Liberty lies in the hearts of men and women; when it dies there, no constitution, no law, no court can save it.... While it lies there, it needs no constitution, no law, no court to save it.
ABATE of Florida President James "Doc" Reichenbach is "mad"
This is a jpeg of a Letter From the "Desk of the President" of ABATE of Florida, James "Doc" Reichenbach as printed in the latest edition of the organizations newsletter.Below is how it was posted on their website before it was proof read, including link (highlights added).
Do you think we should comment on it? Heh, Heh, Heh, Don't you know we will?
This has been a tough year not only on Abate of Florida, Inc. but the motorcycling community also. We have the National Transportation and Safety Board practically demanding a national helmet law and then the Secretary of Transportation saying on CNN that we are the cause of health care going up and NHTSA doing their typical falsifying of statistics. These are all appointed officials that 99% have never rode a motorcycle in their life. Yet they are experts on motorcycles and statistics but never add in the human factors. Make no mistake about it our lifestyle is under attack. Are we going to let them keep sending us to funerals or are we all going to finally pull together and fight this unjust treatment? We have people in our own motorcycling community that have on grip on how to deal with these situations. They have national call outs when they are not needed, want officials removed on their say so and most of all interfere in other states rights issues. They are truly a plague on the rights movement. Now is the time for all rights groups to band together and plan a strategy that will put these organizations on the defense not the motorcycling community.
Ed Note: We can't be sure "who" or what "these situations" are as Mr. Reichenbach is not specific. We do however have our suspicions. We are aware of some situations where Mr. Reichenbach has badmouthed people behind their back for engaging in some of the exact same activities he has advocated for. They just didn't have their actions approved word for word by Mr. Reichenbach prior to acting. In short they thought for themselves.
We are aware of other organizations such as B.O.L.T. (Bikers of Lesser Tolerance) and other MRO's (Motorcycle RIghts Organizations) including some State ABATES who are not %100 invested in the Florida presidents strategy of kissing the asses of politicians to feather ones own nest.
There is a large number of Florida (and national) bikers, among the 99%+/- bikers who do not belong to ABATE of Florida or any organization, who have observed how the politician ass kissing strategy has failed us. Some of these riders feel the "increasing" carnage on our states highways and "increasing" suppression of our rights justifies adopting a strategy of no compromise, no retreat, no surrender! We do not insist that Mr. Reichenbach abandon his lucrative position as a lobbyist to adopt our strategy. In fact we would prefer that he do not. He causes the Bikers Rights movement enough embarrassment as it is.
Since we are Americans and do ride in other states such as Georgia, North Carolina and others we feel perfectly justified in being concerned with developments that will eventually "affect all of us." One would think that Mr. Reichenbach would understand the importance of paying attention to national issues considering he is also chairman of NCOM (National Coalition of Motorcyclists)/AIM (Aid to Injured Motorcyclists) a coalition of attorneys who have discovered they too can get rich by jumping on the Biker bandwagon.
It would appear as evidenced by Mr. Reichenbachs reference to sportbikers below that what Mr. Reichenbach really means when he says "Now is the time for all rights groups to band together" is now is the time for for everybody to "follow him".
I have visited ten chapter events or meeting in the past few months and am impressed with the leadership I see out there. You are working hard for the cause and that is why this organization was formed. It wasn’t formed to be a charity organization it was formed to fight for your rights and one of them is to ride safely on the highways of this great state and country. If that is not your reason for being here then you need to find other organizations to support.
By the time you receive this the Holiday Season will be over and I hope everyone had a great time. For a belated gift for someone give them a membership to Abate of Florida so they can learn about how their rights are being taken away and how they can help fight for them. To all sport bike riders I say to you join us to long you have sit on the sideline and watched the game and let someone else fight for you. Now is the time for you to join the fight and show everyone that you care about your rights.
Ed. Note: I am not sure how Mr. Reichenbach knows who is doing what? Which sport bikers are writing to or talking with their representatives and which one are not? It does appear that Mr. Reichenbach is suggesting that if one doesn't join "HIS" (as he refers to it at the capital) organization, they don't care. However considering it has not been long since Mr. Reichenbach and others have learned that you do not refer to sport bikes as "crotch rockets" it might be understandable as to why they are not ringing his phone off the hook. There are an awful lot of riders of "all" brands of motorcycles that do not seem to care about their rights. To the shame of "all" of us.
We still need volunteers for the campground at Bike Week. This is what carries us through the year for operating expenses so help out your brothers and sisters and volunteer. If you can do it for charity you can do it for your rights. Chapters vote on how to spend the money so they should be involved in earning the money that is spent. The run to the Capitol comes immediately after Bike Week and we are prepared for it. The
The next state meeting will be in
Doc
What is sad is that across the country MRO's just as politicians have staked out territories, placed political capital above Brotherhood and look more everyday like that they profess to be against. But just as with politicians the fault is not theirs. THe fault is ours because, "We the People" have abdicated our responsibilities!Add to Technorati Favorites
Georgia BIkers to fight Custom Motorcycle regulations
(Would this motorcycle be illegal in Georgia? Does Georgia know?)Below are our concerns as drafted by ABATE of Georgia Asst Legislative Dir Linda Allen. Progress is being made on getting an acceptable bill but we cannot back off. We have to keep doing the petition, the letters, the calls and the Ride. We have great momentum and need to ride that all the way to the Capitol on Feb 12th for the Cruise-Aid to the Capitol.
We will get out an email of all ride details following the meeting tonight and an email about this weekends Great American Motorcycle Show.
House Bill 950
House Bill 950 is Legislation that attempts to address recent concerns over EPA interpretations and tag and title issues to motorcyclists in Georgia. The INTENT of the Legislation according to both Legal Council and the Bills Sponsor is to help motorcyclists register and tag their bikes by classifying and differencing between 'assembled' and 'kit Bikes' and unconventional motorcycles.
Under the Bill 'assembled and 'kit' bikes WILL be able to be registered in Georgia if the bikes meet the states definition of Assembled or kit.
Under the Bill 'Unconventional' motorcycles will NOT be registered UNLESS they can pass an inspection by the state costing $260.
House Bill 950 as currently written causes considerable confusion and needs further clarification. ABATE supports an amendment to the Bill that will address our concerns to include:
Further clarification of 'kit' and 'assembled motorcycles'
Means or steps to register 'Unconventional motorcycle' either through a grandfathering clause or clearly stated steps to rectify
Spelled out exemptions to include show bikes and 1 time Kit bikes in accordance with Federal exemptions
Spelled out plan of implementation
Assurances that the inspections will be accessible and timely
Assurances that DMV and Dept. of Revenue Staff will be fully informed and trained
ABATE will pursue acceptable amendment language to be attached to HB 950 and has plans to meet with DMV, Department of Revenue Staff and others to address our concerns.
HB 950 is currently in the Motor Vehicle Committee and will be subjected to hearings open to the public.
Stay tuned for information on committee hearing dates and times and updates on amendment language.Add to Technorati Favorites
Georgia Teen charged in death of motorcycle rider
Georgia Teen charged in death of motorcycle rider
Scott Storey, 24, killed in Monday afternoon wreck
BY HARRY FRANKLIN - hfranklin@ledger-enquirer.com --
A Columbus teenager was bound over to Muscogee County Superior Court Tuesday on charges that include first-degree homicide by vehicle in connection with a Monday wreck that left a local motorcyclist dead.
Scott Eugene Storey, 24, of 3509 14th Ave., Columbus, was pronounced dead at 4:06 p.m. Monday at the scene of the two-vehicle wreck by Muscogee County Deputy Coroner Pamela Smith, the deputy coroner said.
Brett M. Johnson, 19, of 3119 Apache Drive, received a preliminary hearing in Columbus Recorder's Court Tuesday where he was ordered bound over on bonds totaling $8,750 on charges of homicide by vehicle, driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol and failure to yield, said Columbus Police Maj. Julius Graham. Johnson was only about three blocks from his home when the accident occurred about 3:30 p.m.
Johnson, driving a 1993 Chevrolet Camaro, was traveling west on Sowega Drive when he pulled out onto West Britt David Road into the path of Storey's 2003 Suzuki motorcycle, Graham said, reading from an accident report. He said when Storey saw the car approaching, he apparently lost control of the motorcycle, laid it down and was ejected, striking Johnson's car head first. Storey was apparently killed instantly.
The body was sent Tuesday morning to the state crime laboratory in Atlanta for an autopsy, Smith said.
The case is expected to be presented to a Muscogee County grand jury.
Way to go Georgia taking the lead on holding drivers responsible for killing somebody. Hello Florida and other states, are you listening?Add to Technorati Favorites
Scott Storey, 24, killed in Monday afternoon wreck
BY HARRY FRANKLIN - hfranklin@ledger-enquirer.com --
A Columbus teenager was bound over to Muscogee County Superior Court Tuesday on charges that include first-degree homicide by vehicle in connection with a Monday wreck that left a local motorcyclist dead.
Scott Eugene Storey, 24, of 3509 14th Ave., Columbus, was pronounced dead at 4:06 p.m. Monday at the scene of the two-vehicle wreck by Muscogee County Deputy Coroner Pamela Smith, the deputy coroner said.
Brett M. Johnson, 19, of 3119 Apache Drive, received a preliminary hearing in Columbus Recorder's Court Tuesday where he was ordered bound over on bonds totaling $8,750 on charges of homicide by vehicle, driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol and failure to yield, said Columbus Police Maj. Julius Graham. Johnson was only about three blocks from his home when the accident occurred about 3:30 p.m.
Johnson, driving a 1993 Chevrolet Camaro, was traveling west on Sowega Drive when he pulled out onto West Britt David Road into the path of Storey's 2003 Suzuki motorcycle, Graham said, reading from an accident report. He said when Storey saw the car approaching, he apparently lost control of the motorcycle, laid it down and was ejected, striking Johnson's car head first. Storey was apparently killed instantly.
The body was sent Tuesday morning to the state crime laboratory in Atlanta for an autopsy, Smith said.
The case is expected to be presented to a Muscogee County grand jury.
Way to go Georgia taking the lead on holding drivers responsible for killing somebody. Hello Florida and other states, are you listening?Add to Technorati Favorites
Testimony ends in Hells Angels MC drug trial
Testimony ends in Hells Angels drug trial
Published: Feb. 6, 2008 at 12:36 AM
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 6 (UPI) -- Testimony has concluded in a major Canadian trial for a leading member of the Hells Angels accused of cocaine trafficking.
The trial was conducted without publicity because Justice Anne MacKenzie of the British Columbia Supreme Court barred news media from reporting on it, the Vancouver Sun reported. The ban was partly lifted after a challenge by the Sun and other media companies.
David Francis Giles, 58, a member of the motorcycle gang, is charged with trafficking "for the benefit of, at the direction of, or in association with a criminal organization, to wit: the East End chapter of the Hells Angels."Add to Technorati Favorites
The testimony still cannot be published. MacKenzie imposed the ban to protect the rights of other Hells Angels members scheduled for later trials.
A two-year police investigation included infiltrating a nightclub bouncer, Michael Plante, into the organization. Plante was promised $1 million Canadian ($994,000) for his efforts.
Wait a second here! The police paid somebody $1 million dollars to testify? How does that work? Did they get a guarantee as to what this individuals testimony might be? I mean like a person wouldn't lie for a million bucks would they?
Published: Feb. 6, 2008 at 12:36 AM
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 6 (UPI) -- Testimony has concluded in a major Canadian trial for a leading member of the Hells Angels accused of cocaine trafficking.
The trial was conducted without publicity because Justice Anne MacKenzie of the British Columbia Supreme Court barred news media from reporting on it, the Vancouver Sun reported. The ban was partly lifted after a challenge by the Sun and other media companies.
David Francis Giles, 58, a member of the motorcycle gang, is charged with trafficking "for the benefit of, at the direction of, or in association with a criminal organization, to wit: the East End chapter of the Hells Angels."Add to Technorati Favorites
The testimony still cannot be published. MacKenzie imposed the ban to protect the rights of other Hells Angels members scheduled for later trials.
A two-year police investigation included infiltrating a nightclub bouncer, Michael Plante, into the organization. Plante was promised $1 million Canadian ($994,000) for his efforts.
Wait a second here! The police paid somebody $1 million dollars to testify? How does that work? Did they get a guarantee as to what this individuals testimony might be? I mean like a person wouldn't lie for a million bucks would they?
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