Tiger Tails April 2007
Hello, My Friends--
I hope this finds all of you well, and
enjoying the brief cold snap this weekend before the temperatures creep
back into the 70s. Here's my April Tiger Tales Article for you, and I
hope you'll enjoy it and find it informative, even with some of the
motorcycling-related tragedies we've experienced in Oklahoma recently.
I'm sorry I hadn't mailed this out earlier, but I've been involved in
extra shifts at work and wasn't able to get a "Round TUIT" (It's nice to
be wanted, if not appreciated, at my job! LOL).
By the time you read this, Calvin Hill's
funeral will have taken place, and I'm sure it was well-attended. I saw
info on the wreck at NW 82nd St. and Council Rd. in Oklahoma City on
last Sunday night's news. "CH" was a Retired OKC Firefighter, and a
member of the Wind and Fire MC Heartland Heat Chapter, one of our OK
Confederation Of Clubs member groups. He was on the way north to the
Thunder Run when he was killed. Please remember the Hill Family in your
thoughts and prayers, as they cope with this unspeakable tragedy. I
noted that, amid the sad news, the OKC TV and print media outlets stayed
away from the subject of whether or not Cal was wearing a Helmet. Either
way, he was exercising his Freedom of Choice, hard-earned over 26 years
of protecting Oklahomans' lives and property at risk of his own, as all
our firefighter heroes do regularly...Ride Free Forever, Calvin Hill!
As an aside, we had another motorcycle
death Monday night involving an orange Road King around NW 10th and
MacArthur in Oklahoma City. Dale Johnson was killed, apparently by a
negligent motorist (which is why we got Jaggers' Law passed). It
appears to be a Right Of Way violation (a four-wheeler Left-Turned the
bike), but the news mentioned alcohol could possibly be involved (with
no proof or justification mentioned in the news piece--that REALLY chaps
my hide when that happens!). The piece did, however, state the
importance of watching out for motorcycles with the weather getting
warmer. PLEASE ride aware out there, and watch out for the other guy who
isn't watching out for you!
What REALLY torqued
my jaws about Rogue LV getting killed was that Rodrigo Juarez, the guy
driving the truck (he IS an Illegal Alien, by the way) was allowed to
bond out of jail last week. I didn't hear anything about it until I saw
it on Channel 4 News in OKC last week. INS or ICE (Immigrations and
Customs) weren't even brought into it! Fortunately, Rogue LV's family
and friends raised a stink with both the Oklahoma County Sheriff's
office and with the media, ICE DID get involved, and the guy is now back
in the Oklahoma County Jail. To be honest, I'm amazed that he didn't
just skip bail and flee to Mexico, given that he was going to leave the
scene of the wreck to begin with, with LV lying there in the street like
Road Kill! Incidentally, over 200 bikes turned out for LV's funeral,
which was exceptionally righteous.
I've heard from a couple of cops already who have been frustrated in the
past by busting Illegals and having them bonded out by their families
and sent South immediately, to the point where it's not even worth doing
the paperwork anymore. That's completely outrageous--An Illegal who is
arrested for a crime needs to be prosecuted, serve a just sentence, then
DEPORTED! I understand that now this unacceptable situation is being
addressed in the Legislature, but I need to see what specifically is
coming up in a bill before I believe the situation's going to be
improved. If any of us who are American Citizens committed similar
crimes, we'd be held to account (maybe even get worse treatment as
Bikers by some judge looking to make an "example" of us!). This
damnedable situation just reinforces to me the adage that "It's called
the Criminal Justice System because it's the Criminals that get the
Justice!"--not the victims.
I also want to mention that, for those
not aware, "Birdman" of the Vietnam Vets MC passed away last week
after a valiant struggle against cancer, and his funeral took
place last Friday as well. Let's all please remember Birdman's
family, friends and Club Brothers in our thoughts and prayers as
they honor the full life of a good man. Ride Free Forever, Birdman,
and Welcome Home!
One final thing: ABATE's Central OK
District is hosting a Benefit Poker Run on Sat., May 5, 2007 to
raise money for the Cleveland County Relay For Life, American Cancer
Society. The first bike will head out at 10:00AM, and the route will
start and end at Spinozi's Grill, NW 63rd St. and Harvey in Oklahoma
City. Entry donation is fifteen bucks for a single rider, twenty for
a couple. You can get more information by downloading a flyer from
the ABATE of Oklahoma website at:
www.abateofoklahoma.org I spoke to Ron and RC of Spinozi's, one
of the most Biker-Friendly joints in the state, and they are solidly
behind COD ABATE in making this a successful event. So, reserve May
5 on your calendar, and c'mon out and join your ABATE Brothers and
Sisters as we raise money for a worthwhile cause--we can turn it
into "Cinco De Bike-O" (or "Bike-O De Mayo")! Okay--I'll get off my
soapbox for now. Have a great weekend, and a very Happy Easter to
all!!
With Love and Respect,
Tiger Mike
ABATE of Oklahoma
Oklahoma Confederation Of Clubs
TIGER TALES -
April, 2007
Greetings to all my
Riding Family, and I hope you're enjoying the Spring Riding Season. My
bulletin board is chock-full of Run Flyers already, and I'm sure yours
is too. Hopefully, our paths will cross sometime soon. I'd like to
heartily thank all those who were able to attend our ABATE of Oklahoma
Legislative Breakfast at the State Capitol on March 1. I felt
things went pretty well, and I think we accomplished a significant
amount of good for Oklahoma's Motorcycling Community. The colder
weather might have discouraged some folks, but we had over 200 riders
attend and interact with their legislators. I came away with a much
higher comfort level about our killing that HB1539 Mandatory Universal
Helmet Law attempt for this year (which we ended up doing!). On the down
side, the Motorcycle Turnpike Toll Reduction bill isn't going to be
heard in committee, and our two "Red Light" bills ran into opposition.
However, I feel we enjoyed a successful event again this year, and
Oklahoma's riders put their best foot forward and made another major
positive impression on the Legislature. It was nice to see a number
of new faces at the Breakfast, as well as to have the opportunity to
cross paths with some old friends. If there were folks who attended
that I didn't get to meet, I apologize, but the Breakfast for me is an
event where I'm running around with my hair on fire continuously until
it's over--THEN I'm able to collapse! So, many thanks to all who could
take time out of their busy schedules to show up and take an active part
in the Legislative process. I also want to express appreciation to all
ABATE members who volunteered to work the tables ane ensure the event's
success--we can't do it without you! For those who couldn't make it,
you missed an interesting and educational experience, and we missed
you! Don't sweat it though--over 200 of your Brothers and Sisters were
at the State House defending your Freedom. Many thanks for your
continued interest in the issues, and Holly and I will keep you informed
as to how things transpire throughout the Session. Stay in contact with
your Legislators and keep up on developments, if for no other reason
than an informed Electorate scares the Hell out of the Government!
Less than a week
later, we found out that HB1539, the Mandatory Universal Helmet Law
Proposal for Oklahoma, was officially DEAD! I went to the OK
Confederation of Clubs meeting in Tulsa on March 4, where I function as
Liaison. Over 300 riders were present, representing a large number of
motorcycle clubs, organizations and associations from different
backgrounds. It was standing room only at the American Legion Hall
where the meeting took place, and quite a sight to see! Rep Skye McNiel, HB1539
author, attended our meeting (you have to admire her courage!),
announced the bill's demise, and explained why she authored the bill.
Basically, she had responded to an emotional appeal from one of her
constituents who lost her son in a bike wreck, and she reacted with
determination to forge ahead with her plan to submit the legislation in
spite of being cautioned by the Republican House leadership that it
might not be a good idea to tackle this thorny, controversial issue as a
Freshman Legislator! She admitted that she was unaware of how
passionate (and well-organized) the opposition to such a proposal would
be. Rep. McNiel apologized for submitting such a bill, affirmed that
she'd never again propose a Helmet Law, and pledged to work together
with our Riding Community on issues that truly would help improve our
motorcycling Quality of Life, like obtaining funding for the state's
Rider Education Program. Needless to say, her inputs were met with
enthusiastic applause! So, score one for our side, and heartfelt thanks
to all of you for getting on the phones, sending the e-mails, and making
the office visits to defend Freedom Of Choice for adult riders in the
Sooner State--I'm very proud of all of you! Now, we just have to
exercise the vigilance we do every year to ensure no backdoor attempts
to assault our Liberty take place, and hope that we can successfully
address other elements of our Legislative Agenda. On the
National Scene, the Freedom Of Choice Bill regarding helmet wear for
adult riders in Missouri has received House approval, and is slated to
go to the Senate, but a similar bill in Nebraska has stalled. ABATE of
Nebraska has issued a Nationwide Appeal for all riders to contact the
Nebraska Legislature and urge that the bill be heard. You might also
want to contact their Department of Tourism and emphasize that you
don't spend your hard-earned Tourist Dollars in Mandatory Helmet
States!
It was good to see a
number of our Riding Community at what turned out to be a successful
ABATE of Oklahoma State Membership Meeting and Party in Altus, OK March
9-11. I got down there Fri. night, and the Great Plains Of Altus ABATE
Chapter had the Hospitality Room stocked with snacks, and they did up
some delicious brisket. We tapped the fatted keg, started tipping back
some frosty Wheat Sodas, and a couple of boot bottles materialized. It
was great socializing with my Brothers and Sisters from the Lawton and
Altus areas. Only down side was, the Best Western Hotel had the TV on,
and it was all Anna Nicole, all the time! When Geraldo came on with his
garbage, it was time to prevail upon the management to switch to
cartoons! I had arrived later than some folks, since I had to work, but
we closed the hotel bar down to make up for it. We held the ABATE State
Board meeting Sat. morning, took a lunch break at Applebee's (I
recommend the Steak/Shrimp combo), and conducted the General Membership
Meeting in the afternoon. Rep. David Braddock from Altus attended (one
of our Legislators who rides), Holly provided a Legislative Update, and
we held a Motorcycling Safety Seminar and a "Town Meeting" open format
session with the membership airing their views. I was surprised at the
Meeting by the editors of Thunder Roads Oklahoma magazine giving me an
Appreciation Award. That really floored me, and I was very grateful to
accept it on behalf of ABATE--after all, we're all in this Freedom thing
together! The attendance wasn't as good as it could be, but we're
required by the By-Laws to have at least one per year. They turn out to
be a good party on Sat. night, with great food, music, lots of door
prizes, and good company--whoever doesn't show up misses out big-time!
The After-Party was
indeed a blast, with a DJ spinnin' some good Classic Rock, and we gave
out a bunch of Door Prizes--pretty much everyone who attended went home
with nice gifts. I got a T-Shirt, some gloves, and this really awesome
custom knife engraved with all kinds of Mayan Indian designs--it looks
like it would be great for sacrificing virgins! We also auctioned off
this really nice Blue Sapphire pendant, and Bernie Williams went home
ecstatic (I think her ol' man got lucky as well!). Great Plains Of
Altus Chapter provided more good food, including that delicious
brisket. I can't thank our Altus Brothers and Sisters enough for all
their hard work and support throughout the weekend--they made it one of
our most enjoyable events ever! We came close to floating the keg by
around 2AM, and it was time to shut down and grab some shut-eye. Before
that, however, Wishbone brought along some homemade stuff he called
"Apple-Pie". It's a really smooth drink made from apple cider, sugar,
cinnamon sticks and Everclear! It goes down really well, but can kick
your butt if you're not careful. I know Kemosabe was feeling no pain!
That also might well be the reason I was a bit rough around the edges
when I got home! About 3AM Sunday the heavens opened, and we had quite
the thunderstorm covering S.W. Oklahoma, with sustained 80MPH winds,
major-league lightning, and thunder like Heavy Artillery. It was raining
sideways for a few hours! With it still raining heavily when I had to
head back to OKC, I was glad to have the truck for loading out. There
were a number of wrecks on I-44 involving people who just won't slow
down. I was able to keep clear of them and get home by early Sunday
afternoon, to kick back and watch NASCAR. I hope more of you will join
us for the next General Membership Meeting, January, 2008.
Before closing, I
got an e-mail recently from ANOTHER Freshman Legislator: Rep. Ken
Luttrell of Ponca City, who authored our "Red Light" Bill on the House
side. Since his bill wasn't heard in the House Public Safety Committee,
he got it attached as an amendment to another House bill, HB1606, and
that bill PASSED the entire House 100-0 on March 5. Many thanks to Rep.
Lutrell, an avid motorcyclist himself, for following through on this
issue, and score ANOTHER one for our side! Now, we'll need to help
shepherd that bill through the State Senate and hopefully get it signed
by the Governor--I'll keep you posted as to further developments. On
the negative side, HB1686, the ATV Helmet Bill requiring Mandatory
Helmet Usage for riders under 18, passed the entire House on March 14.
Otherwise, there has been no movement on any of the other bills we've
been watching as of this writing. Thanks for listening, and for
exercising your Rights as Citizens which make our being Americans and
Oklahomans so special! Keep Checking our ABATE State Website for
further legislative activity.
I can't wrap up this
month without addressing the bloody toll taken on our
Motorcycling Community over the past few weeks. Two of our ABATE
members from Northeast Oklahoma were killed March 18 in a head-on wreck
caused by a negligent motorist. Please remember the families of Mike
Austin, Shawna Turner, and Vince Hennigan in your thoughts and prayers.
Vince survived the wreck, and he's in Critical Condition in ICU at St.
John's Hospital in Tulsa. These folks are/were with the Good Wheel
Riders, one of our OK Confederation Of Clubs member groups, and are also
in the Patriot Guard Riders. I'm completely outraged by this incident
and the subsequent coverage, and all Oklahoma motorcyclists need to
bombard the media and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol with demands for a
responsible accounting of events. The Double Fatality wreck was caused
by the car driver violating the motorcyclists' Right-Of-Way, and yet,
while Oklahoma State Law calls for seatbelt wear but allows Freedom Of
Choice regarding helmet usage, the OHP and the media stated the riders
weren't wearing helmets, but mentioned absolutely NOTHING about car
driver's seatbelt! Besides, the motorcyclists were victimized by a car
driver on the wrong side of the road, and helmet wear has NOTHING to do
with it! Concerned motorcyclists in Oklahoma and everywhere need to
contact the News Directors of these news media outlets whenever they
pull this stuff and hold them to account. We need to voice our anger,
and demand clarification of bias, inaccuracy and misinformation that is
occurring with increasing frequency, thanks to agencies bound and
determined to advance their political agenda by manipulating the facts.
We also need to continue to Ride Safely and Aware--it's a War out there,
and we know the face of the Enemy!
It also seems as if the hits just keep on
coming! "LV" from the Rogues M/C was the motorcyclist killed at the
intersection of SW 36th St. and S. Penn. Ave. in Oklahoma City late at
night on March 19. He was killed by Rodrigo Juarez, a motorist in his
30s driving a white pickup truck, who was booked into jail on charges of
negligent homicide and driving without a license. He also had no motor
vehicle insurance. There are reports, unsubstantiated right now,
that Juarez is an Illegal Alien. Police credit witnesses at the scene
with physically preventing the driver from leaving the scene of the
wreck while LV and his bike were lying in the street. One eyewitness
even punctured the truck's tires to impede his escape. Please remember
LV, his Family, and his Club Brothers in your thoughts and prayers as
they do their best to handle this crisis. Kudos to those who placed
themselves in harm's way apprehending this criminally negligent motorist
for their civic involvement. The Daily Joke-lahoman article had to
mention that LV wasn't wearing a helmet, of course, attempting to take
the focus off the cager's driving without a license and no insurance,
who violated the Biker's ROW and attempted to leave the scene! Juarez
was booked into the Oklahoma County Jail--With a little luck, he'll hang
himself in his cell! (Oooh--do I sound unsympathetic? My Bad!! Please
pray for my being caught up in anger over this thing and not having a
forgiving spirit right now. I'll work on that.). Let's keep looking out
for each other, and continue to be safe, intelligent and responsible out
on the Road--SOMEBODY has to do it!
Ride Smart, Sober and Aware, and I'll see you on the
Highway. Remember, as we progress through Spring, that May is
Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month in Oklahoma, and I'll provide
information on that important event in my next article, since ABATE
should be leading the charge in emphasizing the need for all motorists
to Check Twice, Look Out for Motorcycles, and Share the Road. I'll see
you next time!
Keep It On The Black
Strip Between The Trees,
Tiger Mike
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