to take the lead after deciding that I should "eat" his spray, instead of the other way around. After all, I did say we would not get rained on! Fortunately, it was one of those edge-of-the-clouds rain showers while the sun was still shining on our patch of the road, and it didn't last long enough to soak us. I wisely kept my mouth shut during the rest of the ride down to PCB, and we stayed dry the rest of the weekend, with clear skies, and hot but reasonable temperatures.

Accommodations

I had booked a hotel room at the Beach Break Hotel at the west end of Panama City Beach for three nights. It is a smaller, 4-story hotel with an adequate continental breakfast, and all beach-facing rooms with balconies. I'd stay there again. It was clean, comfortable, and not overpriced. The staff was courteous and accommodating. The best part was the view from the balcony, and we had close-in parking for the bikes, with 24/7 security. There were no mishaps or problems, and we even had no trouble finding good parking each time we returned at the end of the day. Nice.

Notice anything missing in this beach photo above (taken from my room balcony)? No people. Or very few. How I managed to find a hotel far enough from the main bars, yet close enough to everything to make it a short jaunt to find things, I'll never know. But it was quiet and relaxing.

Party Establishments

Not so quiet for those who booked rooms at nearby larger hotels whose larger bars were mostly populated until 4am with hundreds of loud, drunk bikers and locals. Besides the loud rock music (which was not really a problem for me), they served beer to those who wanted it well past the normal "last call". We saw numerous people staggering out to their bikes and riding away! To their credit, the local PD was on hand, but not to the point of being intrusive. Kudos to the PCB PD for that.

Usually when attending a large drinking establishment, the bathroom facilities are not too bad, for the women at least. But these were appalling. And I was even further disgusted by the lack of class by many of the women. I would have preferred a portable outhouse to what was available any day. At least I'd have privacy and not be subjected to the disgusting women the equally disgusting men were drooling over. Some people have no couth at all.

Navigating the area

Going anywhere, for the most part, was not bad, and the number of bikes in the vicinity was not too overwhelming (as it is every year at Daytona in March). However, the number of drunk and obnoxious bikers increased exponentially with the lateness of the night (or early morning hours). Navigating through local and visiting cagers was bad enough, but having to negotiate drunk or dangerous riders was even more annoying.

Once we were out on Beach Front drive, you could jump on the express route and get most anywhere without having to put up with the stop-and-go traffic down on the beach route. There were, however, a few moments when Viking mentioned "chestnuts roasting on an open fire....", while we were waiting for the light to change for the 3rd time before moving forward in a higher gear than 2nd. Gotta love them Harleys.

Sharing the road

I noticed that most of the riders on bigger "dresser" type bikes, who also were carrying passengers, were polite, careful and courteous. Not so for the many single riders on customized bikes and choppers in the area.

It seemed like every time we headed across the area on the express route that paralleled the beach, we were confronted with several of these solo riders, whose main mission was to prove to us their bikes were louder and faster than ours. I began calling these individuals "the little-dick riders" of the rally. I mean, really, when one must continually rev engines, and rip away from red lights at obnoxious speeds, only to slow down enough to pace just ahead of us, one has to wonder why the need for so much attention.

Sport bikes in large numbers were conspicuously absent. And though I have no problem with whatever type of bike you ride, I like to avoid those on sport bikes who cannot keep both wheels on the pavement, and maintain a reasonable speed, especially around me.

Interestingly enough, I did not see one woman rider, snazzy bike or not, doing this same type of rev-and-race thing. Apparently women riders don't have to prove their "balls" are big enough to handle a sizeable machine. My own bike is no slouch, and has after-market pipes that "can" be obnoxious, yet I don't feel this urge either. Well, maybe when I'm out on a rural road where I'm the only one soaking up the sound (and grinning like a fool), but I don't think that's the same thing.

Vendors

The vendors were disappointing. The one vendor I wanted to find was not there; Kuryakyn. I found one retailer who carried this product, but had limited inventory. J&P was there, but had only one booth at Frank Brown Park. The rest were all low-grade leather dealers for high prices. We found rally T-shirts at a reasonable rate of 3/$20 in a number of very cool designs, and most came in regular T-shirts, and women's styles.

Several venues had indoor shopping, but those were limited (and very crowded). One venue had all of THREE vendors. On boy, makes me want to rush back there. NOT.

Food

Food was adequate. Panama City Beach has some good eats. We all met up one of the nights at Captain Andersons for Steak & Seafood. They got our group of 8 seated quickly, in spite of being crowded, and the food was delicious. The atmosphere was nice also, as the restaurant is situated on a small harbor on the east end of the beach.

The ride home

The best part was our ride home. We took the long route back to Tallahassee, following Route 98 east and along the coast, then up through Wakulla County. It was an all-day ride, and we stopped in Mexico Beach for lunch. There was no traffic to speak of, and it was an easy cruise in the absolutely great weather. Around 9:00 PM, with wings from Outback restaurant safely stowed, we pulled into the garage, tired, grimy, but happy to be home.

We could do that ride from PCB along the coast any weekend, so would I go back to the Thunder Beach Rally? As I said, maybe for a day, but I think I'll find a nice beach front hotel on a different weekend for my next vacation, complete with white sand, no people, lots of good eating establishments, and local riding scenery. I think I'll leave the drinking in excess to the rallies, buy my Kuryakyn parts online, and enjoy my bike riding elsewhere. Perhaps I'll even design and print my own T-shirt: "My Vacation Biker Rally, group of two, [City, State, Date].

Ride safe, ride free.

Sam I Am

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

We Reap What We Sow

Motorcyclist's Apology

Monday, October 22, 2007

No Compromise, No Surrender

Sunday, October 21, 2007

Brotherhood (and Sisterhood)

Friday, October 19, 2007

Jouralism By the Light of the Moon

Thursday, October 18, 2007

Flex Your 4th Amendment Rights

Monday, October 15, 2007

Dissension Among the Troops

Riding In Groups

Friday, October 12, 2007

ABATE Blunder

Tuesday, October 9, 2007

Ron Paul Gets My Vote

Monday, October 8, 2007

I Pledge Allegiance to the Flag

Friday, October 5, 2007

A Day In The Life of No Freedom

Wednesday, October 3, 2007

Thunder Beach Biker Rally

Ride With God

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