TIGER TALES – JANUARY, 2012
A very Happy New Year to my ABATE Family and Freedom Fighters everywhere! I hope this finds all of you starting 2012 off well after enjoying a satisfying Holiday Season with family and friends. My home Chapter, ABATE’s Central Oklahoma District, placed enough confidence in me to re-elect me as President so I look forward to a rewarding and fun year at the helm. I’d like to welcome our other COD Chapter Officers for the 2012 Term: Monte “Stick” Keiner, Vice-President; Carmaletta Lara, Secretary; Ruby Buskirk, Treasurer; and Amos Tallbear and John Dries, Sgts-at-Arms. In addition, Stick and Mark “Bus” Buskirk are going to repeat as Chapter Representatives to the State Board. Thanks so much to these dedicated members for volunteering to lead our Chapter and make it stronger and more effective! We’ll have opportunity to kick off 2012 the right way at the Oklahoma Confederation of Clubs Meeting in Lawton January 8, and at the OK SMILE State Membership Meeting at the Biltmore Hotel in Oklahoma City January 13-15. I very much look forward to seeing my Brothers and Sisters there!
Our FIFTEENTH ANNUAL COD ABATE Veterans’ Day Run to the State Capitol’s Oklahoma War Memorial was successful, and over 475 motorcycles, trikes and vehicles took part. After a heartfelt service in front of the Eternal Flame, participants headed over to the American Legion Post #73 in Del City for a Hot Dog Cookout hosted by the Legion and the Guard Dogs MC, one of our OK Confederation member groups. Many thanks to Post #73 for their hospitality! Thanks also to the American Legion Riders Post #1340 for managing the Parade route and providing outriders, and to the OKC Police Motorcycle Division for keeping folks safe. Our Riders Post Commander, Robbie Wicker, served as Road Captain, and also collected donations for the OK Veterans’ Home in Norman. Veterans’ Day underscores the importance of honoring our Military throughout the year, and holding the Government accountable for honoring its commitment to providing benefits hard-earned through Service and Sacrifice. I look forward to working with the OK Confederation of Clubs as we expand our Veterans’ Connection Program to support our Military and Veteran members of the Riding Community. Be sure to join us for our Memorial Day Bike Parade next May!
I was very busy in my role as National Coalition of Motorcyclist Director for Region 2 in November. I attended the NCOM Semi-Annual Board Meeting November 11-12 in Memphis, TN, where we hammered out details for the 27th Annual NCOM Convention scheduled for next May in Indianapolis, IN. Make plans to be part of Biker History, where over 1,500 motorcyclists representing many different groups will attend! Check out www.aimncom.comfor more details. Attorney Mitch Proner outlined NCOM’s campaign to overturn New York’s discriminatory Motorcycle Only Checkpoints, and discussed the danger of videotaping officers in the process of harassing Bikers. Ironically, one of our Board members got arrested for Disorderly Conduct while taking pictures of a Memphis Police Officer in the process of breaking up a domestic disturbance on Beale Street. He was released after being arraigned and all charges were dropped, but it still cost him over two thousand dollars! Laws vary in different areas, so be aware of what’s permitted before filming the police!
We held the NCOM Region 2 Conference November 19 in Tulsa, and over 500 Freedom-Loving motorcyclists and trikers attended. All six Region 2 states were represented, so it was gratifying to network with folks from Texas, Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa and Missouri as well as Oklahoma and elsewhere in the Nation. Special guests included South Dakota State Senator Jim Putnam, US Defenders Commander Gimmi Jimmy of Texas, NCOM Attorney Bill Smith, and Christian Unity Liaison Louie Nobs. These experienced Freedom Fighters all presented educational, informative seminars on important issues. As if to underscore discussed threats to Liberty, the Federal District Court in New York announced on the same day as our meeting that it upheld the legality of Motorcycle Only Checkpoints. NCOM Attorney Mitch Proner plans to take this issue all the way to the US Supreme Court, so I’ll keep you informed on further developments! I’d like to express my heartfelt thanks to the Oklahoma Confederation of Clubs, led by Bandido Steve-O 1%er, for providing logistical support contributing to the event’s overwhelming success.
Tiger’s Tip O’ The Month: Ice is a primary adversary when riding in January, in that it’ll cause you to immediately lose traction. Be especially observant, especially regarding Black Ice which can take you by surprise, and heavy ice buildup due to re-freezing slush or even deep water in the street caused by blocked storm drains or burst residential pipes!
I’d like to remind folks that Freedom of Choice regarding helmet wear in Michigan is STILL a possibility! ABATE’s bill has passed both Houses, and has gone back to the State Senate for re-confirmation. After final approval, it goes to Governor Snyder’s office for signature. The Governor’s keeping silent on the issue, so keep sending postcards to the Michigan Tourism Department! As I bring this to a close, I can’t help reflecting on when I started submitting regular articles. I was serving as ABATE State Sgt-at-Arms in 1997, and then-State Coordinator Mark Baldwin asked me to consider a monthly contribution. We decided on “Tiger Tales”, and I quite frankly can’t remember ever missing a month in the almost fifteen straight years of writing. It’s hard to believe so much time has passed, but it’s been a fun ride so far, and I hope you continue to find these articles beneficial and interesting. As long as you do, I’ll be proud to oblige you! Ride especially safely and aware during these Winter months, and I look forward to visiting again with you in February, as we get ready for Super Bowl Sunday and Valentine’s Day (not necessarily in that order!).
Keep It On The Black Strip Between The Trees,
Tiger Mike