The 2004 Election & Voter’s Guide.
You want your voice heard? This is the time to sing,
right now, by getting ‘Biker Friendly’ candidates
into office for 2005. What you do this year affects the
legislation we introduce next year. Do nothing, and that’s
what you’ll get. The blame will be on those who stayed
home to watch American Chopper. Rider’s Rights are the
responsibility of everyone displaying a Harley sticker
or a little Iron Cross decal on the back of their pick
up truck. I ain’t goin’ for this non-political wanna-be
attitude anymore. If you’re gonna ‘act’ like a
Biker, your butt needs to be stapling signs and stuffing
envelopes with me at the campaign office.
Period. For 10 years, I’ve been a Life Member of
a factory sponsored organization that hides it's
apathy behind a ‘non-political’ clause in it's
national charter, and then exploits the rights,
moreover, privileges, that ABATE members
continually fight for, without big corporate money
or support from the riding community. It’s
simple, either get involved, or turn in your
keys. Wipe that smirk, because if new people decide
to get involved, we’ll need to extend the hand of
gratitude, welcome them wholeheartedly, genuinely, and
be professional/courteous in forging new relationships
with people who might be a little different, yet share
that same passion for two wheels. There are many tribes
amongst us and respect for one another is the key to
getting things done as a unified force.
The ABATE State Rally. Simply said,
volunteer to help, donate some time or prizes, stick
flyers in bike magazines at the newsstand, get the time
off work, visit Porterville and show your support. Who
knows, you just might have a good time and it won’t
seem like work at all.
The ABATE Membership Contest. Sporty
believes in this program so much, he donates much of his
own money and time to get it done. Each Local gets
raffle tickets to sell too. Just ASK! This year
can be the best in recent memory if only you’d get
involved with signing up new members. With a $500,
$300 and $200 prize for the folks signing up the most
members, what have you got to gain? Money! Having a
bulging membership should make you happy as well.
The ABATE Merchandise Program. I’m
duly impressed with the efforts of Bill Crull and
Franklin Yamamoto in bringing the new merchandise
program into the 21st century. They need your support to
get things started. Donations are needed to create
the purchasing power. Please help by calling
925-462-4448 or emailing izu@comcast.net.
Runs, Rides and Meetings. Both for
ABATE Locals and other organizations. Help forge
relationships with like minded individuals. These people
are fighting beside you in the battle for rider’s
rights. Get to know them. Support them. Have fun.
A group ride to another Local’s meeting is walkin’
the walk and would make me incredibly proud.
The CMSP. California’s Motorcyclist
Safety Program is overseen by the CHP and ABATE has a
seat on the advisory board. The Motorcycle Safety
Foundation recently won the contract to administer the
program by underbidding the previous contractor.
Nationwide concern is growing at this common practice,
as the MSF is bought and paid for with CORPORATE
FUNDS. Dumb down the course, push lid laws and
increase sales. hint hint. Your comments and concerns
about the CMSP are much appreciated. Contact ABATE
Safety Officer John Del Santo at 619-223-0421 and let
him know about your training experience, good or bad.
The Internet. Our internet presence is
gaining momentum. I’m greatly impressed with the
number of Bikers I’ve seen getting on the internet in
the past month. The ‘net’ has already proven itself
to be the future of grass roots organizations and
revolutionizes instantaneous mobility. When ABATE’s
Apes Bill, AB 2844 PASSED 76-0 on the Assembly Floor,
the entire event was posted on the web within minutes.
Pictures, video, audio and a “Take Action” link
telling you how to contact the Senate Trans Committee.
It was almost as good as being there. It was a national
effort as well, as hard cores from across the nation got
involved via the net. In the past few months, I’ve
participated in lid law polls in South Carolina,
Tennessee, Missouri and Louisiana. I’ve corresponded
with important officials in Nebraska and I’m doing my
part to change handlebar height in New York. And the
best part? It’s FREE! No postage! You’re really
missing out on the full experience if you’re not on
the net. And when you get your computer, visit
www.geocities.com/palmspringsabate/motorcycleawareness.htm
to see the incredible work ABATE has done to bring
Motorcycle Awareness Month to the masses. You'll see
proclamations and pictures of the people who made ‘em
possible.
Got Tickets? We need to know what’s
happening out there. We need to know what sort of
tickets are being issued, by who, when, and if people
are fighting and winning in court. When we share info,
we’re all better off and it allows us to create
legislation, such as AB 2844, to protect our diminishing
privilege to ride. When you make a submission, you’re
making a contribution to our common interest. If
you haven’t seen the Motorcycle Citation Database for
California, you’re missing out. Take a look!
www.bikernation.us .
Justice For All. The Congressman
Janklow situation in S.D. brought national attention to
a common problem, kill a biker, get 100 days in jail.
Or, in Iowa, they just ran a special, kill 3 Bikers and
maim 3 more for only a $70 fine! The road rage guy in
San Jose got 10 years and that’s cool with me.
Our friends at the AMA are pushing a new program, “Justice
For All” and you can read about it at
www.amadirectlink.com/justice/ . I’m not into creating
a special class of citizenry, but you should understand
the program and talk it over with your friends.
Sturgis and the Sunset Ride to Rushmore.
If you’re a freedom fighter, you’re invited to join
me on a relaxing ride with some of the nation’s
finest! RSVP for the private dinner in Rapid City before
the ride. Visit www.meteorbyte.net/abate/sunsetride.htm
for details. I’m also considering an ABATE of
California get together at One Eyed Jacks or the Full
Throttle.
In a recent discussion with Legislative Director, Jean
Hughes, we both agreed, there is no down time for the
dedicated freedom fighter, but more likely, ‘seasons.’
The seeds we planted in Sacramento earlier in the year
have sprouted and we just might have a victory
crop in a few weeks. As we get closer to
harvest, it’s time to til the soil for our ‘fall
crop’ of achievements. Let’s set the barren
prairie of the grass roots movement aflame! Thanks
for always being there for us. I salute your
dedication to increased involvement.
