Freedom Isn't Free

I had planned to write up my rendition of the press conference that was held at the capitol Monday morning, in a dry blow-by-blow sort of way, but I walked away from that conference with something else, besides the distaste I had for our state's political blindness. RC had already blogged on this, but I felt the need to vent after seeing this new "dog and pony show". So this is what I saw of this conference, but more importantly, what I saw of RC in action.

The new campaign, "Ride Proud, Dress Loud", is at best a "feel good" move, and will contribute to future problems for motorcyclists everywhere. But RC made damn sure our concerns were heard. If they didn't know him before, they know him now. I knew we'd only get the chance for one or two questions, and I knew RC would hit them hard.

I have known RC for a little more than a year now. Each time I am with him somewhere, fighting the good fight, or supporting our troops, I see something new that smacks me right up the side of the head and says, see, there's another reason this man has more integrity than those lofty politicians sitting up there in their tidy little offices, or the "little Napoleon" who runs the [small] MRO called Abate in this state. Come to think of it, if any Abate members were at this conference, they did not make their presence known. Why am I not surprised at that?

The title to this blog is one of RC's favorite sayings. RC runs the Big Bend Bikers For Freedom blog, and if you haven't been there, you should go and check it out. And if you have been there, you know that RC is every biker's warrior. An "old school" biker in every sense of the word, RC is a bearded, long-haired biker who has been-there-done-that. His sense of fairness and compassion is evident in everything he does; quick to laugh and kind of heart, until you mess with freedom, or give yourself airs you don't deserve. Then you'd better run and hide until you've mapped out 100 ways to make it up. God love him.

So back to the press conference. Now I may be wrong in thinking that many of the 50 odd bikers that showed up for the press conference on Monday were there to hear the speakers, and maybe get on TV, but I know for sure that RC and I went there specifically to challenge the discriminatory flavor of this press conference. And a handful of others I know came for that reason as well. Some who showed up and made the "feel good" comments to reporters that were printed in the media, and may like wearing neon pink; the better to see them when they are riding home drunk after Hooters bike night. OK, I sometimes wear a white and red colored jacket. But that's because I want to. No one is going to dictate to me what I wear when I ride. No one. And I won't give lip service that contradicts that.

So while the majority are either standing around waiting for something to happen, or socializing, RC is documenting, networking, and cornering officials and reporters. I'm still hanging back and making myself available to him when needed. I don't recognize these people yet the way he does.

This press conference was nothing more than a publicity stunt designed to win public approval, in spite of what anyone else thinks. I knew that, RC knew that, but I don't think many others knew that. Some were indignant that anyone would protest such a "feel good" initiative the state had cooked up "for motorcyclists". Lord, help me look past their short-sightedness.

So let's examine why on God's green earth two of this state's freedom fighters would think our freedom is yet again up for grabs.

Fact: 2/3 of all motorcycle deaths are due to negilgent and/or distracted drivers of 4-wheeled automobiles.

Fact: Drivers convicted of right-of-way violations, and killing or injuring a motorcyclist, are fined for a traffic violation and allowed to go free.

Fact: The majority of guilty drivers who kill or injure a motorcyclist can get out of any restitution by stating, "I didn't see him/her".

Fact: Drivers who use cell phones while driving, hands-free or not, are equal to impairment of a driver under the influence of alcohol.

Fact: There are no valid studies that show bright colored clothing, or motorcycle color makes a motorcycle more visible to a driver, especially one who doesn't look.

Fact: Light colored helmets and headlights have proven to be helpful in making motorcycles visible to motorists, WHEN THEY ARE LOOKING.

Fact: The state of Florida now mandates that all new riders must take a state designated rider training course, for about $200.

Fact: There are 29 approved driver education schools for various fees.

Fact: A standard drivers license written test contains no information about motorcycle awareness or cautionary techniques.

Fact: A standard drivers license only requires a driving test and written test. Renewals only require a written test.

Fact: A motorcycle is bound by the same driving laws and is entitled to use the same roads as any other motor vehicle.

Fact: When a helmet-less motorcyclist dies at the hands of a negligent driver, the government and the public focuses on the absence of helmet, not on the guilt of the driver, regardless of the injury that caused the death.

This last fact is the most telling of them all. Tell me, dear readers, once this campaign is going strong, and "Ride Proud, Dress Loud" is plastered all over the state, how often will we now hear, "Well, she didn't see him because he was wearing black"? What this campaign will do is raise awareness for yet another excuse for NOT seeing motorcycles. Now it'll be, "he hit him because he was wearing black, and he died because he wasn't wearing a helmet". God help us all. Next thing you know, some uppity state rep with a hair up his ass, like Carlos-Cantera, will come up with a bill forcing all motorcyclists to wear neon orange vests, helmets, and plaster neon stickers all over our bikes.

There are 15.5 million drivers in Florida, and only 3.9% of them are endorsed. Why is the state trying to convince US to accept sole responsibility for those 2/3 motorcycle fatalities that are not the rider's fault? Does this not smack of the band-aid approach that helmets do? We know that helmets will only protect our heads up to 20mph, and that most fatalities occur at much higher speeds. We know that the head is only part of the body, which contains many other areas where we may be fatally injured, all of which is mangled in a crash between a motorcycle and an automobile. The physics will win every time.

Indeed, that morning I rode my bike down to the capitol, and while sitting at a red light, in the right lane, a pickup truck squeezed past me, IN MY LANE, to make a right hand turn. If I had leaned my body to the right even 6 inches, his mirror would have smacked me in the head. Somehow I doubt that wearing neon orange would have made any difference. My point being, drivers take full advantage of motorcyclists without any regard for their safety, and just don't care about looking for us, or are too distracted to. I've been told the risk of them hitting me is solely mine, because I choose to ride, which, in their mind, absolves them of any wrong-doing.

I would challenge you to an experiment, assuming the Director of FLHSMV has credibility in her statements about color of bike or clothes. While you are out driving your car next time, and you see a motorcyclist coming in the opposite direction from a distance, I'd like you to determine what color the bike is, and what color clothes the motorcyclist is wearing, first thing, the minute you spot them in the distance. Especially if you see a biker on a Harley, or cruiser type of bike. Can you see what he's wearing through the fairing? Can you tell what color the bike is on the small front fender?

Mark my words. Somewhere soon, a motorcyclist is going to die at the hands of a negligent driver, and the first thought that will come into their head as they look at him lying in the road is, "oh my, I didn't see him because he's wearing black, so it isn't my fault".

So yes, we went to that press conference to protest. What were they thinking??? The director of FLHSMV was adamant, in her words to us before the conference started, that this is about "everyone", including other motorists, but the official statements made by her, and by the Tallahassee Police Chief, and the FHP were all about motorcyclists taking the responsiblity and making ourselves even more visible so we don't have to die.

Both LEO's stated that enforcement of dangerous driving would be increased. My first thought was, "and they weren't enforcing all of it before?", then I thought, well that's nice, but what are you going to do about a deterent? What about stiffer penalties for killing someone in a ROWV? Enforcement will merely increase the number of citations paid.

There were other things that just fried my ass at this hearing. Most notably the eight, count 'em, eight motorcycle cops attending to lend a pretty picture with their bikes all lined up by the podium. Why does that piss me off? Because last Saturday the Patriot Guard escorted a fallen soldier through Tallahassee to his final resting place, and the county Sheriff and Police chief refused to give an escort. PG riders blocked roads for the procession, and risked being run over by angry Tallahassee citizens who couldn't wait five minutes for an honored soldier to pass. In the state capitol!

Another thing that came to my attention was the money paid to hire a marketing firm to advertise this campaign, which came out of state motorcycle safety funds. Yet, the state of Florida saw fit to pass an increase in endorsement fees to help pay for rider education, a portion of which is pocketed by the M$F, who will be delivering rider courses we are forced to pay $200 for! Gosh, do I "feel good" yet?

Now back to why 'when I grow up I want to be like RC'.

When the state officials were all done with their flowery speeches, one of the reporters asked if questions would be accepted. No sooner than they accepted this, RC stepped up to the plate. This may not be accurate word for word, as it is quoted from memory, but he asked very clearly, "What specific measures are you going to implement to assure that distracted drivers who kill us are punished?". And true to all politicians and most state officials, they danced around the question and merely repeated the "extra enforcement" comments. So, RC again repeated his question. And for a second round, they repeated their comments. The main thing is, everyone heard his questions. You could have heard a pin drop. And all the reporters were watching, and paying attention.

The officials then stepped down and disbanded, but every one of those reporters and cameramen clustered around RC like moths to a flame. He gave statements and answered questions. Sadly, the reporter that the Tallahassee Democrat sent to the press conference cared little for printing the truth. It most definitely didn't go down with "a roar of approval and motorcycle engines". See that story here.

I tell you here and now, the government will not tell me what to wear when I ride. I've stayed alive this long by treating every other driver as though they would run me down if they had the chance. If you can't see me or hear me coming, YOU DIDN'T LOOK!

And MY campaign will always be "Ride Proud, RIDE Loud". I'll leave the dressing loud for the FSU student body and the bike night drunks. My pipes are loud enough, thank you very much.

And RC? Well, when the chips are down, my vote stays with his. Watch out Florida politicians, he's got your number. Read RC's rendition of this press conference here.

Ride proud, ride loud, ride long, ride free. Freedom isn't free, especially if you're wearing neon pink.

(Note: As of this writing, the Tallahassee Police Chief and the Leon County Sheriff's department are [allegedly] negotiating a policy change to provide police escorts for fallen soldiers returning home to Florida. See the story here.)

Another Shining Example

This blog is about an email (3 emails actually) I received from a member of Abate regarding the last blog I posted. I would like the motorcycling community at large to see what kind of people Abate puts in office; another shining example of "brotherhood" among bikers. Not hardly.

I would have kept this to myself, and a few others, for in no way was it broadcasted among the public at large. From what little information I can gather, an email I wrote to someone, was forwarded to someone who forwarded it to him for response. I have never contacted this person, or his chapter president directly. However, after being trashed in the first email, and then trashed even worse in the second, well, I've never been known to keep quiet, especially when told to "shut up". Just ask my mother.

In the first email, he found it necessary to expound on all his titles, to obviously support the reason for the arrogance he would eventually display; beating his chest I'm sure. It brought to mind Tim-the-Tool-Man and his grunting response to his garage full of tools. As if I'd be impressed over a bunch of titles. I'd hoped at first that I was dealing with a rational person with a bit of intelligence, but that opinion has steadily lost any substantial reasoning.

Overall, I believe it was in response to the blog I wrote on the Freedom Rally, not the first freedom rally I'd ever been to, but the first in Florida. I always welcome another opportunity to speak with legislators anyway. Since moving here, it has become part of my agenda to learn about those who have an affect on laws in Florida, where I now live.

I was accompanied by 6 other Abate members, whom I'd invited to stay in my home, and with whom I have become friends; Strongbow, and 5 others from his Palm Beach chapter. I didn't know much about Strongbow, other than what others had told me. I wanted the experience of knowing him personally. What I saw of them all was a unity and a tolerance for each other's uniqueness and beliefs. And this is what I felt from Strongbow. He didn't care that I fight outside of Abate, or what my personal beliefs are. And they all afforded me the kindness I afforded them, even before knowing me.

Here in Tallahassee, I don't see much of an Abate presence, though I know they are here. And I know they do good things up here in the Panhandle. Diana of Whitesands keeps me posted on what her chapter is doing, and I am aware of a driver education program that someone in the Big Bend chapter was conducting in area schools, because I attended one in support of it. But recently it has come to my attention that the person who spearheaded this program has been stifled as well. I know there are many within Abate who do good things. I'm sure a lot of them were at the Freedom Rally. But when these kinds of actions take place, it makes one wonder.

It was nice to have the opportunity to ride with Strongbow and his crew, and Strongbow introduced me to others he knew at the rally. They stayed in my home for four days and I got to know them well. We had rousing conversations about bikers rights, personal riding experiences, and even some soul searching exchanges. They're bikers, my brothers (and sisters), and they have heart. No arrogance, no personal agenda, just a desire to live the lifestyle we all enjoy and keep the right to do so. They did try to get me to join, but accepted my reasons for not doing so. They know I'll be there to fight beside them regardless. Strongbow's chapter has since earned more of my respect by their actions in the A1A attack on motorcyclists.

I've ridden my own on and off since 1971 and lived a lot of places. None of them were states where this particular Abate member has lived. There are a lot of people in this country, and it's unlikely I'll ever meet everyone who fights for bikers rights. I tend to be more of a "sniper", for my independence and singlemindedness in the way I fight, than a MRO "politician". I don't particularly like the club scene, or the numerous meetings, though I have been known to attend a few. And, true, being a mother has taken my attention from the matter at hand more times than I can count. It is the only priority that ranks over all others.

And riding my own in the early days wasn't always a picnic either. Women were expected to be "old ladies" and ride bitch. And freedom fighters back then didn't appreciate a woman with a mind of her own. But I found my ways. With my daughters in college these past few years, more of my time is my own, and these days, women are accepted up front much more than the past, with the few exceptions on occasion.

It is not surprising that not many know me. That's OK. I'm not in this, nor have I ever been, to achieve notoriety, or make a "name" for myself, only to help get the job done. Those who do know me, and take the time to do so, find all they need to know. Those that don't are of no concern to me.

This person seemed fixated on the fact that since he'd never heard of me, or hadn't met me, then I must surely be a "fake". Meaning, I'm not a "real" freedom fighter, I just play one on the internet. He also thought that since I'm not an Abate member, or held numerous officer positions, then I can't possibly be a true freedom fighter. I had a good laugh over that one. But whatever, it matters little to me what he thinks of me. And eventually he will learn that he is wrong.

I tend to look at MRO membership from a different perspective. That I'm not an Abate member just means I don't agree with their practices as an organization. The organizational practices may or may not be the same agenda as many individuals within an organization, but in the end you are expected to support those practices and decisions. You pay your dues, you become part of the organization, and you are assimilated. One of the first things I heard about florida Abate is their intolerance for radical opinions, coupled with how women of said radical opinions are treated. It's a waste of my time and energy to oppose such ingrained obstacles when I can focus my energy elsewhere to the greater good. I personally refuse to accept that which contradicts my fundamental belief about freedom in general.

Freedom of speech gives me the right to oppose any decisions made by any organization, MRO or not, and if those decisions affect my own rights, I will speak out against it, guaranteed. I use this forum as a vehicle for those beliefs, and judging by the thousands of blogs and websites out there, so do many others.

Apparently he feels differently. And that's OK, just not in the convoluted and unprofessional way he addressed it. Were I to write a legislator and attack the way he dressed as a reason for opposing what he does, my letter would go in the trash. I gave him the initial benefit of the doubt, but he proved me wrong by continuing his tirade.

Not being one to jump to conclusions about those I don't know, I forwarded his email to others I have immense respect for, asking what they thought. With only 14 months of residency, and not knowing this person, I wasn't really sure what to think, for he started out his email "addressing my concerns", followed by apologizing for Abate, then proceeded to attack my integrity, ending his email with the following:

"STEP UP or SHUT UP. Be a part of the solution and not a part of the problem. You talk the talk, can ya walk the walk? Whiners we got plenty of." I think I agree with the "whiner" part of that, but the caustic nature of this last line negated anything positive he previously said.

Now, I don't think I've ever met this person, nor did I know his name before, and if I don't know him, by his philosophy, wouldn't that make him a liar and a fake in my eyes? It would if I were just as shallow. So what if he has held positions in other state MRO's. I know that many positions are taken by the only person to hold up their hand. It means nothing to me. I've known some who held office and did nothing, and some who did more harm than good. It seemed to be his intention to WOW me with all his past titles, as if that somehow makes him better than me, or substantiates his position.

I judge people by what they do, not by the titles they have or the dues they pay. And I sure don't make assumptions about people unless I can prove them out. Well, most of the time. But I'm not in the habit of doing so and then sending a scathing email to the person. That would be rude and uncalled for.

So, before I could respond to the email myself, one of my friends wrote a lengthy email back to this person, from his perspective. I was out riding most of the weekend, and I even started a reply, but hadn't finished it yet. The reply was very well written, and not at all derogatory. Indeed, my own reply was very much like it, and I thought, well this is good, I'll answer his questions about me personally and the rest is taken care of. All will be OK. But that didn't happen. I never had the chance to respond in an intelligent manner, for another instant response came back, adding more insults; why I need someone else to speak for me, and more on my identity, blah blah blah. The indignant reply contained much more pettiness and nasty commentary than before. And I sat here thinking, well that was nice, now I've lost all desire to be courteous in the face of so much anger and contempt.

And I'm thinking, what level of intelligence are we dealing with here? Does he really think his petty remarks have an affect on me? Perhaps he thinks because I'm a woman I will go crawl in a corner and cry? So sorry to disappoint you, dear Abate member. My self-esteem is intact, as yours apparently is not. I won't apologize to anyone for something I've not done, and I certainly won't aplogize for writing about what I saw.

Frankly, I didn't really see anything in my last blog that would get someone's shorts in such a bunch. It really does take a rational thinker to be objective. And now all I see is an irrational person who is unable to look at anything objectively, for his attack on me was as childish and immature as the neighborhood bully who can't have his way.

In the last year, of all the hearings I've been to, was he there? No. Yet his curent "title" is Legislative Trustee. The only Abate person who shows up at any of these hearings is the state lobbyist/president, and even he doesn't hit them all. Regardless of what state I live in, or have lived in, or how long I've lived here, he knows nothing of what I do, or have done. So I am judged as guilty right up front. There may be all kinds of reasons he was not at these hearings, and they may be good ones for all I know. And that's my point; I don't know his reasons. I don't know him at all, other than this display of unprofessionalism.

Perhaps that's why he hasn't met me, ya think? Or maybe it's because I don't go to bike nights, parties, or poker runs? Who has time for that when there is so much to keep up with in the legislative arena here in Florida? I don't have a "wife" or "girlfriend" to cook, clean and do laundry for me either. And when I do have time for other things, I'm riding with the PGR and other Veteran supportive events, or researching other state laws in an effort to help other states with their battles, and thereby gaining knowledge that will help me to defend my own battles in the legislative arena. Somewhere in there, I work a day job, so I can keep doing all those things.

So let's look at what's really going on here:

I wrote a viewpoint about the Freedom Rally, which Abate organized and sponsored. The two main points were, less than 4% of Abate's membership, whose total membership is less than 4% of Florida's registered motorcycles, showed up for the rally, and about half of those left without going into the Capitol and speaking to any legislators (the real purpose of the rally). As Abate is Florida's only "MRO", this truly astounded me, for I have seen much larger gatherings for such an important event in other states time and time again.

I also mentioned two facts about the state Abate meeting, in which a member was voted out without following protocol, and another person was prevented from attending when the meeting was open to all. All because they have opposing views. It wouldn't matter to me what MRO did this, I'd still mention it. It's wrong, it's unethical, and it makes Florida Abate look very bad indeed.

Apparently he took exception to expressing these facts. But instead of looking at it in a positive light, he chose to attack me personally, as if somehow that would erase the facts I wrote and make them go away. Or perhaps it's denial. For this information is no secret to many. What it does, however, is reduce Abate down to the size it really is, and something many cannot seem to accept or want to hear. I am sick to death of hearing that Abate is the "voice" of Florida's bikers. That he personally doesn't have this viewpoint has nothing to do with the the fact that it is said.

I would support Abate 100% in a heartbeat, if their overall goals and philosophy was the same as mine, but it isn't. I simply refuse to give up rights to get a few dogbones thrown my way.

And the irrational rebutted by the rational:

I'm not an Abate member, so I'm not allowed to point out their shortcomings.

Wrong. I have the right to post anything I like here. It's called freedom of speech. You remember that constitutional freedom? I don't edify any comments to my blog posts, other than irrational personal attacks, or profanity.

I don't post my given name on my blog, so I can avoid Google hits from spammers, so that makes me a fake, hiding behind "Sam I Am".

Wrong. Sam is the name I use every day. It's not a "biker" name. It is a nickname given to me a long time ago. And since you're such a jerk, you'll have to find out my last name all on your own. Won't help you though, since I've had three different last names in my lifetime and rarely give it out. Ask around. You might even find someone who knows me. Ask for Sam.

He's never met me so therefore I can't possibly be a "freedom fighter". If I was, he'd have heard of me.

Wrong again. If I thought everyone I'd never met was a liar and fake, I'd be delusional. Arrogant at the very least. With an attitude like that, no one would like me. (Oh wait, he really believes that.) There's that arrogance thing again.

I don't have scads of titles, so I don't deserve to call myself a freedom fighter.

Wrong. Titles don't make the freedom fighter. It is the brotherhood and the heart of the American biker, and an unflappable determination to fight for what is right; unadulterated freedom. What part of that do you not get? Or maybe you think being a "biker" only applies to men?

Step up or shut up.

Since it is such a burning question on what I do or don't do, I'll ask the same. Where were YOU when the hearings took place when the last few horrific discriminatory bills were heard in the House and Senate? And where were YOU when your lobbyist supported the last discriminatory bill, SB 1992? What have YOU done recently for others throughout the country? How much did YOU contribute to California's Judicial Fund, or Michigan's fight against their helmet law? What about the ROW Stiffer Penalty bill in Massachusetts? How many noise ordinance tickets do you have? Helmet tickets from other states? Or do you just sit in your own little Abate world contemplating the next bike night you're going to go to, where I will NOT be?

You're right. You DON'T know me.

The blog I wrote about the Freedom Rally was intended to spark some interest from apathetic bikers, and to point out a few atrocieties that are going on beneath the membership's noses. But instead of looking at in a positive manner, and thinking, "How can I make this better for next year's rally?" he chose to attack me personally. The response from my friend specifically listed out suggestions to achieve this end. Yet while he groveled plainly to this response, he continued to blather unsubstantiated accusations against me.

Now that makes me all warm and fuzzy about Abate. He even challenged me to join Abate and run for an office. Even if I didn't already have a bad taste in my mouth for the way things are run within Abate, knowing of someone like this would turn me away in a heartbeat. No amount of "open arms", as he claims they would have if I join, could convince me he wouldn't turn on me at the very next opportunity.

Why would I want to be a member of Abate when at every turn they openly condemn those who fight as independents? And what is this prevailing attitude that Abate is the "voice" of Florida's bikers? It certainly isn't mine. You won't find me telling my brothers to "behave" when you ride through Delray Beach. You won't hear me supporting a bill that removes individual rights of Americans in exchange for a paltry "feel-good" legislation (and one that will be stripped out anyway). And you won't see me making a distinction between any biker style, only apathy. If it's a two-wheeled motor vehicle, it's a motorcycle. Any law that discriminates, violates, or compromises the rights of those who ride is worthy of my attention. There but for the Grace of God go I.

And as long as Abate's president and lobbyist steps on my rights as a biker, or anyone else for that matter, I will "spout off" (as he so eloquently puts it in his email) and I will do so, whenever, and however I feel like. As long as I have to fight to achieve absolute freedom, I will speak out. I am a Florida biker, and I have the right to oppose that which violates my rights. Abate does not get a free pass on this, just as lawmakers do not either.

In the second email, after ripping me to shreds, he ends it with, "We choose to attend our own affairs by our own means and if Sam [and friend] wants to join ABATE of Florida to dig in, work for the organization and help, then we will welcome both of you with open arms and put you to work, if not then keep your opinion to yourself and let us get on with what we are accomplishing in Florida."

Gosh, gee, golly, you'll put me to work? I guess I've been loafing. Keep my opinion to myself? Only if I don't join? I've seen what happens to people within Abate who don't keep their opinions to themselves. Get real. Accomplish what? Supporting bills that take away my rights? That goes against my most basic of principles.

Now I ask you, why would I join any organization after being treated this way? All for writing my viewpoint, which was fairly accurate, and for keeping my real name off the internet? An organization that makes decisions that compromise my freedom, and an organization where controvery is squashed through unconventional means? Especially when I can fight for my rights all on my own? Thank you, but no. Had I received a polite and courteous email asking who I was, I might have obliged. I don't dance for anyone, especially an arrogant pissant like this one.

So, Mr. Abate I-are-a-freedom-fighter, just like Abate takes care of their business the way "they" want, I take care of business the way I want. If Abate makes a decision that violates my freedom, the world will hear from me again. If you aren't man enough to deal with it, get over it. I have the right to disagree, just as you do, and I guarantee you, I will again.

OK, this post is long. But as as I prepare to publish, I see yet another flaming email from this person. Interesting how this has all escalated through such ignorant and arrogant behavior. He claims yet again how it all stems from my vicious "attack" on Abate, yet he hasn't as of yet posted any comments on the blog, but instead prefers the yellow-bellied method of sending personal flaming emails.

In this third narrative, he attacks my clean leathers as grounds for not being a biker. Now there's a solid reasoning for someone's belief. I am a woman, after all, and I rather like my buttery soft (and clean) leathers, same as the silk I wear under my clothes. I take good care of my leathers, so they'll last me another 10 years. I guess the picture doesn't show the right leg where the leather has become distorted from being too close to hot pipes too many times, or the back where I've hand-stitched them over and over. I'm actually flattered that he thinks my 10-year old chaps look new. I guess keeping my bike clean also means I'm not a biker. Ooookie. Now I'm wondering if there really is something to this Koolaid rumor....

Oh, and now I am labeled as "Queen Bee", but he has it wrong. It's Queen BITCH. I wish people could just get it right for once. Sheesh.

Remember, I did not initiate a personal attack on this person, or any other person. If you want to be angry over this blog, by all means, that is your right. I left his name out on purpose. It is enough that his behavior is described here.

One of the reasons I choose not to become part of Florida Abate is I don't want to be associated with officers such as this man. I simply expect better. From all people. This makes the fourth chapter I have become acquainted with one or more members. The tally is 2 and 2. Thumbs up for Whitesands and Palm Beach, who seem to operate with common courtesy, genuine friendship and are open to all who would fight for bikers rights, Abate or not. Thumbs down on the Big Bend chapter and the chapter this "person" belongs to. Rumor has it that the Big Bend chapter has the habit of culling members for less than valid reasons. They have not responded to an inquiry. The "un-named" chapter is busy attacking people for invalid reasons and since their president has not contacted me, I can only assume he approves of the exchange. Should he do so, I will let you know. I would even print a retraction should they convince me their chapter does not condone such treatment of others. Though I'm not holding my breath.

Ride safe, ride free.

Freedom Rally at the Capitol

April 14th marked the 2008 annual ride to the Capitol here in Tallahassee, Florida, organized by Abate of Florida. This was the first one of these for me, and one of many for Abate of Florida. I had heard so much about previous years, I needed to see this rally for myself. And besides, I am, after all, a freedom fighter.










I rode with a small group of people who had accepted my offer of a place to stay. That Monday morning, we rode to the starting point at the Monticello KOA, just off I-10, east of Tallahassee. But, when we arrived, I was disappointed in the small number of bikes assembled and hoped that more would already be at the Capitol, or would be riding in from other starting points.

We had a police escort from the campground into the city, and since we were close to the front of the line-up, we were able to park close to the main courtyard where the assembly would take place. We stood and watched the others behind us roll in and park. I estimated about 250 bikes showed up for this important rally. Again, that was a disappointment. The local Breast Cancer Poker Run gets more attendance each year.

The opening speech was given by the State Abate President, James "Doc" Reichenbach. His comments were mostly spoken to politicians and legislators, with many of his comments eliciting a response from those listening. I kept looking around for any of those legislators, but they were conspicuously absent. And I am not surprised, as this was a Monday, a travel day, and many were not even in residence. None came out to address the assembly there that morning. More disappointment.

Following his speech, Doc then read off a list of names; fallen brothers and sisters. After each name a designated person rang a bell. It was a solemn and heart wrenching experience.

Afterward, the crowd disbanded and I watched in dismay as more than half got on their bikes and left. So much for storming the halls of the Capitol building. I went inside with the group I came with, and we went down every hallway on every floor of both the Senate and House buildings. Less than half the Representatives or Senators were in their offices. Planning the rally on Monday was a bad oversight.

I'm told there are 7000 - 7500 Florida Abate members. With all due respect to those who attended - bless you all - I was saddened to see so few Abate members in attendance. I'm not a member of Abate, but I went, I supported this rally, because freedom is a very important part of living in this country. Sadly, that is taken for granted by Americans in general, but should not be ignored by American bikers.

I could say, once again, Florida Abate, where were you? But I don't want to discredit those who rode up from southern points to attend this rally. But with over 500,000 registered bikes in Florida, I will say, where the hell were you, Florida bikers???

Our freedom is so very important. Those who have gone before us must surely be looking down and shaking their heads. I am not sure why I thought this rally would be any different than the absent participation at legislative hearings, but somehow I thought it would be.

This rally should have been first on the agenda of every member of Abate. And certainly most of Florida's bikers. How can legislators take us seriously if they don't see us in overwhelming numbers?

What has happened to "A Brotherhood Against Totalitarian Enactment"? That seems to be gone in Florida, replaced with "American Bikers Aiming Toward Education". By definition, Abate of florida isn't even responsible for bikers rights. How convenient.

Florida has no state MRO (Motorcycle Rights Organization). Abate's Freedom Rally was nothing more than a ceremonial ride. Most came for the fun of it, and missed the entire point. The fun is in the ride, yes, but we ride because we have the RIGHT to ride. The Freedom Rally was all about retaining that right. I look to Abate's President and BOD to get that point across. They may have made an effort, who knows, but they failed miserably.

Florida's bikers need an MRO that will fight for their rights to ride free. I just don't see that happening within Abate. True freedom comes from taking a stand of "no compromise, no surrender". I can't remember when Abate last took that stand.

We will see what next year's Freedom Rally brings, and if the biker community in Florida will sacrifice a day of work, skip that poker run, and show up for what is perhaps the most important statement they could possibly make. We have the right to ride free, stand up and count.

Afternote: The Abate state meeting was held the day before this rally. Although it was advertised that all were welcome, member or not, Robert "RC" Conroy was physically prevented from attending the meeting, by two Abate Sgt. at Arms. In addition, another member had his membership revoked without going through the proper procedure outlined in the Abate By-laws. If Abate hopes to increase its membership, this is surely not the way. That Abate's President would condone such acts does nothing to discredit his already questionable reputation.

Quig et al vs. CHP - Sweet Victory

The most concise and legally accurate description of the helmet law problem in any state, as explained by Richard Quigley....


" ....the government cannot make any objective standards for helmets without taking on liability, and since they are expressly forbidden from taking on any liability, they can never make an objective standard for helmets. There it is.

Without an objective standard it all becomes ad hoc and arbitrary - Ad hoc and arbitrary is the foundation of vague law - Vague law is Unconstitutional." Quig (1943-2007)



Today, February 8, 2008 marked a hearing date in the contempt case of Quigley et al vs. CHP.

It seems a California Attorney General (AG) got a little too big for her "knickers", as you will see. Read on....

This hearing, titled "Summary Judgment Hearing", was for the AG to request dismissal of the case, based on her opinion that the Plaintiffs failed to prove they have a case.

At this same hearing, the Plaintiffs planned to seek a motion to compel compliance with discovery. Great move, and here's why.

And Don Blanscet, CA Abate Executive Director, comments:

"Ask any Attorney what his chances are for Summary Judgment when he is pissing off the Judge by refusing to comply with simple basic discovery rules, to the extent that we are faced to seek a motion to compel."

Here's some history on this case, from the keyboard of Tony "Pan" Sanfelipo himself, founding member of BOLT, when asked for the long and short of it. You'll find the outcome of this hearing below.

(Of course, if you are really into the detailed side of things, there are many informative articles you can read on the BOLT of CA website).

"As you know, the NTSB issued a recommendation that all states should adopt or amend helmet laws to meet compliance with the FMVSS 218 (helmet standard). That's exactly what North Carolina did in January [2008]. Anyway, the boys in California have been fighting tickets there for 17 years...and winning.

"Now comes the great Quig et al vs. CHP, set for trial in May, 2008. That calls for an injunction and declaratory relief, which in road language means, the CHP would be enjoined (stopped) from writing tickets for non compliance with the DOT standard. Quig beat a number, I think 9, of them tickets with his BOLT baseball cap and DOT embroidered on the back. That case had the judge rule to dismiss the tickets, but Quig didn't want a dismissal, because that would just go away for him and not do anyone else any good. So he asked for an injunction, which would stop them from writing everyone up. So be it.

"Meanwhile, the judge was pissed at the CHP for ignoring his earlier ruling that they stop writing helmet tickets unless they sign them off as correctable.

"In California, you can get a fix it ticket for an equipment violation (remember, helmets are listed by NHTSA as motor vehicle equipment, not safety equipment). So it should be a $10 fix it ticket. The problem is, the biker has the right to ask the cop, "officer, how do I fix this?" In other words, tell me what a helmet is or where I can buy one that complies with the law. Since there is no list, there is no law, or at least any way for a cop to tell you how to fix your problem. So we have them right where we want them.

"Then, along comes the Attorney General (AG) and takes this contempt case on in the 6th Appellate Court. The court rules that there is an exclusion in the evidence rule that says, even if it's an equipment violation, if the condition presents an immediate safety hazard to the biker, the cop doesn't have to sign off as correctable and can refuse to let you drive off until you put on a helmet he likes. Wow. The AG thought she had it in the bag at this point.

"The 6th Appellate also ruled that, although Quig's soft cap presented an immediate danger in their mind, as a matter of law if a helmet has a hard shell, it's correctable. That's what we wanted to hear, because the other plaintiffs in Quigs case, Blanscet, Barron, Bianco and Holmes, were ticketed with hard shell helmets. And so were hundreds of others, despite the injunction against this in the Easyriders F.I.G.H.T. Freedom case (an earlier injunction).

"Are you still with me? This ain't easy to explain. Anyway, the AG thought, hey, Quig is dead now, and the 6th [Appellate] ruled that the cops have discretion on whether the helmet is compliant, so let's motion for summary judgment. That means, the Quig et al vs. CHP is no longer relevant. It's a moot case according to the thinking of the AG.

[And the outcome? .... drum roll please....]

"So this motion for summary judgment came up today in court, and if the court granted this, it's all over now, baby blue. Of course, we were on pins and needles because you never know what a judge is going to do. You know what he's supposed to do, but it don't always work out like that. Anyway, low and behold, the judge dismisses the summary judgment and asks why he shouldn't issue the injunction right there and then. That must of blew the AG out of her knickers. I'm sure Quig is dancing in the clouds. So, we go to trial in May.

[After learning the outcome of today's hearing, Don Blanscet went out trolling for another helmet ticket, and I wondered if he could still get one, given the ruling today...]

"Don could still be cited for non compliant helmet, because this still has to be settled in court. He'll have to troll long hours though if the word is out about the summary judgment loss.

"We also want to ask the Supreme Court to retry the 6th Appellate ruling on Quig's soft helmet because, under Buhl vs. Hannigan, and Bianco vs. CHP, followed by the Easyrider case, it was determined that a cop cannot pull you over without probable cause that your helmet didn't comply. The probable cause was, according to the earlier cases, there was no DOT sticker (which later was found not to be necessary anyway) and that the cop knew the helmet didn't comply or he knew there was a recall of that particular helmet, and that the biker knew the helmet didn't comply.

"Whew! How is anyone going to know all that?

[I can hear Tony taking a big breath as he prepares to continue this narrative.]

"As for the baseball cap, it did have a DOT on the back, so there was rebuttable presumption of compliance, because the earlier cases ruled that fabrication isn't an issue. In fact, for a cop or consumer to consider fabrication of the helmet, is absurd (judges words).

"The FMVSS 218 is a performance standard. It tells you what a helmet has to do or prevent to be compliant. Nothing in the standard talks about fabrication. There is nothing in there about a hard shell, 1 inch thickness or any of that nonsense cops say a helmet has to have. They do mention a retention system (chin strap) and that's why Red and Quig and Don have some sort of lace or chin strap attached to their baseball cap, coconut shell or yamaka cap. These guys are characters...I love them."

Let me tell you folks, if you think this has been easy, think again.

And so, as described above, this is a huge victory.

The Judge dismissed the Summary Judgement. And he put the AG in her place by asking why he shouldn't issue an injunction right then and there.

How I wish I could have been a fly on the wall in that courtroom!

And as Don wrote to me today, before firing up the scooter to go "hunting" for another helmet ticket [Got Ticket?]:

Quigley vs. CHP won Big !!!!! I mean we won Big!!!! BIG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Judge says perhaps an injunction is in order for the plaintiffs (thats you !!!!!!!!)

He was very happy with the outcome (ya think?).

As Don says, "we" are the Plaintiffs, and he is right on that point. For this victory was not just for California Bikers, it was for ALL Bikers, as Quigley intended. "Brotherhood knows no boundaries", as is evident here. And this writer is grateful for the work they've put forth to achieve this victory.

What does this mean to you and me? Considerable ground was gained today, through perseverence, a refusal to back down, and a refusal to compromise. They have beat back law makers and law enforcement with the very laws they wrote and [try to] enforce.

But there's no relaxing, as the show is not over.

Trial is set for May 2008. CA Abate and BOLT must still pay their Attorney fees, and they must still keep vigilance. The way looks clearer, but it won't be over until the fat lady sings. They must still fill the Judiciary Fund coffers, to pave the path for the May trial.

Check out the information on the Judiciary Fund and make a much needed donation. Any amount helps. There are hundreds of thousands of bikers out there. Show them you appreciate what they are doing, what Quigley devoted his life to, and help them beat this down to the "whale dung" level (lowest place on earth) where it belongs.

Ya know? I'm hearing the theme for "Rocky" in my head right now... but I hate those musical tunes that play when I open a web page, so I'll let you remember that tune on your own.

And now for the quotes - and I so love good quotes.....

This quote by Napoleon Hill is for the Freedom Fighters in California, and for all those who had/have faith in them and contributed to this cause.

Victory is always possible for the person who refuses to stop fighting.

And this one by Theodore Roosevelt, is for everyone else. But it's not too late. Send your donation today!

Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs even though checkered by failure, than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much because they live in the gray twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat.


Great job guys!
Florida Freedom Fighters salute you.

Calling All Bikers

All of the above are "approved" helmets, according to any state helmet law. Shouldn't you have the right to wear the helmet of your choice, or better yet, the choice being none at all?

New California ABATE State Director sends out a request for help. I would add to his addressed "To" ALL bikers, whether you belong to a group or not. Every little bit helps.

Download an image of this letter to print here. Please distribute at will.

To all State Motorcycle Rights Organizations and National Rights Groups:

As many of you now know, ABATE of California is closely monitoring an Appellate Court challenge to the validity of the enforcement of the mandatory helmet law here.

Our Board of Directors has voted in the majority to support this case fully. Furthermore, ABATE of California established the ABATE Judicial Fund in order to accept donations to assist in the legal costs of such litigation. ABATE made an initial contribution of $25,000.00 in establishing this fund. Our attorney is Wendy Lascher of Lascher & Lascher, Ventura, California. The administration of the funds is simple. Attorney submits an invoice for work done on the case, and we send payment.

This court case has four plaintiffs, Steve Barron, Steve Bianco, Pat Holmes and me, Don Blanscet.

No ownership of this case is claimed by any one organization or group, but instead belongs to the plaintiffs. Our opinion is the case belongs to every motorcyclist in California. Steve Barron and Pat Holmes are past presidents of their ABATE Locals, and I m the Executive Director of ABATE of California.

ABATE of California is officially asking that the various State Motorcycle Organizations help us win this important court case by donating to the ABATE Judicial Fund.

Furthermore, ABATE of California requests that the Motorcycle Riders Foundation and the American Motorcyclist Association support and encourage the SMRO's around the country to financially assist this court case by donating to the ABATE Judicial Fund.

Additional documentation and history of the litigation in California is available upon request.

Respectfully,

Don Blanscet
State Director, ABATE of California
donb51@earthlink.net

It is imperative that California succeed in this fight. The outcome will seriously affect the other 49 states, whether you live in one with a helmet law or not. Given the sad state of affairs with the Federally appointed NTSB, all American bikers cannot afford to do nothing with respect to California's fight against their helmet law.

If you value your rights as a motorcyclist, whether you wear a helmet or not, please contribute.





And if you need to ask why? Go here and find one reason among many.




Want to know more about California's helmet war? About true "civil disobedience"? About why those helmets above are all legal?

Read and learn:
BOLT of California
Reason: Online Article
Bruce on NTSB Position Paper

Ride long, ride free, let those who ride decide.

The Best Leaders Lead By Example

Video by Casto Sanchez
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6sOWYVSkrk8

California ABATE's new Director, Don Blanscet knows all about 'civil disobedience'. It's one of the best ways to combat unconstitutional laws that rob us of our freedom.

The "King of Resistance", Henry David Thoreau wrote of "Civil Disobedience", in his essay of the same name, first published in 1849. This essay inspired other greats since Thoreau's time; Mohandas Ghandi, who said of Thoreau, "he taught nothing he was not prepared to practice in himself", and Martin Luther King Jr. who said, "As a result of his writings and personal witness, we are the heirs of a legacy of creative protest."

Paraphrasing the motto of a mid-19th century periodical, and the aphoristic views of Thomas Jefferson, "The best government is that which governs least", Thoreau left a legacy that endures today.

Richard "Quig" Quigley is another legend comparable to those mentioned above, God rest his soul (1943 - 2007). He epitomized Thoreau's teachings of civil disobedience in order to preserve the freedoms of the American Biker, and left behind hundreds of disciples who carry on his legacy. Quig was a leader among leaders.

The final test of a leader is that he leaves behind him in other men the conviction and will to carry on. Author: Walter J. Lippmann

I don't know Don personally, but I see three things in this video that makes him a potentially great leader.

1) The obvious, lead by example, is related in his story to the others around him about his 'CHP encounter'. Don has no problem with doing what is necessary to achieve the end result. (Quig? Are ya smiling?)

2) Charisma is apparent; Don conveys the spirit of the story and makes others feel a part of it.

3) Inspiration speaks loudly in this exchange among friends and comrades. Don inspires ME to wear my baseball cap, with the DOT label, and dare to be free. Imagine what Don could inspire other like-minds to do.

In going forward, my wish for you, Don:

May you have the hindsight to know where you've been
the foresight to know where you're going
and the insight to know when you're going too far.

Ride long, ride free, Brother.

The Battle For Freedom: Must Reads

As each of us goes through our daily lives, today and every day, while rights and freedoms are being removed by our government and put into law, unless you join the fight to stop them.

In early November 2007, Dave Christy, Bikers' Rights Advocate, Colorado, began a narrative on the current (and alarming) state of affairs with regards to Biker's rights, and the escalating loss of freedoms directed at us, as bikers, in a way that is clearly discriminatory. It is published on LDRLongdistancerider.com and I've posted links below.

For example, in Florida legislature, now on the table:

Did you receive the notice not long ago from your vehicle insurance company about PIP? Do you know what that means to you as a rider? HB265 and companion SB984 relieves an at-fault auto driver's insurance company from the responsibility of paying for your injuries if that driver runs you over. You will not be able to purchase PIP on your motorcycle (the bill excludes motorcycles from the term motor vehicles), which means you personally can be sued for the medical bills of someone you hit. You will be required to purchase catastrophic personal medical insurance in order to ride your motorcycle and be covered. Uninsured motorists coverage will not apply to motorcyclists. Your only recourse will be to sue the driver who ran you over, at great cost to you, and that's assuming the driver has anything of value. And, of course, if you can still walk, talk, still have a place to live, and are independently wealthy.

And Federally, now on the table:

Unless the HIPAA law loophole is amended, your medical insurance underwriter can continue to refuse to cover you when you ride, or drop it if you have it.

Without PIP and affordable personal medical coverage when you ride your motorcycle, you you are not covered on all angles. If you own your bike outright, are you prepared to ride with no medical coverage whatsoever? And if your lien holder requires it, can you afford it?

And if you are run over? Well, your life will be, in a word, over. Even if you survive.

It's not just about helmets, handlebars, or after market pipes. There are bills in the works (Florida State and Federal) THIS YEAR that will take away your freedom to ride.

Want to know the real reason mandatory helmet laws are being shoved down our throats? Insurance companies. They believe if we all wear helmets we won't be injured or die. Ludicrous? Yes, we, as bikers, know that's pretty far-fetched. But insurance companies know that when one of their insured runs us over, they pay BIG. They want out of that responsibility. And they have the money to lobby for this. We just have our little letter-writing fingers.

And for all of you reading this who don't live in Florida? If this Florida bill goes through, how fast do you think YOUR state will follow suit?

So, if you ride, and you have thus far chosen not to involve yourself in the fight to ride free, these installments written by Dave Christy are a must read. Beware all - you are about to learn of very real and present dangers of losing your right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness in owning and riding a motorcycle.

If you don't ride, whether you have opinions about motorcyclists and the laws that govern them or not, PLEASE show that you are not narrow-minded and ignorant of the facts, and read these installments. They are fact based, and portray the real situation. Even though you don't ride, they do involve you in a very real way.

I will be posting the link to each installment as they become available, and I have taken the liberty of adding quotes from each installment, as a "hook".

Remember, opinions, to be taken seriously, should be based on fact.

BATTLE ESCALATES AGAINST RIDERS' FREEDOM OF CHOICE

Part 1 (click the link to open the installment)

"We're all in the traffic mix and rely, with an x-factor of trust, on each other to do the proper things. In spite of that reliance, vehicle operators commit 'fouls' on other roadway users, and/or themselves, to the tune of millions of collisions, crashes, and "accidents" every year in the U.S.A., resulting in 40,000-plus fatalities every year, to include an escalating percentage of motorcyclists in that figure. It's a sad fact. What must be understood is that 95% of all accidents are due to human causation factors!"

"The motorcycling community is relentlessly pounded upon by NHTSA, and more so in the last few years due to the increase of motorcyclist fatalities as a percentage of the yearly highway total. The news media are fed the stats, latch on and stoke the flames through inference among the general public, who view us riders as a careless liability, damn-near miscreants who ride "donor-cycles" and deserve what we get because motorcycles are 'dangerous.' And you have to wear a helmet. If you don't wear a helmet you brought it on yourself."

"Without helmets, we all pay" says NHTSA, as they create polarity in the public realm and influence opinion, deliberately against motorcyclists--attempting to establish motorcyclists as a disproportionate drain of injury and medical dollar consumption. This is called the Public, or Social Burden theory."

Part 2 (click the link to open the installment)

"By inference, the message is "You motorcycle riders - when you don't wear a helmet and you get hurt - are costing the public money. And when you get killed, it's because you weren't wearing a helmet!"

"Using my home state as an example, our Colorado government estimates (probably conservatively) we have almost 800,000 medically uninsured, or about 17% of the population. This figure would probably include some people who ride motorcycles. At any given time, any of these folks are dependent on publicly-funded medical care, for any reason under the sun. Shall we paint all these folks with the brush of 'Social Burden?' Using the logic, after all, what's the difference between "us" and "them?"

"It is also a known fact that over 100,000 people die annually due to "medical mistakes," more than 20 times the number of annual motorcycling fatalities. That's about 280 average everyday, folks."

---

"The battle for bikers' rights is not about patches, parties or poker runs. We fight to protect the freedom and promote the interests of American motorcyclists ... to defend our right to choose our own modes of transportation, attire and lifestyle ... to deter and defy discrimination against us ... and to vanquish those who violate our rights or right-of-way."--Bruce Arnold

Another Soldier Dies

We are all aware of the war in Iraq. Many of us have a favorite pastime, if you will, for supporting our soldiers. They do deserve it, after all.

As a biker, I discovered the Patriot Guard Riders, whose mission it is to honor our soldiers and their families. Others who do not ride lend themselves to celebrating Veterans Day, or visiting Veterans Hospitals.

But this post is not about our revered military soldiers. It concerns the very real and important war here at home, in all states. A war many fight daily for our rights.

Do these 'soldiers' die at the hands of opposing military soldiers? Carrying guns and grenades? No. They die at the hands of thoughtless, distracted drivers; the soccer mom carpooling the neighborhood kids, the young man across town who is late to work, or the business man passing through who can't put his cell phone down.

What do these soldiers fight for?

They fight to keep us all riding free and riding safe. Some of them break the law to set a precedence so you and I don't have to wear a helmet, or can ride down a boulevard with aftermarket pipes. Some spend countless hours daily writing letters to legislative bodies, so you and I can continue to enjoy our motorcycles whenever we wish, wherever we want. Some quit their jobs to serve on a board of directors and devote their lives to the 'cause', so we can ride free. And some even write blogs about the issues at hand, in hopes you and others will listen and add your voices to the army.

Some of these soldiers are "snipers", adding their contributions anonymously because of their employment status. Still they fight.

Mostly though, these soldiers have lives, families and jobs, same as you and I, and still they devote their lives to our freedom to ride uninhibited by government bureaucracy. They are ordinary men and women, doing extraordinary tasks. For you. And for me.

Do we have a holiday to remember them by? No, but we should. Do they get a 21 gun salute at their funerals? No, but they should.

A large majority of riders cruise (no pun intended) through life thinking, "It'll never happen to me." And if they worry about rights, or dying at the hands of those who violate our rights, they just might have to acknowledge that their voices and actions are needed. But no, that might cut into their Football time, or the Scrapbook class. It's much too convenient to simply look the other way.

Lead, follow, or get out of the way. By that I mean, if you don't love riding your scooter enough to contribute even a small portion of your time to fight for the very freedom that allows you to ride, sell the bike, it's not for you, and go back to your chosen life.

There are very few valid excuses for not contributing to something that you directly benefit from. But aside from that, there is no excuse whatsoever not to honor those who have fallen in the line of duty.

Look up the different H.O.G. websites around the country and be sure to view the pages listing those who have crossed over while riding their motorcycles. Check out the MRO's and ABATE websites. They are all listed there.

If you ride a motorcycle enough miles, enough years, sooner or later you will personally know someone who has lost their life while riding. It is a tragic event, certainly. What loss of life isn't. But when you see that one of your soldiers has died in the line of duty, take the time, even if privately, to honor that person.

And the next time you feel the need to contribute to something good, ask what you can do to join the fight for freedom. Every little bit helps. And who knows, maybe someday our Freedom Fighting soldiers won't have to die for your right to ride free.

Thank you, Dan Hoffman, for all that you did for me. I didn't know you personally, but I know who you are. You're one of those people who selflessly spent a great deal of your own time fighting for my right to ride free.

Rest in peace, brother.

http://delawarecurmudgeon.blogspot.com/2007/11/call.html
http://miva.delawareonline.com/miva/cgi-bin/miva?obits.mv+72805

Dissension Among the Troops

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.