Texas ABATE Newsletter July

Texas ABATE News
July/August 2014
ABATE IS: “An alliance dedicated to the protection of the individual rights of
motorcyclists through political change and awareness, charitable deeds, public
education and to the promotion of motorcycling”
Coordinator’s Corner
I hope everyone is having a good year. We all have plenty of activities to keep us busy.
The information I gained from the NCOM convention is priceless. We really appreciate all that these speakers
have done to make an excellent presentation to all us bikers. Next year's NCOM will be in Denver CO. If anyone wants to
see how the biker community, clubs, MRO's and independents all get along and show their unity, you need to attend an
NCOM convention. The best way I can put it is, there's a lot coming down on us bikers. If we don't fight for our rights, we
won't have the privilege to be free! By the way, "IF YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOUR RIGHTS ARE, YOU DON'T
HAVE ANY!". Don't forget the MIDSOUTH MILE in Kansas will be coming up again in Oct. If some of you missed
NCOM, some of these speakers will be at the MILE. "PLEASE PLAN TO ATTEND" we need all your support. Who
knows you might actually learn something.
Another major issue is the "SAVE THE PATCH" campaign. I can't stress enough how important this is! We need
all chapters contributions to go to Robin Warfield, our treasurer. If you haven't already heard, there is pressure being
applied to the biker world to rid any patches for us bikers. There has already been directives from Obama for a nationwide
helmet law. This includes all clubs and yes, even us as ABATE. We are working with Paul Landers to secure some
moneys to fight this. Please everyone, we need to get at least 5 dollars from individuals for this cause. I'm sure many of
you have heard about the Mongols MC with their issues with their patch. If not all you have to do is google it and you can
read up on it. If anyone has any questions on this matter please contact Me, Connie, or Robin.
Thanks and be safe!
Dave Dobyns
Texas ABATE State Coordinator
U.S. Defenders / C.O.I.R.
[email protected]
214-794-2061
Here's a couple helpful links.
http://votetexas.gov/register-to-vote/
http://www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/voter/2014-important-election-dates.shtml
State Board Meeting
July 12, 2014 – Hosted by Golden Triangle Chapter Chapter – 1pm
The Place, 5875 W Port Arthur Road Port Acres Texas
visit www.texasabate.com or call Dave Dobyns @ 214-794-2061 or email [email protected]
Assistant Coordinator Report:
I hope everyone either went and voted early or just went and voted. We need to voice our opinion thru voting for who we
want in office. How can we fight for our rights if we do not vote? And yes your one vote does count. Don’t fool yourself
and think it does not matter it was just one vote, but if you add all the ones that thought that way, you will have hundreds
of not counted votes. Think about that when you are sitting there wishing he or she was out of office. Or wishing Joe Do
Good was in there helping the bikers fight. Enough said on that.
A few of us went to NCOM. We all got a lot of very good information. One is Washington State became the 15th state to
be able to go thru a red light after two cycles. Australia is building prisons for bikers only. Also in Australia you cannot
wear a patch, it is also illegal to wear a patch or be seen talking to someone who wears one. This goes for clubs and bikers
also. In Canada they call biker's bikies. They have special wings in the prisons for bikies. They did bring out the gangster
law. You are not allowed to show your patches or wear colors. Bikers are scared to even ride their motorcycles. If you try
to cross the border they will hold you up to 4 days and then release you. But still will not let you cross over into Canada.
Washington State fought for over 21 years to try and get anything passed through legislative, it was not until they joined
forces with ABATE that they finally got legislative passed. It took them years to get ABATE involved with the clubs.
They got the first bill passed in 2011 it was the profiling bill. Now they get everything passed without many problems.
Some of you may have been trying to get the Hog Chapter involved in fighting for their rights. You may have been told
that Harley Davidson will not let them, that they have to sign something stating they cannot do anything legislatively.
That is wrong; it is up to the owner of the dealership. So if you want to try and get the HOG Chapter involved in your
chapters then go and talk to the owner of the dealership. Others have had get success. Go to their meeting, events, get
involved. Reach out to them; bridge the gap it does work. The store owners manage the HOG Chapters so get the owners
on board and you will get the HOG riders on board.
One of the main topics at NCOM was the Trademark Fund. You can go to the website and get more info. usdefender.org
you can send donations to:
Trademark Defense Fund
7334 Topanga Canyon Blvd, Suite 200
Canoga Park, California 91303
I want to thank all the chapters that went out and got proclamations, and for doing such a great job with working with the
clubs and in getting me all the information and pictures. Hopefully in July you can all go to the COC meeting and see
what everyone has done in getting the word out to the public in support of Safety and Awareness for the month of May.
Now if we can get the public to do this every month it would hopefully save more of our lives. Always be aware of your
surrounding when Riding. You never know who or what will come out of nowhere.
Great big thanks to all who gave up their Saturday to come to Strokers and help with Operation Rock the Troops. We had
a great time. Snyder and John helped in leading the group. All the others helped in running the booth, and in getting
whatever was needed. We had members from N.E.T., Lake Cities, Texoma, and Denton. A Great BIG THANK YOU,
from me to you for all your help in making the day a great success. With the Bike run and Bike Show we collect around
Twenty-Five Hundred dollars. Way to go everyone. and a big Thanks to Curtis and Flipper, Everyone loved the trophies.
They were awesome. We all worked together and got the job done. Can't wait until next year, it will be bigger and better.
Everyone remember we have NOT ROT June 6-8 out in at Scruffy's place in Decatur. Come on out and enjoy the rally.
We have the State Meeting is at Golden Triangle July 12th,
Chapter Get Away with Denton and Texoma at Lake Texoma August 15th -17th
State Rally at Scruffy's place in Decatur Sept 5th- 7th
State General Meeting at Scruffy's in Decatur on Sept 6th
Teddy Bear Run with Denton and Texoma on Sept 13th
Denton's General Meeting and Chapter Challenge of Whirly Ball After is on Sept 28th
We have the Mid- South Mile in Wichita, Kansas on October 17th -19th
just go out and ride ~ Wild Thang, Connie Thompson
Assistant Coordinator - State of Texas ABATE
Jesse Elliott Update … Grayson County Grand Jury decided NOT to indict the 23 year old for murdering Jesse on October
4, 2014. They did not see that a crime was committed when she Jesse over as he was sitting still on his bike, in his own
lane awaiting for oncoming traffic to pass before turning left into work. This girl has 4 prior excessive speed tickets on
her driving record as well as 2 accidents, yet they DID NOT INDICT her for a crime.
We lost a very important person to the biking community at the hands of an INATTENTIVE DRIVER and she is free to
speed along our roadways in her new car.
ABATE Legislative Update
By Skee Dodson – State Legislative Officer
ABATE is dedicated to preserving the rights of all motorcyclists, regardless of what you ride.
We encourage everyone to become involved in the legislative and political processes to protect
our freedom to ride. The best way to get involved is by joining ABATE, registering to vote,
contacting legislators, staying informed of all legislative issues concerning motorcycle rights,
and getting involved.
I thoroughly enjoyed attending the NCOM convention in Addison on May 8th-11th. I can
honestly say that I have yet to attend one of these conventions and not learn something new.
Oftentimes, when I learn something new, I wonder why I didn’t already know this! I love those learning experiences-those “aha” moments when you see a light bulb come on. You can look over the entire room and see light bulbs come on
throughout the room. That is why we attend these conventions and seminars—to learn something relevant, and to share it
with our brothers & sisters. The most impressive fact that I took home is something that I already knew, but I never really
thought about. It was presented in a different manner that really made me think—and then, SNAP! We need these
“refreshers” to get back on track—to get our thinking process started. During the “Know Your Rights During A Police
Encounter” session (Mitch Proner, AIM Attorney) we discussed this: IF YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT YOUR RIGHTS
ARE, YOU DON’T HAVE ANY. Think about it. Do you know what your rights are? In every situation, anywhere you
are? If you don’t, or can’t remember, don’t worry about it—you don’t have those rights. If you don’t know when you have
the right to remain silent, (don’t worry about it) you can continue to talk and answer questions--no one will ask you to
stop talking. Why do you think the officers ask you where you’re coming from? So that you will continue talking… If
you don’t know that you do not have to open your saddlebags without probable cause, (don’t worry about it) go ahead and
open them. Did you know that any probable cause, such as a “suspicious” odor, is enough to warrant a search? What if
the officer just thinks he smells something funny (air freshener)—what are you rights then? If you don’t know, don’t
worry about it… What if officers come to your home and say they have a probable cause to search it, you have nothing to
hide—do you have to let them in and rifle through your home? If you don’t know, don’t worry about it; If you don’t know
what your rights are you don’t have any. Everyone should have a copy of our Bill of Rights—and learn what your rights
are! If you don’t have a copy look me up—I will give you a copy of our Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. Oh, if the
officers at the doorstep of your home have a probable cause to search it, don’t ever give them consent without the required
search warrant!
Here is a joke that Mitch told us during the “Know Your Rights During A Police Encounter” session:
Knock, knock…. (Resident) Who’s there? (Police) The Police, we need to talk. (Resident) How many of you are
there?
(Police) There are two of us. (Resident) Then talk amongst yourselves!
Some ongoing legislative issues that ABATE is concerned with include:
E15 Biofuel
Many motorcyclists are not approved to use fuels containing higher levels of ethanol…
H.R. 2414: Black Box Privacy Protection Act
ABATE is concerned with privacy issues (think 4th Amendment), as the event data recorder information has already been
used in courts to convict people.
Motorcycle Only Checkpoints
We are losing this fight! Federally funded motorcycle-only roadside checkpoints are discriminatory and violate many of
our constitutional rights; Additionally, current law specifically states that highway safety plans must prevent crashes and
reduce injuries. ABATE asks everyone to contact their U.S. Senators and ask them to pass this important legislation
before it is too late!
CDC Task Force Pushes Universal Mandatory Helmet Law!
Here we go again! A task force that is funded by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has issued its “findings
statement” for motorcycle safety, with the singular solution being universal mandatory helmet laws.
What is really troubling is that some of our brightest researchers refuse to acknowledge rider education and awareness
campaigns as effective means to saving lives. Comprehensive motorcycle safety programs must promote strategies to
prevent motorcycle crashes in the first place, and helmet mandates do not prevent crashes. We want to prevent crashes,
not crash safer!
And if that’s not enough…Obama is calling for Helmet Laws!
The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) recently reported that President Obama released his ideal version of a
transportation bill—and, you guessed it, the proposal has a specific provision that would allow the federal government to
push for mandatory helmet laws.
The draft is titled “Generating Renewal, Opportunity, and Work with Accelerated Mobility, Efficiency, and Rebuilding of
Infrastructure and Communities throughout America,” or GROW AMERICA Act. You can read the whole document
online:
http://www.dot.gov/sites/dot.gov/files/docs/DOT_surface_reauth-FINAL.pdf
Contact your Representative in the House and both of your Senators. You can reach the United States Capitol switchboard
at (202) 224-3121. In addition, contact the White House directly and let them know you are not pleased with the helmet
use provisions of President Obama’s GROW AMERICA Act. You can reach the White House several different ways from
this website: http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact.
Ride safe, Ride free!
Skeedaddy
Abate Motorcycle Safety Education Program (AMSEP) received incorporation papers from the State
of Texas last month. Next step is filing documents with the Internal Revenue Service for our 501(c)3, non-profit status.
This tedious process will enable us to receive donations from a variety of businesses and individuals who could not
otherwise support our efforts due to political affiliation. In the mean time, we have printed a few updated coloring books
to hand out for research and development purposes. Looking for feedback to ensure AMSEP is providing a professional
teaching aide for the youngest of our audiences. Additionally, we have had a few people show an interest in teaching our
program once it is ready to roll out. Things are progressing, but as the tortoise proved..."slow and steady wins the race"!
Remember… Sorrow looks down, worry looks around, but Faith looks up!
Bearpup
Why Motorcyclists Can’t Afford to Just Sit Back and Enjoy the Ride
June 14, 2014
There are many different things that draw people to motorcycling. For some it is the sense of freedom. For others it is a
source of relaxation. It can also be a source of exhilaration. If you are like me, it is to some degree all of the above. That
being said, it is the ride that we crave regardless of what each of us gets from it. This time of year the roads are packed
with motorcyclists who are sitting back (or forward) and just enjoying the ride. That begs the question; can we as avid
motorcyclists afford to do that?
I had the privilege this month of riding to Frisco Colorado to attend the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) Best of the
West Conference. For those who have been to Colorado you know that it is some of the prettiest riding country you will
ever encounter. Yet on a gorgeous Saturday in June, I found myself not on my bike riding the Rockies, but in a room with
motorcyclists from around the country discussing issues riders are facing all around the United States. The following is a
list of some of the issues that were being addressed by the participants:
Working to prevent motorcyclists from being excluded from public parking lots, roads, and parking garages.
Working to eliminate roadside checkpoints aimed only at motorcyclists.
Working to address the ever growing problem of distracted driving.
Working to prohibit the use of higher ethanol blends at the pump until the effects on motorcycle engines can be further
studied.
Working for legislation allowing motorcyclists to safely and reasonably proceed when they are stuck at a traffic light that
will not recognize them.
Working to prevent legislation which arbitrarily sets age restrictions for passengers on motorcycles.
Working with state and local governments to promote sensible motorcycle awareness campaigns.
All of these are real issues being faced by real riders. As I took in everything being discussed I thought to myself, what
would riding be like if there were no one addressing these issues on behalf of motorcyclists? The answer was chilling. It
is easy to sit back, enjoy the ride, and count on everything being all right. But can we afford to do that? If we all did, we
may soon find no ride left to sit back and enjoy.
So what can you do to protect yourself and the activity that we all love and cherish? Take some simple steps to become
involved in protecting the rights of fellow motorcyclists. I am not suggesting that everyone start riding all over the
country attending seminars (although it is a great excuse to ride all over the country). You can get involved locally. Start
paying attention to the positions that your local, state and federal legislators take regarding issues affecting motorcyclists.
Share your thoughts in letters and emails. Write letters to the editor of your local paper. Go to City Council or County
Board meetings. Join a motorcycle rights organization and attend their lobby day, where motorcyclists go the State
Capitol to discuss issues important to us with elected officials. I would also encourage you to join the MRF. This is an
organization dedicated solely to protecting the rights of American motorcyclists. You can learn more and join at mrf.org.
There are numerous ways to protect your rights as a motorcyclist. The ways are limitless, bound only by your passion and
imagination. There is, however, a wrong way and that is to count on someone else to do it. That someone else may be
sitting back, enjoying the ride, and counting on you.
If you have any questions or comments concerning this article or any other matters concerning your rights as a
motorcyclist, please feel free to contact me at 1-800-321-8968 or at [email protected].
Matt Danielson
McGrath & Danielson
Tom McGrath’s Motorcycle Law Group
1-800-321-8968
Motorcyclelawgroup.com
June 11 at 1:45pm
I currently sit at my home office infuriated. I am infuriated because after the thousands of hours the local Veterans have
provided Central Texas in volunteer work, fund raising and community support, an individual in the so called intelligence
community of Ft Hood has advised the Commanders at all levels to ban active duty soldiers from participating in
American Legion events at the Posts numbered 55, 121, 223, 573, and 582. Basically, he refers to the American Legion in
all of Central Texas. His recommendation refers to Army Regulation 600-20, prohibiting active duty members from
association or supporting extremist organizations.
This recommendation was posted in an Intelligence (Using the term lightly) Bulletin on the 14th of May 2014.
The author Bob Adams of The Directorate Emergency Services at Ft Hood states that the UCOW (United Clubs of Waco)
was sponsoring a Bike Rally at Briggs Texas and it would consist of over 60 Motorcycle Clubs. He is correct. I am sorry I
missed it but rallies are not my thing.
Mr. Adams most likely has never been to a UCOW meeting and is not informed on the mission of the UCOW
organization. The whole mission of the UCOW is to keep open the communication between all motorcycle groups in
Central Texas who voluntarily request to join and to garnish support for fund raising events such as, victims of house fire,
death in the family, helping disabled children, motorcycle awareness and on and on that each group organizes in their
community.
The second mission is to insure any problems which might be going on between associations be cleared up by
communication. In the last 13 or so years the only problem I know of personally was to make all clubs aware that there
were some jerks in the Central Texas community who had made it their mission to purposely run down motorcycles off
the road using cars and pickup trucks. . But then that is a problem never publicized.
What Mr. Adams also does not know is the American Legion Riders are a part of the American Legion Nation Wide and
not a club at all but a program listed under “Americanism” in the National American Legion Constitution.
His recommendation to ban Active Duty Personnel from participating in these American Legion Posts is the most
ASSININE thing I have heard in months.
We, as the Riders in the American Legion with the Patriot Guard and the majority of the organizations he listed, perform
daily escort the bodies of our Fallen Comrades to their Grave across the entire nation. We as the American Legion Riders
spend our time raising money to contribute to the children of ACTIVE DUTY members who perish, regardless of the
cause. Nationally we have raised nearly $6,000,000.00
We are Legionaires first and Riders second. Let me rephrase that: We are Americans, Veterans, Family members,
Legionaires and then Riders. We have all served on active duty during times of war and with our families we continue to
support America’s Veterans and Active Duty Soldiers.
If Mr. Adams had attended the rally he would have seen the same activity as a large cluster of car enthusiast camping
together. What Mr. Adams perceives is his decision. What goes on is totally different. I am sure there were camp fires. I
am sure most stayed in hotels or motels. I am sure there was beer drinking and for some a lot of cussing or terrible jokes.
But I am sure there are the same in any club activity regardless of the nature of the club.
I will admit there are Motorcycle Clubs mentioned who are MC’s. But the fact of the matter is that the UCOW has been
the most stabilizing factor in motorcycle history to keep communication lines open. Our membership is not all 20 through
50 year old late hippies. We are from 18 through 80 plus year olds enjoying the motorcycles and the comradeship of each
other.
By going to a Rally you are going to a rally period. It does not state you actively support one group over the next. It means
you are looking for a place to have fun at that time. By going to UCOW you are allowing yourself to be informed what
fund raisers are coming up in the near calendar year. You are also made aware of safety issues and actually attempts by
the state or national governments to change motorcycle laws for the better or worse.
I read this so called intelligence bulletin over and over and it reeks of profiling and someone whom has not got off their
ass and looked for the facts. Mr. Adams, this is not intelligence in the broadest swipe of a brush. It is full of narrow
minded thinking and pessimism.
I personally DARE you to visit the American Legions and find one that is extremist. The only extreme reaction you will
see is if you disrespect our flag or our nation while there. I dare you to come to Post 121 with your armed guard if you feel
the need and meet the members. We, at Post 121 are approximately 480 members strong and our average age is over 65.
We have served American Veterans and our communities since 1919. How dare you call us an extremist organization.
Bill Mahon
Call to Action - Trademark Defense Fund
May 16, 2014
Trademark Defense Fund - Save the Patch!
What is the CTA about? A California federal case against the Mongols Motorcycle Club is attempting to challenge the
First Amendment's free speech rights, the government's seizure powers and the ownership of a trademark.
What are the US Defenders saying? The National US Defenders office is issuing a formal CTA to defend the Motorcycle
Riding Community against attempts by the Government to seize Motorcycle Clubs “Collective Membership Marks”
(Colors) and destroy the Clubs identity by taking away their Branded Logos.
Why support this effort? We are in the fight of our lives and are asking the entire Motorcycle Riding Community to stand
up and assist us in speaking out against the elimination and erosion of our Constitutional rights and freedoms in order to
leave a legacy of freedom for our children and grandchildren!
Today it's the Mongols Motorcycle Club patch; tomorrow it may be our own!
If each one of us gives just a small amount, as a whole we can make a dent in the expenses that are accruing to fight this
great battle. United in solidarity and strong in number, we are a powerful entity to be reckoned with!
SAVE THE PATCH!
What can I do? As you well know litigation is expensive. We are asking that all
US Defenders, COIR, COC&I Members and Independents donate $5.00 to the
trademark defense fund.
MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO:
ATTENTION: RML
TRADEMARK DEFENSE FUND
7334 TOPANGA CANYON BLVD., SUITE 200
CANOGA PARK, CA. 91303
PREREGISTER FOR THE STATE RALLY WITH THE FORM
BELOW
MRF E-MAIL NEWS Motorcycle Riders Foundation
236 Massachusetts Ave. NE | Suite 204 | Washington, DC 20002-4980
202-546-0983 (voice) | 202-546-0986 (fax) | http://www.mrf.org
Contact: Jeff Hennie, Vice President of Government Relations and Public Affairs
For sure the capstone of the weak was the Obamacare hearing held by the house republicans yesterday. I
attended the hearing (standing room only), and the fireworks flew. The witness were from the company that
designed and built the Affordable Care Act. After walking away from the hearing it seemed that purpose was
to shame and heckle the witnesses. No explanation was given except that they were just doing what the Obama
administration told them to do. There has been more buck passing with this debacle than I have seen in a long
time. We will see how this plays out. So far, nothing detrimental to motorcycling
The Petri letter to the CDC will be going next Friday so please fire up your membership, your state, your
friends and family. This is a golden opportunity to get your Member of Congress to support motorcycling.
So we did survive the shut down, but I’m afraid we are only kicking the can down the road. The next deadline
in January will present the same issues once again. The political rancor between the parties has hit a fever pitch
with even the Memorial service for beloved congressman Bill Young (FL) was politicized this week. So this is
the first of many emails. Please feel free to forward this info to anyone you like, or don’t like.
Jeff
Arlington Chapter Rep Report
Well let’s see the end of April and the first 2 weeks in May we had an Arlington ABATE and AMSEP Booth set up. The
first one was at Longhorn Harley Davidson and then at Ultimate Motors and then at American Motorcycle. At American
Motorcycle we set up a road course and had some kid games to play. We got out a lot of information those days and was a
lot of fun. AMSEP went over really well with a lot of questions from people and even a couple of volunteers to teach the
course. But we are not quite ready for the teachers yet so we got there info.
Arlington ABATE has been a great contributor to the AMSEP program. Would like all the other chapter's to feel free to
donate some money or even ideas.
Next meeting is Sunday at D&J's in Arlington at 11am, everyone is invited. Also in July our Scorcher party and ride is
coming up on July 19. Flyer is on our website at arlingtonabate.com. Check it out and bring a friend. Finish at the Boxcar
with A/C and food and a great band.
Well been pretty busy for us. See ya down the road
RIDE SAFE and FREE
Support your local ABATE Chapter
Respectfully submitted
Rick Boland Arlington ABATE Coordinator
Denton Chapter Rep Report
Proclamations are done! I want to say thank you to those that came out and supported ABATE during this year’s
proclamations. I challenge those you didn’t come out to come out next year.
EVERYONE MUST GET INVOLVED!
Everyone needs to understand that they’re not just after the 1% clubs; this is essentially targeted towards everyone with a
patch. Please go to the link SAVE THE PATCH and read up on the subject. We all need to be informed and help fight
every way we can. The COC has challenged everyone to donate $5 (or what you can afford) to support the cause. Any
donations to the cause will be given to the US Defenders at the next COC meeting. The Mongols MC have filled a
lawsuit asking that the judge be dismissed from the case.
We as ABATE members need to get more involved with the COIR! We need to make our presence known! I hear a lot of
our members say that we need to unite together and fight for our rights; part of that fight should be showing up to the
COC meetings. The meetings are held every other month on the 3rd Sunday. The next COC&I meeting will be July 20th,
as soon as I know where it will be held I will let everyone know. I challenge everyone to attend!
Joann York
Golden Triangle Chapter
Golden Triangle A.B.A.T.E held this May's meeting at its regular location: American Legion Post 7 in Port Arthur, Texas
on May 16, 2014. The meeting began at 7:16 pm and consisted of four members. Our treasurer was absent, thus no report.
Our Secretary was participating in the Run for the Wall. Our Coordinator, Kevin Fontenot ran the meeting. For legislation
we discussed the ever present E-15 fuel concerns, the three fold attack from National helmet laws, the homemade
trike/motorcycle issue and the black box information. We discussed the information gathered at the State A.B.A.T.E
meeting. We informed our members of the State Rally, Not Rot, the Fundraiser At Beauxjangles in Beaumont on June 7,
and the swap meet at Beaux Jangles on the 21st. We had one annual member renewal. We made plans for the State
Meeting in Port Acres, Texas at The Place on July 12. Meeting adjourned at 7:58 pm.
NET Chapter
Hope everyone enjoyed spring, because it definitely feels like summer out there now. And although that nice, cold, frosty
adult beverage tastes really good on a hot afternoon, remember to alternate with a glass of water to keep yourself
hydrated. And be sure to pack bottles of water in your bike when you're heading out on a ride.
If you didn't make it to NCOM this year, have someone who was there fill you in. There is a lot going on that we all need
to be aware of. The general session on Saturday had something I had heard of but never seen - the Ringing of the Bell.
The bell is rung after each fallen rider's name is read. This year, there were 108 names read. That is way too many! The
regional meetings were very informative. Not only did we hear what other states are doing for motorcycle rights, we also
heard what issues they are having and how they are being handled. AIM Attorney Mitch Proner presented a very good
program on Knowing Your Rights. The bottom line is this: You can't exercise your rights if you don't know what they
are. Slider Gilmore's presentation was very good especially for us non-medical folks to know what to do in the event of a
motorcycle accident.
We were honored to be a part of Operation: Rock The Troops / Boot Campaign at Stroker's Memorial Day Weekend.
The Boot Campaign provides assistance to our service men and women when they come home. There were 125
motorcycles on the bike run thru Dallas, Lancaster, Waxahachie and Grand Prairie with a stop at the DFW National
Cemetery. We couldn't have made the ride as safely as we did if it hadn't been for the gentlemen from DFW Metro
Motorcade Safety. When you're riding with others, please be sure to use your hand signals to warn of road hazards, need
to slow down, person in the car next to you texting (and we're on a trike in the back of the group so over 100 bikes had
gone by and still texting), vehicles approaching from a side street or entrance/exit ramp.
Now that the primaries and runoff elections are over, we need to do our homework on the candidates we will be voting for
in November. We are planning on having a voter registration party this summer. Remember: When you skip voting, it's
not rebellion, it's surrender.
Upcoming events:
June 21 - NET's 6th birthday party
June 22 - Region 9 COC&I Meeting - VFW Seven Points, 209 Veterans Way, Kemp, Texas
July 12 - Christmas in July at kid's shelter in Kaufman
July 19 - Chapter meeting
Christi Dobyns
NET Chapter Secretary / Chapter Representative
Member of COIR
[email protected]
Join us for the Texas Motorcycle Safety Coalition (TMSC) board and committee meeting, June 25, 2014. The meeting
will be held in College Station, Texas, at the Texas A&M Transportation Institute State Headquarters and Research
Building. Both members and non-members are invited to attend the meeting. Please RSVP via email by Friday, June 20th
and indicate if you will drive a vehicle or motorcycle so we can have an accurate headcount and correct parking permits.
The TMSC serves as a public forum for addressing strategies to improve motorcycle safety; discusses effective programs,
regulations, and other opportunities to improve motorcycle safety; reviews, proposes, and makes recommendations
concerning motorcycle-related legislation; and serves to promote rider safety and inform the public about being aware of
motorcycles and sharing the road safely. Sign up to get involved with the coalition. For more information about the
coalition or to see past meeting minutes, go to the TMSC page.
Coalition of Independent Riders
The C.O.I.R. is not a membership funded organization or club. It is a registration of independent riders from all walks and
rides of the motorcycle community. Independent cruisers, sport and dirt-bike riders and even non-riders alike who
understand that protecting our "Right to Ride" is everyone's responsibility. We must all do our part to keep motorcycling a
true expression of freedom! When a Call-to-Action comes down the pike you will be contacted and asked to help
implement the action whether it is a letter writing campaign or showing up at a state capitol. . - Dr. Jim McKinney US
National Commander C.O.I.R.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do I need to belong to a motorcycle club or riding association to be a part of the C.O.I.R.? A. No, the C.O.I.R. is not
an organization but an affiliation of independent motorcyclists who are prepared to do their part in helping to keep
motorcycling a true American expression of freedom.
Q. Is the C.O.I.R. a motorcycle rights organization or MRO? A. No, the C.O.I.R. is not a MRO or a member "funded"
type organization. However, some MRO's play a very important role in helping to identify and design the "Fight for our
Rights" type campaigns that the C.O.I.R. support with manpower.
Q. What is a "Call-to-Action?" A. When a MRO or a "rights" association needs support to help implement approved
grass roots strategies such as letter writing to legislators, the C.O.I.R. will be called upon to assist with the manpower to
help implement the "Action." The C.O.I.R., working in concert with M/Cs and riding associations and local offices of
Emergency Management is also prepared to offer post disaster assistance to needy families and individuals if called upon
to do so.
Q. Who are the US Defenders? A. US Defenders are men and women from the Confederation of Clubs and the C.O.I.R.
who volunteer to represent their different clubs and groups. The US Defenders receive training in grass roots strategies
and then take that training back to their clubs and groups. Find out more about these dedicated men and women by
attending a regional COC or NCOM meeting in your area.
Q. How does the Confederation of Clubs (COC) or the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM) and the Coalition of
Independent Riders (C.O.I.R.) work together? A. NCOM is the parent organization of all Regional COC's and COM's
and working together with the CO.I.R. We can make a difference!
Register to become a supporter for biker rights and freedoms! $25 Donation includes:
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COIR patch
US Defenders Support patch
Info Package
Business Card,
Registration Card.
Register today to make your voice heard!
US Defenders/C.O.I.R.
PO Box 501
Okmulgee , OK 74447
Check out the following websites, Facebook pages, etc. to share information and learn new techniques and keep up with
NEWS that affects YOU, the Bikers we all love and respect …
https://www.facebook.com/TexasAbate?ref=hl
https://www.facebook.com/ArlingtonABATE?fref=ts
https://www.facebook.com/net.abate?fref=ts
https://www.facebook.com/amsep?fref=ts
https://www.facebook.com/goldentriangle.abate?fref=ts
https://www.facebook.com/denton.abate?fref=ts
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008181909518&fref=ts
https://www.facebook.com/texomaabate?fref=ts
https://www.facebook.com/USDefendersNationalOffice?fref=ts
http://txcocinews.org/
http://www.tmra2.org/index.shtml
http://mrf.org/
Call Robin at 903-744-0749 for tickets
Support amendment that will help prevent E15 availability
Update: The bill was pulled before the Goodlatte/Costa/Welch amendment could be considered. No date has been set for
when the bill will be considered again. In the meantime, let's keep the pressure on them!
On June 11, the U.S. House will consider H.R. 4800, the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration,
and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.
The bill, in part, funds the U.S. Agriculture Department’s Rural Energy for America Program, (REAP) which provides
financial assistance to farmers and ranchers or small rural businesses for renewable energy systems such as solar or wind
projects, energy efficiency measures. In the past, it also has provided funding for special ethanol blender pumps.
These pumps would be a key component in helping to expand the availability of E15 fuel, a blend of gasoline that
includes as much as 15 percent ethanol by volume.
The American Motorcyclist Association opposes E15 because misfueling can cause engine and fuel system failure to the
22 million motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles currently in operation and its use can void manufacturers’ warranties.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has publicly acknowledged that E15 in gasoline can damage internal
combustion engines by increasing exhaust temperatures and indirectly causing component failures. In motorcycles and
non-road products, EPA raised engine-failure concerns related to overheating.
This is why the AMA worked to eliminate funding for REAP to purchase and install ethanol blender pumps. The
Agricultural Act of 2014, known as the FARM bill, also contained a provision that would deter distribution of E15 fuels
into the U.S. marketplace.
Despite congressional intent to stop blender pumps from being subsidized, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack has
stated he will use other programs within his department to fund blender pumps.
U.S. Reps. Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.), Jim Costa (D-Calif.) and Peter Welch (D-Vt.) will offer an amendment that will
ensure that the USDA follows the will of Congress. A similar amendment passed the U.S. House in 2011.
The AMA is urging all those who want to protect their motorcycles and ATVs from unsafe fuel to contact their
representative to support the Goodlatte/Costa/Welch amendment.
Now more than ever, it is crucial that you and your riding friends become members of the AMA to help protect our riding
freedoms. More members mean more clout against the opponents of motorcycling. That support will help fight for your
rights – on the road, trail, racetrack, and in the halls of government. If you are a motorcycle rider, join the AMA at
AmericanMotorcyclist.com/membership/join.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
10 June 2014
Contact:Jeff Hennie, Vice President of Government Relations and Public Affairs
HR 4745 Walberg Amendment Passes
On June 9th the United States House of Representatives agreed on the Walberg Amendment to the 2015 Transportation,
Housing and Urban Development Appropriations bill by voice vote on the House floor, reports the Motorcycle Riders
Foundation.
The Amendment offered by Congressman Tim Walberg (R-MI) along with Mr. Sensenbrenner (R-WI) and Mr. Ribble (R-WI),
eliminates a provision in the 2015 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations act that would have
allowed the Secretary of Transportation to discuss motorcycle safety initiatives with state legislators.
In 1998 Congress passed a law that made it illegal for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to lobby
state legislatures. Prior to 1998, according to the Government Accountability Office, NHTSA had spent tens of thousands of
dollars traveling to states whenever a state debated changing their own state helmet law. Seeing this as a waste of taxpayer
money, the congress prohibited anyone from NHTSA to lobby states uninvited.
Mr. Walberg had this to say “This money should go to fund eliminating distracted driving, motorcycle rider education, and
motorist-motorcycle awareness campaigns.”
“Put simply this is a states rights issue”, said Jeff Hennie Vice President of Government Relations and Public Affairs for the
Motorcycle Rider Foundation. He added “With such limited, precious funds they need to be used in areas of safety that are
proven, not for bureaucratic waste.”
The amendment was opposed on the floor by Ed Pastor (D-AZ).
The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) thanks everyone who made calls on this important issue, your participation was key
in getting this amendment to pass.
The full bill was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives the evening of June 10th with the Walberg amendment enacted.
US Defenders – an overview
A system of representatives from the memberships of traditional motorcycle clubs and riding associations was created.
Two members from each organization, a primary and an alternate, were chosen to act as the liaison between their
perspective clubs and the program. These representatives became known as US Defenders.
When a “Call-to-Action” (CTA) is brought forth by a motorcycle rights organization (MRO) such as ABATE, MRF,
AMA, or other Motorcycle Rights organizations, and is recognized as falling within the criteria (Motorcycle specific,
either legislative or judicial)OP of the COC or NCOM, the US Defenders are activated. The Defenders units are called in
and briefed on the CTA and trained on the nature of the Action such as letter writing, phone calling, emailing, etc. The US
Defenders are provided with logistical support and then return to their perspective clubs and association, share the training
with their memberships and implement the “Action”
Coalition of Independent Riders (C.O.I.R.)
Recognizing the fact that it would take all motorcyclists for there to be a voice, the Coalition of Independent Riders, or
C.O. I.R. (pronounced Core) was formed. The C.O.I.R. is not a club or association but a simple data bank of contact
information where the independent rider can be contacted in a situation such as a “Call-to-Action” or community
emergency. There are no C.O.I.R. meetings or duties, etc. except where independent volunteer attend “Call-to-Action”
briefings.
Bikers of Texas,
We wanted to take a minute and send out a huge “THANK YOU” to all who responded and participated in our recent
“Call to Action,” to stop all Federal funding for Motorcycle Only Checkpoints in every state.
To date, this CTA has been the most successful we have ever had. We owe this success to you, the Biker’s and voters that
have committed to doing something - the right thing - to protect our rights and liberties. And important to our common
cause, the new communication vehicle, ( www.txcocinews.org) that we have been testing with this CTA, has not only
proven to be successful but it exceeded our expectations! A huge “ATTAGIRL/ATTABOY” goes out to our new
Communications TEAM that works seamlessly with the US Defenders/ C.O.I.R bringing you up to the minute breaking
news and current events. We think the new efficiencies and real time communication streams through social media will
take us to the next level!
Thanks go out to our US Defender/C.O.I.R Commanders and Lt. Commanders that have spearheaded and worked side by
side with the Communications Team on rolling this news site out. These men and women have worked the CTA tirelessly
accumulating the necessary responses to make a difference in the Laws that affect all Bikers across the country. What a
great TEAM!
Please continue to “do what you do,” continue to use every resource available to help us WIN this fight on our hands. You
are our greatest asset and you have proven over and over, “DON'T MESS WITH TEXAS”, especially TEXAS BIKERS!
Respect to all,
TCOC&I State Office
Bandido Gimmi Jimmy 1%er - Chairman
Escondido Paul – Vice Chairman
Save the Patch Poker Run - Fort Worth - July 12
From: [email protected]
For all of you who have been living under a rock: A California federal case against the Mongols Motorcycle
Club is attempting to challenge the First Amendment's free speech rights, the government's seizure powers and
the ownership of a trademark.
The National US Defenders office has issued a formal Call to Action (CTA) to defend the Motorcycle Riding
Community against attempts by the Government to seize Motorcycle Clubs “Collective Membership Marks”
(Colors) and destroy the Clubs identity by taking away their Branded Logos.
We are in the fight of our lives and are asking the entire Motorcycle Riding Community to stand up and assist in
speaking out against the elimination and erosion of our Constitutional rights and freedoms in order to leave a
legacy of freedom for our children and grandchildren! Regardless of your personal feelings toward the Mongols
MC, if the federal government is successful in their efforts it will affect every MC, RC and independent rider. It
will open the door for even more discrimination against our community. Today it's their patch; tomorrow it
WILL be our own!
The Rough Riders MC or In Country MC does NOT support the Mongols MC in any way, shape or form but we
feel this is a cause that deserves our best efforts because it will eventually affect us all. All clubs and
independents are encouraged to attend this run. All proceeds will be donated to the TRADEMARK DEFENSE
FUND.
Siege
Sergeant at Arms
Rough Riders MC
Chisholm Chapter