Legislative Update

Guns in National Parks

2008-05-11T21:53:00.000-05:00

Our friend Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson was quoted in the paper saying the Feds wanted some land in Texas to be turned into a Federal Park.
He told them they would have to open up Federal Parks to allow carrying of weapons and ammunitions and for hunting. THe Park Board passed a Resolution to allow weapons in Federal Parks. When interviewed again Commissioner Patterson said "they have got half of it done".
Still this is just a regulation and can be changed at any time. It also doesn't include the hunting.

There is a Bill that can do exactly what Commissioner Patterson asked for.
The Bill currently has four Texas Congressmen signed on as Cosponsors.
Louie Gohmert Dist 1
Ted Poe Dist. 2
Kenny Marchant Dist 24 and
John Carter Dist 31
If one of these is your Congressman call and thank them.

H.R.5646
Title: To protect the second amendment rights of individuals to carry firearms and ammunition in units of the National Park System and the National Wildlife Refuge System and to require that hunting activities be a land use in all management plans for Federal land to the extent that such use is not clearly incompatible with the purposes for which the Federal land is managed.
Sponsor: Congressman Broun, Paul C. [GA-10] (introduced 3/14/2008)
Cosponsors 33

Let's pitch in once again to stand up with a man who has stood with us from day one. His name appears on nearly every Bill we have worked and if his name isn't on the BIll it is on the list of those testifying in our favor. WAke up! Stand proud! Get the job done.

Contact your Congressman and let them know you want them to cosponsor HR 5646. Cut and paste the short title above into the heading of your letter so there is no question that you know what the BIll does.
Let the Congressman know that Land Commissioner Patterson supports this Bill and ask for a reply if they will cosponsor or if not then why not.

Let us know as soon as you get a response. Wait no more than 10 days for a response, then follow up with a phone call and contact the office.

Ask everyone in your area to do this.
Thanks,

Sputnik

State Chair

ETCG Rally

2008-04-24T20:44:00.000-05:00

June 13-15

The East Texas Chopper Guys, Fathers Day Rally, for the Texas Motorcycle Rights Association, will be held at the ETME Acres Inc. campground this year. The location is on Hwy 21 between Nacogdoches and San Augustine.
Friday will be kind of laid back, set up camp, self guided tours around the area and food by G&N Scooter Shack. We will have tunes by DJ Doc for the weekend and an informal Pickin’ Session Friday night.
Saturday kicks off at 9:00am with a Run-N-Gun Poker Run by Sputnik, last bike in at 12:00 noon. 2:00pm Field Meet starts. Skills, Thrills and Spills under the direction of Wild Bill Barr.
8:00pm The Janet Z back by popular demand with her original Texas Blues and Folk Music.
Sunday 9:00am Brother Mac and the Circuit Riders wikk conduct Worship Services for all.
A hand made ETCG shirt Quilt Will be won by some lucky individual Saturday Night. Tickets $5 each or 6 for $5 Admission $30, includes Camping, Run Pin and Participation in all events.
T-Shirts $ 15 each.

We will be at the State COC Meeting this weekend where I will become a independent member of the Texas Defenders.

The following weekend we will be at the TMRA 2 meeting in Hico. We expect at least one member from every chapter to be present at the State meeting in Hico.

Sputnik

For more information call Dennis Leggett at Leggett Cycles 936-269-3394

Update

2008-04-03T22:13:00.003-05:00

Texas MC Rights Association State Meeting = May 2-4, 2008

We have secured the Hico City Park for our State Meeting. Hico is West of Waco on Hwy. 6, where it joins with Hwy 281 in Hamilton County. (about 18 miles north of Stephenville.) Warriors may arrive Friday afternoon, set up camp at the park and relax.

There will be no official business scheduled for Friday night. Just kick tires and tell lies while meeting old friends and getting acquainted with new ones.

Saturday morning at 11:00 am the Advisor meeting will get under way.
Members are welcome to sit in on the meeting but do not have a vote on Advisor issues.

The General Meeting will begin Saturday afternoon at 1:00 pm. Any issues pertaining to the Association in general will be brought up and handled at this time.
One issue that will be brought up at the General Meeting will be a proposed change of the Bylaws to allow Beer sales at Rallies.

Hico is a quiet little town and the people are friendly. Motels, for those not wishing to camp, are 18 miles away in Stephenville. If you choose not to camp you are sure to miss out on a lot of fun.
We would like each chapter to bring or send an Auction item. There will be some new products for sale during the weekend. Bring a friend. Please send at least one member from each chapter. You could all chip in to pay the expenses of at least one member. That way you can get a personal report and be sure any issues you have get discussed.

HB 529, introduced in the Louisiana legislature will make it illegal to carry a concealed weapon while operating a motorcycle. There is no allowance for those with a CHL. The Bill will be heard by the Judiciary committee.
Let’s lend them a hand and contact the members of that committee expressing our opposition to the Bill.
The following are the committee members and their E addresses.

Ernest Wooton, Chairman larep105@legis.state.la.us HD 105 ~ Belle Chase, Louisiana
Damon Baldone, Vice Chairman larep053@legis.state.la.us HD 53 ~Houma, Louisiana

Roy Burrell ~ HD 2 larep002@legis.state.la.us
Don Cazayoux ~ HD 18 larep18@legis.state.la.us
Elbert Guillory ~ HD 40 _larep040@legis.state.la.us
Mickey Guillory ~ HD 41 _larep041@legis.state.la.us
Chris Hazel ~ HD 27 _hazelc@legis.state.la.us
Frank Howard ~ HD 24 _Howardf@legis.state.la.us
Joe Lopinto ~ HD 80 _lopintoj@legis.state.la.us
Nick Lorusso ~ HD 94 _larep094@legis.state.la.us
Barbara Norton ~ HD 3 _nortonb@legis.state.la.us
John Schroder ~ HD 77 _schroderj@legis.state.la.us
Gary Smith ~ HD 56 _larep56@legis.state.la.us
Rickey Templet ~ HD 85 _templetr@legis.state.la.us
Bodi White ~HD 64 _larep064@legis.state.la.us

We are heading out for the Thunder in The Hill Country first thing in the morning. We'll set up down there and get back Sunday evening. Have a good weekend.

Sputnik

Get Ready Louisiana

2008-04-03T07:23:00.000-05:00

HB 529 has been introduced in Louisiana titled:

"Unlawful possession of a handgun while riding a motorcycle"

It shall be unlawful for a person to possess a handgun on his person, while operating a motorcycle.
Any handgun or firearm possessed by the operator of a motorcycle shall be properly stored in a compartment on the motorcycle while the motorcycle is in operation.

The law does not apply to a peace officer and makes no allowence for those having a CHL.

Conviction carries a fine of not more than $500, imprisonment for six months or both.

Don't wait til the last minute saying it wont happen. Get on the members ass of the Justice Committee Members NOW>

Sputnik

@bankfranklin.com

2008-03-31T22:31:00.000-05:00

"If we move in mass, be it ever so circuitously, we shall attain our object; but if we break into squads, everyone pursuing the path he thinks most direct, we become an easy conquest to those who can now barely hold us in check."
-- Thomas Jefferson (letter to William Duane, 1811)

Reference: The Writings of Thomas Jefferson, Memorial Edition, 13:29

It was brought to my attention by Butterfly that my last post with the Sites on the North American Union was FALSE. I read the site and Agree with her. However while saying the stories were false, they did add, that is not to say they won’t do that in the future.

Transportation Secretary Peters says she plans to continue with the program to allow Mexican trucks to travel US highways in a trial program. Congress voted to kill the project and remove the funding for it. Peters said she will just shift money from other programs and continue doing things her way.
It appears this issue will become a test of wills before it is settled.

She wants the 2010 Federal Grant money to be shifted from MC Safety & Awareness to a lobby fund for states to try to initiate an adult helmet law. People in the Transportation Department, both state and federal appear to be good at shifting funds. Remember TxDOT shifted our dedicated fund for MC Training into the 601 Highway Fund so they could steal 25% of our budget each year.
I have been pissed off about that for three years now but told Clif Burdette we would wait till he retired before we made any waves.

That time has come and so we went in to talk to John today while we were in Austin paying our sales tax. Those who attended the Safety Seminar met him there and most everyone we spoke to had a good impression of the man. I am even more impressed with him now.
It just so happened he was working on the Budget when we got there and he was as unhappy as I have been about it. We discussed everything that has been done with the fund since 1993 and he got even more unhappy than he had been when we arrived. This is a man who is not afraid to buck the system and one we can really work with.
We talked about Mary Peters and TxDOT and what Motorcycle Awareness really means.
We both recalled when May was Motorcycle Awareness Month before it was changed To MC Safety & Awareness Month. We agreed that needed to be changed back and as we continued talking we came up with several things that needed to be changed In the entire system. He spoke of several things our meager budget had to pay for that It should not be paying. He was trying to find $30,000 for workbooks that were not a part of the budget but that were needed.
We spent about 2 ½ hours making plans for implementation on several fronts.
I will be calling on the officers of Texas ABATE Confederation, Texas Motorcycle Roadriders Association and Butterfly to get their input on some of the issues we discussed this evening. Quite possibly there will be major changes in the wind.

Speaking of Motorcycle Safety & Awareness month, it is that time of year again.

Time to start getting those Proclamations and getting all the publicity from the media that you can possibly get squeezed out of them. Butterfly has been coordinating this effort for several years now and doing a good job of it. I would recommend you contact her to learn where you can help. Remember NCOM is coming to Texas and we need to show them we are involved with the awareness program.

I know this next issue is one of the most controversial issues in the country but I have to mention it. HR 4088 is an immigration Bill. It calls for putting 8000 more Border Patrol Officers on the border and set up a way for employers to verify the legal status of employees. I’m not asking anyone to do anything about this Bill but just using it as an example of how our government works. The Bill received enough cosponsors to pass it on the Floor including some very high ranking Democrats such as John Murtha.
It was well understood that Speaker Pelosi would not bring the Bill up for a vote. A Discharge Petition was filed (DP110-5). 218 signatures would require the Bill to go to the Floor for an up or down vote. Every Republican in Texas except Ron Paul signed that petition. Only one Democrat in Texas signed the Petition.
This is a true example of wanting to have your cake and eat it too.
Pretend to support
something until it is time to fish or cut bait. That is how we get Gridlock. We’ve had it in DC for many years.

Ride Free – Ride Sober
Sputnik

TMRA2 Chapter meeting canceled for tonight

2008-03-26T14:30:00.000-05:00

The Lake Granbury Liberty Riders chapter of Texas Motorcycle Rights Association will not be having their regularly scheduled meeting tonight (Wednesday March 26th), out of respect for a fallen brother. Hammer, the President of the Granbury chapter of Boozefighters M/C was killed Sunday, riding his new Harley.

Funeral services are pending.

Please keep his family, brothers, and sisters, in your thoughts and prayers, as they are in mine.

Greg Bodovsky
Senate District 22 Advisor
Texas Motorcycle Rights Association

--

"One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end upbeing governed by your inferiors." ...Plato

news - Anti-biker bill voted into US law (FL)

2008-03-23T22:17:00.002-05:00

Retracted

Further info shows that this bill (HB 137) has not passed yet. You can see the current status of the bill at
http://tinyurl.com/2t2gyd

2008-03-20T21:22:00.001-05:00

WHO YA GONNA CALL

When you want to learn exactly what the Helmet Law says about the sticker or want someone to go to court with you on a helmet ticket?
When you have shown an officer your Medical Insurance Card or rider training Certificate and you get a ticket for no helmet anyway?
When you want to find out what your rights are under HB 823 as far as carrying a concealed weapon in your car or on your bike as well as any number of other issues that have been ruled on in the past few years?

Most of you have shown that you will call the organization that helped write the Bills in question. The ones who found an Author for the Bills, walked the Capitol Halls daily to solicit enough support to bring them through committee, passed on both Floors and signed by the governor.
That association is the Texas Motorcycle Rights Association.

WHO YOU GONNA ASK

What the law says about the handlebar height.
What the Attorney General’s ruling means for Poker Runs.
If you had an issue you felt should be addressed by the legislature.
What to do about an officer who routinely harasses bikers etc. etc…..
Again you have shown that you will ask the association that is well versed in the political arena and either has the answer or knows where to get it.
Is very well acquainted and highly respected by nearly every Senator and Representative in our state government.
That organization is Texas Motorcycle Rights Association.

NOW WHAT IF

What if that phone isn’t answered when you call? What if That E mail brings no response or our Websites disappear. Then where will you turn with your problems that require legislative action or clarification? Think about it.
We find ourselves in that position today. We have just finished a Rally that will finally pay off our debts. However the 2000 + members of the association due to the economy can no longer afford to continue to fund an organization that works for all riders.
This is a member driven organization. Without an increase in membership we shall be forced to close the doors. Every one of you knows in your heart that Texas Riders would be much worse off if this organization had not been founded and proven to be so successful. There are other organizations but none that can offer the services we have provided for the past 16 years. Check out our website and ask yourself if those services rendered are not worth $30 per year. Remember this all the issues we have worked will be coming up again next year including a helmet law.

Sputnik
512-971-6777
sputnik@tmra2.org
www.tmra2.org
Chairman TMRA 2

letters

2008-03-20T21:20:00.001-05:00

Calling upon the federal government to ease lobbying restrictions imposed at the behest of motorcycle rights organizations across the country, Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters has requested legislation that will allow her to divert motorcycle safety funding to convince states to enact mandatory helmet laws.

Peters has sent letters to House and Senate leadership urging legislation to allow states to utilize federal funds intended for motorcycle rider training and awareness programs to promote helmet laws instead.

We have been through this with NHTSA when they used federal funds to lobby states to pass helmet laws and won. We need to do the same for Secretary Peters.
Contact both Texas US Senators and your US Congressman and tell them not to enact any enableing legislation as requested by Secretary Peters.

from Suds RE: COIR Div. of Texas Defenders

2008-03-16T23:42:00.002-05:00

Date: 3-15-08
From: sudsfxstc@aol.com
My name's Suds and I'm an independent rider in the Great State of Texas. I wanna talk about our constitutional rights and the need to protect them. We all, as motorcyclists, enjoy our freedom to ride the open roads of this great state, and in doing so are exercising our constitutional right of Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
As it would seem though, these liberties are under constant attack. Maybe there are those who can’t stand to see someone having that much fun. With some of us, our motorcycles are a way of life. To some, it’s a hobby. Others, it may just be an economical mode of transportation. Everybody who rides knows the issues of helmet laws vs. no helmet laws. I believe it’s not whether we wear a helmet or not that’s at stake, but the freedom of choice. This is only the tip of the iceberg.
There are many more civil rights being violated every day. Someone recognized this early on and a few like-minded people got together and started what are known as Motorcycle Rights Organizations (MRO’s). They have done an excellent job of helping preserve the many freedoms we still enjoy today. All too often, when you approach someone about joining an MRO, the answer is "I don’t wanna get involved in politics, I just wanna ride". Which is cool, because that’s what freedom is all about. The thing is, that MRO’s can only do so much without the support of everyone they can get.
Traditional motorcycle clubs are organized and can function as one voice. The concerns of independents on the other hand, may or may not be taken seriously because as an individual, we are but one tiny voice that can be ignored.
To combat this being ignored there is an organization that I am proud to be a part of called the Texas Defenders. I got the luck of the draw and was chosen to head up the Coalition of Independent Riders or COIR Division. I see a vast opportunity here as an organized voice to assist a call to action from an MRO in letter writing, making phone calls, or flooding an office with black leather and blue jeans if necessary in order to be heard.
The Texas Defenders program is not and MRO, but a manpower organization to fill in the gaps or a reinforcement when areas are weak and need shored up when congress or somebody gets the bright idea that they know how to take care of us better than we do.
The COIR division will be made up of members and supporters on an all-volunteer basis. This way, you don’t have to make a commitment and attend regular meetings and so forth. There are no obligations, just do what you can when you can. No one should ever concentrate on what they can’t do, rather focus on the things they can.
The Texas Defenders program falls under the Texas Confederation of Clubs, where independents and clubs alike are working toward a common goal. What we have done so far is a drop in the bucket, but never the less, the longest journey begins with a single footstep. We have done a few classes in the Austin area to teach letter writing skills and how to get them to congressmen and women. A phone call can be ignored, but handwritten letters generally are not. Just incase they are, we are compiling records of copied letters just so we can take them down on a dolly if necessary and say, "Hey, What about all these? Now tell me you didn’t hear from anybody in your area". Is that brilliant or what? Total simplicity.
The Austin area is really getting their COIR division off the ground. Soon every COC region in the state will induct the Texas Defenders program. I am looking fwd to the COIR division, because we as independents can make a difference, just as the militia did when Texas fought for independence and won.
The MRO’s need us, and we need each other. Think of the COIR division as the mortar that holds the bricks together and fills in the gaps. We can accomplish great things when we work together. Texas Defenders will be more than a political movement. With our communication networks, we stand at the ready to support a call to action or assist in community emergency situations up to and including Amber alerts, search parties, etc, to the general public. Some members may wish to take on a more active role, and these men and women will be known as COIR Texas Defenders. If anybody is interested or needs more information, please e-mail me at (sudsfxstc@aol.com). I have info on membership and support packages. I’m looking forward to it. Truth, Honor and Dignity.
Respect,
~Suds
Texas Defenders Undersecretary/COIR division
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Report

2008-03-13T21:16:00.005-05:00

As with all Caucus Meetings in Texas we were overwhelmed by the sheer numbers that took part. From 10-15 attendees we went to nearly 300 during the after hours meeting. We lacked the necessary paperwork to sign up everyone. I served as Temporary Chair for two Precincts. We got a permanent chair and secretary for the one Precinct, then I became the permanent chair and we elected a permanent secretary for my precinct. We barely had the room to separate into precincts let alone separate into Clinton and Obama Groups. But we got it done as best we could and it will be easier during the County Convention. The Republicans had six people present at their caucus. They could easily have made their unused space available to us but chose instead to complain about the noise we generated.

NEWS::

The Feds have used the Homeland Security Act to bypass the will of Texans on Road Blocks. Last week the US Coast Guard set up a Roadblock at the Lynchburg Ferry identifying and searching everyone attempting to board the ferry. This is a small ferry that is easily circumvented and has no chance whatsoever to become a terrorist target. This entire waste of taxpayer money and citizens time resulted in 28 arrests. All 28 arrests were for very minor traffic violations and minute amounts of marijuana possession. Is this the best use we have for the United States Coast Guard? How about having them patrol the Rio Grande with their little boats where there is definitely a problem.

The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices has finally recognized the problems motorcyclists face on the streets and highways of the country. They address metal plates on bridges, grooved pavement, highway construction and other problems that should be specially marked as dangerous for motorcycle traffic. The manual is pretty straight forward about highway safety and how to improve it with proper signage and safe construction especially where motorcycles are concerned. FINALLY we are recognized as legal users of the road.

Washington Road Riders Association has really been making some headway in the political arena since their inception. The assoc. was founded based in part on our organization. One of the Founders and current Legislative Officer is none other than TMRA 2 Warrior "Texas" Larry Walker. Larry’s job sent him to Washington but he stays in touch, pays his membership dues and flies a Texas Flag in his yard. It is great to be kept in the loop by a man who would be a District Advisor for us if he could have stayed here. They are currently working on a signal light Bill.

Tom went to Daytona after the Rally and Terri went to Florida to spend a week with her mother. I am staying in the office trying to keep track of what happens in the Political arena and catch up on all the Emails that have gone unanswered for a while. For anyone that doesn't know what our secretary does with her time, I can tell you I will be damned glad when she gets back Saturday. I am working 16-20 hours each day keeping up with my job and hers also. I'm too old for this.

The most important thing going on right now is the Democrat Party’s willingness to change the rules in the middle of the game to allow the two states that broke the rules to vote now. They knew the rules, they knew the penalty and still they broke the rules. If the Democrats can’t even abide by their own rules how can they be expected to govern by the constitution. Of course neither Party has paid attention to the constitution for many years but the Democrats are supposed to be offering change that they would have us believe means honest government. I fear this time we don’t even have a lesser of the two evils to choose from. Hopefully we can take the shell of our once great country and make real change at the end of these four years. We had probably better pay attention to saving our state this election and hope for the best.

I will be going to the IJMS Conference in California on the 17th. I will chair one Panel and be a responder on two others. While reading one of the Papers I will be responding to I was astounded at how riders in other countries see the Patriot Act. This particular Presenter is from Australia and this is just one comparison, from his point of view of the two countries.
He Says: Unlike the United States, Australia never was successfully able to revolt against Britain, thus cementing in stone the United States people's fundamental belief in challenging authority unjustly administered. Our legal structure compared to yours, reflects significant differences. We have no Bill of Rights, we have very few of the privileges you enjoyed prior to fear consuming middle America and the subsequent passing of the Patriot Act. Imagine that. He has the same thoughts on the Patriot Act as I do.

We sent Tony a check for the last three Warriors of 2007. He has been very patient with us and it was a real relief to send him that $2000 check. We paid the back taxes for 2006 and the last Quarter of 2007 today. We will pay off the Credit Card when the Bill comes in Thanks to everyone who has remained true and helped pull us through. Thanks to LP Cycles and everyone who helped pull off these Rallies and those who attended and our Sponsors. The added income has just about enabled us to break even for the first time in several years.

The Feds have given a $ 200 Billion loan to the banks because of all the home mortgage forclosures. WOW! Finally the Feds take notice of the problem and come up with a way to help those taxpayers who got caught up in a home lending scam perpetrated by the money hungry, greedy lenders. Sound good? It’s intended to but the exact opposite is true. The Feds are giving a $200 Billion gift to lenders in exchange for some of the bad loans they made in their haste to suck out every penny they could in the housing market. This money will be used to make new loans to corporations that suffered a loss because of their own greed and high CEO wages. This will not, nor was it intended to save anyone’s home. Another waste of Taxpayer money by a government run by Wall Street.

Sputnik

ONE WILD WEEKEND

2008-03-13T20:30:00.003-05:00

WHAT A DAY (week)

First I want to thank everyone who came out and helped during the event this year. They are too numerous to mention by name, or rather I kept running so hard I couldn’t find time to write the names down. Of course the dingy Blonde and her protector were once again at the gate. It just wouldn’t be a Rally without them there. They also brought along a gorgeous helper and I forgot to bring her home with me.

Terri and Sherri were there to get our "HOT RALLY GIRLS" off on the right footing and Terri helped decorate the stage and decorated the VIP Table. Anna and Tanya didn’t require much coaching. These ladies are drop dead gorgeous with a personality to make anyone feel at home. We are proud of you as our Good Will Ambassadors girls. We will ring in another helper for you next Rally. The girls were really a breath of fresh air and they will become a trademark of the Rallies at Lost Prairie Cycles Ranch.

J.R. conducted the Bike games for us again. Thanks Bro, we will give you a shout when we are ready to go again. There is nothing better than having a Professional of the game to give of their services just for the love of the association.
WE can’t say enough to Five Star Graphics for knocking out a shirt order for us on such a short notice. We ran out on Rally shirts on Friday and he stayed up past midnight making another order. Damned if we didn’t sell them off early Saturday and he quickly threw together another batch Thanks so much.

That Tom, he has friends in all walks of life and they all understand and live the life. And they can be called on quickly when he gets in a bind. Thanks to these friends, Joe & Laurie, Devin & Beverley and Lin Dale we were able to have water and electricity lines all across the ranch this time. They also set up the canopies, and did anything else they were called on for to make this a successful event. We will have hot showers in time for the next attempt. I heard Tom say something about "THUNDER IN THE HEARTLAND" for the next shot. Get ready to rumble!!!

The Bike games were well orchestrated the riders were ready to give it all they had. There burnout contest produced some very wild sounds that elicited even louder cheers from the delighted onlookers. There will be all new Bike games for the next run. The Run-N-Gun brought forth the old west spirit you can always count on when you put a pistol in a Texan’s hand and give them something to fire at. One participant had six aces while three others had five aces. Of course he had to throw one back because you can only keep five cards when playing seven card stud. A one shot Tie breaker gave the winner $234.00. The Gypsy M/C of Area A won the $1000 for most represented club. Uno Mas came on stage to accept the money then donated it back to the Rights Association. Thanks Guys and Gals.

And finally thanks to the staff who work for L. P. Cycles. They went way beyond the call of duty to lend a helping hand when needed.

To say this was our most successful event yet would be a gross understatement. Everyone we spoke with praised the ease with which everything was handled this time and they emphatically stated they would be back next time. There will be several changes next time and they will all be for the better. We had great media coverage for this event. There was the ever faithful staff from Clubhouse Magazine seen everywhere doing what they do best. They were taking pictures and talking to the crowds. As well as being the number one magazine to give their readers blow by blow descriptions of events of interest they also are especially strong supporters of Texas Motorcycle Rights Association. Thanks guys. Rogue, a free lance writer for Easy Riders Magazine was also present to give his breakdown on how things played out.

After everyone had left Sunday, Tom cooked up a couple of beautiful Sirloin Steaks to perfection. After my first bite I almost felt ashamed to eat it, I wanted to take it home for a souvenir of perfection. Note I said almost, I gobbled that sucker right down and enjoyed every bite. After the meal we sat down and discussed the weekend and plans for next time. The full tally is not in but I left there with over $15,000 and there will be more once all the bills are paid. We will finally be able to pay all our outstanding bills and get into the black side of the ledger. Now all you riders who didn’t attend join the association - if you are already a member get out and sign up a new member. Let’s stay in the black so I don’t have to use my wife’s credit card any more.

If I left anyone out please forgive me.

THANKS SO MUCH TO ALL WHO MADE THIS RALLY GREAT

Sputnik

HIPPA Resolution

2008-03-04T16:16:00.001-06:00

INSURANCE COVERAGE RESOLUTION

Precinct #_____________ County_____________________________

Whereas Congress has passed the Health Insurance Portability andAffordability Act (HIPAA) and;

Whereas this Act states that Group Policies cannot be withheld fromemployees based on legal lifestyle, and;

Whereas Insurance companies now sell the policy but refuse to payclaims if you are engaged in any non-work related activity theyconsider to be dangerous, and;

Whereas the Federal government has said this should be addressed atthe state level and;

Whereas Texas Riders are required to have medical coverage to complywith the Helmet exemption, Therefore be it,

RESOLVED: A medical insurance policy sold in Texas cannot refusepayment to any covered individual for injuries received while engagedin any lawful activity except for public demonstrations, sanctionedraces, and other professional or semi-professional competitions

Here is a link to a pdf file of this resolution. http://www.tmra2.org/images/Resolution-INSURANCE-COVERAGE-RESOLUTION.pdf

Opinion

2008-02-17T21:22:00.000-06:00

Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters is requesting an amendment to allow the SAFETEA-LU Section 2010 Grant funds to be used to promote helmet use in a letter sent to President of Senate Dick Cheney and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi. This is nothing more than a raid on a fund that was intended for motorcycle awareness and education.
Motorcyclists across the nation fought hard for many years to get this grant money and the outlines for it's usage were hammered out and agreed upon.

Consider writing letters to your Senators and Representatives asking them to do the following:
1. Write Sec. Peters and request she withdraw her proposed amendment.
2. Speak with your legislators against this letter in an attempt to gather votes against this amendment if she does not withdraw it and it becomes a written bill.

This way, you will be educating (not legislating) and maybe we can kill this whole idea before it gains support.

Please take time to act on this very important issue and pass bit around to your Email list. If you don't we lose over $300,000 in Funds for MC Safety and Awareness and end up with a helmet law.

Nancy Peters
Secretary of Transportation
1200 New Jersey Ave S.E.
Washington, DC 20590

Sputnik

Update

2008-02-14T21:41:00.001-06:00

UPDATE 2/14/08

Several Warriors attended the Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Seminar on Feb. 14th along with several other interested riders. Unlike other seminars it was more speakers and less interaction from the audience. Some talks, like the one from NHTSA were basically the same as past sessions and were only news to those who hadn’t attended one previously. It was the same routine about mandatory federal helmet laws and requiring additional insurance if you didn’t wear a helmet. Mr. Copeland came over, shook my hand and let me know he was not there to debate the helmet law.

Probably the biggest surprise for TxDOT and NHTSA was the presentation made by Gary Dupriest, President of Texas Motorcycle Roadriders Association. Gary was speaking on the Share The Road Program. He ripped TxDOT and Texas DPS a new one as he went over what had NOT happened with the Federal Safety Funds TxDOT had received in 2006. It was a well prepared presentation. He spoke of the stickers that didn’t get put up on the signs where they were to go. He pointed out that he didn’t want to see pictures of possible Billboards, he wanted to see Billboards put up.
We worked out a deal with a company to put up Billboards in Dallas and Ft.
Worth at a reasonable cost. We submitted the bid to Clif Burdette where it died. Gary also complained about the PSAs that ran a few times in May, stating that we get ran over every day of the year. He also pointed out that if this were "The Wizard of Oz" we would still be at the Munchkin level. He questioned how TxDOT could spend millions of dollars of taxpayer money working against us on the Trans Texas Corridor and couldn't afford to spend any for Driver Awareness. Thanks Gary, it was a great presentation and we could all see that they didn’t expect it nor did they appreciate it.

There were two very positive meetings that came out of the Seminar:

We met and spoke at length with Mr. John Young, the man who replaced Clif Burdett as head of the Motorcycle Training Program. While working with Clif was enjoyable, Mr. Young is going to be a God send. He is a long time rider, an ex-police officer serving his last ten years as a motorcycle officer. We found that he agrees that officers need better training on how to interpret the helmet law and how to write accident reports and traffic tickets to coincide with the severity of the offence.
I had just finished telling Terri that we should go in that direction with our Failure To Yield this next session. We will have a strong ally in Mr. Young.

We also spoke to Senator Carona’s Chief of Staff about the battle last year over the helmet Bill. He admitted that they could have handled the situation a lot better but that is in the past. He claimed that the Senator wants to work with us on issues we can agree on. He also told us the senator wanted to set up a committee on motorcycle safety issues with us being a part of it. We’ll see how that works out.

Thanks to Budweiser for the fine meeting place they provided for the seminar. Thanks also for the fine meal and unlimited supply of non-alcoholic beverages that they also provided. The little gifts were appreciated also.

I said on the show last night that I felt Mitt Romney was just a very wealthy man who wanted to test the waters and after spending $40,000,000 he realized he wasn’t going anywhere and dropped out. Or possibly a worse scenario he wanted to take enough delegates from Huckabee to ensure a victory for McCain. If that was the case then he would throw his support behind McCain. That is what he did today. He endorsed McCain and asked his delegates to vote for McCain. Guess we figured that one correctly.

Next Wednesday Obama and Clinton will hold a debate at the University of Texas in Austin. Of course the average person will be excluded from the audience but you will be able to watch it on CNN. Colin Powell recently said everyone should pay attention to what Obama is saying. He stopped just short of endorsing him.

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY

Sputnik

District Advisors Meeting

2008-02-14T07:48:00.000-06:00

It has been agreed to cancel the meeting and hold the May meeting in Hico.
I will go over and set things up at the earliest possible time.
Sputnik

Call for a Congressional Investigation into Perry's Corridor

2008-02-07T21:37:00.000-06:00

We need all Warrior's to write letters on this. This is very important.
Rick Perry needs to be accountable for what he has done. Please take the
time to do this.
Sputnik

The letter below, will be sent to your Congressman. Please fill this out and send it back Independent Texans. We will make sure your Congressman receives it. Thanks for doing the right thing for Texas!

-- Independent Texans (www.IndyTexans.org),
PO Box 14294, Austin, TX
78761, 512-535-0989.

(Add comments at the bottom). You can email this letter to: ljcurtis@indytexans.org.

Dear Congressman _______________________:

I ask for your assistance in calling for a Congressional investigation regarding the actions of Gov. Rick Perry and the Texas Transportation Commission to push for the Trans-Texas Corridor in the face of massive opposition from ordinary Texans.

I believe the following points deserve further inquiry:

1. The Governor’s claim that Texans voted for the Trans-Texas Corridor, when it was never placed on the ballot.

2. A deceptive lobbying effort leading to the passage of a transportation omnibus bill (HB 3588) in 2003, implementing the Corridor.

3. Shifting billions in highway dollars to intimidate county and state officials who have questioned these projects.

4. An illegal lobbying by TxDOT of the federal government to allow federal highways to be converted to toll roads.

5. The misuse of public funds for the purpose of "selling" these projects to a public.

6. The withholding of public documents -- specifically, a signed contract with CINTRA, a Spanish-based toll road consortium, which appears to have favored status to build the Corridor.

7. CINTRA lobbyist, Dan Shelley’s, employment with the Governor’s office.

8. Interference by the Federal Highway Administration appointees with ties to CINTRA.

9. The refusal of officials to state the key purpose of the TTC – that it is primarily a trade route to move more imports (primarily Chinese) from Mexican ports in to the US.

10. The refusal to address the very real threat of this project to homeland security and the sovereignty of the United States.
Further, the Governor has chosen to ignore his own Business Council and nationally recognized transportation experts who suggest that, if Texas needs additional funds for roads, they should simply index the gas tax, consider a modest gas tax increase and to stop allowing these funds to be used for non-transportation related matters.

Last, Texans, of all political persuasions, believe that in order to justify the largest taking of private property in the history of the US that this project demands, Texans should have the right to vote on it. We have been afforded no such thing. Will you join our call for a Congressional investigation to help guarantee protections for the rights of the people of Texas? We need your action now. I await your response.

Sincerely,

Signature
Printed Name
Address (include City and Zip)
Email:

AMA seeks urgent grassroots action to end health insurance discrimination against motorcyclists

2008-02-07T21:33:00.000-06:00

More than 100 members of the U.S. House of Representatives have co-sponsored a bill that would end health insurance discrimination against motorcyclists and others who participate in legal recreational activities or use their motorcycles for transportation.

While the action is significant, there is still much work to be done, according to AMA Vice President for Government Relations Edward Moreland.

“The AMA is calling on motorcyclists and others who face health insurance discrimination to urge their U.S. Representatives to support H.R. 1076, known as the HIPAA Recreational Injury Technical Correction Act,” said Moreland. "Time is short. The bill has broad bi-partisan support but we need 218 votes for passage. If we don’t act by April, we will likely miss our chance for legislative action in 2008."

Read the entire message at

http://www.amadirectlink.com/news/2008/HIPAA.asp

Chance to vote on new Texas license plates before Feb 11th

2008-02-07T21:19:00.000-06:00

Vote for 2009 Texas License Plate.
TXDOT wants your opinion on what new Texas license plates should look
like. They have to add one digit, and since they have to make a major design
change, they are using the opportunity to ask people what they want the
common plate to look like in 2009.
Study the examples, enlarge them for a better view, then vote.
You must vote by 12:00 noon on Feb 11, 2008.
Two votes per house.

http://apps.dot.state.tx.us/services/vehicle_titles_and_registration/vote_plate.htm

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HIPPA Bill - Call To Action January 31st'08

2008-01-31T17:12:00.001-06:00

The Following is Call to Action for the Texas Defenders, Currently Austin is the Only Region who is set up with Texas Defenders.

A "Call to Action" is not just for the Texas Defenders but for all who are concerned about preserving the their way of life and their right to Freedom of Oppression & Government Intrusion on your life. This is about America and your rights to:
RIDE FREE & LIVE FREE!
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Texas Defenders,

My thanks to Gypsy G-O for bringing to our attention the conflict with another meeting on the previous date.
Please make plans to attend!

Where: AMCSC 2102 EM Franklin Austin Texas

When: Wednesday February 6, 2008 at 7:30pm

Who: All Defenders (if at all possible, we know it's short notice, but try to be there)

For out of town Texas Defenders, we will need to figure out another way to get you the info, and help you get your letters back to us. Call or write me to discuss.What's it all about: We have been asked by our State Chairman to go towork very quickly to get our letters/emails written to the appropriategovernment offices regarding the HIPAA loophole regarding healthcarerestrictions for motorcyclists. We need to act NOW! All our TexasDefenders will be given some helpful information, samples of letters,instructions in content, and how to mail once completed will bediscussed .It is urgent that we take this exercise back to our individual clubs andbring back MORE letters! The ACOC will take care of the postage and mailing; we will explain moredetails on Tuesday night.We will even feed ya if you show up, please allow about an hour for usto complete the training. We all are learning how to work together as agreat team, let's make this our very first SUCCESSFUL campaign!!!! If you know you cannot attend this very important meeting, pleasecontact me as soon as possible.I apologize for the confusion, in the future I will do my homeworkregarding our scheduling with more diligence.Respect,Paul "Cocinero" LandersACOC Vice ChairmanTornados' MCcell: 512.276.0681

Report

2008-01-31T17:02:00.000-06:00

Report 1/31/08

Dee and I attended the Austin COC Meeting at the new location on EM Franklin. It was very well attended and informative. The Texas Defenders will have a booth set up at the Massacre to register voters though that will be too late to help with the Primary vote. The TMRA 2 members voted to hold their meetings at the EM Franklin location from now on.

Went home from the COC meeting to attend the Trinity Valley Warriors Chapter Meeting. They have a really fine meeting place just outside Dayton. It is large enough to hold events there. The chapter members voted to host a Fund Raiser on April 19th. They will have Barbeque, bike games and I shall sponsor the Run-N-GunPoker Run at the event.

The South Carolina Senate, on Jan 29th, passed Con Con Resolution S819 and sent it to the House. This is a terrible idea and it is hoped that the House will recognize it as such. S819 requests that the Federal Government call a Constitutional Convention to settle the Illegal Immigration issue once and for all. They are seeking to change the constitution to make being in the country illegally a criminal offense punishable by arrest and incarceration.
I can understand their frustration but if a Constitutional Convention should be called it could not be restricted to any one item and would bejust the opening needed for those wanting the North American Union. We will watch this Bill.

Another waste of time is being witnessed as the Houston city council debates outlawing the use of electric fences at storage buildings and businesses inside the city limits. This debate is being spurred by one council member who says that if a thief has a weak heart he could possibly be killed by coming in contact with the fence. She says that just because a person is stealing something they shouldn't be subject to possible death by suffering an electrical charge in the process. Understand the shock is about the same as that from a spark plug on your car or lawnmower. There is a chain link fence around the outside of the electric fence and signs on the electric fence.

Republicans stepping down from office appears to be getting routine at both state and federal levels recently. The latest on the state list is Senator Kyle Janek, District 17, who has three years left on his term. I had heard rumors when I went down to attend the meeting in Dayton and sure enough the next day it was announced. This session is looking better for us all the time.
The soonest a Special election can be called to fill the position would be sometime in May.

The Republican Debate in California showed some surprises last night. According to those in attendance Mitt Romney walked away with top honors. However today John McCain received endorsements from California's Governor and ex-governor Giuliani. It could possibly come down to Mr. Huckabee to determine the winner.

Tonight it will be Clinton and Obama, one on one. It will probably be dog eat dog with just a few days left until Super Tuesday.

We shall be down at the capitol tomorrow to meet with the Film Crew from Sweden. They will be filming a documentary on "Strange and Unusual Individual" that everyone loves. We shall try to convince them to attend the HOT Rally and get some footage of a lot of strange people if their schedule will permit.

The following is one Resolution we recommend you take to your Caucus meeting. We will have more soon. We only recommend resolutions and you can choose any of them or put in your own resolution. You may also share your ideas with us so we can pass them along to others.

INSURANCE COVERAGE RESOLUTION

Precinct #_____________ County_____________________________

Whereas Congress has passed the Health Insurance Portability and Affordability Act (HIPAA) and;

Whereas this Act states that Group Policies cannot be withheld from employees based on legal lifestyle, and;

Whereas Insurance companies now sell the policy but refuse to pay claims if you are engaged in any non-work related activity they consider to be dangerous, and;

Whereas the Federal government has said this should be addressed at the state level and;

Whereas Texas Riders are required to have medical coverage to comply with the Helmet exemption, Therefore be it,

RESOLVED: A medical insurance policy sold in Texas cannot refuse payment to any covered individual for injuries received while engaged in any lawful activity except for public demonstrations, sanctioned races, and other professional or semi-professional competitions.

January 1st post

2008-01-01T02:42:00.000-06:00

JANUARY REPORT

We received a Government website from the Biker Republic list. It shows how much was appropriated by the federal government to different organizations, individuals and private companies. You can search for any handouts the feds have given by recipient’s name, by state, by year or just about any way you wish to search the feds spending practices.
Of interest was how much in tax dollars has been given to La Raza during President Bush’s term of office. Remember La Raza is the organization that fights for the constitutional rights of Illegal Immigrants and stages Protest Rallies to give them citizenship.

2000 $ 8,100,067 Grant
2001 $ 7,270,468 Grant
2002 $ 9,911,316 Grant
2003 $ 7,101,272 Grant
2004 $ 8,740,389 Grant
2005 $ 7,592,737 Grant
2006 $ 6,594,903 Grant
____________
Total $ 48,209,880 taxpayer money given to fund an organization that
works against the best interest of our country.
It was also interesting to learn that Mothers Against Drunk Drivers received $ 2,300,091 in funding grants for 2006 in Texas alone. There is a lot more to be gleaned from this site concerning how taxpayer money is spent by our federal legislators. We have put the site address here so you can look through it. Look for how much we might be spending for Hand Gun Control and other organizations that defy our constitution.

http://www.fedspending.org/faads/faads.php?&recipient_name=la%20raza&fiscal

Here is Sputnik’s tentative travel plans for January 2008 to attend meetings. There will of course be others added as the month progresses.

Saturday 5th Beaumont Confederation of Clubs
Sunday 6th Whitehouse Confederation of Clubs
Wednesday 9th D/FW Chapter
Sunday 13th Heart of Texas Chapter
Thursday 17th Lubbock Chapter
Tuesday 22nd Trinity River Warriors Chapter
Sunday 27th Austin Confederation of Clubs

We have an important message to bring to those who attend any of the meetings we attend during the next two months. We have designed a shirt to go with this message and we hope you will place an order for some of them from your chapter or your Club.

LANSING - Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox says illegal immigrants can no longer get a state driver's license, bolstering efforts by state officials to create a far more secure state identification card as proof of citizenship. Cox's legal opinion overrules an opinion written in 1995 by former Attorney General Frank Kelley. Michigan is one of a handful of states in which illegal immigrants have been able to get driver's licenses

And speaking of Drivers License, North Carolina is the first state to issue the new North American Drivers License.

The Washington Post reported, "the focus of the drug war in the United States has shifted significantly over the past decade from hard drugs to marijuana." And they're not even talking about pot dealers.
Shockingly, almost nine out of ten of the all-time record 829,627 marijuana arrests made last year were for possession -- not for sales or trafficking, just for possession. That's one pot-related arrest every 38 seconds -- why are we wasting our tax dollars chasing after potheads?

As Rob Kampia of the Marijuana Policy Project wrote on AlterNet: "That's like arresting every man, woman and child in the state of North Dakota plus every man, woman and child in Des Moines, Iowa, on marijuana charges ... every year. By comparison, there were 611,523 arrests last year for all violent crimes combined."

The Iowa Caucus is drawing a lot of media attention and candidates are spending hundreds of thousands dollars every day to run each other down.
Truth be known there is very little reason this caucus should have ant effect on the national elections. The Parties are working so hard and spending so much money hoping to turn out 200,000 Iowans to attend the Caucuses Thursday Night. Before the storms they are now having they were predicting 10% turnout for Republicans and 9% for Democrats.

Have a very HAPPY NEW YEAR and stay safe.
Sputnik

news - Videos conflict with police account of motorcycle chase & crash

2007-12-09T11:06:00.000-06:00

By MELISSA VARGAS
Star-Telegram Staff Writer
Posted on Fri, Dec. 07, 2007

Liveleak

A frame from the police car video shows the motorcycle just before it and the car collide. The motorcycle is on the left, just above the words "Watauga DPS."
Second officer collides with motorcycle
First officer initiates chase
WATAUGA -- Police car videos released by the Watauga Department of Public Safety show an officer's patrol car swerving into the path of a motorcycle carrying two people in August.
The officer, William Allen, says, "I hit him."
Seconds later, the officer who had been pursuing the motorcycle arrives at the crash scene and jumps out of his car, shouting, "What were you thinking?"
The videos raise further questions about the Department of Public Safety's claims that the motorcyclist ran a red light and that the officer did everything possible to avoid a collision.
The Aug. 25 collision severely injured the motorcycle passenger, Cynthia Arredondo, 31, who was thrown 60 feet and suffered severe head trauma, broken ribs, and leg and arm injuries. The driver, Derek Muzquiz, 25, was hospitalized for a week.
Watauga police officials have said the two officers were pursuing the motorcycle because Muzquiz had run a red light. The videos don't show him running a red light before the pursuit.

Release ordered
The city fought the release of the videos but was ordered to release them Nov. 30 by the Texas attorney general's office.
Watauga officials have not released the videos to the Star-Telegram, which requested them in September under the Texas Public Information Act. Watauga did provide them to KTVT/Channel 11, which provided them to the Star-Telegram.
In response to previous Star-Telegram reports about the collision, Police Chief Rande Benjamin suspended both officers involved for not following department policy. The Watauga department has declined to identify the officer who began the chase. Allen was providing backup when his car collided with the motorcycle.
Allen was suspended for 60 days without pay, and the officer who began the pursuit was suspended for 15 days without pay.
Benjamin did not return phone and e-mail requests seeking comment about the videos Thursday. City Manager Kerry Lacy was out of the office and could not be reached for comment.
City Councilman Jerry Adams said he had not seen the videos and had not heard anything about the case "in quite a while."

The crash
Allen's police car video shows him racing south on Rufe Snow Drive with his lights and siren on. When Allen turns west onto Chapman Road, he slows as he crosses into the oncoming traffic lane, the video shows.
The motorcycle is traveling toward Allen head-on, then veers to go around the police cruiser. Allen's car swerves into its path and hits the motorcycle.
The video from the pursuing officer's car begins at the intersection of U.S. 377 and Chapman Road, about a mile west of the collision site.
The patrol car is sitting behind the motorcycle, which is stopped at the traffic light with the left-turn signal flashing. When the traffic light turns green, the motorcycle turns east onto Chapman Road and the patrol car follows. At that point, the officer turns on his lights and siren, and the motorcycle speeds away.
As the officer gives chase, he speeds through two stop signs. As he nears Rufe Snow Drive, he can be heard telling Allen on the radio, "You've got him." Seconds later, Allen says on the radio, "I hit him."
The pursuing officer arrives, jumps out of his car and yells, "What were you thinking?" He runs to Arredondo's aid and calls for an ambulance.

No investigation
Arredondo is doing better but is still recovering from her injuries at an Arlington rehabilitation center, her aunt Margaret Burcie said Thursday.
Muzquiz was arrested in October on suspicion of evading arrest with a vehicle, a state jail felony. He was released on $2,500 bail.
Muzquiz's first court appearance was Nov. 5. Prosecutor Tasha Foster of the Tarrant County district attorney's office said she had not seen the chase video. To her knowledge, she said, no one in the district attorney's office is investigating the officers' actions.
Officials with the district attorney's office have said they don't generally investigate police unless someone first makes a complaint to the Texas Rangers or unless a police department makes a complaint to the district attorney.

MELISSA VARGAS, 817-685-3888
mvargas@star-telegram.com

CHECK THIS LINK TO FIND VIDEOs:
http://www.star-telegram.com/407/story/346994.html

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Report

2007-12-01T08:54:00.000-06:00

YAMAHA RECALLS

2001 Yamaha Road Star, Midnight Star, Road Star Silverado models (model numbers: XV16, 16AN, 16ASN, 16 ATN)

2002 Yamaha Road Star, Limited Edition, Midnight Star, Star Warrior, Silverado (model numbers: XV16, 16AP, 16APC, 16ASP, 16ASPC, 16ATP, 16ATPC, XV17 P, 17PC, 17PCP, 17PCPC, 17PCR, 17PCRC)

2003 Yamaha Road Star, Midnight Star, Limited Edition, Warrior and Silverado (model numbers: XV16, 16AR, 16ARC, 16ALER, 16ALERC, 16ASR, 16ASRC, 16ATR, 16ATRC, XV17PCP, 17PCPC, 17PCR, 17PCRC)

Filings by Yamaha with the Federal government’s Safety Recall "department" indicate that between 29,000 and 53,000 Yamaha motorcycles manufactured with defective transmission parts that can cause the transmission and rear wheel to lock up while in motion, which can throw the driver out of control, possibly causing severe injury or even death.
Yamaha has reported to the Federal government that only about 6,000 or so of these motorcycles were repaired.

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HSD submits new rules for Real ID Act
After taking public comments into account, Homeland Security Department officials have submitted a revised set of minimum federal standards that states must meet when issuing driver’s licenses and identification cards to satisfy the Real ID Act. of 2005.

A final rule will be good news to companies that work in ID security because many states have been reluctant to move forward with upgrades to their ID systems, said Jeremy Grant, a senior vice president at the Stanford Group who follows the sector closely and attended the Nov. 29panel discussion.“The regulations coming out will automatically take back the restraint that’s been holding back the market,” he said.

House GOP Exits Will Strengthen Right in '08
By John Gizzi

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
With the number of House Republicans retiring at 17 and counting-- compared to four exits on the Democratic side -- there are few GOP prognosticators who dare to say that their party has any chance of regaining the majority it held in the House from 1994-to-2006. Simply put, the mathematics just aren't there.
Most of those stepping down were top level leaders in the cabinet, agencies and legislators.

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Celebrities Unqualified to Give Political Endorsements
By Pat Sajak

There have been so many debates and interviews and columns and profiles and polls, it's hard to believe the election for president is still about 11 months away. Recently, celebrity endorsements have been making news, with Oprah Winfrey saying she would campaign for Barack Obama and Barbra Streisand then making the announcement that she was supporting Hillary Clinton.
No big surprise about Streisand but this is the first time Oprah Winfrey has gotten involved in a campaign.

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HOMELAND SECURITY SCREWUP

MAHER ARAR WAS FLYING HOME TO CANADA WHEN HIS PLANE MADE A LANDING IN THE US. HE WAS PICKED UP BY HOMELAND SECURITY AND QUESTIONED. FINALLY HE WAS TOLD HIS NAME WAS ON A TERRORIST LIST AND HE WOULD BE RETURNED TO SYRIA WHERE HE WAS BORN.
ARAR HAD LEFT SYRIA 16 YEARS EARLIER AND TAKEN UP CITIZENSHIP IN CANADA. HE WAS RETURNED TO SYRIA WHERE HE WAS HELD CAPTIVE AND TORTURED FOR OVER 10 MONTHS.
FINALLY HE BROKE DOWN AND CONFESSED TO TRAINING WITH ALQUEDA IN PAKISTAN, WAS RELEASED AND SENT BACK HOME TO HIS WIFE IN CANADA.
THE US HAS NEVER EVEN APOLOGIZED AND HIS NAME IS STILL ON THE TERRORIST LIST.

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A UFO HEARING WAS HELD WITH 14 HIGH LEVEL GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND TOP RANK MILITARY PERSONNEL FROM SEVEN COUNTRIES TAKING PART.
TESTIMONY WAS TAKEN FROM MANY HIGHLY RESPECTED PERSONS WHO CLAIMED TO HAVE SEEN UFO’S. More study will be done to find any cover ups that may have taken part by the government.

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RON PAUL APPEARS TO BE STARTING A REVOLUTION. HE RECENTLY RAISED $ 4,000,000 CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS IN JUST ONE DAY. People are simply disenfranchised from both parties in government. The Independents are supporting Dr. Paul and many Democrats and Republicans are looking for a change. Should be interesting as we move closer.

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Congressman Cuellar recently had a run in with the Sheriff in his home Town of Laredo.
When asked by the sheriff who he was representing since Laredo had received no funds to help fight the problems along the border.
Cuellar responded by saying the border was protected by the Border Patrol and Federal Agents. You are a sheriff and just have to look at the small picture. I am a congressman and have to look at the big picture. You just do your job as a sheriff and I will do my job as a congressman.
Cuellar’s brother is running against the sheriff in the upcoming election.

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Dana and Thomas will be hosting a meeting at the American Legion Post in Channelview to get another TMRA 2 chapter started there. Contact Dana at 281-827-8407. We are also looking at starting a new chapter in Amarillo in the near future.

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Thus far my December Calendar reads like this, December 2nd TOG Chapter Meeting in Groesbeck, Dec. 8th HOT Chapter Meeting in Axtell, Dec. 15th TMRA 2 Fundraiser at LP Cycles in Groesbeck. (call Tom for more information 254-729-3104) Then on Dec. 16th Houston COC meeting, Dec. 19th El Paso Chapter Meeting and Dec. 20th Permian Basin Chapter meeting. (look in Chapter Page of the Warrior for exact location.) We shall be attending all chapter and COC Meetings as quickly as possible as we have some important news to share.
There will of course be more to come and this does not include doing the TV Show each Tuesday.

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We are currently working on a new product line which should be ready by the first of the year if not before. Let us know if there is anything specific you think we should consider.
Call Tom 254-729-3104 or
Sputnik 512-971-6777

Ride Free – Ride Sober

Cheated

2007-12-01T00:18:00.000-06:00

Representative Mike Krusee cheated me after all. After saying he would run for reelection. I told everyone in Austin and said on my TV Show several times, including tonight, that I would take him out this election.
We returned to the office to hear him say he would not seek reelection this time. Oh well at least he is gone and we win. We'll have a new Transportation Chair next session.

Sputnik

Legislative Update

Guns in National Parks

ETCG Rally

Update

Get Ready Louisiana

@bankfranklin.com

TMRA2 Chapter meeting canceled for tonight

news - Anti-biker bill voted into US law (FL)

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letters

from Suds RE: COIR Div. of Texas Defenders

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ONE WILD WEEKEND

HIPPA Resolution

Opinion

Update

District Advisors Meeting

Call for a Congressional Investigation into Perry's Corridor

AMA seeks urgent grassroots action to end health insurance discrimination against motorcyclists

Chance to vote on new Texas license plates before Feb 11th

HIPPA Bill - Call To Action January 31st'08

Report

January 1st post

news - Videos conflict with police account of motorcycle chase & crash

Report

Cheated