Legislative Update

OK Warriors we have our helmet Bill filed, HB 264. It is Authored by Da'Lady, Rep. Chavez and we will have a Republican Co-Sponsor by next week.

http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/tlo/79R/billtext/HB00264I.HTM

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

HELL NO !! - but I'm trying.

Sputnik

Fellow Warriors;
This is a reminder of Legislative Day coming up on January 23-24. Blocked rooms are getting low. We are counting on you to attend the most important Legislative Day we have hosted.

Once again we invite you to join us at your state capitol to speak to legislators on behalf of our issues.

Insurance Reform, Failure To Yield penalties andHELMET LAW MODIFICATIONS (ALL OR NOTHING)

We have blocked rooms with 2 double or queen size beds, at Travelodge Suites - 8300 I-35 N. for $45 +tax per night (prices good both nights)

For Reservations call 512-835-5050 and be sure to mention Texas Motorcycle Rights Association

Warm up Party at Beverly's on South Congress on Sunday 23rd. 10:00am til - Camping available

If weather is too bad for outdoor party we will have refreshments at the hotel.

For more info. Contact State office at: 512-971-6777 Email chairman@tmra2.org or check our websiteswww.terry-g.net/sput/ or www.tmra2.org

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

HELL NO !! - but I'm trying.

Sputnik

DFW COC Meeting & Pre-Legislative Day Issues Meeting -Jan 16

COC Meeting for DFW Region will begin @ 1:00 p.m.
All bikers are welcome to attend this meeting.

Meeting location:
Hoots
5220 E. FM 1187
Burleson, TX

Map on TX COC website for directions to Hoots:
http://www.texascoc.com/Map%20Hoots%20Rendon.gif

After the COC Meeting concludes, there will be about an hour break between meetings & food for all.

At 4 p.m. the Pre-Legislative Day Issues Meeting will begin. This meeting is for discussion of all issues important to us in the upcoming Legislative session. Some of these issues include the Helmet Law, Road Block Bill, Failure to Yeild bill, Liability for Injury, Insurance Bill & Recorded Vote Joint Resolution.

Below is a link to a page on the Texas COC website where you can read about each of these bills and how they directly effect Texas Bikers... then make your plans to be in Austin on Jan 23 & 24 for Legislative Day.

Legislative Day 2005 - information page:
http://www.texascoc.com/Legislative%20Day%202005.htm

If you are coming to eat and only want to attend the Pre-Legislative Issues Meeting at 4 pm... please make a note that no food will be served until after the conclusion of the COC Meeting (around 2:30 or 3:00 pm).

Joe Kayl of Bone Production has offered to cook up some briskets if we can get some of the clubs & orgainizations to donate one. (Or a turkey, chicken, smoked sausages..etc will do)
***Please send an email if you can donate a brisket or anything else for the food table.. or let us know if you can plan to bring a covered dish of any kind. < sudsnbuttrfly@aol.com >

An RSVP would be good if you plan to attend the Issues meeting.. just send a quick reply to this newsletter saying you plan to be there.

PLAN TO ATTEND THIS MEETING IF POSSIBLE. YOU WILL LEARN HOW EACH OF THESE ISSUES ARE IMPORTANT TO ALL TEXAS BIKERS.

Ride Free ~Suds & Bttrfly
http://sudsandbutterfly.homestead.com/

sign up for Texas bikers newsletter:
http://sudsandbutterfly.homestead.com/NewsletterSignUp.html

Legislative Day
1-24-05

The time is coming again on Monday 1-24-04, when I must ask all Texas Bikers to give a little time back to the Texas Motorcycle Rights Movement. 1-24-04 is a Monday. Legislative only comes around once every two years. It is a day I would ask everyone to take off of work and drive to Austin, because it is on this day that we must make an impression on the folks down at the capitol. The will (at least in the back of their mind), size up our voting block, on the amount of people who show up. According to the Governor's Motorcycle Safety Proclamation, last May, there are 714,610 licensed motorcycle operators in the State of Texas. On average, there are about 3000 who show up at the capitol on Legislative Day. I would like to see a record number of bikers this year. If you enjoy riding without a helmet, or if you do wear a helmet, and just like having the freedom to choose; if you like being able to afford insurance (yes, if they had their way it could be higher); please show up and let your voice be heard. If you don't like what is happening in the Motorcycle Rights Movement, then you should show up too and again, let your voice be heard. We need everyone to help. Don't be nervous about walking into your Representative's or Senator's office, they do work for you. There will be some meetings on Sunday evenings that will prepare you for your visit. Below is some information from the TMRA2 State office, I hope to see you in Austin.
Here are the finalized plans for the weekend.The State Confederation of Clubs Office will host a Pre Legislative Day Party at Beverly's on South Congress. Everyone is invited. The party begins at 10:00am Sunday with live music and food. The cost will be $10 with the profit going to TMRA 2. Camping is available for those who wish to camp. We will explain what to expect at the capitol in the early afternoon.Texas Confederation of ABATE will hold a meeting at the host hotel at 4:00pm Sunday evening.Immediately following their meeting TMRA 2 will hold an informational meeting at the hotel. We are still in need of experienced persons to act as guides on Monday, please contact the office. Please do not wear T-shirts with inflammatory remarks into the capitol on Monday.
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SputnikState Chair TMRA 2

OK Texas Riders. We need a list of riders who have been stopped for riding without a helmet and ticketed even if you had the proof of compliance with the law. We especially need anyone who received an unwarranted helmet ticket after Sept. 1,2001. Let us know if the ticket was finally dismissed or you had to pay a fine.If you were stopped for no helmet and were searched or ticketed for an offense other than not wearing a helmet and no helmet ticket was issued we would appreciate that information also. You should be aware by now we are going to revisit the Amendments on the Texas helmet law that allows for stops for not wearing a helmet. If we are to win we need your support. Email this address with name, city of stop and short information of what happened.
Thanks,
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SputnikState Chair TMRA 2
Flex Your Rights, See you in Austin

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

TOY RUN ACCIDENT
On 12-18-04, during the Cossacks MC Permian Basin Chapter Bykes for Tykes Toy Run, there was an accident. One of the toy trailers and a motorcycle were hit. We had a police escort, but a woman ran through an intersection because she had a green light. Mike Lindsey the Permian Basin Chapter Vice President & Western Regional Road Captain, was blocking traffic, and saw her speeding in his direction and talking on the phone. Mike was able to bail off of his bike and pull his wife off of the bike and run to safety just as the car entered the intersection where it collided with my father-in law's Chevy Suburban, which was pulling a trailer full of toys. A community volunteer was riding up front with Clinton; Smurf (CMC National Sgt. @ Arms West), his wife and another volunteer and her son were riding in the trailer. Thankfully no one was hurt. The collision sent the car into a spin and ripped the rear quarter panel and bumper off of the car. The debris landed on Mike's bike damaging the hard bag, tail pipe and bumper and maybe the fender too. Our police escorts were off duty volunteers, so an on duty officer had to be called in. Due to a "gray area" in the law Clinton was issued a ticket for disobeying a red light. Seems the law states that "you must follow traffic laws 'safely' when being escorted by police". The cop who issued the citation was going by the book, and doing his job as well as covering his own ass. He seemed to think the judge will work with us on the ticket, but it was up to the judge not the officer. The off duty officers, as well as the Chief of Police are going to speak with the judge on our behalf, and explain what we were doing. I feel the ticket will be dismissed. If the judge does not side in our favor, we will call for a trial by jury, our COC Attorney has been contacted. Then there is a matter of insurance. Mike & Clinton's insurance my go up over this, as well as out of pocket expense for repairs and insurance deductibles, and in the event of the ticket not being dismissed , there may be some pending legal fees. We are discussing a benefit for repairs, insurance, and legal fees to maybe occur in February. Monies will be split between Mike and Clinton as needed. I am going to start accepting any donations offered @ this time. Donations can be mailed to the Toy Run Accident Fund
c/o The Blonde Bomber
PO Box 3084
Big Spring TX 79721
May checks payable to Cossacks MC Permian Basin Chapter, write Toy Run Accident Fund in your memo line. It really sucks that such an event can happen to those who seek to do good for the community and the biker image. Be careful and learn the law. Always watch out for the other guy. I will let you all know when benefit plans are finalized. Remember this incident, next time you are in a toy run, parade, or funeral procession. Yes that is the law, if some disrespectful jerk runs through his green light an hits you in a funeral procession, it is your fault. I will do some research an maybe try to fix this problem in the next Texas Legislature, using what I have learned fighting for biker rights over the years. This is one more reason to get involved if you are not already.
Thank you for your support
Greg Bodin
The Blonde Bomber
Cossacks MC, Nomad
Northwest Texas Confederation of Clubs, Secretary
Chapter Coordinator, Big Spring Chapter - Texas Motorcycle Rights Association

!2/20
My apologies for being so long getting out an update.
The road goes on forever and there never seem to be enough hours in the day or we just don’t use them wisely. We attended the Houston Area COC meeting last week and it was the largest turnout we have seen there in some time. We received promises of support for Legislative Day and the coming session. We didn’t get any members but they did take up a collection for travel expenses that came to $ 522.00. That helped us somewhat. Thanks to DF/W COC and the Houston COC our travel expenses are being pretty well covered right now. Hopefully some will join in the future.

Attended the Permian Basin Chapter meeting this week. Needless to say that trip cost $ 130 so you can see that travel is a tough decision on which trip to make or not. Dean and Jan will both be unable to make Legislative Day, Jan for health reasons and Dean’s job will have him out of state. Just wanted to impress on others how important Legislative Day and this session are to our cause. There was a TV crew at the meeting and Dean did a fine job representing our stand on specific issues for the coming session.

Not a whole lot going on at our capitol right now with everyone changing offices and getting ready for the Christmas and New Years holidays. However there are a couple of ridiculous Bills introduced by Rep. Tony Goolsby. That has been his forte for a good while. HB245 changes the seatbelt law to do away with the exemption for one ton vehicles. HB 246 seeks to set up Special Police Forces and Neighborhood Police Departments owned by private enterprises. These private police forces would have all the power of regular police officers except the power to write traffic tickets. Just what we need, more police officers. Especially those owned by private enterprise. Is Texas planning to set up Serfdoms like we are supposed to be getting rid of in Iraq?
While attending a committee hearing today we received a new calendar from Rep. Keel. After arriving back at the office we received another signed by Rep. Ryan Guillen. Now the secretary can keep track of our appointments.
Spoke with Rep. Pena on HJR 17 and learned that he was planning to support HJR 13 because his would take too many recorded votes. We told him to remove the part about hiring and firing people and stick with his Resolution. He seemed to be comfortable with that. Had planned to speak with Rep. Branch also about HJR 13 but he wasn’t in today.

Mike came down and spent Sunday tutoring Terry, our new secretary, on how to use the membership program. She seemed to get the hang of it by processing some memberships with Mike there to answer any questions. We will be making some changes in membership once she gets her feet on the ground. Most changes will be to improve communication with members. We will make a list of all the Email addresses on the membership list and use those for quick response messages during this session.
This now lets Mike get back to spending full time doing what he is best at and will improve the association’s efficiency.

We will be sending out notices to those who have expired in the past year to make them aware of what is happening legislatively and ask them to join our efforts again. We will also be sending out notices to those who will be expiring prior to their expiration date. We are hoping to put this association back on it’s feet and reinstill the pride you felt at being a Warrior.

It appears Kansas may be getting close to a helmet battle in their state once again. Guess neither side ever really gives up.

For those who have been getting and forwarding the message about the release of cell numbers to telemarketers you can rest at ease. This is a Hoax!!! Checked it out on the gov. site and it is illegal for telemarketers to call you on any number that requires you to pay the charges. This includes all the variations of 800 #’s.

We will be working in the office tomorrow and then go back to the hospital on Wednesday. To get the results of the tests ran last week. My cell phone will still be on and I can get Emails from home.

MERRY
CHRISTMAS


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

HELL NO !! - but I'm trying.

Sputnik

-----Original Message-----
From: PATRICK CORCORAN
Sent: Wednesday, December 15, 2004 7:05 PM
Subject: ABATE

This is from our friends in Virginia. We received a great deal of support from other states contacting our legislators here in Maryland during the 2004 legislative session. Now it's time to return the favor. This is fast, easy and no-intrusive (they don't ask who you are). Please vote YES to remove the helmet law restrictions. OK, Here's the email:

As some of you might know, Ken Plum is a Democratic delegate fromNorthern VA. He's also chairman of the Democratic Party here. Further,he has absolutely refused to support us on the helmet reform issue.I've met with him and his staff several times and can't get anywhere onthis issue. The insurance lobby has it locked.

Ken Plum has a questionnaire on his website that specifically asks aboutpublic support for helmet reform. If he does not get much in the way ofpositive response, you can forget him changing his position - and hisposition could go a long way towards influencing other "demoncrats" inVA. With that said, I would appreciate it if all of you could respondto this questionnaire. If you have more than 1 web site address, pleaserespond more than once. In fact, give it to your friends too. We needto flood this site with positive support for our cause. Since there'sno identification on who you are, it does not matter whether or not youlive in his district. What better opportunity could we ask for.

Thanks.
The web site is: http://www.kenplum.com/survey2005.
Vote early, vote often.

Updated content in bold

Here are the finalized plans for the weekend.The State Confederation of Clubs Office will host a Pre Legislative Day Party at Beverlys on South Congress. Everyone is invited. The Pre Legislative Day Party starts Sunday morning at 10:00am. The party begins at 10:00am with live music and food. The cost will be $10 with the profit going to TMRA 2. Camping is available for those who wish to camp. We will explain what to expect at the capitol in the early afternoon.
Texas Confederation of ABATE will hold a meeting at the host hotel at 4:00pm Sunday evening.
Immediately following thier meeting TMRA 2 will hold an informational meeting at the hotel. We are still in need of experienced persons to act as guides on Monday, please contact the office. Please do not wear T-Shirts with inflammatory remarks into the capitol on Monday.

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

HELL NO !! - but I'm trying.

Sputnik

This Thursday, Dec 9th, City of Plano is having a public hearing regarding a "Share the Road" program.
The meeting is scheduled for 7:30 pm in the coucil chamber of Plano city hall 1520 Ave. K. Sputnik with Texas Motorcycle Rights Association, Robert Fletcher with Texas ABATE & John Munson TMRA Area B will be there to speak. The chamber has space for several hundred people & it's supposed to be pretty weather, so make a point of showing up.
Here is an important message & request from Sputnik:
OK Texas Riders. We need a list of riders who have been stopped for riding without a helmet and ticketed even if you had the proof of compliance with the law. We especially need anyone who received an unwarranted helmet ticket after Sept. 1,2001. Let us know if the ticket was finally dismissed or you had to pay a fine.If you were stopped for no helmet and were searched or ticketed for an offense other than not wearing a helmet and no helmet ticket was issued we would appreciate that information also. You should be aware by now we are going to revisit the Amendments on the Texas helmet law that allows for stops for not wearing a helmet. If we are to win we need your support. Email this address with name, city of stop and short information of what happened.Thanks,-- SputnikState Chair TMRA 2


http://scootertramps.net "Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing." Helen Keller "You only have the rights you are willing to fight for."Rusty Coones, HAMC

OK Texas Riders. We need a list of riders who have been stopped for riding without a helmet and ticketed even if you had the proof of compliance with the law. We especially need anyone who received an unwarranted helmet ticket after Sept. 1,2001. Let us know if the ticket was finally dismissed or you had to pay a fine.If you were stopped for no helmet and were searched or ticketed for an offense other than not wearing a helmet and no helmet ticket was issued we would appreciate that information also. You should be aware by now we are going to revisit the Amendments on the Texas helmet law that allows for stops for not wearing a helmet. If we are to win we need your support. Email this address with name, city of stop and short information of what happened.Thanks,

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

HELL NO !! - but I'm trying.

Sputnik

Was going to the grocery store this morning and heard Dr. Dean Edell on the radio talking about the Wall Street Journal article - which featured our own Sputnik. After searching, I can't find the text of his radio show...

However, after taking the usual "doctor" angle (helmet save lives), he then mentioned that ALL motorists (in their cars) should also wear helmets. He then went on to talk about bad foods and how far does the government go to protect us from oursleves. At the end, he felt maybe the bikers were on the right track and drawing a line in the sand.

If I ever find the text, I'll post it...if someone else finds it, please post it.

Bottom line, it was a pretty good little rant...and if it wasn't for Sputnik and the Wall Street Journal, this discussion wouldn't even have happened.

spotman
Sons of Liberty Riders Region #3
DirectorABATE of Iowa State Board, District #14 Coordinator

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Are there any of our Warriors who would accept the position as Our MRF State Rep. If so contact the state office and I will put you in touch with Karen, MRF President, to inform you of your duties as a State Rep prior to your acceptance. Then you can get back with me if you are interested.

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

HELL NO !! - but I'm trying.

Sputnik

Once again we invite you to join us at your state capitol to speak to legislators on behalf of our issues.
Insurance Reform, Failure To Yield penalties and

HELMET LAW MODIFICATIONS
(ALL OR NOTHING)

We have blocked rooms with 2 double or queen size beds, at Travelodge Suites - 8300 I-35 N. for $45 +tax per night
(prices good both nights)

For Reservations call 512-835-5050 and be sure to mention

Texas Motorcycle Rights Association

Plans are underway to make this a three day Event
For more information as it becomes available:

Flyer

Lt. Gov. Dewhurst has gone us one better except.....
Lt. Gov.,David Dewhurst stated at the capitol yesterday he wanted to make government more open to the public but not by constitutional amendments making it mandatory. He said he wants the Senate to change it's rules to require recorded votes in committees and on the Floor. He also said he would push to put hearings and Floor proceedings on cable in Texas the way C-Span does acrossthe nation.At least it appears he has gotten a little more intelligent. He can read the writing on the wall that the Joint Resolution is going to pass requireing the recorded votes and he wants it to appear that he made it happen. Or is he just getting more crafty and realizes SEnate Rules can be changed at will but the constitution requires citizen approval. Unfortunately as in the case of our Right To Carry, the constitution gets changed by our silence also.

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

HELL NO !! - but I'm trying.

Sputnik

Capitol Happenings
Is there to be no end to the partisan bickering in our state house. Dmocrat White lost by a narrow margin in her bid for a House seat and asked for a recount. She lost the recount and accepted the loss. Republican Heflin lost his bid for reelection, called for a recount and lost that also. Now three Republicans, Heflin, Stick and Opeila are asking the House to overturn the election results and give them those House seats they lost.Chairman Craddick has said he will appoint one House member to be judge and appoint a committee to hear testimony when the session starts in January. Let's hope this will be an open hearing and we can see how politics work in Texas.
The capitol is in mass confusion as incumbents move to more prestigious offices based on seniority and Freshmen get the leavings. The Speaker has already given away Chairman Heflin's office and his seat as Chair of Appropriations. Rep. Jim Pitts has been named to that position. The four day orientation for the new House members has started. The first two days are closed to the public so freshmen won't be embarrassed by asking dumb questions. During the first day the Speaker addressed the group. Next up it was the Lt. Governor's turn to give his version of what to expect during thier tenure as legislators. Then, can you believe this, MIchael Dell was allowed to address the group to tout what he and his company, Dell Computers, has done for education in Texas. Does it smell like Dell Computers will be getting a sizeable government contract in the very near future?
We have turned our Failure To Yield Bill over to Representative Hunter from Abilene. His district has been hard hit by Failure To yield fatalities and injuries to motorcyclists. He will make the requested changes in the Bill and file it for us. You Abilene Riders let him know how much you appreciate his help with this issue and work with him to get it passed.
We had planned to ask Rep. Pitts to Author our helmet Bill. He was there from the start and we hoped to have the pleasure of working with him during an all or nothing battle. His promotion to Appropriation Chair tosses out any chance of that as his authorship would guarantee passage in both Houses. We have some staff members working on a draft to give us a clean Bill like the House gave us to start with. It will be worded in such a way that if we lose the battle it would automatically reinstate the adult helmet law.
Haven't managed to nail down Chairman Smithee on our insurance Bill yet. Spoke with the Legislative Aide of Warrior, Rep. Pat Rose today concerning that issue. We asked that she pull up a copy of our insurance Bill from last session and the recently passed SB 423 for him to read. We will get back with him next weeK and see if he would be interested in the Bill. Working with them we will continue to try and draft a Bill that Rep. Smithee will Coauthor or tell us it will get a hearing.
Legislative information tomorrow.

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

HELL NO !! - but I'm trying.

Sputnik

I have been informed that the Article on Bikers is in todays Wall Street Journal. The Reporter said my mug is on the front page.

Got to get to town and get a copy.

Click on the Link to read the article

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

HELL NO !! - but I'm trying.

Sputnik