Hello, Everyone--

  I hope this finds all of you well, and having a great week.  Here's my Tiger Tales article for the month of June, for you to take a look at--I hope you find it enjoyable and informative.  As I write this, my faithful Rottweiler Zeus is curled up at my feet, sleeping peacefully.  I'd like to express my deep thanks to everyone in my Riding Family for their prayers and
expressions of support, as I came very close to losing him only a few hours before joining you for the Memorial Day ceremonies.  After three days in the critical care hospital, he's well on his way back to full recovery, and I give thanks to the Lord, who sees the sparrow fall, for watching over one of His creations.  Speaking of the Memorial Day ceremonies, I'd like to take this opportunity to thank from the bottom of my heart all those who were able to come out and join us during the ABATE War Memorial Run on May 29.  The initial announcement was premature as to the bike count--with 15 bikes showing up after the Parade arrived at its destination, we counted a total of 403 motorcycles and trikes, along with several four-wheelers that attended as well.  With many of the parade participants riding two-up, I estimate well over 500 people took part.  Once again, Oklahoma's Motorcycling Community showed the rest of the state how to properly honor America's Military, especially those that have made the Supreme Sacrifice.  Remember--they gave their tomorrows, so that we might enjoy Freedom today!  On the heels of a tremendously successful ABATE Rolling Thunder Hospitality Cookout May 21, I'm almost ready to burst with pride at how ready Sooner State motorcyclists are to honor and rise to the defense of our Nation's Veterans.  Many thanks to the outriders for doing such a good job ensuring everyone's safety (you're worth TEN Helmet Laws!), thanks to our spiritually-oriented riding groups for the thoughts and prayers for traveling mercies, big-time thanks to the American Legion Riders Post #1340 and to Charley's Last Stand for again hosting the cookout, and thanks again for your enthusiastic support of these annual opportunities to pay tribute to our Armed Services.  Thanks also for your continued confidence in me to speak on your behalf at the ceremonies--I'm both honored and humbled by the privilege of doing so.  Be sure to join us again on Veterans' Day, and tell your friends!  Thanks for listening, Ride Free and Safely, and I'll see you on the Road.

Yours in Freedom,
Tiger Mike Revere
State Coordinator
ABATE of Oklahoma, Inc.


                                            TIGER TALES - JUNE, 2006


   A hearty hello to all my Motorcycling Friends out there!  Hopefully, this finds all of you well, and enjoying what's shaping up to be an exciting Spring and Summer Riding Season in our state.  I'm receiving feedback from motorcyclists on a bunch of awesome events which have been held already, and hardly a week goes by where there aren't at least a couple of occasions planned.  Of course, one of the things we riders almost always encounter in Oklahoma these days is road construction, but I've received several reports that there are more prominently and frequently placed Warning Signs throughout the state urging motorcyclists to use caution in construction zones.  I guess ABATE's discussions with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation have had a positive effect after all!  One of the reasons the Riding Season is turning out to be exciting is because of recent developments at the State House, now that the 2006 Legislative Session is winding down.  SB1929, Jaggers' Law, our proposal to increase penalties for irresponsible motorists that hurt and kill others, was signed by the Governor on April 25 and goes into effect November 1, and the April 27 deadline passed for SB1830, the ATV Helmet threat that we were worried could've turned into a full-blown Mandatory Universal Helmet Law, so it went down to defeat. That was the threat which motivated ABATE to call for the successful March 15 Freedom Rally, and I heartily thank all who were able to attend.  However, we still can't turn our backs on this issue. Holly, our Political Director, pointed out that with the House still being in session,
 there were three supplemental agendas to be dealt with, although SB1830 wasn't on any of them. Holly Swinford will get a status update on this bill, but the House leadership seems to have chosen not to schedule it for hearing before the full House. As Holly astutely mentioned however, "Regardless, bills die, ideas don't--the Health Department will be desperately  trying to attach it to something".  So, we essentially will have to watch SB1830 and its content like a hawk until the Session is over, which it will be by the time you read this--hopefully without any last-minute upsetting news!  We also were notified at the same time SB1830 stalled that SB1420, the bill to drastically increase seat belt fines, also died in committee, as well as the bill that would've outlawed Pit Bulls statewide.  Remember, it's like when we helped defeat the Federal-level Danforth Bill a few years back that would've prohibited sales of Sport Bikes-- if we allow the Government to outlaw one type of dog breed, nothing will prevent them from eventually coming around to take yours!  As a longtime owner of Rottweilers, I was aware of that threat, that's for sure.  You folks desiring a complete legislative wrapup can get information on the latest status of the bills we've been following by checking out the State Website, at www.abateofoklahoma.org <www.abateofoklahoma.org

   I was heading out to Louisville, KY for the 21st Annual National Coalition of Motorcyclists Convention May 10, when I received the terrific news about Governor Henry signing SB 806, the Tattoo Regulation and Legalization Bill, into law.  Effective November 1, you'll be able to legally receive an Artistic Tattoo in the State of Oklahoma.  Many thanks to those that called their legislators in support of this issue.  ABATE of Oklahoma spent over six years fighting for passage of bills of this type, and I personally am gratified that all First Amendment Freedom-lovers have achieved the victory. I have my own tattoo design celebrating this triumph that I want to have put to skin, and I'd like one of the artists that put their Personal Freedom on the line to do the artwork.  I think we all need to look in the mirror and ask ourselves: what do we believe in that we'd actually risk going to jail
 over?  I know we have many superb artists slinging ink in the Sooner State right now, but I 'll wait to "get 'er done" until after November 1, just as a matter of principle!  Speaking of NCOM, The Convention was held May 11-14, and was very successful, with over one thousand riders in attendance, representing virtually every club and organization you can think of.  The seminars were very interesting and educational, covering such diverse topics as how to interact with the police and the courts on Motorcycling Freedom issues, basic lobbying skills, and SUV and truck design contributing to increased motorcycle fatalities.  The Silver Spoke Awards Banquet was held Saturday night, and U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe of Oklahoma received the Government Award in honor of his efforts to defeat the Lautenburg proposal to establish a Federal-Level Mandatory Universal Helmet Law.  The evening's
 most prestigious accolade, the Ron Roloff Lifetime Achievement Award, went to yours truly, and it was almost overwhelming to accept it amidst a standing ovation of riders from all backgrounds.  I'm deeply grateful to all of my Brothers and Sisters in ABATE, and throughout Oklahoma's riding community for working together with me to keep improving our Quality of Life for motorcyclists and trikers in the Sooner State.  I've been involved with the Motorcycling Rights campaign for 22 years, but I can't be successful without your dedicated support and involvement.

   Here's a couple of brief updates I received while at the Convention.  Missouri's Freedom of Choice bill died at the end of their Session on May 12, thanks to some last-minute wrangling in the Senate, so we'll have to wear skid-lids in the Show-Me State for another year.  We're also stuck with a Helmet Law for twelve more months in Nebraska, as their attempt at Helmet Law Repeal was also defeated--the fight goes on!  However, Missouri passed their Careless Driving bill (their equivalent of Jaggers' Law--read the next
 papagraph), as did Georgia and Wisconsin, bringing to fourteen the number of states at this time that now have this type of legislation on the books.  Texas Law Enforcement backed off on arresting people for drinking in bars and restaurants, after hauling in over 2,300, some of whom were drinking in hotel bars and had rooms upstairs, and some that even had their Designated Drivers drinking water next to them!  I guess Texas politicians were afraid of losing tons of tourist revenue, and rightly so--I know I was prepared to reduce my frequency of travel to that part of the country.  It's still illegal to host Poker Runs in the Lone Star State, but Texas Bikers are getting set to mount a legal challenge.

   I'm extremely pleased about how our Careless Driving legislation, known as "Jaggers' Law", was signed into law by Governor Brad Henry on April 26!  This victory marks the culmination of three years of hard work on the part of ABATE of Oklahoma and Motorcyclist Rights activists throughout the state.  For those not aware, and to once again provide background, Jaggers' Law was given that designator in honor of David Jaggers, who was serving as Sgt-at-Arms of the Downed Bikers Association of Central Oklahoma at the
time of his death at the hands of an irresponsible motorist who was weaving through traffic, speeding 30 MPH over the limit and driving while under the influence.  The criminal trial of David's murderer is still pending, after  three years of legal maneuvering.  Ironically, the Downed Bikers Association's mission involves providing emotional and financial support
to the families of riders that are hurt and killed, and the birth of the Association itself came about as the result of an injustice in 1999, where an irresponsible motorist killed three motorcyclists at an Oklahoma City-area event (Flop Myers, Bev Kroutil and John McAlpine, who were H.O.G. and ABATE Members), then walked away with a slap on the wrist from our judicial system.  David Jaggers was known and beloved by many in our Motorcycling Community, and is remembered as one who could always be
counted on to pitch in at motorcycling events, and to help other motorcyclists in need.  The decision was made to name our legislative proposal "Jaggers' Law" in order to put a human face on what otherwise would be considered a collection of dry statistics (much like "Clutch's Law" in Missouri, a similar proposal which, incidentally, was passed and sent to their
Governor on May 12).  Our objective was to emphasize to the Legislature that every one of these injuries or fatalities caused by negligent, irresponsible motorists affects a wide circle of friends and loved ones who become victims as well, and not just the individual who is hurt or killed.

   Jaggers' Law was originally left off the calendar, but was attached to another bill and given a new designator, SB 1929, and was approved by the Senate. The bill was then voted out of House Committee with a "DO PASS" recommendation, made its way to the House Floor, and was approved by the Oklahoma House of Representatives on April 19. The title stayed on the bill, it was enrolled by the Senate, and went to Gov. Henry's office for signature, all in the space of two weeks. The bill does not have an Emergency Clause included, which means it'll go into effect on November 1.  The law, in keeping with NCOM's "Kill a Biker, Go to Jail" push, and with the AMA's "Justice For All" campaign, is designed to increase penalties for careless, irresponsible drivers that hurt and kill those they share the road with, regardless of who they are.  The law adds a ONE THOUSAND DOLLAR FINE  to fatality or injury wrecks where the conviction or guilty plea includes a traffic violation for Failure to Yield Right-Of-Way.  The money raised will go into a Department of Public Safety-managed fund to increase Motorcycling Safety Awareness, Reduction of Drunk/Impaired Driving, and Defensive Driving for young people.  ABATE has filed a request for a formal signing ceremony with the Governor, which should take place in Mid-June.

    Here is the specific content of SB 1929 that is relevant to us. Note that, to start, Section One specifies that the Act, which consists of the first three sections, shall be known as "David Jaggers' Law", so this is the official designator of the legislation as applies to us.  To influence the Legislators, our providing a detailed biographical sketch of David, his family, and his many interests along with multiple family photos helped inseparably link David to the proposal, and did much to convince legislators to both designate the legislation as "Jaggers' Law" and to vote for approval.  We in ABATE also publicized the tragedy of our own Jeff Smith, ABATE NW #69 Chapter Vice-President, who last Fall was rear-ended and killed
 in front of his house by a truck driver who was talking on his cell phone.  At this time, we're limited to a fine of $1,000 attached for anyone convicted of a fatality of injury Right-of-Way violation. We had to compromise and remove the mandatory Driver's License Suspension proposal to increase the chance of passage, because some Legislators were vehemently opposed to "denying an individual's ability to make a living" by removing their ability to drive an automobile for six months or a year (the year's suspension was what we were hoping for). We couldn't seem to convince them that the victims of fatality wrecks due to negligent driving were denied their right to make a living FOREVER.  We possibly will be able to push for more teeth to be added to this law during a later Session.  The third provision creates a Motorcycle Safety and Drunk Driving Awareness fund as part of the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety, which is what the extra fine will go to bankroll. This fund is designed to promote Motorcycle Safety Awareness, Defensive Driving for young people, and Drunk/Impaired Driving Awareness Education. I'll be very interested to see how much money is eventually raised over a periodic interval to fund these programs.

    Legislation of this type isn't passed overnight--quite literally the Third Time was the charm for us!  Lots of Freedom-loving folks from all over the state gave of their time and talents to ensure the success of our campaign.  Many heartfelt thanks go to Holly Swinford, our Political Director, for all the hard work she put in on this important issue, and for her many visits to Capitol Hill.  I especially want to thank Denise Jaggers and Janice Raymond, David's widow and sister, for constantly buttonholing legislators and for their efforts and support in helping to keep this legislation in the spotlight, and to all Sooner State motorcyclists and trikers that kept contacting the Legislature to urge its passage, for attending the Jaggers' Law Poker Runs in 2004 and 2005, and for supporting ABATE of Oklahoma's efforts to improve the Quality of Life for ALL motorcyclists and trikers in the Sooner State.  Over the last month, as I've mentioned, West Virginia, Iowa, Georgia, Wisconsin and Missouri have passed their similar legislation, and more states are considering increasing their penalties as well.  I can imagine David Jaggers smiling down on us right now--having this legislation directly contribute to reducing deaths and injuries caused by irresponsible motorists in the Sooner State is a fitting tribute to the memory of a good man who is loved and missed by many. As an SMRO leader who has put in a LOT of hours on this issue, I'm very glad that
 we have achieved this victory. The underlying reason for Careless Driving legislation is PREVENTIVE DETERRENCE, and Motorcycling Rights Activists in states where this legislation has been passed have every reason to be proud of what they've accomplished. If inattentive, careless, negligent drivers get slam-dunked with increased penalties and the death and injury rates go down for EVERYBODY they share the Road with, then the legislation has achieved a positive result.  Motorcyclists aren't seeking special treatment
 in this area--we're seeking EQUAL treatment under the law. That's why we've included ALL that share the Road as beneficiaries of this type of legislation--that and the fact that we've stood a MUCH better chance of getting the legislation passed since it is all-inclusive. Everyone victimized by negligent drivers--Bikers, pedestrians, whoever--has families,
 loved ones and friends who are also victimized by these irresponsible motorists, and the carnage MUST stop! If encouraging more responsible driving in this manner will help reduce deaths and injuries, then our considerable efforts have been worthwhile--THAT, in my opinion, is what our campaign was all about.  This legislation is a fitting tribute to the late and beloved David Jaggers--a very special member of our Community who gave so much while he was with us, and continues to exist as a force for good with this law being passed in his honor.  I'm extremely proud of each and every one of you that got involved, and ABATE couldn't have accomplished this victory without you!  I know you folks like to play hard as well as work hard, and Denise Jaggers wanted me to let you know that we're going to host a Jaggers' Law Victory Poker Run and Party in the near future.  It's being planned as a way of saying "THANK YOU" to all in our Riding Community  that worked to ensure SB1929's passage.  Keep checking out Thunder Roads Magazine and the ABATE Newsletter and Website for further information.  Again, many thanks for your generous support, and I look forward to our continued progress in defending Motorcycling Freedom, in Oklahoma and
 nationwide.  If anyone has any questions, regarding the nature of this legislation or any other Freedom issues, please contact me, or call the ABATE Hotline at: 405-329-7254.

   Well, I'll sign off for now.  Thanks so much for your patience in reading all this stuff and for putting up with my occasional long-windedness--we've had so many major developments over the past few weeks that's it's gotten more difficult to keep up with the information, and I don't want irritation with the messenger to get in the way of the importance of the message. As Citizens and Voters, we must stay knowledgeable of the issues, if for no other reason but to keep accountable the Government that's supposed to be serving us, and doesn't do a very good job of it sometimes!  Tiger's Tip O' The Month: Remember the truck commercial which stated "Stay within the lines--the lines are our Friends"?  I've been noticing that more and more motorists are having a tough time doing that.  They're drifting over the line into your lane on multi-lane roads, making left turns in front of you at controlled intersections and cutting the corner to almost clip your front end--you even see them drifting over the solid yellow lines, risking a head-on with you!  These oblivious drivers are bad enough when you encounter them in a four-wheeler, but their clipping you on a motorcycle can be deadly.  Maintain situational awareness regarding the space around you, and don't pull up too far into the intersection at red lights.  Of course, as I've said before--a motorist who passes you on a solid line, especially on a hill, has already made up his mind to KILL YOU if oncoming traffic appears!  He's not going to get in a head-on collission or jerk left into a ditch--he's going to cut right and take you out.  Don't compete with the irresponsible or homicidal, and stay alive!  Enjoy the steadily improving (and hot!) weather, Ride Safely, Sober and Aware, and I'll see you on the Road.

 Keep It On The Black Strip Between The Trees,
 Tiger Mike