Louisiana riders have once again managed to dodge the bullet, for this year at least. At the last minute the Bill was voted down. Three cheers for those Coonass riders for their tenacity and commitment.
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Missouri riders of FORR have been waging a tough battle for their right to choose this year. With the session coming to a close in three days, they have cleared the House and the committee in the Senate. The Bill must come to a Senate Floor vote and pass no later than April 13th. They need 18 votes to pass the Bill and have 20 committed Senators for yes votes.
Let's cross our fingers and watch the results of this one.
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According to the Talon News 4/29/04 Each morning since 1988 the US House has recited the Pledge of Allegiance., alternating from Republican to Democrat legislators to lead it. Congressman McDermott did not say "under God" as he led the Pledge on Tuesday morning. C-Span2 verified that he indeed omitted the words but said not one citizen had called in to complain.
Congressman McDermott said the omission was because the issue is under review by the High Court. The journal for the day failed to show the words were omitted and wrote them into the record.
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I know we have all heard about the statement by Tim Buche (president MSF) before a congressional committee that Rider Training only lasts at most 10 months. Several individuals and media have begun to question whether MSF is truly concerned about rider safety or are they headed toward trying to sell motorcycles. This question has come up by the fact that MSF is run by a manufacturers board. The Riders Edge program by Harley is admittedly aimed at selling the Buell.
We are all aware of the ties to MIC(Motorcycle Industry Council) and the Manufacturers. The MIC publishes the statistics on motorcycles by state. These facts do not always match the stats we find in our state records. It is now known that these two groups share the same office and the same president (Tim Buche.) Does this create any concern anyone?
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HR 2844 passed in the House, has been read twice in the Senate and placed on the legislative calendar. This bill sets a time frame for special elections to fill vacancies in the House in emergency situations.
Part of Article I, section 2 of the Constitution states "When vacancies happen in the Representation from any State, the Executive Authority thereof shall issue Writs of Election to fill such Vacancies." There is no reason to appoint members of the House, as the "Continuity of Government Commission" wants. The Constitution is clear, does not need to changed, and we sure won't disintegrate if we take a few days and elect new representatives.
Judiciary Committee chairman F. James Sensenbrenner (R-WI) Put it best below, "Let's be clear. Any constitutional amendment denying the right of elected representation would accomplish what no terrorist could, namely striking a fatal blow to what has otherwise always been 'The People's House.'" Let our US Senators know we want our officials to continue to be elected, not appointed. Act quickly and ask them to vote NO on HR 2584. John Cornyn - 202-224-2934 Kay Bailey Hutchison - 202-224-5922
AND IN TEXAS:
Several Texas Riders attended the NCOM Convention in Oklahoma City this weekend. This was without question the most fabulous Rights Convention that has ever been conducted in this country. There were many riders attending for the first time and they certainly got their money's worth, as did we all.
New faces bring new ideas and combined with the old they rejuvenate every aspect of our battle to regain Liberties we have lost to self-serving corporate leaders and the Legislators they have bought and paid for. Your state chair took part in 5 of the seminars.
Of especially great news to Texas Liberty Fighters,
Bill Carlton was this years recipient of the prestigious "
Ron Roloff Lifetime Achievement Award," Anyone who knows Bill can tell you he was the father of Bikers Rights long before anyone else had taken it seriously. BY taking Sputnik to the 1992 NCOM Convention in Atlantic City, he is directly responsible for the founding of TMRA 2. He and Ruby have given up much for this and other associations without complaint. The next time you meet Bill Carlton congratulate him and give thanks for the road he traveled that made your path easier.
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For those of you who know Randy Novotny, it is our sad task to let you know that Randy passed away in the Temple hospital this past week. Randy had been staying at the office to answer the phone while your chair is on the road. Dee was with Randy at the hospital when his time ran out.
Speaking of Dee she has turned old this week but you would never know it from her looks and energy. We won't tell you how old she is but we will just note here that being 50 is not the end of the world.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY LADY.
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At the close of the NCOM Convention we discussed with Richard Lester the possibly of getting an 800 number put on our phone line. When Warriors could place a free call we received more communication from you. We will discuss this at the Advisor meeting on Saturday. We could also possibly put call forwarding on the line to send it to the cell phone until such time as we can have someone take on the office duties.
We may possibly change our the state E-address if we get it lined out. Hope to make that announcement at the state meeting also.
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We are somewhat pressed for time at the moment but just want to make these observations concerning the State Meeting this weekend:
We shall discuss starting a new feature in the Warrior. The membership would have a month to send in questions concerning the Association's stand on particular issues. The issue receiving the most communication would be placed in the next Warrior and the next meeting would set aside time to discuss the issue. Another setup could be for Warriors to send in questions concerning the chairman's or the Association's position on a particular issue, to the state office. The question and Update answer could be placed in the next Warrior.
Think about this and it will be brought up at the General meeting this weekend.
Make the meeting this weekend if at all possible, bring your current card and let's dance.
Have I done that which I can do to the best of my ability?
HELL NO !! - but I'm trying.
Sputnik
