This is a post I made to Bruce and Rays Forum on a discussion of Motorcycle Riders Foundations (MRF) annual Meeting of the Minds (MOTM). Whereas SMRO's such as ABATE are supposed to be our state spokesman for our rights (note I said "supposed to be"), the MRF is supposed to be our primary National Voice in Washington. Annually they hold whats called a meeting of the minds to discuss the issues that they determine are in our best interest. The following is a (not very scientific) analysis of the Agenda for this years MOTM that can be found on their site:
JUSTIFIABLE TOPICS (subjective, open to argument)
Civil Liberties-How do they affect Motorcycles (1 hour 30mins competes w/ 3 other topics)
Accident scene management (3 hours 30mins competes w/ 3 other topics)
Impaired riding (2 hours competes w 3 other topics including accident scene investigation)
Insurance for Motorcyclists (1 hour 30 mins competes w/ 3 other topics including accident scene investigation)
8 and ½ hours devoted to what I would see ass issues of "immediacy" or relevant to the street rider
(it's subjective and arguable). But since the topics of most relevance (to this individual) compete against each other the 8 and a half hours is further reduced by inability to access all the topics. Because the time allocated is actually 5 hours
EPA Update (shares an Hour and a half w/ Legislative Updates. Give it 45 minutes. Also a I suspect Motorcycle and After market people will be all over this issue. Debatable as to it's importance here.
8 hour board meeting to discuss committees.
8 hour board meeting (no topic(s) listed)
(lunch break not mentioned)
3 hours meet board and attendees (not working hours)
1 hour 15 min Leg & EPA (if relevant is time adequate???)
1 hour 30 min AWARDS & NHTSA
1 hour 30 min AWARDS & Canadian/European issues
1 hour TUG of WAR
3 hours FUND RAISING
2 hours AWARDS/what successful people do (give out awards?)
45 min AWARDS
30 min Cocktail Hour
3 hour Bike Blessing
33 HOURS 30 mins. not counting Breaks and some lunches and Breakfast Social
6 plus hours shared by AWARDS
6:30 until....... AWARDS Banquet
(Obviously they ran out of awards because they allocated 1 hour 30mins to "excel member lists")
$70 Sign up now
Transportation costs to Cedar Rapids
Accommodation
Food (outside of conference)
Travel Time
(how much of this cost will be borne by the members of SMRO's who find it imperative to
be represented)
Although not in this arena I have been to many conferences and have found that many attendees skip much of the "Agenda" (often times to be found in the Lounge)
Someone has to drive, Discussion About Leadership (hour and a half competes w/ 3 other topics including Accident Scene investigation) THIS IS FREAKING FUNNY
IT WOULD APPEAR TO THIS SCREWED UP, JADED, BURNT OUT, OL BASTARD THAT THEIR TO DAMN BUSY PRETENDING TO BE IMPORTANT TO FIGHT!!!! My experience (and it is just my experience which is all I have to relate to) is that as people rise in any organization they often times lose touch from where it is they have come. The streets (if in fact they have ever been there).
A person who drives their Motorcycle to the occasional bike night, "doggie" run, bike fest (whoops that would be trailer), or occasional Sat. ride (if it's not to cold, to wet or football isn't on) can not relate to
to the issues discussed on this forum as someone else might. Hell, they ain't gonna be reading this forum. We are truly the minority within the minority.
How do you generate enthusiasm for "our cause" among a population of persons who pay $20.00 a run (excuse me in this area competition for the "biker" dollar has dropped the price to $10) to support every cause but ours? Then subtract from that, those that are willing to come off $20 a year to pretend to be "freedom Fighters", those that actually do something. NOt to discount the folk, who do or did care, perceptive enough to recognize that a MOTM is nothing but a "monkey fuck" and the SMRO is a "rip" and either "quit in disgust" or were smart enough not to get involved in the first place.
The enemy is US because we continue to allow those who think they speak for us, convince the rest of the world that they do in fact speak for us. Or not. rc (note, I have allowed my MRF membership to expire). Ride Free (and watch your own ass)Add to Technorati Favorites
