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P.O. Box 160223 Nashville, Tn 37216-0223 615 262-1119 - Office
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February 2004 Column Beginnings I realize that this is the first of February and not the first of the year but we are actually looking at a couple of important ‘beginnings’ right about now. Looking back, last year was a good year. We started several charters such as Thunder Mountain, Northeast, TN, Robertson County, and the McMinnville Area charters. A few other charters ‘restarted’ and showed a real commitment to maintain the fight. Buffalo River (Thanks, Woody) and Volunteer (Thanks Linda and Jimmy) have made it past some tough times and are coming back strong. Other charters and individuals have had some struggles in recent months. The Carroll County Charter is in trouble and we hope to be able to offer some help and guidance for those Freedom Fights that want to regain their liberties. Three Rivers had a tough year with their Director going down. Tom, get well soon. Wheels of Thunder had a few members with difficulties such as Cappy and ‘B’. You know we are all praying for you. Other charters also had losses and difficulties and I don’t want to minimize those by not identifying each and every one. There have been funerals and hospital visits across the state – I don’t believe any charter went untouched by these kinds of events. Additionally, some charters are struggling having lost their focus or drive. Some of the older, established charters are seeing a need to ‘pass the torch’ from officers who have served a long time to young lions – and sometimes those lions aren’t stepping up. But, I’m not trying to paint a dismal picture. We are also at the ‘beginning’ and the energy that is flowing right now is new, refreshing and contagious. It is finding it’s way to those who are tired and frustrated and is reviving a ‘fighting’ spirit. For example, we are at the beginning of a new legislative session. Yes, THEY’RE BAAAACCKKK! We are readying for the fight. Out Helmet Modification Bill is our number one priority but there are other things that we will also be tackling. Don’t be surprised if a lot of this is done through agencies and the administration rather than legislatively. We are learning that there is more than one way to get results. Maybe we can get an agency to refine a particular rule rather than to have to get a bill passed in order to get a change. You also need to do your part. Start picking up that phone to call your Representative and Senator. EVERY Representative in the state is up for re-election this year. Let them know that you are a registered voter, that you want their support on HB 952 and that you are involved. Let them know that you will make your decision on how you will vote based upon how well they ‘represent’ you in all matters that are important to you. We are also at the ‘beginning’ of a new effort to get a marquee state event off the ground and put Tennessee Bikers and our fight for liberty on the map. There are too many people to thank in this effort but let it be said that we have some great individuals with wonderful energy who have really stepped up to lead the charge on getting a great May 21-23 event off the ground. This event is to raise funds for the legislative effort, close out the 2003 State Wide Poker Run, kick off the 2004 State Wide Poker Run and establish a long running, well attended Tennessee Biker Event – Long Live the Southern Thunder Rally! To everyone involved and working diligently on this - Thank you for your commitment. Keep up the great work. Be looking for (subject to change) music, camping, dirt drags, vendors, patches, pins, raffles, food, fun and a wonderful time at the Southern Thunder Rally! And remember – we are closing out the State Wide Poker Run there. You could win part of $3500 in prize money! We are also ‘beginning’ the efforts of our committees. It is imperative that all areas of CMT/ABATE be handled with good business practices and proper goals setting and management in order to be successful. These committees will be crucial to our long term development. So, you can see, we are beginning – again. Now it is YOUR turn to begin again. Begin to think about how you can help raise memberships at charter meetings. Begin to act on developing local charter events. Begin to establish a talking relationship with your legislators. Begin to get involved with local politics, parties, and the election process. Begin to plan on being that the Southern Thunder Rally. Begin to feel that ‘fire’ build up inside again – that desire to regain your liberties and that desire to be part of the wonderful victory. Until later, don’t forget to do your Wiring Harness Preventive Maintenance, Steve |
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