Tiger Tails March 2007
 
Hello, Friends and fellow Freedom Fighters--
 
I hope this finds all of you having a good week, and enjoying the extremely pleasant weather for February.  Here's my March Tiger Tales article for you to check out. Since I'm mailing this on the eve of ABATE's going down to lobby for your Rights at the State House, I would like to take the opportunity to once again publicize and cordially invite everyone who can to PLEASE attend our annual ABATE of Oklahoma Legislative Breakfast slated for Thursday, March 1, 2007, from 7:30AM until 10:30AM at the Fourth Floor Rotunda of the State Capitol in Oklahoma City.  For those who haven't participated before, ABATE hosts this Breakfast every year for members of the Oklahoma State Legislature and their staffs.  We've sent out engraved invitations a few weeks in advance to encourage as many members of the Legislature as possible to attend, as well as folks in the Governor's office.  It's an excellent opportunity for members of Oklahoma's Motorcycling Community to meet their Representatives and Senators and discuss one-on-one with their legislators issues important to them, especially items relative to improving motorcycling Quality of Life in our state.  With over 75,000 motorcycles registered in Oklahoma, it's important that we turn out in force to emphasize to our elected officials that we're actively involved in the political process regarding topics of concern to riders in the Sooner State.  Last November's election was momentous in that a large number of legislative seats turned over due to term limits and electoral upsets, so there will be lots of new faces to get to meet and make friends with.  If we can get a few hundred motorcyclists and trikers to attend, we can make a significant lobbying impact with our Public Servants.  So, PLEASE make plans to be at the Capitol on March 1, if even for a short time, and tell all your friends to attend as well--I look forward to seeing a large number of you there! The weather Thursday is forecast to be partly sunny and 55, so take your bikes and let the State House hear some Oklahoma Thunder! If you're arriving early, please use a maximum number of spaces in the Capitol South Visitor Parking Lot, to save room for later arrivals. PLEASE don't park your bikes on the sidewalks--we don't want to make a negative impression on the Capitol Police, and you'll risk having your bike ticketed and towed. You can enter the State House through the East and West Entrances--expect a waiting line to get in, because there are metal detectors at each Entrance, and it'll take some time if you're showing up with chain wallets, heavy buckles, studs, etc. One final thing: PLEASE use your Common Sense, and leave knives, firearms, clubs, other weaponry, etc. at home! Use the same mind-set as you would employ before going through the detectors at an Airport (we had someone show up a couple of years ago with a pocketful of bullets--Law Enforcement takes a dim view of that! LOL). 

  At the Legislative Breakfast, we'll have information sheets with talking points to provide attendees, so they have an idea of what specific issues we're focusing on.  Holly, our ABATE Political Director, has put in a lot of time laying the groundwork for this event to be successful.  We'll also have a computer set up, so if you're not sure who your State Senator or Representative is, we can find their names and office numbers for you based on your address.  We accomplished this for over 400 attendees at the ABATE Freedom Rally last March 15 in keeping with our goal of providing our Riding Community with as much information as possible to increase our political effectiveness--remember, Knowledge is Power!  Our planned "Dead Red" legislation, which would allow motorcyclists to proceed through an intersection if they don't trigger the traffic light to turn green, is in serious jeopardy, so we need to lobby for HB 1923 and SB 131 to be heard!  Please check out our ABATE of Oklahoma State Website at: www.abateofoklahoma.org for bill numbers and latest status, and I also have forwarded Holly's latest Legislative Update. You might want to print a copy of that most recent Update or the article below to take to the Capitol with you.  Or, you can contact Holly, our Political Director, at 405-329-7254 with legislative questions. Thanks for listening, for tolerating my long-windedness, and most of all for your defense of Riding Freedom in the Sooner State and nationwide.  Please call or e-mail me if you have any questions.
 
With Love and Respect,
Tiger Mike Revere
State Coordinator,
ABATE of Oklahoma, Inc.

 


 

                                                TIGER TALES - March, 2007
 
Hello, everybody, and a very Happy Spring to all!  Even though we're still about a month out from the actual Vernal Equinox date of March 21, we're enjoying some balmy weather.  I couldn't believe the temperatures in the mid-70s we were blessed with the third week of February!  It was certainly a relief after the Deep Freeze we experienced several times between November and January.  Hopefully, you folks were able to get your scoots out, if only for a couple of hours to get the batteries charged up.  I was able to do that with Orca, my EVO Road King, and even give her a touch-up bath with a bucket of warm water and one of those microfiber cleaning cloths.  If you've never tried one of those before, they are absolutely incredible for cleaning your bike, and they work well on everything from the engine to the chrome to painted parts--even Lexan windshields!  They average eight to ten bucks, and are well worth keeping one in your saddlebag.  I hope this finds all of you doing well, and that March is not going to be as much of a "Lion" as February was--I've definitely had enough of Winter, and am ready for the Spring Riding Season.  I'm pretty sure I speak for all our ABATE Chapters in that respect.  ABATE, in addition to gearing up for more riding fun in Oklahoma, has been actively involved in Oklahoma's 2007 Legislative Session, which is now in full swing as you know.  In fact, we'll have ushered in March with our annual ABATE Legislative Breakfast, which I'll provide a recap on in next month's article.
 
  Hopefully, by the time you read this, HB 1539, Oklahoma's specific Helmet Law bill will be effectively dead, but Helmet Law threats will continue to exist throughout the Session.  I will point out that, as Holly, our Political Director, has mentioned: BILLS DIE--IDEAS DON'T!  There can always be the possibility of a Helmet Law threat appearing for the duration of the Session--one can be attached as a rider to any number of "Safety"-related bills. Also, amendments can be submitted in the Oklahoma State Senate that have absolutely nothing to do with the original bill (like a Helmet Law proposal being attached to a financial bill). A bill can also be re-written in Conference Committee to become a "back door" Universal Helmet Law, as was attempted with an ATV Helmet bill last year.  Incidentally, the same type of bill, HB 1686, has been filed this year, which would require mandatory helmet usage for off-road riders under 18.  It's extremely important that nobody "counts their chickens before they're hatched" out there, and assume that we've already won the battle. I appreciate folks being active in following up on important topics, and continue to keep yourselves aware and informed, but please be patient! The price of Liberty is Eternal Vigilance, and ABATE will be keeping a close watch on legislative developments, as we usually do, until the Oklahoma Session's end in May.  Other bills of interest to highlight include: HB 1584, the Right To Repair Act for Oklahoma, which mirrors Federal-level legislation the Motorcycle Riders Foundation is supporting.  SB 676 would prohibit use of hand-held cell phones while driving, and HB 1083, authored by Rep. Wesselhoft, would significantly reduce Turnpike Tolls for motorcyclists. There are a number of bills affecting both street and off-road vehicle operating procedures in Oklahoma, including HB 1426, which would more sharply define which motor vehicles can operate on Oklahoma roadways; SB 501, addressing operation of those proliferating electric bicycles and scooters; SB 851, which would allow operation of ATVs on streets and highways; and SB 1039; which would limit engine size for juvenile riders to 50cc for 12 and under and 90cc for 15 and under.  Lastly, SB 464 would delay or derail implementation of the REAL-ID ACT in Oklahoma, the Federal legislation establishing a Big Brother-type National ID Card disguised as your Driver's License.
 
  The 2007 ABATE of Oklahoma State Membership Meeting has been re-scheduled for March 9, 10, and 11 at the Best Western Hotel in Altus, OK, hosted by our Great Plains of Altus Chapter.  The Best Western Hotel is located at 2804 N. Main St. in Altus, on Hwy 283 North, and the phone numbers are: 580-482-9300 or 1-888-537-1087. The room cost includes a complimentary hot breakfast in the morning, so bring your ABATE Membership Card to get the special room rate for the event.  The Hospitality Room will be open Friday night, March 9, from 6:00PM until late, so early ABATE arrivals can socialize and get to know Brothers and Sisters from the Altus and Lawton areas.  Activities on Sat., March 10 will begin with the ABATE State Board Meeting from 10:00AM until 12:30PM.  We'll break for an hour for lunch, then the General Membership Meeting will begin at 1:30PM and run until 5:00PM.  The Meeting will include: Opening remarks by the State Coordinator (the "State of ABATE Address"); a Legislative Update from our Political Director; Keynote Speech and/or a Legislative Roundtable with members of the Oklahoma State Legislature who can attend; a Motorcycle Safety Seminar presented by our Rider Education and Training experts Paul Brinker and Chris Coombs; and we'll wrap up with an Open Format "Town Meeting" of the ABATE General Membership, where individual members will have the opportunity to air their views and concerns, make suggestions, and share ideas.  We'll take a Dinner Break after the membership meeting concludes, and the Hospitality Room will reopen around 5:30PM.  ABATE members can enjoy entertainment, featuring a DJ playing music, door prizes, and a 50/50 drawing, from 7:30 Saturday night until things wind down a few hours later.  At 9:00AM Sunday, those who'd like to get up early and participate can join in a spiritual service where folks can take some time to give thanks for a successful event and for Riding Freedom, and request Traveling Mercies for the trip home.  I hope all in ABATE that can will attend this important annual meeting, and I look forward to seeing you there for an educational experience and a fun time! 
 
   ABATE has issued a Statewide Call To Action regarding our proposed "Red Light" Legislation, based on the input received from Holly Swinford, our ABATE Political Director.  It's critical to helping save motorcyclists' lives and reducing injuries to get this legislation passed, which would allow motorcyclists to proceed through a controlled intersection after stopping and determining it to be safe to proceed, if their bike doesn't trigger the light to turn green.  For some reason, Rep. Duncan, who is supposed to be an avid Harley Rider, has refused to allow the bill to be heard in his committee (House Public Safety).  He is not an author or co-sponsor of the House Bill (HB 1923), so maybe he'll either see the sense of getting either bill passed, or he'll become more agreeable if encouraged to sponsor the Senate version, SB 131, in the House (that bill's author is in the same Political Party as he is).  Rep. Duncan's office needs to hear from  a LOT of Oklahoma voters right away--and he DEFINITELY needs to hear from Bikers in the Pawhuska/ Osage County area, like Nelson Carter and the OCIB, etc. Of course, if anyone outside these areas feels compelled to make a call and COURTEOUSLY suggest that these bills need to be passed, far be it from me to stop you!  Rep. Duncan's direct line at the capitol is 405-557-7344. You can leave messages on this number 24/7. The House of Representatives switchboard is 405-521-2711 or 800-522-8502 during normal business hours. Just ask for his office, and please be nice. We've also sent this Call To Action out, because our state's "Red Light" legislative campaign has sustained another body-blow--the Oklahoma Senate Transportation Committee has REFUSED to hear SB 131! This, just after the House declined to hear HB 1923 in committee. We still, however, hopefully have time to change the Senate's mind. Please call 405-524-0126 or 800-865-6490 during regular business hours or you can call their direct lines 24/7. Transportation Committee Chair Sen. Ballenger's number is  405-521-5588. He's the Democrat. Co-Chair Sen. Barrington (R-Lawton) is at: 405-521-5563. His assistant's name is Sandy. Please be nice but insistent about how important this legislation is.
 
  Now, some folks in the Legislature and elsewhere might think we just want special privileges for motorcyclists, or can't understand how this type of legislation can help reduce motorcycling deaths and injuries.  Explain these points to them:  First, it'll minimize a vehicle's time waiting at an intersection because the bike won't trigger the light to turn green--and all the while you're praying the cage behind you won't run you over. Ever wait at the Red Light and hear the "Oklahoma Quick Stop", with screeching tires that make your heart race with fear?  I'm sure even some of the Legislators can relate!  Motorcyclists get rear-ended at intersections by irresponsible cagers all the time, so we all have a critical stake in this. Riders also won't have to pull forward half-into the intersection so a cage can trigger the light, which can also get you hurt or killed. Also, if your bike doesn't trigger the light, your alternative is to make a right turn and attempt to navigate around the intersection by riding somewhere else--like on other roads or through busy parking lots. That could also be hazardous to your health, especially if you're not familiar with the area. Lastly (and this is a biggie for me), motorcyclists deserve Equal Rights on the roadways--why the heck should we have to ride somewhere else and jeopardize our Safety just because we're aboard a different type of motor vehicle?
 
  I hope this type of sensible reasoning will answer any of your Legislators' questions (and, of course, approach them reasonably, courteously, and BE NICE!).  THIS is the type of legislation that'll truly help promote Biker Safety, not a blasted Helmet Law!  So, PLEASE--all interested riders in Oklahoma and elsewhere tell your friends to contact State Sens. Ballenger and Barrinton, and urge them to hear and pass SB 131. Similar legislation was passed in both Arkansas and Tennessee last year, and not one single rider has been hurt or killed proceeding through Red Light intersections after the laws were signed.  However, in Tennessee, three motorcyclists who were unaware of the new law were MURDERED by a Drunk Driver because they were waiting for a Left Turn Arrow, and the drunk ran them over from behind like Road Kill!  Thanks for listening, friends, and I'll hopefully see you on the Road--maybe at the OK Confederation of Clubs Oklahoma Bike Expo March 17-18 at the Cox Convention Center (formerly the Myriad) in downtown Oklahoma City!  This is the third year that the Confederation, an ABATE Sustaining Member, has been organizing what's turning out to be a major-league Bike Rally, featuring Custom and Ride-In Bike Shows with a wide array of trophy-winning categories, a Tattoo Contest, Prize Drawings, vendors of all types (including an ABATE Booth), music, and family fun for all. There'll even be entertainment for the kids!  We'll also have a celebrity guest attending: Steve-O, who's starred in "Jackass" both on Cable TV and in the Movies. The member organizations of the Oklahoma Confederation Of Clubs are working hard to ensure that this year's event will be one of the most successful ever, and will feature enjoyable activities for riders of every background. You'll be able to find out more information about this large-scale occasion by checking out the Confederation's website at: www.oklahomacoc.com and in a couple of weeks, there'll be more definitive information on the event-specific website at www.okmotorcycleexpo.com CUSTOM BIKE BUILDERS: this is a terrific opportunity to get prominent exposure in the Oklahoma City Metro Area, and the OK Confederation Of Clubs needs more builders to sign up and exhibit their creations. You can register on the Oklahoma Bike Expo website. So, be sure to list this event on your calendar, and I look forward to seeing a bunch of you there!

  I'll close with some good news--the Mandatory Helmet Law threat has been KILLED in Montana, as well as Arkansas (both are not expected to be revived), and Freedom Of Choice legislation is moving forward in Missouri and Nebraska.  I want to send heartfelt congratulations to Everett Elzey, Tom Wewers and all the officers and membership in ABATE of Arkansas, and here's hoping that none of their enemies attempt to back-door another Helmet Law threat against you before the session's out.  ABATE of Oklahoma stands in solidarity with our Brothers and Sisters on our eastern edge to defend against any attacks on our borders, political and otherwise.  So, let's all keep a positive mental attitude, and keep pressing toward Legislative Victory!  Please contact me if you have any questions, or call our ABATE Hotline at: 405-329-7254  Tiger's Tip O' The Month:  Even with Jaggers' Law passed to increase penalties for negligent, irresponsible drivers that hurt and kill people they share the road with, I've noticed a general increase in distracted driving, where motorists are doing everything imaginable in their four-wheelers EXCEPT keeping their minds on the road!  One specific act I've observed three times in a three week period involved motorists watching TELEVISION while driving their cars, including while passing through the entry control point at Tinker Air Force Base.  Apparently, there are a number of lightweight TVs on the market that affix to the driver's sun visor or rear-view mirror, and they are street-legal to use!  With that kind of mind-set, I can understand why bills prohibiting cell-phone usage don't make their way out of Legislative committees.  It's obvious to me that we're not going to secure Justice in the near future against these boneheads that are killing us out there, so we need to ratchet up our awareness while riding, and give these distracted drivers a wide berth.  I'd like to wrap up with this information: Diesel and Li'l Bit were at the February ABATE State Board Meeting, and they gave me the news about Rev. Deb suffering from a Brain Tumor--that hit me as quite a shock.  I'm also sorry to hear Rev. Deb's ol' man JT is suffering from medical problems as well.  For those of you who don't know her, Rev. Deb is a sweet, caring lady who's been a vital part of our Riding Community for years, and has always been there for area motorcyclists down on their luck.  Deb contributes a regular monthly article to Thunder Roads Oklahoma Magazine, just as I do.  She is committed to undergoing surgery to get past this crisis.  I sincerely hope Rev. Deb and JT will weather this challenge, and we all need to remember these two special folks in our thoughts and prayers.  The Naysayers M/C, another of ABATE's Sustaining Members, is hosting a Benefit Party on Saturday, March 3, starting at 12 Noon at their Clubhouse on Hudiburg Drive at S,E, 15th St. in Midwest City to help with the medical bills, and I hope that event is well-attended.  Call Bone at: 405-277-3397 for more information.  Enjoy the Spring weather as the Sooner State starts to green up, Ride Safely, Sober and Aware, and I trust our paths will cross soon!
 
 
Keep It On The Black Strip Between The Trees,
Tiger Mike