Legislative Update

We have ran all over the state this past week. From Austin to the Valley down the narrow strip redistricted to unseat Congressman Lloyd Doggett. Back to Corpus for the Calallan Gypsy Run, where we picked up no new members but did get a feeling of more support to come from Gypsy M/C International. Then up through Dayton and Liberty checking on our support for Warrior Dan Ellis in House District 18. Saw signs all up Hwy 146 on our way to the COC Meeting in Tyler.
Had a very informative meeting in Tyler and picked up 4 members. They are planning a pack ride to Austin for Legislative Day. Those present took up a donation and gave $204 cash to help with travel expenses. That money will be used to cut down on the amount put on the credit card for travel.
Headed back home for the night through one of the worst storms we have been in for a long while. All told we added another 3491 miles to the oddometer in just 6 days. We will do the show tonight and then head back to Livingston to pick up some campaign material from Rep. Ellis tomorrow and spend these last few days working East Montgomery County for him and a little more door knocking for Richard Morrison in Congressional District 22.
Only one week to go before the election. I hope you have been out giving the campaigns your best effort and are taking a friend with you to vote. I guess we'll know in a few more days.
Oklahoma has ordered a feasability study on reinstatement of the helmet law. Physicians and hospitals in Pennsylvania are already lobbying for reinstatement of that helmet law.
PLEASE CONTACT YOUR CONGRESSIONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND BOTH TEXAS SENATORS AND TELL THEM TO VOTE AGAINST THE INTELLIGENCE REORGANIZATION BILL IF IT COMES OUT OF CONFERENCE WITH THE DRIVERS LICENSE AND BIRTH CERTIFICATE BECOMING OUR FEDERAL ID.
THE US CONSTITUTION DOES NOT GIVE THE US GOVERNMENT THE RIGHT TO INTERFERE WITH STATES BUSINESS.
President Bush has told them to reach a compromise so he can sign the Bill before the election to show he is making us safer. The Bill is ill conceived and will do nothing but establish a Federal data base that will make the ones in Russia and Germany seem mild. You MUST ACT NOW!! They must call congress back this week to get the Bill passed and Tom DeLay has said he will not accept a compromise on the DL for a Federal ID.

PASS THIS ALONG


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

HELL NO !! - but I'm trying.

Sputnik

NOTICE - NOTICE - NOTICE
Just read in the online Warrior that we will be staying at the same Motel for Legislative Day next year. TMRA 2 has made no deal concerning housing yet. Of course anyone can stay where they please but we are looking at parking first. Based on that we will choose a place of accommodation.

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

HELL NO !! - but I'm trying.

Sputnik

Got back home from the M.I.L.E. last night. I will get my laundry done, kiss the dog, kick the wife, watch the ballgame tonight and head back to the office early in the morning.
The new season for our TV show has started. We are on cable channell 16 every Tuesday night from 8-9:00pm.
The MILE was another big success this year. ABATE had done Texas proud with the basket and the workshops were very informative. Your chair was challenged to a costume contest last year by a lady from Kentucky. She didn't show up biut your chair went to the banquet dressed as an Indian Warrior anyway. It was a lot of fun. We owe a debt of gratitude to ABATE for representing all of us so well. Next time you see an ABATE Patch say thanks.
This years Seminar had AMA, MRF and NCOM represented as speakers. What a blast to see all three together in the same room.
Next years MILE will be in Denton the third weekend of October. Make plans to take part.
Concerning the DAWGS on HAWGS Report from DPS. I had reported that Steve had received the Report from DPS and had not passed it on to us. He called to let me know he had not received the Report from DPS and any one who said he had was a liar Chief Beckworth learned called me back while I was in Wichita to let me know that the tape on Hadie's stop by DPS was reviewed and the officer was out of line. He is writing aletter of reprimanded to inform the officer that DPS will not tolerate that type treatmentof the public by their officers. He said if I ever receive that type complaint again to let him know and it will be taken care of. He also told me it was not Steve who received the Report but to Daniel Nobra . I called Steve to apologize and after the apology Steve said he did get the Report from Daniel but not from DPS. He then read it to me and DPS said all procedures were properly followed and there would be no further action taken on the matter. Now you know "The rest of the story."
Thanks again to Chief Beckworth for his cooperation.
Thanks also to Butterfly for her assistance while I was in Wichita.

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

HELL NO !! - but I'm trying.

Sputnik

---Sputnik's message 10-15-04----

This is a message from Sputnik, Chairman of TMRA2, regarding the report on Dawgs On Hawgs incident from DPS.
Sputnik is in Wichita, Kansas without the use of a computer at this time. He intends to write a more detailed report as soon as he gets back to Texas. Sputnik called me at 9:00 a.m. this morning and requested me to please convey his message of apology to all this concerns. DPS had told Sputnik that they sent the report out to the person on that report. That would be Steve Rolliard of Dawgs on Hawgs. When Sputnik checked with Steve he was told that the report had not been received. Sputnik had DPS check the records and Chief Beckworth found that the report had actually been sent to Daniel Nobra, the person who presented this incident to DPS. Daniel had requested that DPS send the report to him and then evidentally failed to notify anyone when he received this report. Sputnik now has a number for Steve and intends to call him in person today to convey his personal apology.
Sputnik also wants to share some news with Gypsy MC about thier sister who was stopped by DPS. Chief Beckworth said that after his review of the tape, this Officer was found to be way out of line in his treatment of a citizen. There will be a more detailed report from Sputnik soon.

Respect
~Butterfly

Associated Press
WASHINGTON--As Democrats and Republicans disagreed on the accomplishments of the 108th Congress, one thing is certain: Hundreds of programs -- from highway building to welfare reform -- are being kept on life support through temporary measures because lawmakers failed to meet deadline after deadline for renewing them.
The Capitol was empty Tuesday, with Republican lawmakers back home pitching to their constituents the successes, and Democrats the failures, of the 108th Congress that is crawling toward its finish.
Republicans had some things to brag about, with Congress in its final hours passing a $136 billion tax break package that will bring sweeping changes to corporate tax rules and approving a disaster relief bill that will mainly benefit the pivotal election state of Florida.
But Democrats point to the fact that the GOP-led Congress can't officially call it quits because it has failed to carry out its most essential function -- passing the spending bills that keep the federal government running -- and has yet to agree on reforms to the intelligence community called for by the Sept. 11 Commission.
The Senate has scheduled a lame-duck session in mid-November to take up the spending bills, and Congress will have to reconvene at some point to deal with legislation that would create a post of national intelligence director.
Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn., pointed with pride to "two major pieces of reform that will have generational impact," the Medicare prescription drug measure enacted last year and the intelligence reorganization bill he hopes to pass this fall.
He said he was most exasperated by what Republicans regard as unprecedented Democratic efforts to block confirmation of some of President Bush's judicial nominations.
His Democratic counterpart, Sen. Tom Daschle of South Dakota, countered that it was the Republican leadership that, on a number of occasions, "pursued an all-or-nothing strategy that can be poisonous to the legislative process." Daschle said this partisanship, even more pronounced in the House, was behind Congress' inability to pass a six-year, $300 billion highway and mass transit bill that could have created hundreds of thousands of jobs, an energy bill to make America less dependent on foreign oil, and legislation enabling Americans to buy cheaper prescription drugs from abroad.

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

HELL NO !! - but I'm trying.

Sputnik

Tonight we kicked off the new season on Cable TV Channel 16. We will run from 8-9:00pm every Tuesday night. We will try to get Rep. Pat Rose on for next week.If you have Cable check us out and let us know what you think.

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

HELL NO !! - but I'm trying.

Sputnik

This is the info at Bone Productions website. They are strong supporters of TMRAII and are creating a Biker's Handbook to show Biker friendly (businesses that support MRO's) businesses. Check out their website and be sure to support those who support us.

http://www.bone-production.com/

http://www.bone-production.com/handbook.html

This is the place to visit for biker friendly establishments that support bikers & their motorcycle rights. Click a state to get a list of businesses whereever you travel. To become a supporter please contact Mama Blue.

Thanks to all of our TMRA2 & MOTORCYCLE RIGHTS ORGANIZATION'S (MRO'S) supporters.

http://www.bone-production.com/page2.html

For those who haven't heard, we are working on a Biker Handbook to be published in April 2005. We have been busy getting local TRMA2 and MRO supporters to help with this endeavor. You can check out our TMRA2/MRO Supporters page to see all the supporters we have so far and we gain more daily. If you would like to be a supporter or know someone who might be interested, please have them contact me at 817-840-9072 or at mamabluetx@alltel.net. There is also more information on the Contact page. We need reps nationwide, if you would like to be part of our sales team please contact us. You must be familiar with the biker lifestyle.

Thank you,
Keep Ridin' Rockin' & Bluesin'
Mama Blue
Assistant Coordinator
Texas Motorcycle Rights Association
TMRA 2Hood County Blues Chapter
Granbury, Tx
Senate District 22

We had a very cordial meeting with Chief Beckworth of DPS yesterday. We addressed several issues including the stop on Gypsy Hadie, the recurring problem with the officer in Brownwood, the Dawgs on Hawgs Report and the senseless hassle on some of the no helmet stops. After a long meeting we set up a very nice working relationship with the Chief. He told us he would check on some of the things and get back by phone today. He was true to his word. He called us back today to let us know he has spoken to the Captain in the Brownwood Region and told him to put a stop to that officer's behaviour. Since we discussed the rediculous hassles and unnecessary warning tickets of traffic stops for no helmets, Chief Beckworth said he would put out a memorandum in their next monthly bulletin that if an officer sees the sticker he is to pull away with no stop. Also after you show your proof of compliance when you don't have a sticker and the stop was for no helmet, they are to terminate the stop.
The Chief is reviewing the stop in Ingleside and said he would get back with me on that. He also said that we should keep an open line and when something like this comes up I should contact him and see if it can be worked out. My thanks to Chief Beckworth for showing that there are some caring officers at the top who don't condone sloppy work. Just be certain if you file a complaint with me it is honest and the officer's name, date and location are included.



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

HELL NO !! - but I'm trying.

Sputnik

Follow up
S2845 passed in the Senate today with a 96-2 vote. It is still way too early to think that it will be anything close to what it now reads. Two Amendments were pulled down to allow for an early vote and they will be brought up during the conference committee hearing. Sen John McCain said he has problems with the Bill but they can be discussed after the Bill is passed. This type hidden negotiation is harmful to the citizens of this country. The Senate was given notice by Senator Frist that there was another security Bill which must be passed by Friday in time for adjournment despite there being 50 Amendments pending for the Bill. He assured the Senate they would be heard but it had to be done in one day so don't drag it out. This must be done by his order despite him keeping a Bill with a majority of both Parties ready to pass a Bill to cut tax breaks for companies doing business from a PO Box in the Bahamas to avoid paying taxes.
Meanwhile Rep. Tom DeLay let it be known that the House will pass a much more restrictive Intelligence Bill by Friday and he would not be willing to make concessions to the Senate Bill during the Conference Hearing. The House also was given notice by the Majority leader that they had three more Bills to get passed by Friday and if they didn't get finished they would stay there until they did. This is the time when we all get hit hard by legislators voting without being aware of what they are voting on. All the Bills passed at this time will go to Conference and come back being what the majority Party wants.
The TEA has not even come close to coming out of Conference and has just been extended until May of next year under its current rules. This is good for us as the more stringent NHTSA guidelines can not be implemented probably before January at the earliest. We will deal with that issue again immediately after the elections.
No call from our secretary candidate to verify a meeting for tomorrow so I will be heading back to Dist. 22 as soon as I clear up a few more items here in the office. I will work down there Thursday and I have a Dr. appointment Friday. You can contact your chairman on the cell 512-971-6777 during the next few days as I will not be in the office.

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

HELL NO !! - but I'm trying.

Sputnik

I have been following the Senate on C-Span 2 debating S2845, the Intelligence Act, for the past few days. They have been adding Amendments to it from another Bill called TFTA, Tools to Fight Terrorism. I haven't had time to read it all yet but have been following it on the internet when not watching it on TV.Today I spoke with the office of Senator John Cornyn and Kay Bailey Hutchison concerning the Bill. They keep talking about this has nothing to do with whether the Patriot Act gets renewed or not but the very fact they keep saying that on the Floor makes it a possibility. Supposedly once this Bill is finished it will have greater Civil Rights protection than was originally planned in the original Bill. Senator Cornyn has stressed this several times on the Floor. I will continue to follow the BIll as much as possible but I still have signs to get out in Dist. 22 and help a couple of other candidates before the election.
Sure could use some help in Northern Brazoria County but if one must then one will. You can read for yourself what this Bill says thus far by going to Google, type in thomas.loc.gov no http or www in front. When it comes up type in S2845 and click on each section to read the text. Pay special attention to Sec.211 and Sec.212. Of course we know the government can't be trusted but this is at least a start at some rationale. Happy reading but you have to continue to check as one Senator said on the Floor today he wanted to discuss an Amendment but couldn't offer it yet as it hadn't been written completely.
Got a call from Mr. Griffin, our Dist. 30 Advisor, and he is armed and ready. Anyone who hasn't renewed in that district can expect a letter or postcard from him in the very near future. Just another sign that our sun is rising rather than setting.
Went to the Austin Minutemen Chapter meeting tonight and Dee had driven up from San Marcos to ask for volunteers to help with a booth she is setting up at a Bike show down there. She finally decided to jump in and get her feet wet again so she was appointed to be the Dist. 25 Advisor, persuant to Board approval at our November Advisor Meeting. She had signed up the Magic Dragons M/C as a Supporter Member by the time the meeting was over. Batman ran his first meeting tonight as the new Coordinator of the Chapter. Man talk about a good job of running a meeting and being loaded with information to share he did a fine job. Probably some of our coordinators could take lessons there. It was a pleasure to watch his no nonsense style of professionalism. It is always enlightening to watch some one new step up to the plate and hit a homer on the first pitch. There are more of you out there who could do the same but you have to get off the bench to make it happen. We need plenty more Advisors. I was beginning to think maybe all the buzzards around the office lately knew something I didn't. With Jim, Batman and now Dee getting in the groove on the same day I believe they have found the wrong place to roost.
Got a couple more days of meetings in Austin and then will head back to District 22 Thursday afternoon. We'll work down there a few days and then go to the MId South Mile. Been so busy it has snuck up to quickly to get ready for it. We'll work something out when we get there to help ABATE represent Texas as best we can.Get out on those campaigns and take care of the home front while your chairman is vacationing in Kansas. Ha Hey I did good. It's not even 2:00am yet and I'm almost finished for the night.

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

HELL NO !! - but I'm trying.

Sputnik

Please add this to my update I left it off inadvertently.Thanks
"...Connecticut's Supreme Court, by a 4-to-3 ruling, allowed theNew London Development Corp. to use laws of eminent domain to condemn much of the city's Fort Trumbull neighborhood, near a $270 million Pfizer research facility, and lease it to luxury hotel, condominium and office building developers. New London, Conn., is hard up for tax revenues, and if the property is taken away from middle-class homeowners and transferred to wealthy interests, it will yield the city more tax revenue. The Fifth Amendment is very clear about takings. It says, in part, 'nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.'The key phrase is public use. Public use means uses such as roads, bridges, military installations and public buildings. The Connecticut Supreme Court held that the only requirement for the taking of private property is that there be some public benefit. With that kind of reasoning, no one's private property is safe because what's a public benefit is subject to wide interpretation. This kind of despotism is rife. ... Unfortunately, our courts have increasingly become tools for powerful vested interests, and the constitutional protections of private property mean less and less each day.

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

HELL NO !! - but I'm trying.

Sputnik

In realize this will be seen as Republican bashing by some but it isn't. Democrats have been guilty of the same thing but never on such a large scale or arrogant manner as this. Click on and read how widespread is this travesty of political chicanery.
http://www.cleanuptexaspolitics.com/petition>--

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

HELL NO !! - but I'm trying.

Sputnik

Been under the weather lately but getting back up now. Drove up and spent the night with the Alveys and then rode to St. Louis with Gary to attend the MOTM in St. Louis last weekend. It was pretty wild listening to an FBI agentdefend the Patriot Act. Bet he never expected to find bikers so well versed on the subject. Under questioning he finally fell back on "I just work there I don't make the rules."
Another Seminar was on Motorcycle Safety and Training during which several questions were directed at Tim Buche, head of MSF. It didn't take a college degree to see that several states are really unhappy with the MSF stand on the Motorcycle Awareness campaigns taking place across the country. MSF believes those teaching motorcycle awareness should wear helmets to and from the classes whether their state has a helmet law or not.
My health was not great during this event but my brothers from SOLR attended to my every need. Two of them stated they were not going to let me die on their watch and have Texas pissed at them. Thanks to all who took care of me Especially Tiger and Penny.
While in St. Louis our Big Spring chapter got things together so we could wish those present a Happy Birthday from the hotel room. We gave them a birthday present by announcing that Big Spring is the recipient of the Sputnik Award for this year. Congratulations Big Spring. Also while attending MOTM we received several calls concerning Warriors working in campaigns. It is great to know that we have members out there doing what needs to be done.
Been spending a lot of time watching C-Span and C-Span 2. The House just passed a Bill to weaken the gun control laws of Washington DC. They said that DC had the toughest gun laws and the highest crime rate in the country so that proves stringent gun laws don't work. Imagine that. Most of our congressmen were in favor of the Bill.
The Senate is arguing S2845 this week. This Bill deals with the Intelligence gathered in the country and one major part of the Bill would make it harder to stamp information with a classified status. A committee would study every item set for being classified and report to the president who would have the final say. In the same Bill it would give the Intelligence Director the power to transfer money between the military and civil intelligence agency. The amount would be made public but the details would remain secret. To know what your congressman is doing go to the following site. Keep up with your local congressman and share the information with all of us
http://www.yourcongress.com/register2.asp
We have determined that our communication between chapters, advisors and the state are still lacking. I will be contacting each chapter and each advisor and requesting that each have a report in every Warrior. The reports are to be sent to our editor Gary and cc'd to the chairman at chairman@tmra2.org It is imperative that we share what is happening in our areas.


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

HELL NO !! - but I'm trying.

Sputnik