Legislative Update

The article below was in the Austin paper - paragraph 5 states that flyers on the internet are being watched. Anyone who wants to take down a flyer from our Events page or send a revised flyer stating that no cash pizes will be awarded to winners, please contact us. We don't want any of our brothers or sisters to be dealing with issues in 2006. But they really don't know what bikers are about if they actually believe that no cash prizes awarded to winners would prevent any of us from attending and supporting a cause. ~S&B

Our Run Flyers page...
http://sudsandbutterfly.homestead.com/Events.html

NEWS ARTICLE:
By R.G. RATCLIFFE
Copyright 2005 Houston Chronicle Austin Bureau

AUSTIN - Motorcycle clubs that stage "poker runs" for charity will
find 2006 less bountiful because Attorney General Greg Abbott ruled Tuesday
that such fundraisers amount to illegal gambling under Texas law.

Poker runs typically have a participant paying a registration fee or have
the motorcycle rider purchase cards or hands at various rally points. At the
end of the run, a cash prize is usually awarded for the best hand, the
second-best hand and the worst hand.

Abbott ruled that a poker run with cash prizes would amount to a lottery
under state law. He said an organization that kept part of the proceeds for
charity would violate the state's prohibition on gambling.

"Even if the contribution goes to a charitable cause and the nonprofit
organization will pay prizes from other money, a participant pays money
for the chance to win a prize," Abbott said. "Thus we conclude ... the nonprofit
organization would become a custodian of a bet in violation (of the state
Penal Code)."

The ruling will broadly affect motorcycle organizations across Texas. At
least seven have posted poker runs on the Internet through March. Charitable
poker runs in the past year have been hosted by motorcycle clubs as well as
police and fire departments around the state.

The poker run that prompted Abbott's opinion was organized by the Blue
Knights Texas XXXI chapter to raise money for Galveston County Deputy Sheriff
MichelRoy, who was injured in April when his squad car collided with a drunken
driver's vehicle.

The Blue Knights is a motorcycle club consisting of active and retired
police officers.

The club's advertised run said riders could buy hands for $10 each with
no limit on the number of hands that could be purchased. At the end of the
run, prizes would consist of $700 for the best hand, $200 for the second-best
hand and $100 for the worst hand.

Event drew complaintGalveston County Criminal District Attorney Kurt
Sistrunk said he received a citizen complaint on the poker run the day
before it occurred. He said he called Blue Knights officers and asked them to
call the event off.

"There was no getting around it, in my estimation, they would be
violating the law if they pursued that event," Sistrunk said.

Blue Knights chapter President D.J. Alvarez said after that call, the
club continued with the poker run, but canceled the cash prizes.

Alvarez said only three or four riders backed out of the Blue Knights run
that weekend, but he said Abbott's ruling will have a serious impact on
charitable poker runs across Texas.

"You have poker runs every weekend," said Alvarez, a lieutenant in the
Galveston Police Department. "They're all for cancer organizations,
charitable organizations."

He said they are especially useful in raising money for injured police or
firefighters.

"Where in a matter of three hours can you raise $5,000?" Alvarez said.
'We can get around it'

While Abbott's ruling specifically addressed the Blue Knights' poker run,
Sistrunk said he reads it to outlaw all such fund-raising activities by
nonprofit groups.

"They're going to have to come up with a different way of collecting
money," Sistrunk said.

One of the biggest poker runs in the Houston area is sponsored by
Competition Motorcycles of Pearland.

Owner Jesse McCulley said his run is meant to promote motorcycling, with
all the money being paid out in prizes. He said he understands that makes it
legal because no one benefits but the riders who participate.

McCulley said Abbott's ruling will negatively affect charity events if
there are no cash prizes for poker runs.
"Some people are going to come out of the kindness of their heart," he
said.

"But let's face it, if you cut out that little piece of cheese at the end
of the trail, participation is going to decline."

Sputnik, chairman of the Texas Motorcycle Rights Association, who does
not use a last name, said he does not believe Abbott's ruling marks the end of
poker runs.

The Texas Attorney General has just ruled that Poker Runs violate the
Texas Penal Code and are against the law.
We will have to get together and plan a way around this Bull Shit. This is
just another justification for Rick Perry's agenda of no gambling (unless
the State is running it.)
It is a simple thrust against our lifestyle and a challenge we can not
afford to let stand without a fight. Watch for more from your state chair
in a few days after some discussion with attorneys and legislators.
Sputnik

From: delessary@yahoo.com
Date: Thu, 22 Dec 2005

Our long time active member of TMRA2, Pablo, of Plainview, had an accident yesterday. He is alive. A car FAILED TO YIELD! He is in University Medical Center in Lubbock. He is in Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU) #8, but has had no surgery. I spoke with a relative (relatives only allowed). Although he is in critical condition with head injuries, he is stable. He is in a "holding pattern" and is not responding to command, but is kept sedated because he fights when he comes around. He is breathing on his own, has some small fractures in his back, but apparently not paralized.
If you are not sure who Pablo is, he hosted many fundraisers for motorcycle rights six miles west of Plainview for several years. He is a friend to us all, a member of TMRA2 for many years, and well known by many clubs and independent riders. Please keep him in your prayers! I will send another update in a couple of days, as I am going to Albequerque for two days.
In an unrelated bike accident, two teenaged boys were hit by another FAILURE TO YIELD within the same hour in Plainview. One of them is VERY critical. Please be careful during these busy holidays while traffic is so heavy and people are so pre-occupied with other things.
Update later,
Del Essary TMRA2 District 28
Boozefighter Deacon

After seven hours of standing at ease with a Quorum Call the Senate
approved a six month extension of the Patriot Act as is. President Bush
has said repeatedly he will not sign an extension and Senator Reid said it
would not get passed otherwise.
Mr. Reid apparently stood behind his words. We'll see if Mr. Bush was
running a bluff and got his hand called.
Sput

My apologies for not keeping you as up to date as could be expected by you on the political happenings but it is so tense right now in DC that it has been impossible to cut loose from watching the current happenings. I will make this as short as possible and still try to give you some sense of what is going on.
Sputnik

At the order of Senator Bill Frist the Senate took up reauthorization of the Patriot Act with him knowing there were not enough votes for passage. A total waste of time except we were able to hear some fantastic testimony from both sides of the aisle.
Senator Russ Feingold, the only senator to vote against the original Patriot Act led the charge to stop reauthorization. He stated that reauthorization of the committee report would be shameful and it would be far better to allow it to expire. Senator Robert Byrd, D. West Virginia, gave an impassioned speech stating that this compromise was a sick perversion to our constitution.
On the other side Senator Arlen Specter, offered a Cloture Motion and stated that voting against the Cloture Motion was the same as voting against the Patriot Act. (A Cloture Motion limits debate on a Bill and then requires an up or down vote.) This in effect takes away any opportunity for a Filibuster. Senator Jon Kyl, R Arizona, advised his colleagues “The Bill is what it is now and must be passed. No more time, no middle ground.”
Back to the opponents again Senator Leahy expounded on the necessity of checks and balances and asked the piercing question “What is happening to our country?” Mr. Frist then in effect said “trust me.”
The vote on Cloture then began and as we tallied the votes it became apparent we might just win. The final vote 53-47 killed the motion as only 41 votes are needed to kill this type motion. Senator Frist then changed his vote and asked for a motion to recommit and have another vote on the motion. That motion went nowhere.

You must understand at this point that the Minority leader, had offered a Bill to extend the Patriot Act, as is, for three months while the senate works to make necessary changes to protect our liberty. The majority leader let it be known the President had said he would not sign such a Bill. This offer was made four more times on the Floor and refused each time.
Sput

On Monday while they were supposed to be discussing the Department of Defense Budget they once again returned to discussion of the Patriot Act. Each side blamed the other for holding up the vote. Senator Byrd again gave a very dramatic speech.
“Who supports the Crown” quoted Mr. Byrd “Those who do not speak their mind” was the answer. The following is paraphrased but as nearly replicated as possible.
He again laid out the constitution as our guide for government. He said we now learn that President Bush circumvented the congress and the rule of law to spy on American citizens. He says he has the power to do this because we are at war. What is this President thinking? Where does the constitution or FISA allow you to sneak into men’s lives and spy on them? We must not allow such groundless claims to go unchallenged. FISA does not give this or any president the power reserved by Kings or Potentates. The President in a speech yesterday praised the election in Iraq as a landmark in their history. Yet he has acted against Rules of Law and circumvented protections against unreasonable search and seizure. This is our own landmark, destruction of liberty and rights.
The great American Thomas Paine once said “These are the times that try men’s souls” and that is exactly what these irresponsible actions have done. Judicial action may be in order. “Where is the authority for spying on Americans?”
“Who is responsible for this action?”

I wish we had been set up to record this speech. It could possibly rekindle the desire for liberty in the hearts of those who have fallen by the wayside.
Sputnik

FYI:

Several riders are seeking to get on the Ballot for State Rep or State
Senator by get signatures on a Petition in lieu of paying a filing fee.
The number of signatures necessary is 500. There is also a "Draft Sputnik"
proposal to get the necessary number of signatures (5000) to put Sputnik
on the Ballot to run for governor. There are guidelines to be followed if
you are asked to sign either of these Petitions.
If you sign a Petition you can not vote in another Party Primary during
the March Primary election. For example: Sputnik will be running on the
Democrat Party ticket if drafted. If you sign that Petition you can not
sign a petition or vote in the Primary as a Republican. You can also not
sign a Petition for anyone to run on the Republican Party ticket during
this Primary election but may sign a Petition for someone in your district
who is running on the Democrat ticket.
The same is true for signing a Petition for Republican Candidates. You can
not vote in the Democrat Primary in March or sign a Petition for anyone
running on the Democrat ticket.
These Petitions must be signed and turned in no later than Jan. 2, 2006 to
be considered for a place on the March Ballot.

Despite any Petition you may sign you can vote for a candidate of either
Party during the November General Election. Be Aware that to become a
state delegate in a Party you must vote in that Party's Primary. If you
have any questions contact Sputnik at 512-971-6777

Sputnik
State Chair TMRA 2

After hours of constant watching C-Span and C-Span 2 during the discussions in both House & Senate concerning HR 3199 the House finally brought it to a close shortly after 1:00pm today. Congressman John Conyers, Dem. Michigan offered a Resolution to renew the current Patriot Act for three months while a better compromise could be reached. The Resolution failed.
He then pointed out that the Committee Report added:
New Drug Laws - Presidential line of succession - Expanded death penalty for several non-terrorist crimes and other additions. He offered a Motion to recommit with instructions that would have required more discussion by the committee before a vote. He again lost the vote with one major victory - every Democrat and the Independent voted yes to send it back.
After one hour of discussion the vote was taken to pass the Committee Report on HR 3199. Passage was approved and this time 45 Democrats jumped ship to vote for passage of the Bill. Had the Democrats stayed solid the Bill would have been killed. 16 Republicans voted to kill it.
Barton, Bonilla D., Brady, Burgess, Carter, Conaway, Cuellar D, Culberson, DeLay, Edwards D, Gohmert, Granger, Hall, Hensarling, Johnson, Marchant, McCaul, Neugebauer, Reyes D, Sessions, Smith

The above are Texas Congressmen who voted yes for Reauthorization. All but one of the new Republicans from Texas walked the line just as was expected. Congressman Ted Poe from Houston did not vote. We called his office and learened that he was held up by bad weather in Houston and was not there but we were assured he would have voted no. We expected nothing less from him. In our experiences with him as a Houston judge he is a firm believer in the Constitution.

Note that 4 Texas Democrats voted for passage. Cuellar, Bonilla and Reyes are not real surprises despite their Mexican Heritage they have always been Democrats iname only. The unexpected knife in the back came from Chet Edwards of Waco. After we fought so hard to keep redistricting from taking his seat and then made his race with Arlene our number one priority, he sold us out. We, especially Greg and those in that district should call and let him know of our displeasure. Phone # 1-202-225-6105
Fax 202-225-0350. Be firm but nice. I have called and will Fax him this evening.
Calls & Faxes from across the state would be much appreciated. Give us some help here. We called the office of Congressman Ortiz D. to learn why he didn’t vote. We were told his vote card malfunctioned but they wouldn’t say how he had planned to vote. We’ll check that later but I have a strong personal belief that he will join the list on the yes side of the ledger.

Our only hope now lies with the Senate and Sen Frist the Majority Leader will not bring it to a vote yet because he doesn’t have the votes to stop a Filibuster that is being led by Senator Russ Feingold. We will get this sent now and stay with C-Span 2 until the Senate battle is once again on the Agenda. WE have no hope of making a difference in the Senate vote as calls made again today to both those offices show our Senators will toe the Party Line.
FYI Senator Feingold is the only Senator to vote against the original Patriot Act.

Ride Free – Ride Sober
Sputnik
State Chair TMRA 2

Ccc: 4:41 pm. Senator Frist has just announced that he has filed a Cloture Motion on HR 3199 that will be voted on in the morning and if it passes there will not be a possibility of a Filibuster on this Bill. In all likelihood HR 3199 will be sent to the President tomorrow evening and he will sign it very quickly and proclaim it a major victory for America.
This from a man who just screamed at an Aide “Don’t throw the Constitution up in my face. It is just a Goddamned piece of paper.”
Sput

Call Your Senators Now: Last Chance to Stop Sham Patriot Act Reauthorization Bill

Talking Points for your phone calls:


Ask them to take a stand for civil liberties, and vote no on the Patriot Act reauthorization bill.
Oppose the Patriot Act reauthorization bill and support the bipartisan filibuster. Senators MUST vote AGAINST cloture if the filibuster is to succeed.
If you are from New Hampshire, Idaho, Alaska, Illinois, Wisconsin, or Colorado, one of your Senators is a member of the "civil liberties six" -- Sununu (R-NH), Craig (R-ID), Murkowski (R-AK), Durbin (D-IL), Feingold (D-WI) and Salazar (D-CO) -- who is supporting the bipartisan filibuster. Be sure to tell him or her "thank you" and to stand their ground.
The Patriot Act reauthorization bill fails to protect the privacy of ordinary Americans because it does not require that the government have any connection between the records they want and a suspected foreign terrorist.
This bill actually makes the Patriot Act worse by making it nearly impossible to overturn a gag order that accompanies these secret demands and allowing sanctions against business people who don’t turn over sensitive records sought with these secret fishing expedition orders.
Sunsets for a few of the Patriot Act powers that risk our civil liberties aren't good enough. Congress should recognize that privacy is a core American value that should not be sacrificed, for four more years or permanently. Now is the time to uphold the Constitution and rein in the Patriot Act's secret search powers.



Make a call to Senator (R-Texas) Kay Bailey Hutchison's Office
Phone: (202) 224-5922

Make a call to Senator (R-Texas) John Cornyn's Office
Phone: (202) 224-2934

Please forward this on ///// We need everyone in this FIGHT!

Patriot Act Key provisions:
1) law enforcement officials can gain access to a wealth of personal data, including library and medical records, as part of investigations.

The Patriot Act provides a four-year extension of
1) The government's ability to conduct roving wiretaps -
which may involve multiple phones -
and
2) To seek access to many of the personal records covered by the bill.

An earlier, pre-Thanksgiving stab at compromise had called for seven-year extensions of these provisions.

Yet another provision, which applies to all criminal cases,
gives the government 30 days to provide notice that it has carried out a search warrant.
This allows Law Enforcement to carry out sneak and peak serches with out letting anyone know for 30 days (the House wants 180 days) after the fact if law enforcement so chooses to use evidence it collected.

The Lawmakers in both parties have attacked the measure but yet they still have these mesures in there.

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The Patriot Act is the corner stone to what we have been fighting against for the past few years, and the gang definitions as the Alphabet Club wants to enforce.

As the Helmet Laws around the Country are the Hot Button Issue with Bikers, the Patriot Act is the Hot Button Issue with those who want to take away our way of life.

We already have more than enough laws on the books to handle crime in America.
What we don't need is any more laws taking rights away from American Citizens and lumping American Citizens in a group with people who don't fall under our Constitution. Our Constitution was ment for Americans!

The United States Constitution guaranties Our Rights as Individual American Citizens and our Rights to Freedom of Assembly an Association with out Government Intrusion.

Stand up and let elected representatives know we are tired as hell and we are not going to take it any more.

Senators Threaten to Hold Up Patriot Act!

Make your US Senators understand that the Patriot Act for the sake of our Constitution and Freedom as God Fearing Americans must be "Killed in the Senate" and to never return to threaten othe American way of life again.

The Patriot Act says one thing to the Terrorist of 9-11 and the enemies of this Great Country,
"You Are Winning because we have Tucked Our Tail in Shame and Sacrificed our FREEDOM in FEAR of YOU!"

I for one am not SCARED of terrorisy=t threats and know the "People of this GREAT COUNTRY are NOT SCARED" so let us "STAND TOGETHER for FREEDOM!"

Let your Senators know what realy threatens America's Freedom, the Patriot Act!

NOW is the time to call and send e-mails to Senators
to STOP the Patriot Act.

To find your Senator's info and sample letters go to:
http://www.coctexas.org/Freedom.htm

LET them here from The American Biker and let them know you support the "STOP on the Patriot Act!"

Support the filibuster by Sen. Russell Feingold so the the Patriot Act can go away on January 1st

Sure you can trust the government, just ask the Indians!

From
BIG KID
State Liaison
Texas Confederation of Clubs

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No time for snail mail!
Sample E-Mail Letter

Sample Letter On The Patriot Act Courtesy Of
National Coalition of Motorcyclists
Aid to Injured Motorcyclists
21054 Sherman Way, Third Floor, Canoga Park, California 91303
800-ON-A-BIKE

Please Copy The Below Sample Letter And Send It To Your Congressional Representative


U.S. Senator:_________________________________District#___________________
United States Senate
Washington, D.C. 20510

Date: ____/____/____

The Patriot Act was signed into law on October 26, 2001, by the Bush Administration, which would
make fundamental changes to Americans legal rights.

>>>>FREEDOM OF ASSOCIATION
>>>>FREEDOM OF INFORMATION
>>>>FREEDOM OF SPEECH
>>>>RIGHT TO LEGAL REPRESENTATION (Attorney & Client)
>>>>FREEDOM FROM UNREASONABLE SEARCH (Search & Seize without probable cause)
>>>>RIGHT TO A SPEEDY AND PUBLIC TRIAL (Indefinitely)
>>>>RIGHT TO LIBERTY (Without being charged and unable to confront witnesses)

We are concerned not only that the government is using its new powers but also it is refusing to provide
unclassified information on how it is using them under the Freedom of Information Act, such as who is
being detained, and whether the powers have been or are being abused.
I, ________________________ as an American Citizen, I am in opposition of the Patriot Act, a reply
with your opposition on this matter would be greatly appreciated.
Sincerely, I _______________________________, am an American Citizen,

I am in opposition of the Patriot Act.
A reply with your opposition on this matter would be greatly appreciated.
Sincerely, _______________________________.

(Place Your Return E-Mail Address Here)

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Current News On The Patriot Act
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WASHINGTON - President Bush is urging Congress to reach agreement on reauthorizing the Patriot Act - a law that he says is essential to fighting terrorism, but liberal and conservative critics say is a threat to individual liberties.

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In an interview Thursday, Senator Feingold dismissed the idea that the compromise was a victory for civil liberties.

He called it "almost a complete retreat" from a bill passed unanimously earlier this year by the Senate. Feingold said the compromise with the House failed to include adequate safeguards in the exercise of several expanded government powers. One power, the so-called "library provision," allows the government to obtain personal information from business, hospital and library records in the course of an anti-terrorism investigation. Another involves so-called "sneak and peek" searches, where the target of the search isn't notified until days or weeks after the search is conducted.

By and large, the lingering disputes over the bill are confined to a handful of contentious provisions, and involve the legal burdens and oversight that investigators must satisfy when using the police powers in the law.

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``This sham compromise agreement fails to address the primary substantive concern raised by millions of Americans, as well as civil liberties, privacy and business organizations,'' Caroline Fredrickson, director of the ACLU's Washington office, said in a statement.

Longtime Patriot Act critics such as the ACLU and library groups had been joined in recent months by a politically diverse alliance of advocacy organizations, including the Chamber of Commerce, which objected to parts of the legislation that allow the FBI to demand records from businesses about customers.

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WASHINGTON - Republican negotiators accepted a White House-brokered deal Thursday that clears the way for Congress to vote next week on whether to renew the USA Patriot Act's most controversial provisions for four years, in slightly modified forms.

GOP leaders called the development a major breakthrough in a long and contentious debate over whether and how to renew the law, which was passed following the 2001 terrorist attacks and parts of which are set to expire Dec. 31. Since it took effect four years ago, the act has made it easier for federal agents to secretly tap phones, obtain library and bank records, and search the offices or homes

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Three Senate Democrats and three Republicans issued a statement that they were ``gravely disappointed'' Specter and others agreed during House-Senate negotiations to drop ``modest protections for civil liberties'' included in a version the Senate had passed unanimously this year. They predicted the Senate will reject the compromise bill.

The six were Republican Sens. Larry Craig of Idaho, John Sununu of New Hampshire and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, and Democrats Richard Durbin of Illinois, Kenneth Salazar of Colorado and Russ Feingold of Wisconsin. Feingold vowed to launch a filibuster, which would scuttle the Patriot Act extension unless 60 of the 100 senators opposed his effort. Some Republicans said Democrats would be foolhardy to block the anti-terrorism bill on the eve of an election year.

Also criticizing the bill Thursday were Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev.; Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., the Judiciary Committee's ranking Democrat; and Edward Kennedy, D-Mass.

The compromise bill would slightly change provisions that allow the FBI to obtain people's business records, including library records. Investigators would have to provide a judge with a ``statement of facts'' showing ``reasonable grounds'' to believe the records are relevant to an anti-terror investigation.

Another provision governs ``national security letters,'' which are used by the FBI to demand customer records from businesses such as telephone companies, Internet providers and libraries. Recipients of such letters are required to keep the requests secret. The new legislation would explicitly give businesses that receive such letters the right to challenge them in court, but critics say the process is set up in such a way that the government will nearly always prevail. There also is no provision for notifying the individual whose records are being targeted.

As part of the compromise, lawmakers dropped a provision that would have made it a crime punishable by up to a year in prison to disclose receipt of a national security letter. But the deal retains a five-year prison term if the disclosure is aimed at obstructing an investigation.

Leahy and others strongly oppose provisions instructing judges to presume federal agents should obtain records unless the targeted person can show the government acted in bad faith. Kennedy called the targeted person's opportunity to challenge a search ``arguably worse than nothing.''

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The Washington Post reported last month that the FBI now issues more than 30,000 national security letters a year, a hundred-fold increase over historic norms. The Justice Department disputed the report but has refused to provide its own tally.

The revised law also would allow agents to surreptitiously search someone's home or business without telling the person for 30 days. The Senate bill called for a seven-day limit on such ``sneak and peek'' powers, while the House version allowed 180 days.

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Attorney General Alberto Gonzales called the compromise bill a ``win for the American people.'' Although the administration has opposed any sunset provisions, Gonzales told reporters the administration would back the latest Republican compromise. ``It's certainly something that we can support,'' he said.

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The American Civil Liberties Union condemned the agreement, arguing that it would continue to allow the FBI to obtain ``a huge array of extremely private records of innocent Americans'' with little oversight or limitation.

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WE MUST ALL DO OUR PART TO SAVE OUR FREEDOMS!

IF AMERICANS WON'T STAND UP FOR FREEDOM,

WHAT MAKES YOU THINK SOMEONE ELSE WILL!

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Disclaimer:

Texas Confederation of Clubs Members and Supporters are dedicated in
the fight for Freedom from ALL Oppression, Discrimination and Harassment.

The Texas Confederation of Clubs retains its right to edit all posted
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The content of THE BULLETIN "IS NOT" for commercial publication or
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The content posted is not necessarily the view or opinion of the Texas
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The Texas Confederation of Clubs hopes you will share information from
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Thank You ***** The Texas Confederation Of Clubs *****
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202-546-0983 (voice)
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: JD DePaolantonio, MRF Director of Communications and Information
jd@mrf.org (e-mail)

December 10, 2005

#05NR32 - MRF and American Iron Magazine address EPA Issues

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation, in conjunction with American Iron Magazine
is requesting the help of all motorcycle shops, builders, parts and engine
manufacturers, and custom motorcycle owners in protecting your right to
legally build and ride custom motorcycles.

We are asking you to furnish the information necessary to persuade the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to make changes to the new highway
motorcycle emissions regulations. We will be asking the EPA to allow
individuals to build more than one EPA exempt custom motorcycle in their
lifetime and to allow small volume manufacturers and shops to build more
than twenty-four custom EPA exempt motorcycles per year. Our proposal to EPA
will incorporate a "non-conformance payment". In addition, our efforts will
include legally modifying existing motorcycles under the same type of
program.

The published article also highlights the possible effects on the
aftermarket industry of a Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) request asking
EPA to issue a "letter of guidance" which would allow MIC member companies
to sell EPA certified engines for use in kit bikes.

Read the full story in the January 2006 and February 2006 issues of American
Iron Magazine, the January issue of MRF Reports, or online at
http://www.mrf.org/epa.php and the American Iron website at
http://www.aimag.com/. The questionnaire will appear in the January 2006 MRF
Reports, the February issue of American Iron and on the MRF and American
Iron Magazine websites. Your participation is critical to the success of the
project. Please complete the questionnaire today and return it to the MRF at
the address listed. You are encouraged to make copies and give them to your
friends and shop owners in your area.

"The Motorcycle Rider Foundation is the only national motorcyclists rights
organization working with EPA to preserve your right to build and ride the
custom motorcycle of your choice" said Dave Dwyer of the MRF Board of
Directors.

"We have been involved with EPA from the beginning of the rulemaking process
and we intend to keep working with EPA officials for as long as it takes to
effect meaningful change on the rules. The lifestyle choices of our members
depends on the survival of the motorcycle aftermarket industry and their
survival is dependent on our success in securing the creation of a
non-conformance payment program for custom and modified motorcycles".

<<30>>

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Registration is easy and secure for MRF Regional and Meeting of the Minds
conferences. Visit our website at http://www.mrf.org/events.php for further
details and registration information.

Send in your nominations and donations for the MRF's Young Activist
Scholarship fund today. For complete details, visit
http://www.mrf.org/yascholarship.php.

Sign up today for the MRF's new roadside assistance program by visiting
http://www.mrf.org/mrfroadside.php The program is available to MRF members
and non-MRF members.

(c)All Information contained in this release is copyrighted. Reproduction
permitted with attribution. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation, incorporated
in 1987, is a membership-based, national motorcyclists' rights organization
headquartered in Washington, DC. The first motorcyclists' rights
organization to establish a full-time presence in Washington, DC, the
Motorcycle Riders Foundation is the only Washington voice devoted
exclusively to the street rider. The MRF established MRFPAC in the early
1990s to advocate the election of candidates who would champion the cause of
rider safety and rider freedom.

The MRF proudly claims state motorcyclists' rights organizations and the
very founders of the American riders' rights movement among its leading
members. The MRF is involved in federal and state legislation and
regulations, motorcycling safety education, training, and public awareness.
The MRF provides members and state motorcyclists' rights organizations with
direction and information, and sponsors annual regional and national
educational seminars for motorcyclists rights activists, as well as
publishing a bi-monthly newsletter, THE MRF REPORTS.

Speaker Laney announced today that he will not seek re-election to his
Representative seat. You guys and gals in that district need to get busy
quickly and make something happen

Sputnik