Legislative Update

Thursday, July 22, 2004

Granbury Chapter Meeting Invite 

The Granbury Chapter of TMRA2 is having their next meeting tomorrow (Thursday, July 22nd), at the Longhorn Saloon in Thorp Spring @ 7pm.
Updates on what is happening in Austin & D.C., a 50/50, and a chance to promote your event.  Visitors from ALL chapters are welcome, as are nonmembers.  I will present an invitation to the chapter to host a speaker from LEAP www.leap.cc.  Come have your voice heard.

It's Bike Night at the Longhorn Saloon, so that means Free Food, specials, and this month, by special request - The Max Attack will be playing after the meeting.  For more details, a flyer is here
http://www.bone-production.com/maxattack7-22.html

Come on out and bring somebody with you!!!

Ride Safe & Free (while U steelcan)
Greg Bodovsky
Senate District 22 Advisor
Texas Motorcycle Rights Association
www.tmra2.org

LET THOSE WHO RIDE DECIDE
--

First they came for the Communists,
   and I didn’t speak up,
     because I wasn’t a Communist.
Then they came for the Jews,
   and I didn’t speak up,
     because I wasn’t a Jew.
Then they came for the Catholics,
   and I didn’t speak up,
     because I was a Protestant.
Then they came for me,
   and by that time there was no one
     left to speak up for me.

  Rev. Martin Niemoller, 1945


posted by Elmer  # 8:34 AM

Wednesday, July 14, 2004

Big Spring Chapter Changes 

Due to an on going noise problem with our meeting room, the Big Spring Chapter of TMRA2 is moving locations for the first time. All webmasters, news letter people, ect. please post the changes:
The Big Spring Chapter will meet a The Spanish Inn, 200 NW 3rd St, Big Spring TX 79720, Phone # for Spanish Inn (432) 2679340. Meetings will be the 1st Tuesday of each month @ 7:00 p.m. Big Spring Chapter Contact: The Blonde Bomber (432)213-4421

NOTE: The September Meeting will be at the Cossacks MC Permian Basin Chapter Clubhouse, date TBA for a work day to get ready for our fund raiser on Sept. 25. The Cossacks are donating use of their clubhouse for the party, we will raffel a shot gun, have 50/50 drawings, live music and the Northwest Texas COC meeting will be held at this event @ 4:00 p.m. Flyers pending. We will more than likely be a poker run stop for the Harley Davidson Shop's 75 Aniv. party (not yet official), which will end early in the day, so we can get some of the weekend warrior & RUBY traffic after they shut down, and hopefully convince them to join TMRA2.


posted by Elmer  # 4:54 PM

Cell phone number 

I went in to pay off my cell bill in Austin and they changed my cell number back to 512-971-6777. They said it should have been upgraded without changing the number.
Effective at noon tomorrow, Thursday the 15th the number will be changed back. Again I apologize for the inconvenience.


Have I done that which I can do to the best of my ability?

HELL NO !! - but I'm trying.

Sputnik

posted by Elmer  # 4:45 PM
ANOTHER PARENT BELIEVES IT TAKES A VILLAGE

Sylvania, Ohio officials are considering making it a law for youngsters to wear a safety helmet when riding a bicycle. Lori Ferguson, coordinator of the Greater Toledo Kids Coalition, told City Council helmets can reduce by as much as 88 percent the chance of brain injury in a fall from a bicycle. The group presented copies of legislation from other Ohio cities that have made helmets mandatory for youngsters with maximum ages ranging from 12 to 19. Penalties include confiscation of bikes in some ordinances and fines of up to $100.
Patti Barnes, a Sylvania resident, urged the council to pass the legislation without referring it to the safety committee. She said the city could be the first in the area to pass such an ordinance and that passing it would give every parent an answer when children asked why they had to wear a helmet.

"Because it's the law is a good answer,'' she said.
***************************************************************
BIKERS GET ALONG BUT VETERANS SQUABBLE

Local chapters of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion have squabbled over who gets priority at the Hollister Veterans building. American Legion members say the city, which owns the building, gives the VFW overwhelming priority when scheduling events - and has for years.
Arguments and tensions escalated most recently at the 2004 Hollister Independence Rally. The groups argued over a time when the American Legion biker breakfast had to give way to the VFW luncheon; the events raise money for the organizations.
Over the rally weekend, an argument between members of each organization even led to an American Legion member calling police and pressing charges against a man from the VFW. Well before the rally, the tiff over the Veterans Building kitchen reached a point where the groups involved Hollister officials as quasi mediators. The American Legion even requested a special emergency City Council meeting before the rally to the resolve the dispute. But the city, citing a lack of time to organize it, denied the request.
Mayor Tony Bruscia acknowledged he hasn't been involved in the dispute and therefore said he isn't fully aware of what led to the problems. Still, Bruscia expressed frustration about the squabble. It really irritates me we're having problems from people getting to use that building for free, at the expense of the taxpayers, said Bruscia, adding hes also upset that city resources have been spent on the matter.
***************************************************************
UNESCO VOTE

Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas) introduced a bill that would stop U.S. funding for UNESCO...one of many United Nations boondoggles. Rep. Tom Tancredo (R-Colo.) was a key leader in the floor fight. Amazingly, the bill actually passed on a voice vote.

Not so amazingly and unfortunately, the internationalists immediately demanded for a recorded vote and twisted enough arms to kill the bill. But this minor victory...as short-lived as it was.is still an indication that the tide is turning against the notion of the U.S.'s continued support for the U.N. under the current terms. We just need to keep the pressure on. The voice vote garnered 83 Ayes.
***************************************************************
DOUBLE TAXATION

Texans are finally going to feel the ramifications of the new Transit Authority that was formed during the last legislative session. Last night with 600 + people voicing their opposition CAMPO voted to change 11 roads in the Austin area to Toll Roads. These roads were and will be built with taxpayer money and you will pay again to travel them. Some will not have free feeder roads running alongside and some will be handed to private investors and they will collect the tolls.
This is just another present from Rick Perry and his allies. They voted to make these toll roads without even declaring the cost to travel them. You can bet the tolls will never do anything except increase. Generally the spin is that the tolls will be dropped when the cost of the road is paid. One state just reported that rather than drop their toll it was doubled. The reason given was the toll collectors needed a raise. Had the toll been dropped there would be no need for toll collectors. I remember when the Turner Turnpike was built back in the early 50's in Oklahoma. It would become free once paid off. It is still a toll road.
We have just been shafted but despite this being Perry's brainchild it couldn't have happened without Democrat support. Several Republicans voted against the issue.
***************************************************************
STICK TO THE ISSUES

While listening to C-Span2 today the Senate was arguing the Gay Marriage Amendment to the constitution. This Amendment has no chance of passage and they all know it but still they waste time posturing for the upcoming election. Senators Charles Schumer (D) New York and Dianne Feinstein (D) California spent their 15 minutes berating the House for not yet voting to renew the Assault weapons ban. Another case of posturing for the upcoming election. They couldn't even stick to the subject but preferred to push their own agenda.
***************************************************************
FROM CBA/ABATE of North Carolina

From Sam Nobles of CBA/ABATE of NC:

This afternoon, HB-965 was heard for concurrence in the House. Rep.Dewey Hill spoke on the bill, the vote was taken, and it passed 112-3. We've done it folks! This bill does not have to go to the governor, so it's now law. It becomes effective Dec. 1. Congratulations people- we not only scored the first win for the bikers of North Carolina, we left a network in place and built relationships that will continue to serve us well. I will be sending out some of the things that we are looking at for next year soon. But first... it's party time!

Congratulations to our Bros and Sisters in North Carolina.
Sput
***************************************************************
FROM CALIFORNIA

AB 2844 will raise the legal limit of apes from shoulder height to 6 inches above shoulder height to help end senseless harassment during traffic stops against Bikers. The offense was also recently ruled a POINT on your license and NON-CORRECTIBLE by the California Judicial Coucil!
PASSED the Assembly Transportation Committee 14-0 PASSED the Assembly Floor 74-0 PASSED the Senate Transportation Committee 10-0. The Bill has NO OPPOSITION and now awaits a vote
on the Senate Floor in early August.
***************************************************************
If you are one of the many who haven't sent in your renewal yet this month it is time to get it sent. While sending your renewal sign up a friend as a new member. We need your support NOW!!
--


Have I done that which I can do to the best of my ability?

HELL NO !! - but I'm trying.

Sputnik

posted by Elmer  # 8:14 AM

Thursday, July 08, 2004

Phone Update 

Had some meetings come up that keep me from getting back in Austin just yet so I went ahead and took a new number for my cell phone. The new number is 409-771-3377. Sorry for the inconvenience but it was just one of those necessary evils.
--

Have I done that which I can do to the best of my ability?

HELL NO !! - but I'm trying.

Sputnik

posted by Elmer  # 4:04 PM

Tuesday, July 06, 2004

Let the Patriot Act Die 

Hello everyone,
Especially you Texas folks, but everyone need to get on board with this. Shortly after 9/11 the United States Congress passed the USA PATRIOT ACT. This act is a horrible attack on our civil liberties and IS UNCONSTITUTIONAL. The USA PATRIOT ACT is scheduled to sunset after 5 years of its passing. We all know that the Democrat Party is opposed to the Patriot Act, I was a delegate to the Texas Republican Party and I helped pass a plank in the Party Platform that is opposed to the PATRIOT ACT and calls for its repeal. Now the US Senate is working on passing a bill (S. 2476). S. 2476 is a short sweet and to the point, only about a 1/2 page, it just calls for the repeal of the sunset. If this happens the USA PATRIOT ACT will become a permanent law. I guess we can give up our Republican for of government, and become a Scoialist Democracy. I ain't gonna let that happen write you Senators and oppose this bill or email them, I'll make this easy on you - click this link

Http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm

Now to piss off the Texas people even more. Our own Senator John Cornyn (Republican) is a co-sponsor! If you are a Texas Republican you should be especially outraged, write this S.O.B and tell him that you are not going to put up with this!

PLEASE FIGHT TO THE DEATH AGAINST S. 2476 OR YOU MAY END UP IN JAIL WITHOUT TRIAL NEXT TIME YOU TRY TO STAND UP FOR YOU RIGHTS


James Madison, at the Virginia convention to ratify the Constitution said "There are more instances in the abridgment of the freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments of those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations."

S 2476 IS


108th CONGRESS

2d Session

S. 2476


To amend the USA PATRIOT Act to repeal the sunsets.


IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES



May 21, 2004
Mr. KYL (for himself, Mr. MILLER, Mr. CORNYN, Mr. SESSIONS, Mr. CHAMBLISS, Mr. GRAHAM of South Carolina, Mr. NICKLES, Mr. MCCONNELL, Mr. INHOFE, and Mr. ROBERTS) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------




A BILL


To amend the USA PATRIOT Act to repeal the sunsets.


Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. REPEAL OF USA PATRIOT ACT SUNSETS.

Section 224 of the USA PATRIOT Act (18 U.S.C. 2510 note) is repealed.
END

Flex Your Rights


The Blonde Bomber
Cossacks MC, Nomad
Northwest Texas Confederation of Clubs, Secretary
Chapter Coordinator, Big Spring Chapter - Texas Motorcycle Rights Association

posted by Elmer  # 11:23 AM

ADD TO OLD GLORY REPORT 

WASHINGTON (AFP) - Several members of the House of Representatives have requested the United Nations to send observers to monitor the November 2nd US presidential election to avoid a contentious vote like in 2000, when the outcome was decided by Florida.
Recalling the long, drawn out process in the southern state, nine lawmakers, including four blacks and one Hispanic, sent a letter Thursday to UN Secretary General Kofi Annan (news - web sites) asking that the international body "ensure free and fair elections in America," according to a statement issued by Florida representative Eddie Bernice Johnson, who spearheaded the effort. "(Eddie Bernice Johnson is from Texas)" - Sput-
"As lawmakers, we must assure the people of America that our nation will not experience the nightmare of the 2000 presidential election," she said in the letter.
"This is the first step in making sure that history does not repeat itself," she added after requesting that the UN "deploy election observers across the United States" to monitor the November, 2004 election.

It is my personal opinion that any legislator who would file such a request, no matter the Party, has no place in any elective office in this state.

--


Have I done that which I can do to the best of my ability?

HELL NO !! - but I'm trying.

Sputnik

posted by Elmer  # 10:28 AM

OLD GLORY 

We spent the weekend at Old Glory for the TMRA ll Freedom Ride sponsored by Tri County chapter. Arrived about 4:40pm Friday and could see that the run would be larger than last year. We went out to Bills farm where riders were relaxing by swimming or floating in the lake and just sitting around getting acquainted and reacquainted. They had added a very large covered patio to Bill's work shop that made the camp location much more comfortable. Bill also made his air conditioned camper bus available for the wife and I that made nights much more relaxing for our nap times. The facility came with room service as BIll deliverd morning coffee both Saturday and Sunday morning. We dined on brisket burritos with home made Pico DeGueyo on Friday night.. What a treat.
A really unexpected treat for this old man was the arrival of Revvv riding his Sportster in from El Paso to take part in the weekend and renew his TMRA ll membership as requested in the Warrior. This pretty much set the tone for the weekend for membership registration. We'll leave the reporting of the activities to the chapter and they will have plenty to tell. I can safely say they will report a successful weekend.
We went to work Saturday with member apps and pen in hand. By day's end we had registered 25 renewals and 13 new members. This number included 6 members of Aces & Eights M/C who rode in just to join the Association. Del also presented us with 6 renewals and 2 new memberships from Lubbock. More food and visitation lasted well into the night followed by church services on Sunday morning and the eight hour trip back home. Thanks to all those who worked to make this a successful weekend. Special thanks to the old man of the woods (Bill) who so selflessly opened his home to all who took the time to stop in and share the weekend fellowship.
We hope that all Warriors are taking care of their renewals and searching for new members. Your chairman will be on the road for the next month or so taking the message to riders across the state. Hope you are doing your share to help in your local area. It is now time for a soak in the garden tub, a shave and nap.
Have a Happy Fourth of July and remember what this holiday is all about. Then pledge to do your part to reinstate our Constitual Republican form of government so our heirs aill have cause to celebrate our efforts during future 4th celebrations.
--


Have I done that which I can do to the best of my ability?

HELL NO !! - but I'm trying.

Sputnik

posted by Elmer  # 10:27 AM

Friday, July 02, 2004

ROCK THE CAPROCK 

The Rise and Fall and Rise Again of

ROCK THE CAPROCK



A report from the NWTX COC Secretary



The Rock the Caprock Motorcycle Rally was a huge success for the first few years, then it just began to decline. Last year was almost the death of the party. There was poor attendance. Those who did attend were ran off by extreme heat, blowing sand, and a plague of mosquitos that was of biblical proportions. It was then decided not to let it die, we decided to resurrect it some how. We did it. This years party was a moderate success, and this Rally will be back on the rise again for next year. This year the first move was to move the location. The Aces & Eights MC have been hosting our COC Meeting regularly, and graciously offered there facilities for the
cause. The Aces & Eights Clubhouse is a great party place, they have everything: plenty of camping, room for vendors, lots of indoor room
(including indoor vendors), showers, kitchen, secure bike parking, covered band stand, and an unusual item for our area – green grass to put your tent on. Rumor had it that some sprayed the
surround cotton fields for mosquitos, don’t know how true it is, but nobody bothered to send a flyer to the mosquitos this year, they were
absent. And then there was the weather, no dust, it was a little windy at first, but nothing like our average Panhandle wind. Not to hot for a
change, not to cool, it was perfect (perfect in West Texas?). It did rain, but not until about 4:00 a.m. when nobody cared. The band was good and
played until late. The auction went well. Sputnik won the 50/50. There was even time for a little "spreading of the gospel" on the microphone, to promote TMRA2. We did sign up and renew several members for TMRA2. After the band went home, the real fun began. This may turn into a new West Texas tradition, FROG RACING. It did not matter if you were betting or watching,
this was fun for everyone involved, and should bring ‘em back next year.
All this fun for $10.00 not to mention all the FREE BEER you could drink, and for only $2.00 more you got supper and breakfast the next morning.

We did manage to raise about $1500 give or take. This is only a moderate success based on the amount of money raised in the past, excluding last
year. The attendance was lower than it should have been. Most of the attendees (not all, just most), were NWTX COC members. We need to invite
our independent (non TMRA2) friends to all of these rallies that benefit the Association. You can catch more flies with honey than vinegar. Take
these people out and show them a good time, ask them if the had fun, then ask them if they are willing to fight to keep their right to have this kind of fun. We all joined the Association to fight for our right to RIDE free, but no one seems to ride anymore. If there is a fund raiser party, and it is in your own back yard, get off your dead ass and ride. Weather it is Rock the Caprock, Bucks on the Brazos, Old Sawmill Town, or a flyer you saw on a bar room wall that says $1.00 off each admission to TMRA2, just get
out & ride. In my TMRA2 chapter, we just ask
folks to "Do what you can do, nothing more". I put 20,000 miles on my Shovelhead in 6 weeks, representing TMRA2 and COC at various events around the country. Not everyone can do this, I understand. But if you can relax and party, and support the Association at the time, it seems to me like you are in a win/win situation. So go support one of these fund raisers in your
area, or get out your balls and ride 3 or 4 hundred miles to one and be glad you did. Have fun while you fight for your rights! Mark your calendar now, the next Rock the Caprock will be on a Saturday in June 2005. Thank you to EVERYONE who attended Rock the Caprock. Thank you especially to the Aces and Eights MC from the NWTX COC officers for a job well done.

Rock the Caprock Will Rise Again

The Blonde Bomber

Northwest Texas COC Secretary

TMRA2 Chapter Coordinator Big Spring

Cossacks MC, Nomad

The Rise and Fall and Rise Again of

ROCK THE CAPROCK


posted by Elmer  # 2:08 PM

Archives

04/01/2004 - 05/01/2004   05/01/2004 - 06/01/2004   06/01/2004 - 07/01/2004   07/01/2004 - 08/01/2004   08/01/2004 - 09/01/2004   09/01/2004 - 10/01/2004   10/01/2004 - 11/01/2004   11/01/2004 - 12/01/2004   12/01/2004 - 01/01/2005   01/01/2005 - 02/01/2005   02/01/2005 - 03/01/2005   03/01/2005 - 04/01/2005   04/01/2005 - 05/01/2005   05/01/2005 - 06/01/2005   06/01/2005 - 07/01/2005   07/01/2005 - 08/01/2005   08/01/2005 - 09/01/2005   09/01/2005 - 10/01/2005   10/01/2005 - 11/01/2005   11/01/2005 - 12/01/2005   12/01/2005 - 01/01/2006   01/01/2006 - 02/01/2006   02/01/2006 - 03/01/2006   03/01/2006 - 04/01/2006   04/01/2006 - 05/01/2006   05/01/2006 - 06/01/2006   06/01/2006 - 07/01/2006   07/01/2006 - 08/01/2006   08/01/2006 - 09/01/2006   09/01/2006 - 10/01/2006   10/01/2006 - 11/01/2006   11/01/2006 - 12/01/2006   12/01/2006 - 01/01/2007   01/01/2007 - 02/01/2007   02/01/2007 - 03/01/2007   03/01/2007 - 04/01/2007   04/01/2007 - 05/01/2007   05/01/2007 - 06/01/2007  

This page is powered by Blogger. Isn't yours?