Many believe that "MRO" is an acronym for "Motorcycle Rights Organization". But that would make no sense. A motorcycle is a piece of property, and has no rights. Motorcyclists, on the other hand, do have rights. And that is what "MRO" stands for: Motorcyclists’ Rights Organization.

There is no "&" (ampersand) between the "M" and the "R" in "MRO". That’s because the word "and" does not appear between "motorcyclists" and "rights" in the definitive phrase. This seemingly minor difference is actually a major distinction, in that what could be the focus of a "Motorcyclists’ and Rights Organization" and what should be the focus of a "Motorcyclists’ Rights Organization" are two different things.

And how important is focus? Given that we live in a world with finite resources, "focus" is fundamental to survival, success, and the achievement of any significant goal or objective. Focus is how we define those goals and target those objectives, and heavily influences how we allocate and expend our limited resources in their pursuit. A broad focus, for example, compels us to scatter and spread our resources, and dilutes our impact on any specific target. A narrow focus, on the other hand, allows us to concentrate our resources, and thereby increases the likelihood we will accomplish what we set out to do.

The focus of a "Motorcyclists’ Rights Organization" should be just that: Motorcyclists’ Rights. All MROs—national, state, regional or local—operate with limited resource bases. They only have so many members, and those members can only contribute so much of their time and money to the issues that MRO leaders bring to their attention. If that attention is diverted to issues that are not specifically related to motorcycles, motorcyclists or motorcycling, then the MRO’s limited political capital is diverted as well. As I have said before, "… we fight to protect the freedom and promote the interests of American motorcyclists ... to defend our right to choose our own modes of transportation, attire and lifestyle ... to deter and defy discrimination against us ... and to vanquish those who violate our rights or right-of-way." If an issue does not fall within that framework, then it has no place in any MRO platform, publication or agenda.

Immigration reform, for example, is a noble and important cause, but it does not fall within the bikers’ rights framework. Immigration reform is also an explosively divisive issue, and those misguided "freedom riders" subverting our soapboxes to spew flawed and fraudulent traffic statistics while wrapping prejudice in American flags and calling it patriotism do more harm to the cause of bikers’ rights than they can imagine. And immigration reform is certainly not the only political issue that should be left out of the MRO mix. When an MRO takes a stand on any non-biker issue, it risks shrinking its political base—and squandering biker political capital—by unnecessarily alienating riders who might disagree with their position. In other words, for an MRO to be fully effective it must focus on matters that appeal to the broadest political base—i.e., the motorcycling mainstream—while avoiding as much as possible those contentious and often petty issues that "divide the tribes".

Charity is also a noble and important cause. But it is only suitable for MRO agendas if the money being raised is going to an appropriate recipient. Downed riders, and riders down on their luck, should certainly qualify as appropriate recipients. But I am not convinced that MRO philanthropy should extend much beyond that. Yes, an argument can be made that raising money for popular charities increases our "goodwill". But I think we need to take a long, hard look at (a) just how much—or little—goodwill is actually generated, (b) whether that goodwill is actually doing anything to advance our political agenda, and (c) whether an alternative investment of our time and money might give us better payback. And if nothing else, we should at least make sure we aren’t giving our hard-earned money away to "causes" that don’t really deserve it … people who don’t really need it … or worst of all, parties who politically oppose us—which might very well include lobbyists and physicians cashing healthcare facility checks covered by the deposits of our donations. MROs may at times be forced to sleep with the enemy, but we sure as hell shouldn’t be paying for the privilege.

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Jan. 2, 2008

May 26, 2007

12/25/2006

Update. We have fresh snow here in AK. As it should be for this holiday. Everything is crispy white. We also have a very heavy whore frost so EVERYTHING is white. Great morning.

See you the next go around. Wyatt

*******

   
Merry Christmas Idaho ABATE!

May the New Year be all that you wish!

 

Anne Hooper

Secretary

River City ABATE Chapter

11/25/2006

Good Day to All,

I would like to update the River Rogues as to my whereabouts. I'm presently in California and missing the great State of Idaho. As Dorothy would say, "There’s no place like home".

I'm glad to hear that Tim is staying on top of the political issues. My first impression of him is that he has a passion for that and that he has a pit-bull attitude when it comes to our "elected" officials. Thanks Tim.

I will have to endure my present conditions till further notice from my manager but stand assured that no matter were I travel I will always seek out the ABATE members and let them know that they have brothers in North Idaho who are striving to keep our rights in place.

With the coming of the New Year it is my greatest hope that everyone remembers the lessons learned in the pass and be safe out there. More than ever I believe in educating the general public to our concerns about "watching out for the other guy".

Be safe and I'll see you" all on the next go around.

Respectfully,

Wyatt

click on photo for larger image

All,
Just a quick note to let yo"all know that I will be leaving the great state of Alaska Monday. It truly sadden my heart to leave all this (cold) snow and sunshine. This is one of the many things that make it worth being here in Alaska. The colorful sunrises and sunsets that will just blow you away. I saw eight moose this morning. What a sight. One bull chasing the cows around looking for a little TLC (photo1, photo2). Very moving. In the last couple of weeks we have accumulated about eight inches of snow. The temperature has dropped to -25. This just enhances the mountains (Granite/Alaska Mountain Range) in our area. They take on a pink color at first light. The air is so crisp that any moisture in the air crystallizes.  Can you imagine!!!  I have to leave all this for a business trip to the cold hearted state of California were it is up to 70 at night.

I will not have access to a computer for a few days because of the area I will be in (Vandenberg). The only consolation is that I have a new girl friend that will be joining me there. I would like to take this opportunity to introduce her to a few of you that haven't met her. Her name is Rosy. She has committed to stay with me as long as I want her to, through thick and thin. What a gal indeed. (See attachment for her picture)

I hope this finds everyone health and happy.
Till we converse again,
Wyatt

More Venting About Drivers

CELL PHONES A REAL DANGER TO MOTORCYCLISTS

Cell phones are here to stay and the use of these devices while driving is certainly on the increase.  The fact that it is a major distraction to drivers is well known. I would like to see real numbers statistically what accidents can be contributed to the use of cell phones while driving.  As a cell phone user myself, I limit my usage to necessary calls and in heavier traffic, let the calls go to voicemail.  We all have experienced drivers that drift from their lanes, slow down or speed up, and fail to use turn signals while using cell phones. I have witnessed drivers going through red lights many times also. The one I remember best was a driver at a stoplight with a phone wedged between head and shoulder, a cup of coffee in one hand and a cigarette in the other. Who the hell was driving the car!

As a motorcyclist, I have experienced all of the above when I ride and have avoided many accidents simply because I look at the drivers and not just the vehicle.  A motorcycle is no match for a car or truck in an accident. If I see a cell phone in use, I steer clear!  Legislation for cell phone use while driving is necessary, because as a society we are not regulating ourselves.  I intend to speak to my legislators soon regarding sensible use of cell phones while driving.

Tim Herzog

What Is Our Job?

At a State Board of Directors meeting earlier this year, the question was asked by a Chapter Coordinator: “aren’t we doing our job?”  So what is ABATE of North Idaho’s “job”?

Here is one job:

In July 2005, a Motion was passed by the Board of Directors that “We accept, as an organization, a goal for the coming year that each Chapter begin an ongoing Motorcycle Awareness Program (MAP) class in a local high school in their area.”  This motion goes back to our most basic principals of 1989.  It is one of the MAIN Reasons ABATE of North Idaho was created.  The Safety & Education Awareness program should be a priority.

 Three out of the then four Chapters reported the “no one in their Chapter had volunteered to be in charge of their Safety & Education committee”.  I find this answer unacceptable.  There is no excuse for this apathetical attitude.  The Chapter officers along with the entire Chapter membership should be “the committee”.

 Each Chapter has been provided long ago with the class outline, video, quiz and info brochures.  Several members who have been involved in the classes in the past have volunteer to help train.  The dates and times of classes that Lifetime member, Dewain Hendren, still conducts are posted on our ANI website a week beforehand in hopes that members will take the opportunity to attend and learn.

 What happened to “Educate Not Legislate”?......Are we not safer on our scooters when the public is better informed about us?  The Driver’s Education classes are designed to help do just that.  Educate young drivers about motorcycles and sharing the road with them.  It will only help to keep us all safer on the road.