I recently attended the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM) convention in Milwaukee. As usual, this is always an invigorating and refreshing experience. If I ever lose my 'focus', this type of event really puts things back on track and in perspective. When you are surrounded by true Freedom Fighters including the likes of many Motorcycle Freedom Fighter Hall of Fame members like Jay Huber from Kentucky, Jesse McDougal from South Carolina, Sputnik from Texas and Senator Dave Zein from Wisconsin how can you not be inspired? A common thread was continually brought up - the trend away from being the Salvation Army on motorcycles and to get back to our core issue - motorcycle rights. 

We - the state motorcycle rights organizations (SMRO) and the Confederations of Clubs (COC) are the only groups addressing the onslaught against bikers. 'Onslaught?' Yes, it's a strong description but an accurate one I think. Consider that under the HIPAA law of 2001 you are no longer covered by your health insurance if you are hurt on your bike. The EPA is trying to issue regulations limiting you to changes of color and chrome only - no performance changes at all. Our state, and 19 others tell you that at the age of consent (18 or 21) you can drink, smoke, fight for your country, and own a business but you can't decide if a helmet is the proper choice. At the age of 25 you can be a U.S. Representative, at the age of 30 you can be a U. S. Senator and at the age of 35 you can be the president. We trust these people to make difficult decisions and exercise extraordinary judgment. But, depending on the state they live in and the entire time they are in the District of Columbia, they have been told they don't have the common sense to choose their own protective gear if they ride a bike. That in itself doesn't make sense, does it?

You see, that's the common test of these do-gooders and safety-crats. Their proposals and regulations defy logic. They fly in the face of statistics, proven experience and the deeply engrained sense of freedom passed down from our forefathers. They're politically correct and they sound good - We're going to save everyone from everything! All you have to do is essentially turn your life over to them and then guess what? - you're still going to get hurt and die sometime. I pity the person who lives their life in fear of everything that COULD happen. That has to be a terrible existence. 

What the SMRO's and the COC's have been fighting for all these years isn't complicated. This country was founded on the idea that the freedoms we enjoy are 'unalienable' meaning "not subject to forfeiture". These are not rights given to us by the government to be taken away at their whim. These are rights given to us by our Creator which no government can take away unless we allow them. Only a true understanding of freedom, a pure love of it and a dedication to defend and protect it separates Freedom Fighters from the rest.

Why all of this dissertation on 'Focus'? If this organization never did another charitable event, it wouldn't hurt my feelings. In some states the director - being allowed by their bylaws - has denied any organizational money to be used for charitable events in order to FOCUS. ALL events are to raise money for the stated goals of the organization. I encourage you to be charitable but that's not what CMT/ABATE is all about. (Remember, we are asking every charter to track their charitable contributions in time, labor and money this year versus what is contributed to CMT/ABATE goals.) Arguing against charity is dangerous. However, it's become a main focus as a way of occasionally addressing a few pieces of legislation many in our organization feel will never get passed. The extreme efforts of one individual this year and the contributing efforts of a few others have shown that we can be a force within state government. Look at the bills we got passed and the extraordinary movement on our main piece of legislation. Our opposition is talking with us and compromising! But, we cannot keep going the way we are going - on the backs of a few individuals. I couldn't say it any better than Rick Stephens of the Clarion County Chapter of ABATE of PA.

"As I read our state newsletter every month, I see one thing reoccurring. The State Officers are asking the membership to become involved in the legislative tasks. It's been that way for as long as I can remember and it's had almost no effect at all. For this reason, I would like to take the opportunity to introduce the membership to two definitions that have been in use in the motorcycle rights movement in other states. Only one person can determine whether these terms apply to you. You! The first one is WELFARE RIDER. This term is defined as: Some one who rides a motorcycle and benefits from the legislative actions of others, but does little or nothing themselves to protect the lifestyle they love. Or, riders who enjoy the fruits of SMRO's work but do not contribute to the fight for biker rights. 
"The second term is SHEEPLE. This term is defined as: A living being that looks like a human but herds like a sheep. By letting laws pass that restrict your freedom and your right to choose how to live your life, with no opposition, you volunteer for Sheeple duty. And you're exactly what the liberals want. Now no one will admit to being a 'Sheeple' or a 'Welfare Rider'. Too much pride for that. But as I see all these leather clad bikers looking as cool as can be, I have to wonder, is it's a passing fancy for them. After all, most don't love it enough to protect it. Numbers will back that up. (BIKER VS FREEDOM FIGHTERS) My intention here is not to point fingers or attach labels, but would like all that read this to examine their motives for:
    (1.) Being an ABATE member, and
    (2.) Riding a bike.
"If you support the concept of Abate enough to pay for your membership, could you go one step further and write a letter or make a phone call to those that make the laws. It's painless and cost nothing. If you ride a bike because you love it and it's not a passing fancy you might want to consider becoming involved. There are forces working to take riding, as we know it, away from us. We are a membership driven organization. The membership is what drives us forward, or holds us back. Which side are you on?"

Focus people, focus. Until then, just ride….

Steve