By default ABATES around the country have, in the past, been the go to people to look to as watch dogs over our rights. That was when it was more commonly known as “A Brotherhood Against Totalitarian Enactments” and prior to it's various permutations around the country (in Florida it is “American Bikers Aimed towards Education”) and the mission statements were for the most part “to protect the biker lifestyle”. Things have changed. I have talked to ABATE officers who, today, have no knowledge of the history of ABATE.As what it was in the past it carried a certain amount of respect from riders and government alike as government could not second guess them. Today governments and ABATE lobbyists plan and it is the members that are left to do the second guessing.
BUT HERE IS HOW THIS CURRENT SITUATION HAS THE ABILITY TO “KILL” THE MOTORCYCLE RIGHTS MOVEMENT.
ABATE of Florida has expressed a desire to recruit sport bikers to increase their flagging memberships. ABATES position has been “we do not care what you ride or if you ride”.
If ABATE is so out of touch with the motorcycling world that they were ignorant to the fact that this type of action would forever alienate sport bikers (more than they already have been), then their demise is imminent. IF ABATE of Florida has underestimated the ability of sport bikers to assess a situation and react to it, then again, they have sealed their fate.
Like it or not old timers, sport bikers “are” the future freedom fighters. And maybe “fiercer” if left to go on their own as opposed to being assimilated by an organization that would wish to pasteurize and homogenize them.
Whatever idealistic or “selfish” ideal motivated an ABATE president to work with a representative that would even suggest that a “mans/ladies” motorcycle be confiscated/taken away can only be perceived as self serving or stupid.
In this instance I would suggest self serving FOR A REASON ALL ABATES BEST CONSIDER.
ABATE of Florida announced that they would be receiving $500,000.00 from the state for motorcycle awareness and safety (note, NOT BIKERS RIGHTS). When you prostitute yourself for money, do not be surprised if you are perceived as a whore.
The President of ABATE of Florida, James “Doc” Reichenbach has a history of obfuscating issues,and reframing them to justify his actions to seek more funds. He has been seen to throw temper tantrums and threatened to quit when asked about money issues. His defense in the past has been to blame those that would question or engage in dissent. To accuse and “shut up or down” his adversaries. And even more sadly, say nothing at all allowing others to speak for him. Which of course always leaves him the option of saying, I never said that.
However, AND THIS IS IMPORTANT, at some point in time the state is going to ask, how is that money being used to benefit “ALL” motorcyclists. IS HIS ANSWER GOING TO BE BY TAKING THEIR MOTORCYCLES AWAY? Of course we will not know because even the members do not know.
I have in my mailbox right now a post from Chapter president who has no idea how these decisions are made. If a Chapter president does not know. Who does?
What is going to to happen to the STATE FUNDING of MRO's when sport bikers (they vote too) start hollering to the legislatures, "why are you giving money to people that do not represent us?" My hope? The state will cease funding organizations who do little but ask for more money to do less with.
In Florida there are two organizations led by mothers who lost sons on motorcycles who are doing much more than ABATE with it's army of “legislative warriors”.
Pulled from the ABATE of Florida Website this date, this time, at http://www.abateflorida.com/pr-communications.php?action=view&pr_id=10
“02/22/2007 ABATE of Florida, Inc. PO Box 2520 DeLand, Florida 32721 386.953.9610
www.abateflorida.com
ABATE of Florida, Inc. (American Bikers Aimed Toward Education) is the only motorcycle rights organization in the state of Florida. It is not a club and membership is open to anyone over the age of 18. ABATE of Florida, Inc. does not discriminate nor do we support discriminatory actions. All motorcycle riders, regardless of affiliation or make of motorcycle are welcome.
ABATE of Florida, Inc. was incorporated in 1981 to protect and restore the rights of motorcycle riders and to positively promote motorcycling in the state of Florida. We are a C-4, non-profit, ALL VOLUNTEER organization, including the corporate board of directors, representing 35 chapters and over 7,000 members across the state. The members participate in motorcycle rights activities, motorcycle safety and awareness promotion and community events.
(I would like to see documentation that in 1981 “ positively promote motorcycling in the state of Florida” , "motorcycle safety and awareness promotion and community events", were part of ABATEs Agenda or mission statement, rc)
ABATE of Florida, Inc. is funded by membership and non tax-deductible donations.
ABATE of Florida, Inc. employs a full-time, dedicated lobbyist and has been the author of legislation, responsible for the introduction and promotion of or ultimate passage of, the following legislative actions:
Amending the Helmet Law in 2000 (this is revisionist history ABATE, in fact refused to assist Chico Yasko in his 1995 court battle resulting in a declaration that the Florida helmet law was constitutionally vague rc)
Increased penalties for drivers who kill or injure motorcycle riders in crashes (yes they were increased, they are not stiff and they are not enforced)
The declaration of May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month by the Governor of Florida, Jeb Bush for eleven consecutive years (how many lives has this saved rc)
The first (and only) motorcycle specialty tag. (Five charities receive funds generated by the sale of this tag). ABATE does not receive money in conjunction with the sale of this tag (please Ms. Bulow tell us the charities and exactly where much of that money goes, rc)
Obtaining $500,000. 00 for use toward motorcycle safety awareness. (is this the $500,000.00 that was lied about or $500,000.00 supposed to be received in January of this year or was the recipient of those monies known in February? rc)
Amending the Motorcycle Handle bar height limits. (good job)
ABATE of Florida, Inc. has developed a Motorcycle Safety Awareness Program which is presented to civic groups, companies, organizations and in High School Drivers Education Programs throughout the state. There is no charge for the program and it is presented as a public service. (MS. Bulow I notice you do not include any statistics or studies demonstrating the efficacy of your programs, do you have any? Do you have any evidence at all, short term outcomes, long term outcomes, demonstrating your programs are successful and a judicious expenditure of tax money? ARE YOUR INSTRUCTORS, trained, have any recognized certification or just whoever will do it? What do your outcome studies demonstrate? In fact, what research at all is associated with your programs, the ages to which they are presented and the teacher student dynamic or is this just recess? Are you aware that a program that hs not been evaluated for effectiveness can do more harm than good? OR does it matter since the state will give you money to do it and it is easier than fighting for bikers rights? rc)
ABATE of Florida, Inc. has produced a professional, information video to encourage Motorcycle Safety Awareness. (Does not the M$F do this on a national level)
ABATE of Florida, Inc. supports “right of choice” helmet use.
ABATE of Florida, Inc. produces a newsletter 6 times each year.
ABATE of Florida, Inc. has developed, produced and distributed a series of Motorcycle Safety posters. These posters have been used in conjunction with the MSAP and will be posted in DMV’s and High Schools throughout the state. ABATE of Florida, Inc. has developed and is currently posting Billboard along Florida Highways and high traffic roads with a Motorcycle Awareness theme (two organizations are currently providing this service without the use of state monies).
For additional information on ABATE of Florida, Inc., press kits, press passes to ABATE of Florida, Inc. events or to receive prepared, motorcycle related articles, with illustrations or photos where appropriate, please contact: Cyndi von Bulow PR/Communications Officer ABATE of Florida, Inc.
ALL THAT IN 27 YEARS AND MOTORCYCLE DEATHS CONTINUE TO CLIMB AND LEGISLATORS NOW FEEL FREE TO THREATEN TO CONFISCATE OUR MOTORCYCLES ?????
AND YOU KNOW WHAT IS GOING TO REALLY KILL THE MRO MOVEMENT??? THE FACT THAT SO MANY SO CALLED FREEDOM FIGHTERS HAVE BEEN AFRAID TO ASK THESE QUESTIONS?
THE FACT THAT ANOTHER FORUM MADE UP OF ABATE'S AND NCOM MEMBERS CENSORED IT.
WEARING BLINDERS TO AVOID AN UNCOMFORTABLE TRUTH MAKES IT EASY TO FOLLOW THE LEADER OF A CLIFF....................................RIDE ON....rc
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