May 2008 news articles |
May, 2008 Blessing of the bikes Sunday, May 5 ROARS needed - Senate, No. 2076 ADULT HELMET CHOICE - The Bill is in your court A "Dear Colleague letter" is when one official (your Senator) writes another Senator (Sen. Downing), . . . asking that "colleague" to do (or not) take action on a matter within their control and/or authority. One of these letters has already been mailed by the MMA's Director of Government Relations to 29 of the State Senators who are likely to support your 'choice' or support the bill moving forward. (See below) Now it is time for you to support this effort - let your State Senator hear from you. If you don't know who your State Senator is, click on the link below, type in your home address, scroll down to "Senate in the General Court," click on that Senator's name and their State House web page will pop up, containing their address, phone, sometimes fax and email http://www.wheredoivotema.com/ bal/myelectioninfo.php This is an article from 2003, explaining how the Choice Helmet Laws got passed in PA and FL. We are on the same track here in MASS. Read below for a summary of how this campaign has been approached by ABATE and MMA. Over the past several months I've had the opportunity to review with ABATE of PA and its BIKE PAC (political action committee) leaders their theories on how, after 28 years of fighting for helmet 'choice' for adults, they GOT IT DONE, with their Governor signing that bill July 6, 2003. I've also had discussions with an ABATE of FL leader his theories of how they GOT IT DONE in Florida a few years ago. I've compared both their activities with those here in Massachusetts, and believe we too are on the right road to 'choice' for adults here, IF, the numbers of riders who profess they want 'choice' begin to step up to the plate and make a commitment. First, both Florida and Pennsylvania riders began 'personally' contacting and meeting with their elected State officials 3-4 years BEFORE 'choice' was passed. Their members acted professionally, stuck to the issues and facts, did not emotionalize the issue. They used stats, figures, documentation, and debated the issue with these as provided by their state organizations. Our ROARS and STORMING the STATEHOUSE here in Massachusetts with effective lobbying efforts is working, as evidenced by four bills enacted in the past two legislative sessions. While the organization prepares materials and coordinates these events, it is the single individuals, like you, who ACT on these activities with their HOME Senator and Representative, who establish a relationship with those Senators and Representatives in their Districts, that pave the way, open the doors, and contribute to achieving desired results. All 'politics' is local. Its your local contact that 'gets it DONE.' When we go into officials offices and they tell us, "we got more than 25 calls, letters, e-mails on this issue from riders in our District," THAT MAKES a HUGE difference. They listen to us and know they need to act. Thank you all who have participated. Second, what we are missing that both Florida and Pennsylvania DID DIFFERENTLY was to establish and fund political action committees, (PACs) to contribute money to officials, which 1) neutralized donations groups against 'choice' ad donated to officials, 2) got them 'up front, close and personal' access to officials in social settings, and 3) rewarded those officials who supported this 'choice' in helping them get reelected. One by one, over a three to five year period, officials in Florida and Pennsylvania came over to the 'choice' side of the issue, BECAUSE of these donations, which lead to 'access,' which lead to sensible discussions/debate, which lead to the official supporting choice. For example, while in Pennsylvania last weekend, State Rep. Harry Reedshaw of the Gettysburg district told me while he always supported 'choice,' over 50 motorcyclists help him each year on his reelection campaigns, . . . how can he NOT continue to support 'choice.' They donate, they build signs, erect signs, make calls, etc. If 50 emergency room doctors worked on his campaign, and that's all he was exposed to, he might NEED to change his position. We need this type of activism in Massachusetts with official's campaigns. Its how they get to know you, and its how they 'reward' you - by supporting YOUR issues. Over the past two years, MMA and ABATE leaders have been attending officials campaign events. The access to them and other officials is incredible. And they love us being there in our leathers. We've hosted social events for some officials. We've asked riders to send donations. The results, getting them 'on our side,' is working, one official at a time. Now we are stepping it up and we need YOUR help, if you want to get this DONE in Massachusetts. Now, with the merger of ABATE and the MMA, we are COMMITTED to establishing and funding ABATE PAC of MA, for the sole purpose of gathering donations to be funneled into officials campaign treasuries, for greater access and neutralizing opponents. Over the next six winter months, we will be hosting social events throughout the Commonwealth, on Thursday and Saturday evenings, for the specific purpose of raising money for the PAC and officials who support 'choice,' or are leaning towards supporting choice. We plan to make these fun events, low cost to individual riders. Gathering three hundred or more $10 donations each month means more than thirty $100 donations. We plan to host events to keep riders in contact with each other. We will need local groups, clubs, organizations and associations SUPPORT to co-host and/or promote these events with your membership. We will seek donations to ABATE PAC of MA, each month, to build a warchest of funds to support these efforts. In Pennsylvania, between January 1 through July 28, 2003, $23,891.00 was contributed to officials through its BIKE PAC.BUYING YOUR FREEDOM? Maybe. Right now, its the 'system' in place. Work the 'system' and the system works for you. While we are in the transition period, donations to the ABATE PAC of MA, on personal checks only, can be sent to me at Paul W. Cote, P.O. Box 516, Amesbury, MA 01913. Please note State reporting requirements mean your name and address will go on the PAC contributors list, which is a public record. If you receive a mailing advising you a 'coffee hour' or 'dance night' is in your area, plan to attend or buy a couple tickets and give them to friends who might be able to attend. Come out, meet your elected official in a 'social setting' and have fun with them. Again, they enjoy our spirit and enthusiasm. If we know of an event in your area your State Senator or State Rep's campaign committee is hosting (usually at $100 or more per person), with PAC funds we may be able to send you to attend and represent the riding community with us, so you're not shelling it out yourself. There were a lot of nay-sayers in PA and FL, who felt 'it couldn't get done.' Rather than giving up or letting the other guy 'do it,' riders in those states rallied off 'choice' victories in Texas, Arkansas, Kentucky and Louisiana. Now its time for Massachusetts riders who support 'choice' to rally off FL's and PA's victories. We've ROARED, we've STORMED. We've gotten a lot done. Now, what's the price of freedom? Less than $10 a month per person over the next year. And it'll get this DONE too, when each person who wants 'choice' contributes a little at a time. It all adds up. (Sample “Choice” letter submitted by Paula McCallum) "Dear Colleague letter," requesting he pass SB 2076 out of his Committee as soon as possible, so it may continue to move forward towards a vote on the Senate floor. Please send me a copy of your letter so I may share it with other riders in our District. If you have any questions regarding SB 2076, please contact me. Thank you for your attention to these matters. Submitted by Crazy Eddie Kelley DJ BIKER’S SPIRIT By : Dennis Pierce When all else is dormant the biker’s spirit stirs, it’s smoldering embers ready to burst into flame at the first sign of spring. Yes, we’ve learned some survival techniques to get us through the off season and to keep the biker spirit alive. Marking the calendars for upcoming events helps ( Laconia, Myrtle beach, Daytona, Sturgis, motorcycle expos, motorcycle extravaganzas, etc.) and as Hawk himself will tell you, hugging your motorcycle can sure take the curse off the dead of winter. Personally I look over my shoulder prior to hugging my motorcycle, I really don’t need the neighbors talking about my extramarital love affair. Starting her up, straddling her and listening to her throaty purr doesn’t hurt either, and helps get the blood pumping. Another winter survival technique to keep spirits high is the frosty nuts run, to kick off the New Year. This year I hooked up with the 49ers club in Bridgewater for their frosty nuts run, celebrating it’s 20th anniversary. With poor weather conditions looming I opted to ride 5 miles to Bridgewater instead of 25 miles to Manomet. The event was covered in New England biker news. There was a good turn out, about 100 bikes and 150 riders. It was 27 degrees when I left my house that day and it warmed up to a toasty 31 degree high. It started to snow prior to the ride going off, but luckily there was no accumulation. Our destination was J & R’s Indian head pub in Hanson. The pub put on a great spread for the riders free of charge, and was greatly appreciated by all. I ate with former MMR Pres and charter member Jack Cribbs. When I left J & R’s for home , I was getting slapped in the face with some sleet, but hey, you deal with it, like I said the biker’s spirit is not easily broken, besides I felt grateful to be riding on New Year’s Day despite the less than perfect weather conditions. That brings us to perhaps, one of the best winter survival tactics of all, the cabin fever party, I attended two this year, The Upland Rider’s and MMR’s. It was evident at both, that the biker is not going to lie down for old man winter, dancing the night away to the music of Blind Ambition at The Upland Riders party and Cindy Daley’s blues band at the MMR’s party. Cindy Daley definitely lived up to her name as the Janice Joplin of the MMR’s. Man could she belt it out of the park. At both parties you could sense, the riding season is a stones throw away and spirits are soaring high. Yes, Spring is in the air, the caterpillars are being coaxed out of their cocoons and soon will be taking wing, the trees are budding and will soon be in full bloom, and the warm weather is beckoning the biker to the open road. Even our steeds with a spirit all their own, are chomping at the bit, and soon will be busting down their stalls and busting out the barn doors, heading for the free range and the freeways. Yeah Neil, “rust never sleeps” and “rock and roll can never die” and nor can the biker’s spirit be broken. Submitted by Deane Laitinen Currently in Florida HB 137 is being heard in hearings and this Florida legislation allows for the confiscation of bikes for reckless driving on motorcycles. It won't be long before it starts in other states and we need to be right there at the statehouse telling them NO FLIPPIN WAY! Members of the MMA are willing to be part of the solution. Members of the MMA have been on the frontlines of the battle for Motorcycle riders rights in MA since 1973. Members of the MMA are Giving to ABATE PAC in numbers not seen before. The power that comes from the PAC is ten fold for every 10 dollars they get support worth hundreds. When you renew or sign up give 5,10,20 to the PAC. Members of the MMA are going to political fundraisers and getting face time with the very people that will vote on our bills this year. We need that time to let them know we oppose or support the bills presented this year. So ask for the day off, if you can't buy a t-shirt or one of the Storm raffle tickets on sale on this website. We have t-shirt sold before the event, these are the rare ones, where we don't sell them at the event. You have to buy it on line, it will be mailed to you before the event. This is the shirt that shows you are a true ROAD WARRIOR. WIll this be the year we top 500 bikes...Be In Somerville on May 15th and find out. If we do get 500 bikes you might just see yourself on the news at 5pm. Dear Lee, I, like many others, have taken their bikes out of winter storage only to find that the battery could use a little boost. After a night on the charger, it was hot and electric. I was about to put the final twist on the terminal nut when my battery exploded, spraying battery acid all over the place. Is there a safer way to install a battery? Mike The Mechanic Mike, Have you thought about just hiring a competent person to take care of your bike? If that’s not possible, we recommend putting your battery in the freezer next Winter. At least it won’t be hot when you connect it next year. Dear Lee, What is a good way to keep bees from stinging me while I am riding. I don’t want to have a “bee in my bonnet”. Last year one flew into my blouse and stung me in a personal place. Honey, Bees can sometimes be real boobs. Try not wearing such strong smelling perfume and your problem will be solved. |