Christa, Forward this to people. This is the tone I hope the interviews take:
Hello everyone! I wanted to wait until I got home later this afternoon (it is officially Sunday - just barely), but I'm too wide awake and I have a heart too full of things to share. I want to make sure that this is all very respectful of everyone involved. I'm going to just start at the beginning without dragging things out too much. It's my opportunity to present the whole story with the hindsight added to things. Gather round the campfire...
I initially didn't know if I'd make it out to this ride. I had an appointment with my chiropractor first thing in the morning, but I wanted to be prepared, jut in case I could make it. I was able to get in and out of there quick (Dr. Jodi, I wish I was on your adjustment table right now), so I headed over to the kick-off point. I probably just missed everyone heading out. I wasn't sure of the route, but I knew the destination. Factoring in any gass-up time, I figured I just might catch up with them. I got to the Roadrunner straight away, and was early. I started up a conversation with a husband and wife that arrived by motorcycles right before me. The wife was riding a Nightster and I shared pictures with her of "The Punisher" (my 883 Iron that is all blacked out with some comic book hero, Punisher-like skulls on it). When their food showed up, I excused myself. She is the manager at a local auto parts store in the north valley. I did plan on looking her store up, but now I just need to track her down. Period. Once I got outside, I was welcomed with the hearty greetings of the group.
Out of respect, I'm staying away from names, even if we might all know who is who. Dignity. I walked up and gave the group leader a hug and received a big one in return. The two "social butterflies" of the group made sure that introductions were carried out, even from halfway across the patio. I waved "hi" to a few new faces and to a few good friends. I took my seat at the end of the table, being sure to seat myself where I'd have a good view of all the eye-candy in the parking corral. While waiting for food, we did motorcycle enthusiast things - We checked out all the latest rides to grace the group, we talked about accessories, where we wanted to ride next, etc. I showed off the new saddle on my Bonneville and the other little bits I'd done to have it mirror my much beloved T100. It's the one in my profile pictures. Man, I miss that bike. Just before the food got there, I was standing down at the other end of the table when the couple from inside came out. We shook hands and embraced like old friends. I promised to find her store. Now there is no way I can't go. I just hope I can find it!
I remember the seating positions and what people had for lunch. The gravity of something so minor weighs so heavily.
We all headed out after lunch. I was the first one out of the corral. A couple bikes were parked in the other lot and were waiting for us. As things shook out, I found myself near the front of the group. Since this was my first time riding with them for the day, I was checking everyone out. I saw some riding styles from friends that were not quite like what I'm used to seeing. Not better, not worse... Just definitely different from the usual style. Those individual nuances are for me to cherish. I'm sorry at can't share more. After 10-15 minutes on the road, I watched the positions change as 2 bikes headed off on the I-17 exit. As we drifted along, I remember the distinct though of, "Oh, a couple people are heading back already. Boy, it's a nice day. I guess I'm making the right choice by staying on for the journey to the la...BAMMM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It was that quick. It was the longest moment of impact I've ever experienced, and trust me, I know of what I speak. That collision lasted forever. I kept waiting for it to end. My boot was ripped off, and before I hit the ground I knew my leg was broken. I remember being hit by a wall, very uniformly across my back. My Bonneville was spun out to the left of me and I hit the ground. I stayed conscious and lucid the entire time. I let out a guttural howl as I waited for my breath to return. Once I got it out, I heard someone holler to ask if I was ok. My mind processed one million things that next moment. The world just exploded. I had no idea what had happened. There was not a sound of breaking rubber to be heard. I was in the #3 position as the entire group sat at a stop light. The group leader was directly in front of me. A fraction of an instant before the world ended, I saw her rise from her seat and throw a quick glance over her shoulder. Game over. As I assessed myself, lying in the road, I could feel my right foot flopping around on the end of my leg. I knew that it was, at the very least, an open tibia fracture. I also knew that the humanity-ending event that I had just experienced was way bigger than I even knew. The little sliver that I saw was life-shattering and devastating, but I knew there was more going on behind me that I couldn't turn over to see.
Once I was able to throw a glance over my shoulder, I saw a truck in flames. In the quick glance I had, I though it might have been a fuel truck. The flames were disturbingly close. Right then I heard a voice shout, "We gotta move him. This truck could blow!" Thus reinforcing my initial impression that it was a fuel truck. A moment later, multiple hands were cradled under me and lifting me. I told them about by leg and they made sure to stabilize it. The way that leg was all floppy, there was no way I could lay on my back. They laid me down on my side. I was with it enough to realize that I needed to take some actions. Since I was laying on my side, I was supporting my own helmet-covered head. I knew I didn't hit my head, and it was pretty clear my cervical spine was not too acute. I was able to pull my phone out of my pocket and knew I had to make some calls. I tried using the hands-free speaker, but there was too much background noise for me to hear anything. I loosened my helmet and handed it off. A woman that had come out from one of the local businesses cradled my head until someone brought over folded blankets for me to rest my head on. I slipped off my headphones (I remember I was listening to an educational Podcast at the time) and the woman that had cradled my head took my headphones and placed them in my left chest pocket and zipped it closed. She was very conscientious. Next I called my boss. "What?!?!" Let me explain. I'm a nurse. I called my boss and told her that I was in a HUGE accident. She asked why I was calling her. I told her because I would be coming to her as a level 1 trauma and I wanted her to be ready. Then I called mom. Mom is a nurse, too, so I knew she could handle this. I was with it, so I wanted her to find out right from the horse's mouth that I was ok.
Here is the most significant part of the entire story, the ENTIRE event. When the citizen rescuers picked me up and saved me, they laid me down less than 6 feet away from and face-to-face with the group leader. As an operating room nurse, being aware of people's conditions tends to take precedent with any given situation for me. I get tunnel vision on that injured person in front of me, and there was no one on the ride with more significance for me. Until I speak with her husband and discuss things, I cannot tell a word of what I saw. All I can say is that I haven't slept since the accident because of the tunnel vision view burned into my very psyche. It's a picture I was face-to-face with for an hour until she was taken to the helicopter. I'll be dealing with that moment in time for the rest of my life.
I heard the paramedics discussing where to take all of us. I told them I NEEDED to go to the facility I work at. They said, "Hey man, we got a lot of traumas." I said, "Hey, I'm stable. Put me on a list and I'll wait." In the end, they were able to take me there straight-away, no fuss, no muss. The most uncomfortable part of the trip (other than the bumps jostling my leg) was that no one could get and IV started in me. Even now, my arms look like pincushions. I'm stuck all over every IV location over both arms. That's gonna leave a bruise.
The rest of my story is all in the aftershocks that radiated across the entire country. I'll speak more about it all in my next installment. Let me hit some high points.
I told the hospital that patient confidentiality does not apply to me in this case. I wanted anyone that was looking for me to be able to find me. The incident left everyone with the feelings felt by people that experience a car bomb or something. People don't know how to relate. I knew that I could be a touchstone for people that needed to make some sort of contact, to have some sort of closure. It's had that effect. People I'll never get the chance to meet have called me from across the country just to ask what they could do to help and to tell me that I was in their thoughts and prayers. The solidarity and support expressed by the entire country is humbling to me. I'll never have the words to be able to express to people how much I'm touched by their visits, phone calls, and e-mails. I was amazingly fortunate. I had relatively minor injuries and will be going home today. Yeah, I had my losses, but many, many people lost more. My heart is with them. For me to make some sort of laundry list of my concerns would be selfish beyond forgiveness. I'll heal. That's all that matters. No, it's not. Everyone else effected by this tragedy need to be cared for so that they heal. They outpouring reflects very positively upon the art of motorcycling. I don't think anyone would hold it against me if I never ride again. It's too early to tell.
I know that even now, I leave people with a lot of unanswered questions. I've lost perspective with this monster e-mail. Feel free to send me questions for me to address. I'll send out another piece in the next day or so, once I know what things I've left out. 3 days without sleep can hurt more than broken bones! Still not as much as a broken heart and countenance, though...
Remember, I love you all. I've made myself available for you to help you heal. You won't be doing anything wrong by taking advantage of that.
Your friend forever - Jason
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
ABATE LOCAL 6 MONTHLY BUSINESS MEETING
ABATE LOCAL 6 MONTHLY BUSINESS MEETING
The ABATE Local 6 Business Meeting happens before The Local 6 Monthly
Meeting..
This month's business meeting will be on FRIDAY APRIL 2, 2010
at 6:30 PM at :
JOE'S PIZZA 5583 CLAIREMONT MESA BLVD SAN DIEGO
IN A MALL ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF CLAIREMONT MESA BLVD, IMMEDIATELY WEST
OF ROUTE I-805
At the meeting, we discuss the matters that will be covered at Sunday's
meeting.
WHILE LOCAL OFFICERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND, This is NOT just an
officers meeting.....any member is welcome to attend. Questions
??? call John at ( 619 ) 223-0421 ).
The ABATE Local 6 Business Meeting happens before The Local 6 Monthly
Meeting..
This month's business meeting will be on FRIDAY APRIL 2, 2010
at 6:30 PM at :
JOE'S PIZZA 5583 CLAIREMONT MESA BLVD SAN DIEGO
IN A MALL ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF CLAIREMONT MESA BLVD, IMMEDIATELY WEST
OF ROUTE I-805
At the meeting, we discuss the matters that will be covered at Sunday's
meeting.
WHILE LOCAL OFFICERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND, This is NOT just an
officers meeting.....any member is welcome to attend. Questions
??? call John at ( 619 ) 223-0421 ).
Obama Steps Up Confrontation
OFF THE WIRE
White House Seeks to Rally Supporters With Aggressive Tone Against Opponents
President Barack Obama, after a year of fitfully searching for compromise, is taking a more aggressive tack with his Republican adversaries, hoping to energize Democratic voters and possibly muscle in some Republican support in Congress.
On Thursday, the president challenged Republicans who planned to campaign on repealing his health-care bill with, "Go for it." Two days later, he made 15 senior appointments without Senate consent, including a union lawyer whose nomination had been blocked by a filibuster.
At a bill-signing event Tuesday, he is set to laud passage of higher-education legislation that was approved despite Republican objections through a parliamentary maneuver that neutralized the party's filibuster threat.
On Thursday, Mr. Obama will be in Maine, home state of two moderate Republican senators who opposed his health-care plan, to promote the health law.
Even his surprise trip to Afghanistan on Sunday mobilized the perks of the presidency to marshal public opinion, as pictures were beamed home of Mr. Obama mobbed by U.S. troops.
A senior Democratic official said the push was a textbook case of taking advantage of political momentum as the campaign season begins. Republicans are "on the defensive," the official said, "and as long as they're not cooperating, we ought to keep them there."
Republicans say Mr. Obama's overtures to them have been for show, whether it was his January meeting with House Republicans in Baltimore or last month's televised, bipartisan health-care summit.
Journal Community
"Instead of trying to work together after the bruising health-care battle, we are going to double down. It only seems to indicate the post-partisanship speak was just that, speak."
—Octavio Lima
The partisanship "may be more visible, and he may be more resolute about it, but as far as most of us are concerned, this is business as usual," said Tennessee Sen. Lamar Alexander, a member of the Republican leadership.
But Mr. Alexander said the recent moves are broader, more public swipes that will hurt the president in the end.
He conceded that Republican leaders have tried to maintain unity in opposition. "When you have 40 Republicans, with your back against the wall and the gallows are right in your face, you're going to do your best to be unified," Mr. Alexander said.
The onus, however, is on the president to build relationships with minority leaders, Mr. Alexander said.
"If you're the president or a governor and you don't have a good relationship with the other party, that's your problem to solve," he said.
Mr. Obama campaigned on calling for an end to partisan bickering in Washington, but once in office he launched an ambitious agenda that pursued several long-held Democratic goals.
Meanwhile, Republicans decided at an early stage to aggressively oppose most of Mr. Obama's agenda. Partisan tensions have run high for most of his term.
Recently, Mr. Obama has been swinging particularly hard. He followed up his "go for it" taunt Thursday with the recess appointment of union lawyer Craig Becker to the National Labor Relations Board, adopting a tactic that presidents of both parties have used in recent decades to skirt the normal confirmation process. Mr. Becker's confirmation had been blocked in the Senate by a filibuster in February.
On Tuesday, Mr. Obama will sign what has been billed as a package of fixes to the health-care bill, approved under rules that required only a simple majority vote to pass in the Senate. That nullified Republicans' power to block it through a filibuster.
Democrats attached to the bill a major overhaul of student-lending laws, which eliminated a federal subsidy for private tuition lenders, federalized most student loans and plowed the savings into expanded federal higher education aid. Republicans say the bill will destroy the private student-lending market.
Mr. Alexander, the Tennessee Republican, called the student-loan move "really brazen" and "the most underreported, biggest Washington takeover in history."
In classic game theory, confrontation is sometimes necessary when cooperation breaks down to present a credible potential threat and get the two sides to re-engage, said Robert Axelrod, a University of Michigan political scientist and author of the game-theory book, "The Evolution of Cooperation." He isn't related to White House senior adviser David Axelrod.
The Senate doesn't work the way game theorists think, said Antonia Ferrier, an aide to Republican Sen. Orrin Hatch of Utah. A body built on personal relationships is likely to spiral into endless tit-for-tat retaliations in the face of Mr. Obama's new turn, she said.
The new tone may be having an impact, though, among some Obama voters who had soured on what they saw as an electric campaigner gone soft.
Republicans are getting "better treatment than they deserve," said Don Miller, 68, a California independent and pipe line consultant who said his support for Mr. Obama was rising.
"He's not a politician yet, but he's learning fast. As he learns to work the Washington establishment he has become more and more effective," said James Shubert, 83, a transportation-services manager in Tennessee.
Robin Moyer, 48, a retired South Carolina school teacher, lamented that the president had been trying to "reach as many people as possible, but sometimes it is overkill."
—Jean Spencer contributed to this article.
Write to Jonathan Weisman at jonathan.weisman@wsj.com
White House Seeks to Rally Supporters With Aggressive Tone Against Opponents
President Barack Obama, after a year of fitfully searching for compromise, is taking a more aggressive tack with his Republican adversaries, hoping to energize Democratic voters and possibly muscle in some Republican support in Congress.
On Thursday, the president challenged Republicans who planned to campaign on repealing his health-care bill with, "Go for it." Two days later, he made 15 senior appointments without Senate consent, including a union lawyer whose nomination had been blocked by a filibuster.
At a bill-signing event Tuesday, he is set to laud passage of higher-education legislation that was approved despite Republican objections through a parliamentary maneuver that neutralized the party's filibuster threat.
On Thursday, Mr. Obama will be in Maine, home state of two moderate Republican senators who opposed his health-care plan, to promote the health law.
Even his surprise trip to Afghanistan on Sunday mobilized the perks of the presidency to marshal public opinion, as pictures were beamed home of Mr. Obama mobbed by U.S. troops.
A senior Democratic official said the push was a textbook case of taking advantage of political momentum as the campaign season begins. Republicans are "on the defensive," the official said, "and as long as they're not cooperating, we ought to keep them there."
Republicans say Mr. Obama's overtures to them have been for show, whether it was his January meeting with House Republicans in Baltimore or last month's televised, bipartisan health-care summit.
Journal Community
"Instead of trying to work together after the bruising health-care battle, we are going to double down. It only seems to indicate the post-partisanship speak was just that, speak."
—Octavio Lima
The partisanship "may be more visible, and he may be more resolute about it, but as far as most of us are concerned, this is business as usual," said Tennessee Sen. Lamar Alexander, a member of the Republican leadership.
But Mr. Alexander said the recent moves are broader, more public swipes that will hurt the president in the end.
He conceded that Republican leaders have tried to maintain unity in opposition. "When you have 40 Republicans, with your back against the wall and the gallows are right in your face, you're going to do your best to be unified," Mr. Alexander said.
The onus, however, is on the president to build relationships with minority leaders, Mr. Alexander said.
"If you're the president or a governor and you don't have a good relationship with the other party, that's your problem to solve," he said.
Mr. Obama campaigned on calling for an end to partisan bickering in Washington, but once in office he launched an ambitious agenda that pursued several long-held Democratic goals.
Meanwhile, Republicans decided at an early stage to aggressively oppose most of Mr. Obama's agenda. Partisan tensions have run high for most of his term.
Recently, Mr. Obama has been swinging particularly hard. He followed up his "go for it" taunt Thursday with the recess appointment of union lawyer Craig Becker to the National Labor Relations Board, adopting a tactic that presidents of both parties have used in recent decades to skirt the normal confirmation process. Mr. Becker's confirmation had been blocked in the Senate by a filibuster in February.
On Tuesday, Mr. Obama will sign what has been billed as a package of fixes to the health-care bill, approved under rules that required only a simple majority vote to pass in the Senate. That nullified Republicans' power to block it through a filibuster.
Democrats attached to the bill a major overhaul of student-lending laws, which eliminated a federal subsidy for private tuition lenders, federalized most student loans and plowed the savings into expanded federal higher education aid. Republicans say the bill will destroy the private student-lending market.
Mr. Alexander, the Tennessee Republican, called the student-loan move "really brazen" and "the most underreported, biggest Washington takeover in history."
In classic game theory, confrontation is sometimes necessary when cooperation breaks down to present a credible potential threat and get the two sides to re-engage, said Robert Axelrod, a University of Michigan political scientist and author of the game-theory book, "The Evolution of Cooperation." He isn't related to White House senior adviser David Axelrod.
The Senate doesn't work the way game theorists think, said Antonia Ferrier, an aide to Republican Sen. Orrin Hatch of Utah. A body built on personal relationships is likely to spiral into endless tit-for-tat retaliations in the face of Mr. Obama's new turn, she said.
The new tone may be having an impact, though, among some Obama voters who had soured on what they saw as an electric campaigner gone soft.
Republicans are getting "better treatment than they deserve," said Don Miller, 68, a California independent and pipe line consultant who said his support for Mr. Obama was rising.
"He's not a politician yet, but he's learning fast. As he learns to work the Washington establishment he has become more and more effective," said James Shubert, 83, a transportation-services manager in Tennessee.
Robin Moyer, 48, a retired South Carolina school teacher, lamented that the president had been trying to "reach as many people as possible, but sometimes it is overkill."
—Jean Spencer contributed to this article.
Write to Jonathan Weisman at jonathan.weisman@wsj.com
Request Human Rights Assistance & Proposed Amendment To NYS Human Rights Law
Bikers Against Discrimination - Legislative Actions
Bikers Against Discrimination
Henry McGrath, Executive Dir.
PO Box 211
Caroga Lake, New York 12032
(518) 773-0167
New York State Division of Human Rights
Corning Tower , 28th Floor,
Empire State Plaza , P.O. Box 2049
Albany, New York 12220
Tel No. (518) 474-2705 (or 2707)
InfoAlbany@dhr.state.ny.us This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
RE: Request Human Rights Assistance & Proposed Amendment To NYS Human Rights Law
Dear Human Rights Advocate(s):
Bikers Against Discrimination is a biker rights advocacy group established to reform current law by proposed amendments and legislation which would protect the human, civil and constitutional rights of the american biker and motorcyclist.
The contents herein is a statement of our beliefs by experience and research as a purpose for our position that laws need to be changed to protect all citizens,rather than certain segments of society.
In the following we refer to the "american biker" and "biker" apart from the motorcyclist because the motorcyclist rides the vehicle for recreational purposes and the "american biker" or "biker" actually lives an entire lifestyle and culture of being as a free choice of their citizenship in NYS. Both the motorcyclist and the biker share in the same experieneces of human, civil & constitutional rights violations - we claim - as a direct result of their freedom of choice,association and exercise of their rights. These individuals and this culture of peoples well established in american history are not second class citizens and should be afforded all rights equal as to that of others another.
We ask your attention and assistance in this very important matter by the presentation below:
Bikers Against Discrimination Proposed Human Rights Amendment
We believe the New York State Human Rights Law DOES NOT afford applicable equal protections to and for the culture and lifestyle of thousands of american bikers/motorcyclists and citizens.
We believe that the increase in motorcyclist injuries and deaths - the majority of which are caused by other vehicle (car,SUV,Truck) drivers - is a direct result of the licensed drivers prejudice and attitude AGAINST the motorcyclist in conjunction with the state's improper distribution of federal grant monies to educate drivers/motorcyclists and ,therefore,the licensed drivers lack of education as to the reality of sharing the road with a motorcyclist. Hence, discriminatory & prejudicial behavior of other drivers who possess bias and stigmas against the motorcyclist and the machine causing the driver to decide that the motorcyclist has less rights on the road than common vehicles creates an air of recklessness (on the border of hate crime) that has caused the death of hundreds of innocent motorcyclists.
We also believe that State authorities share legal culpability and negligence in vehicle crashes with the culprit/driver where the licensed driver has not been educated by DMV as to the reality of the motorcycle vehicle and motorcyclist on the roads.
The fact that question {Have you been educated as to sharing the road with motorcylists - quite like "have you been drinking")is not asked of the culprit by authorities during initial investigations (when the motorcyclist is found to not be of fault)is as a result of stigmas and biases authorities have against the american biker, motorcyclist and machine.
We believe that federal, state and local authorities have improperly and unjustly campaigned throughout the years against the motorcyclist and american biker in an attempt to belittle, defame and disfranchise citizens who choose the culture of being an american biker. We have witnessed in american history that same behavior against the african americans, the "hippy's",Jews, religious sects and various clubs and organizations not in agreement with certain facets of the government. If the reader searches quietly within themselves they will recognize stored deep within them a bias or negative thought probably not self conceived against the biker and motorcyclist - placed there by discriminatory and prejudicial propoganda against the culture of the american biker...the idea that they are somehow criminal or that they live on the borderline of criminality or that they beat their wives,do drugs and get drunk all the time (quite like a good portion of police officers in the US according to their own statistics).
We believe that bikers and motorcyclists are treated guardedly and with less graciousness and public service than other citizens in restaurants,taverns,gas stations,municiple buildings, public events and public places. Thousands of motorcyclists and american bikers will attest to that fact in any senate/legislative/agency-body hearing with shocking details. A portion of this prejudice and bias against bikers and motorcyclists has caused their unjust arrest with false charges,convictions & harrassment by authorities simply because of how they look, what they wear and what culture they belong to (seemingly against some secret norm of society). Other affects of this public prejudice and bias against the biker and motorcyclist has caused denial of service,denial of their civil and constitutional rights, treatment as though they are second class citizens simply because of their american culture and so forth.
As had the discriminations of the past in american history, most are unwilling to defend the civil and constitutional rights of the american biker and motorcyclist and are more willing to pretend that each case is an individual one rather than as a class of people in american society being discriminated against in modern america. That behavior by civil rights leaders,lawyers and alleged advocates is as a direct result of governmental propoganda molding as to what is right and what is wrong to defend against for the sake of the common good. Some unseen force in government influences that unethical behavior and character.
That is exactly why so many african americans suffered disfranchisment,assaults,false accusations,false imprisonments,beatings and hangings....each was conveniently percieved by the professionals of the day as an individual incident and with an internal bias against that race and culture of people.
That pisonous human behavior still prevails in both government and society as a matter of social psychology. To say the government or its agencies has no hand in the prevailing prejudices and discrimination of and by society against the biker and motorcyclist would be absolutely suicidal for the career of any civil rights advocate and leader. At present,as a result of civil rights protests,activism,legal case law established and legislative laws enacted - most of our social systems have been instructed to recognize, respect and tolerate the racial, cultural and social differences of all its citizens - except the american biker and motorcyclist.
We believe that this matter so seriously affects an established culture of american citizens who are in constant suffering by injuries, deaths,loss of rights and liberties that it warrants an absolute necessity to obtain professional research assistance for the purpose of legislative proposals/amendments and class action suits to defend and secure the equal civil & constitutional rights of the american biker and motorcyclist.
We further believe that by legal theory and probability - the concept herein being a reality reflects a serious setback in the development of civil rights and civil human interactions,
and must not be allowed to continue.
As such, Bikers Against Discrimination respectfully requests that the New York State Division of Human Rights accept, support and be willing to champion the following word as an inclusion to New York State Human Rights Law by an amendment to the New York State Human Rights Law:
"Culture" { "The customary beliefs,social forms and material traits of a racial,religious or social group" , as defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary}.
*Excerpt from New York State Human Rights Law against discrimination of its citizens and fellow human being amended as -
"because of your race, creed, color,national origin, CULTURE, sexual orientation, military status, sex, age, marital status, domestic violence victim status, disability, predisposing genetic characteristics or prior arrest or conviction record, or if you believe you have been retaliated against for opposing unlawful discriminatory practices, you may be able to file a complaint with the State Division of Human Rights. The New York State Human Rights Law forbids discrimination in employment, apprenticeship and training; purchase and rental of housing and commercial space; places of public accommodation, resort and amusement; non-sectarian; tax-exempt educational institutions; and all credit transactions."
In the interim of consideration, we respectfully ask that representatives of Bikers Against Discrimination meet with your representatives of your office in regards to this matter
by which we would share further data and research warranting your attention, interest and research assistance.
Thank you for your consideration of this important and historical matter.
Respectfully submitted,
Henry McGrath, Executive Director
&
Charles DeCost, Admin. Director
Bikers Against Discrimination
(518) 773-0167
email: bikerrights@yahoo.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
cc. file
Bikers Against Discrimination
Henry McGrath, Executive Dir.
PO Box 211
Caroga Lake, New York 12032
(518) 773-0167
New York State Division of Human Rights
Corning Tower , 28th Floor,
Empire State Plaza , P.O. Box 2049
Albany, New York 12220
Tel No. (518) 474-2705 (or 2707)
InfoAlbany@dhr.state.ny.us This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
RE: Request Human Rights Assistance & Proposed Amendment To NYS Human Rights Law
Dear Human Rights Advocate(s):
Bikers Against Discrimination is a biker rights advocacy group established to reform current law by proposed amendments and legislation which would protect the human, civil and constitutional rights of the american biker and motorcyclist.
The contents herein is a statement of our beliefs by experience and research as a purpose for our position that laws need to be changed to protect all citizens,rather than certain segments of society.
In the following we refer to the "american biker" and "biker" apart from the motorcyclist because the motorcyclist rides the vehicle for recreational purposes and the "american biker" or "biker" actually lives an entire lifestyle and culture of being as a free choice of their citizenship in NYS. Both the motorcyclist and the biker share in the same experieneces of human, civil & constitutional rights violations - we claim - as a direct result of their freedom of choice,association and exercise of their rights. These individuals and this culture of peoples well established in american history are not second class citizens and should be afforded all rights equal as to that of others another.
We ask your attention and assistance in this very important matter by the presentation below:
Bikers Against Discrimination Proposed Human Rights Amendment
We believe the New York State Human Rights Law DOES NOT afford applicable equal protections to and for the culture and lifestyle of thousands of american bikers/motorcyclists and citizens.
We believe that the increase in motorcyclist injuries and deaths - the majority of which are caused by other vehicle (car,SUV,Truck) drivers - is a direct result of the licensed drivers prejudice and attitude AGAINST the motorcyclist in conjunction with the state's improper distribution of federal grant monies to educate drivers/motorcyclists and ,therefore,the licensed drivers lack of education as to the reality of sharing the road with a motorcyclist. Hence, discriminatory & prejudicial behavior of other drivers who possess bias and stigmas against the motorcyclist and the machine causing the driver to decide that the motorcyclist has less rights on the road than common vehicles creates an air of recklessness (on the border of hate crime) that has caused the death of hundreds of innocent motorcyclists.
We also believe that State authorities share legal culpability and negligence in vehicle crashes with the culprit/driver where the licensed driver has not been educated by DMV as to the reality of the motorcycle vehicle and motorcyclist on the roads.
The fact that question {Have you been educated as to sharing the road with motorcylists - quite like "have you been drinking")is not asked of the culprit by authorities during initial investigations (when the motorcyclist is found to not be of fault)is as a result of stigmas and biases authorities have against the american biker, motorcyclist and machine.
We believe that federal, state and local authorities have improperly and unjustly campaigned throughout the years against the motorcyclist and american biker in an attempt to belittle, defame and disfranchise citizens who choose the culture of being an american biker. We have witnessed in american history that same behavior against the african americans, the "hippy's",Jews, religious sects and various clubs and organizations not in agreement with certain facets of the government. If the reader searches quietly within themselves they will recognize stored deep within them a bias or negative thought probably not self conceived against the biker and motorcyclist - placed there by discriminatory and prejudicial propoganda against the culture of the american biker...the idea that they are somehow criminal or that they live on the borderline of criminality or that they beat their wives,do drugs and get drunk all the time (quite like a good portion of police officers in the US according to their own statistics).
We believe that bikers and motorcyclists are treated guardedly and with less graciousness and public service than other citizens in restaurants,taverns,gas stations,municiple buildings, public events and public places. Thousands of motorcyclists and american bikers will attest to that fact in any senate/legislative/agency-body hearing with shocking details. A portion of this prejudice and bias against bikers and motorcyclists has caused their unjust arrest with false charges,convictions & harrassment by authorities simply because of how they look, what they wear and what culture they belong to (seemingly against some secret norm of society). Other affects of this public prejudice and bias against the biker and motorcyclist has caused denial of service,denial of their civil and constitutional rights, treatment as though they are second class citizens simply because of their american culture and so forth.
As had the discriminations of the past in american history, most are unwilling to defend the civil and constitutional rights of the american biker and motorcyclist and are more willing to pretend that each case is an individual one rather than as a class of people in american society being discriminated against in modern america. That behavior by civil rights leaders,lawyers and alleged advocates is as a direct result of governmental propoganda molding as to what is right and what is wrong to defend against for the sake of the common good. Some unseen force in government influences that unethical behavior and character.
That is exactly why so many african americans suffered disfranchisment,assaults,false accusations,false imprisonments,beatings and hangings....each was conveniently percieved by the professionals of the day as an individual incident and with an internal bias against that race and culture of people.
That pisonous human behavior still prevails in both government and society as a matter of social psychology. To say the government or its agencies has no hand in the prevailing prejudices and discrimination of and by society against the biker and motorcyclist would be absolutely suicidal for the career of any civil rights advocate and leader. At present,as a result of civil rights protests,activism,legal case law established and legislative laws enacted - most of our social systems have been instructed to recognize, respect and tolerate the racial, cultural and social differences of all its citizens - except the american biker and motorcyclist.
We believe that this matter so seriously affects an established culture of american citizens who are in constant suffering by injuries, deaths,loss of rights and liberties that it warrants an absolute necessity to obtain professional research assistance for the purpose of legislative proposals/amendments and class action suits to defend and secure the equal civil & constitutional rights of the american biker and motorcyclist.
We further believe that by legal theory and probability - the concept herein being a reality reflects a serious setback in the development of civil rights and civil human interactions,
and must not be allowed to continue.
As such, Bikers Against Discrimination respectfully requests that the New York State Division of Human Rights accept, support and be willing to champion the following word as an inclusion to New York State Human Rights Law by an amendment to the New York State Human Rights Law:
"Culture" { "The customary beliefs,social forms and material traits of a racial,religious or social group" , as defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary}.
*Excerpt from New York State Human Rights Law against discrimination of its citizens and fellow human being amended as -
"because of your race, creed, color,national origin, CULTURE, sexual orientation, military status, sex, age, marital status, domestic violence victim status, disability, predisposing genetic characteristics or prior arrest or conviction record, or if you believe you have been retaliated against for opposing unlawful discriminatory practices, you may be able to file a complaint with the State Division of Human Rights. The New York State Human Rights Law forbids discrimination in employment, apprenticeship and training; purchase and rental of housing and commercial space; places of public accommodation, resort and amusement; non-sectarian; tax-exempt educational institutions; and all credit transactions."
In the interim of consideration, we respectfully ask that representatives of Bikers Against Discrimination meet with your representatives of your office in regards to this matter
by which we would share further data and research warranting your attention, interest and research assistance.
Thank you for your consideration of this important and historical matter.
Respectfully submitted,
Henry McGrath, Executive Director
&
Charles DeCost, Admin. Director
Bikers Against Discrimination
(518) 773-0167
email: bikerrights@yahoo.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
cc. file
Ariz. bill would let motorcyclists weave through Phoenix traffic
Off the Wire
News - Biker Rights Issues
The Arizona House is set Thursday to debate a proposal that would let motorcyclists stuck in stopped traffic in Maricopa County weave through traffic.
Currently, Arizona law prohibits motorcyclists from passing a vehicle in the same lane occupied by that vehicle.
The bill would let motorcyclists operate their bikes between lanes when they are stuck in traffic.
If it becomes law, the proposal would apply to only Maricopa County and be in effect in only 2011.
The bill, sponsored by Republican Rep. Jerry Weiers of Glendale, has cleared two committees in the House.
original article
News - Biker Rights Issues
The Arizona House is set Thursday to debate a proposal that would let motorcyclists stuck in stopped traffic in Maricopa County weave through traffic.
Currently, Arizona law prohibits motorcyclists from passing a vehicle in the same lane occupied by that vehicle.
The bill would let motorcyclists operate their bikes between lanes when they are stuck in traffic.
If it becomes law, the proposal would apply to only Maricopa County and be in effect in only 2011.
The bill, sponsored by Republican Rep. Jerry Weiers of Glendale, has cleared two committees in the House.
original article
B.C. to change motorcycle licensing
Off the Wire
News - Biker Rights Issues
The B.C. government plans to toughen rules governing motorcycling based on recommendations from a B.C. Coroners Service death panel review.
The review — commissioned over concern about the rising number of B.C. motorcycle deaths — has made nine recommendations, the B.C. government announced Thursday.
The recommendations include measures to:
* Establish a graduated-licence program for new riders.
* Require mandatory industry certification for all motorcycle helmets.
* Implement a zero-tolerance blood-alcohol policy for new riders.
* Issue a different-coloured licence plate to motorcyclists who hold a learner's licence.
* Re-evaluate existing standards for training schools and instructor certification.
* Expand the scope of coroner's investigations involving motorcycle deaths to include more data and compile it in a specific section for better analysis in the future.
There were 286 motorcycle-related deaths on B.C. roads between 2000 and 2007.
Statistics from the Insurance Corp. of British Columbia show that in 2008 there were 1,295 casualty crashes involving motorcycles, up from 1,035 in 2004.
ICBC said 37 per cent of B.C. motorcycle accidents are single-vehicle crashes. In multi-vehicle crashes involving motorcycles, the bike's rider was deemed at fault 25 per cent of the time.
In 2009, there were almost 94,000 registered motorcycles on B.C. roads, up from about 60,000 in 2004.
"It's clear that with more riders on the road, safety improvements need to be made," B.C. Public Safety Minister Kash Heed said Wednesday.
original article
News - Biker Rights Issues
The B.C. government plans to toughen rules governing motorcycling based on recommendations from a B.C. Coroners Service death panel review.
The review — commissioned over concern about the rising number of B.C. motorcycle deaths — has made nine recommendations, the B.C. government announced Thursday.
The recommendations include measures to:
* Establish a graduated-licence program for new riders.
* Require mandatory industry certification for all motorcycle helmets.
* Implement a zero-tolerance blood-alcohol policy for new riders.
* Issue a different-coloured licence plate to motorcyclists who hold a learner's licence.
* Re-evaluate existing standards for training schools and instructor certification.
* Expand the scope of coroner's investigations involving motorcycle deaths to include more data and compile it in a specific section for better analysis in the future.
There were 286 motorcycle-related deaths on B.C. roads between 2000 and 2007.
Statistics from the Insurance Corp. of British Columbia show that in 2008 there were 1,295 casualty crashes involving motorcycles, up from 1,035 in 2004.
ICBC said 37 per cent of B.C. motorcycle accidents are single-vehicle crashes. In multi-vehicle crashes involving motorcycles, the bike's rider was deemed at fault 25 per cent of the time.
In 2009, there were almost 94,000 registered motorcycles on B.C. roads, up from about 60,000 in 2004.
"It's clear that with more riders on the road, safety improvements need to be made," B.C. Public Safety Minister Kash Heed said Wednesday.
original article
Illinois Senate rejects law requiring youth motorcyclists wear a helmet
Off the Wire
News - Biker Rights Issues
SPRINGFIELD - Legislation requiring motorcyclists younger than 18 to wear helmets failed in the Illinois Senate on Thursday.
The chamber rejected 32-19 a measure that supporters said is necessary to help save lives and taxpayer dollars. Opponents argued the government would be overreaching its bounds. Discretion should be left to parents, they said.
"This is the U.S.A. isn't it? We do have a freedom; we do have a choice, don't we?" asked state Sen. Gary Forby, D-Benton.
State Sen. Donne Trotter, a Democrat from Chicago and motorcyclist, sponsored the legislation. He said the measure would help save money on medical costs. The public pitches in millions of dollars to help cover brain injuries to motorcyclists that occur as a result of accidents, Trotter said.
He also was leery of giving parents the discretion in allowing their children to wear helmets.
"We wouldn't have the Department of Children and Family Services if every parent out here was responsible," he said. "This is for those individuals who do not have concern about our taxpayer burden that we have to pay to take care of their child for their � lack of insight."
State Sen. Dale Righter, R-Mattoon, questioned some of Trotter's statistics, citing a study done by the Brain Injury Association.
"Six percent of brain injuries occur from motorcyclists, whereas 13 percent of brain injuries occur to pedestrians," he said. "When will the pedestrian helmet bill be before the Illinois Senate?"
Illinois is one of three states that has no motorcycle helmet laws.
Trotter has proposed similar legislation that would require all motorcyclists to wear helmets. It has not yet made it to the Senate floor. The legislation is Senate Bill 2536.
The legislation applying to teen motorcyclists is Senate Bill 2535.
chris.essig@lee.net This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it |789-0865
original article
News - Biker Rights Issues
SPRINGFIELD - Legislation requiring motorcyclists younger than 18 to wear helmets failed in the Illinois Senate on Thursday.
The chamber rejected 32-19 a measure that supporters said is necessary to help save lives and taxpayer dollars. Opponents argued the government would be overreaching its bounds. Discretion should be left to parents, they said.
"This is the U.S.A. isn't it? We do have a freedom; we do have a choice, don't we?" asked state Sen. Gary Forby, D-Benton.
State Sen. Donne Trotter, a Democrat from Chicago and motorcyclist, sponsored the legislation. He said the measure would help save money on medical costs. The public pitches in millions of dollars to help cover brain injuries to motorcyclists that occur as a result of accidents, Trotter said.
He also was leery of giving parents the discretion in allowing their children to wear helmets.
"We wouldn't have the Department of Children and Family Services if every parent out here was responsible," he said. "This is for those individuals who do not have concern about our taxpayer burden that we have to pay to take care of their child for their � lack of insight."
State Sen. Dale Righter, R-Mattoon, questioned some of Trotter's statistics, citing a study done by the Brain Injury Association.
"Six percent of brain injuries occur from motorcyclists, whereas 13 percent of brain injuries occur to pedestrians," he said. "When will the pedestrian helmet bill be before the Illinois Senate?"
Illinois is one of three states that has no motorcycle helmet laws.
Trotter has proposed similar legislation that would require all motorcyclists to wear helmets. It has not yet made it to the Senate floor. The legislation is Senate Bill 2536.
The legislation applying to teen motorcyclists is Senate Bill 2535.
chris.essig@lee.net This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it |789-0865
original article
“THE BIKERS OF AMERICA,THE PHIL AND BILL SHOW”
Here is the Show guide and the Blog can be reached at
bikersofamerica.blogspot.com
Screwdriver and Bill are hosting “THE BIKERS OF AMERICA,
THE PHIL AND BILL SHOW”
Know your Rights show every Thursday at 9 pm Est/ 6 pm Pac.
We invite you to participate by clicking the web address
www.blogtalkradio.com/bikersofamerica. or by calling
#347-826-7753 and follow the prompts.
Or for direct access, just google
screwdriver@alphabiker.com
from there you will get 2 links the radio show and the blog.
You will not want to miss this show!
The next “THE BIKERS OF AMERICA (THE PHIL and BILL SHOW)” will be on
April /1/ 2010 at 6pm Pacific and 9pm Eastern. We will be
featuring different topics Guests from around the World. Bikers
Rights, News off the wire and B.O.L.T updates from across the country.
Other potential topics –
• How Bill and I have been involved with over the years;
• The unconstitutional roadside checkpoints;
• The motorcycle only checkpoints;
• The Helmet Law’s Unconstitutional Enforcement;
• Legislation and Politics;
• The Veterans Groups,
• The V.A. Hospitals, and
• Helping Our Brothers and Sisters when asked.
Participation Options: Our show is flexible so we can either control
the topic or we will be happy to turn the podium to you. Should you
wish to hold the podium, please email me, Screwdriver at
Countermeasures Division (strokerz383@gmail.com). Please not that
this e-mail address is being protected from spambots so you will need
JavaScript enabled to view it.
Let’s Not Forget:
The Bolt Liberty Call In Hour hosted by Jan on Tuesdays at 9pm Est
or 6pm Pac through www.talkshoe.com/66775. Call in at 724-444-7444,
show #66775, and
The BikerLowDown Radio Show hosted by Chuck and The Crew. Call in
at 347-237-4874 on Wednesdays at 8pm Est or 5pm Pac at
www.bikerlowdown.com. and our new sister show Hermislive.com
on Sunday Feb/21/2010 at 5pm pac, 8pm est.
For broader communication, since these shows are open to the public,
please pass this email along to your family and/or friends, who you
know are interested in Motorcyclist Rights. Remember the bottom-line;
we all have a sincere involvement with knowing, sharing, and/or
enhancing our understanding about our rights as members of the biker
community so I am asking for you, family, and friends to support the
above three (3) shows.
Thank you, in advance, for your anticipated support and participation
in these important discussions.
Philip (aka Screwdriver)
BOLT of California
(760) 207-2965 or strokerz383@gmail.com
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need
JavaScript enabled to view it.
For more information about Bikers Of A Lesser Tolerance, please visit
http://boltusa.org or for California Rights information see
www.boltofca.com
bikersofamerica.blogspot.com
Screwdriver and Bill are hosting “THE BIKERS OF AMERICA,
THE PHIL AND BILL SHOW”
Know your Rights show every Thursday at 9 pm Est/ 6 pm Pac.
We invite you to participate by clicking the web address
www.blogtalkradio.com/bikersofamerica. or by calling
#347-826-7753 and follow the prompts.
Or for direct access, just google
screwdriver@alphabiker.com
from there you will get 2 links the radio show and the blog.
You will not want to miss this show!
The next “THE BIKERS OF AMERICA (THE PHIL and BILL SHOW)” will be on
April /1/ 2010 at 6pm Pacific and 9pm Eastern. We will be
featuring different topics Guests from around the World. Bikers
Rights, News off the wire and B.O.L.T updates from across the country.
Other potential topics –
• How Bill and I have been involved with over the years;
• The unconstitutional roadside checkpoints;
• The motorcycle only checkpoints;
• The Helmet Law’s Unconstitutional Enforcement;
• Legislation and Politics;
• The Veterans Groups,
• The V.A. Hospitals, and
• Helping Our Brothers and Sisters when asked.
Participation Options: Our show is flexible so we can either control
the topic or we will be happy to turn the podium to you. Should you
wish to hold the podium, please email me, Screwdriver at
Countermeasures Division (strokerz383@gmail.com). Please not that
this e-mail address is being protected from spambots so you will need
JavaScript enabled to view it.
Let’s Not Forget:
The Bolt Liberty Call In Hour hosted by Jan on Tuesdays at 9pm Est
or 6pm Pac through www.talkshoe.com/66775. Call in at 724-444-7444,
show #66775, and
The BikerLowDown Radio Show hosted by Chuck and The Crew. Call in
at 347-237-4874 on Wednesdays at 8pm Est or 5pm Pac at
www.bikerlowdown.com. and our new sister show Hermislive.com
on Sunday Feb/21/2010 at 5pm pac, 8pm est.
For broader communication, since these shows are open to the public,
please pass this email along to your family and/or friends, who you
know are interested in Motorcyclist Rights. Remember the bottom-line;
we all have a sincere involvement with knowing, sharing, and/or
enhancing our understanding about our rights as members of the biker
community so I am asking for you, family, and friends to support the
above three (3) shows.
Thank you, in advance, for your anticipated support and participation
in these important discussions.
Philip (aka Screwdriver)
BOLT of California
(760) 207-2965 or strokerz383@gmail.com
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need
JavaScript enabled to view it.
For more information about Bikers Of A Lesser Tolerance, please visit
http://boltusa.org or for California Rights information see
www.boltofca.com
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Memo to my Friends
WHEN THE PEOPLE FEAR THEIR GOVERNMENT, THERE IS TYRANNY. WHEN THE GOVERNMENT FEARS THE PEOPLE, THERE IS LIBERTY. - Thomas Jefferson
Memo to my Friends -
Just today a friend of mine sent me a message which I have printed in red below. It is his thinking as to what could possibly be on the mind of our President. This good friend of mine is a prominent, well-liked business man who has been discussing this at great lengths with his constituents. Upon receiving his message, I immediately thought of an article I received just a few days ago. Below is the email I received from my friend, followed by the article that was brought to mind.. Please read both and give this idea some thought ... I have. With such a Liberal Media, we have to be informed! Thank God we have the Internet!
"As I have had discussions with others, we feel he is not looking to make a second term as president. He wants something higher - world leader. If he destroys the US military and the US, and there are major problems in the Middle East, there won't be a military like the US to control the world without a world government. It's only a matter of time.. We are getting closer."
Memo to my Friends -
Just today a friend of mine sent me a message which I have printed in red below. It is his thinking as to what could possibly be on the mind of our President. This good friend of mine is a prominent, well-liked business man who has been discussing this at great lengths with his constituents. Upon receiving his message, I immediately thought of an article I received just a few days ago. Below is the email I received from my friend, followed by the article that was brought to mind.. Please read both and give this idea some thought ... I have. With such a Liberal Media, we have to be informed! Thank God we have the Internet!
"As I have had discussions with others, we feel he is not looking to make a second term as president. He wants something higher - world leader. If he destroys the US military and the US, and there are major problems in the Middle East, there won't be a military like the US to control the world without a world government. It's only a matter of time.. We are getting closer."
BOTH HOUSE AND SENATE HEALTH BILLS REQUIRE THE MICRO CHIPPING OF AMERICANS – 3/18/10
OFF THE WIRE
BOTH HOUSE AND SENATE HEALTH BILLS REQUIRE THE MICRO CHIPPING OF AMERICANS – 3/18/10
Required RFID implanted chip
Sec. 2521, Pg. 1000 – The government will establish a National Medical Device Registry. What does a National Medical Device Registry mean?
National Medical Device Registry from H.R. 3200 [Healthcare Bill], pages 1001-1008:
(g)(1) The Secretary shall establish a national medical device registry (in this subsection referred to as the `registry') to facilitate analysis of postmarket safety and outcomes data on each device that— ``(A) is or has been used in or on a patient; ``(B)and is— ``(i) a class III device; or ``(ii) a class II device that is implantable, life-supporting, or life-sustaining."
Then on page 1004 it describes what the term "data" means in paragraph 1,
section B:
``(B) In this paragraph, the term `data' refers to information respecting a device described in paragraph (1), including claims data, patient survey data, standardized analytic files that allow for the pooling and analysis of data from disparate data environments, electronic health records, and any other data deemed appropriate by the Secretary"
What exactly is a class II device that is implantable? Approved by the FDA, a class II implantable device is an "implantable radio frequency transponder system for patient identification and health information." The purpose of a class II device is to collect data in medical patients such as "claims data, patient survey data, standardized analytic files that allow for the pooling and analysis of data from disparate data environments, electronic health records, and any other data deemed appropriate by the Secretary."
See it for yourself: http://www.fda.gov/downloads/MedicalDevices/DeviceRegulationandGuidance/GuidanceDocuments/ucm072191.pdf
This new law – when fully implemented – provides the framework for making the United States the first nation in the world to require each and every one of its citizens to have implanted in them a radio-frequency identification (RFID) microchip for the purpose of controlling who is, or isn't, allowed medical care in their country.
Don't believe it? Look it up yourself. Healthcare Bill H.R. 3200: http://waysandmeans.house.gov/media/pdf/111/AAHCA09001xml.pdf
Pages 1001-1008 "National Medical Device Registry" section.
Page 1006 "to be enacted within 36 months upon passage"
Page 503 "… medical device surveillance"
Why would the government use the word "surveillance" when referring to citizens? The definition of "surveillance" is the monitoring of the behavior, activities, or other changing information, usually of people and often in a secret manner. The root of the word [French] means to "watch over."
In theory, the intent to streamline healthcare and to eliminate fraud via "health chips" seems right. But, to have the world's lone superpower (America, for now) mandate (page 1006) a device to be IMPLANTED is scary!
Microchiping included in Healthcare Bill?
http://www.dailypaul.com/node/105079
Coverage under Obamacare will require an implantable microchip?
http://current.com/items/90842279_coverage-under-obamacare-will-require-an-implantable-microchip.htm
BOTH HOUSE AND SENATE HEALTH BILLS REQUIRE THE MICRO CHIPPING OF AMERICANS – 3/18/10
Required RFID implanted chip
Sec. 2521, Pg. 1000 – The government will establish a National Medical Device Registry. What does a National Medical Device Registry mean?
National Medical Device Registry from H.R. 3200 [Healthcare Bill], pages 1001-1008:
(g)(1) The Secretary shall establish a national medical device registry (in this subsection referred to as the `registry') to facilitate analysis of postmarket safety and outcomes data on each device that— ``(A) is or has been used in or on a patient; ``(B)and is— ``(i) a class III device; or ``(ii) a class II device that is implantable, life-supporting, or life-sustaining."
Then on page 1004 it describes what the term "data" means in paragraph 1,
section B:
``(B) In this paragraph, the term `data' refers to information respecting a device described in paragraph (1), including claims data, patient survey data, standardized analytic files that allow for the pooling and analysis of data from disparate data environments, electronic health records, and any other data deemed appropriate by the Secretary"
What exactly is a class II device that is implantable? Approved by the FDA, a class II implantable device is an "implantable radio frequency transponder system for patient identification and health information." The purpose of a class II device is to collect data in medical patients such as "claims data, patient survey data, standardized analytic files that allow for the pooling and analysis of data from disparate data environments, electronic health records, and any other data deemed appropriate by the Secretary."
See it for yourself: http://www.fda.gov/downloads/MedicalDevices/DeviceRegulationandGuidance/GuidanceDocuments/ucm072191.pdf
This new law – when fully implemented – provides the framework for making the United States the first nation in the world to require each and every one of its citizens to have implanted in them a radio-frequency identification (RFID) microchip for the purpose of controlling who is, or isn't, allowed medical care in their country.
Don't believe it? Look it up yourself. Healthcare Bill H.R. 3200: http://waysandmeans.house.gov/media/pdf/111/AAHCA09001xml.pdf
Pages 1001-1008 "National Medical Device Registry" section.
Page 1006 "to be enacted within 36 months upon passage"
Page 503 "… medical device surveillance"
Why would the government use the word "surveillance" when referring to citizens? The definition of "surveillance" is the monitoring of the behavior, activities, or other changing information, usually of people and often in a secret manner. The root of the word [French] means to "watch over."
In theory, the intent to streamline healthcare and to eliminate fraud via "health chips" seems right. But, to have the world's lone superpower (America, for now) mandate (page 1006) a device to be IMPLANTED is scary!
Microchiping included in Healthcare Bill?
http://www.dailypaul.com/node/105079
Coverage under Obamacare will require an implantable microchip?
http://current.com/items/90842279_coverage-under-obamacare-will-require-an-implantable-microchip.htm
Hells Angels kids’ club
OFF THE WIRE
cphpost.dk
Denmark - Those under the age of 18 given option to join the Viking Defence League by Hells Angels bikers
The Hells Angels bikers have been in the spotlight of the authorities for some time, but now they have awakened even more concern by founding a youth group for children and teens.
Hells Angels spokesman Jørn Jønke Nielsen told BT newspaper that the Viking Defence League offers an option for those who are too young to join the official bikers' support group AK81.
'We don't take people under the age of 18 into AK81. So this is a place for people who are maybe a little too young to become AK81 members or for people who just want to support us a bit. So they can sort of come in and check out the environment,' Nielsen said.
But Nielsen added that the club will not be bringing members on visits to Hells Angels club houses.
Head of the police's National Centre of Investigation, Kim Kliver, has expressed concern that the club is no more than a feeder group for future Hells Angels members.
'Children can't see the consequence of being a part of it, or criticise the requirements for being in that environment. There is a very great danger that they will end up involved in criminality and become part of the armed conflicts taking place right now,' he said.
New members who join the club pay an annual fee of 300 kroner and get a t-shirt with the club's logo on it. So far, more than 500 people have expressed support for the Viking Defence League on the group's recently created Facebook page.
Justice minister Lars Barfoed has described the club as a 'giant provocation to the rest of society'.
'I'm ready to look at all the options we have to prevent recruitment to the criminal environment,' the minister said this week, as both his government and opposition parliamentary colleagues gave him their backing.
cphpost.dk
Denmark - Those under the age of 18 given option to join the Viking Defence League by Hells Angels bikers
The Hells Angels bikers have been in the spotlight of the authorities for some time, but now they have awakened even more concern by founding a youth group for children and teens.
Hells Angels spokesman Jørn Jønke Nielsen told BT newspaper that the Viking Defence League offers an option for those who are too young to join the official bikers' support group AK81.
'We don't take people under the age of 18 into AK81. So this is a place for people who are maybe a little too young to become AK81 members or for people who just want to support us a bit. So they can sort of come in and check out the environment,' Nielsen said.
But Nielsen added that the club will not be bringing members on visits to Hells Angels club houses.
Head of the police's National Centre of Investigation, Kim Kliver, has expressed concern that the club is no more than a feeder group for future Hells Angels members.
'Children can't see the consequence of being a part of it, or criticise the requirements for being in that environment. There is a very great danger that they will end up involved in criminality and become part of the armed conflicts taking place right now,' he said.
New members who join the club pay an annual fee of 300 kroner and get a t-shirt with the club's logo on it. So far, more than 500 people have expressed support for the Viking Defence League on the group's recently created Facebook page.
Justice minister Lars Barfoed has described the club as a 'giant provocation to the rest of society'.
'I'm ready to look at all the options we have to prevent recruitment to the criminal environment,' the minister said this week, as both his government and opposition parliamentary colleagues gave him their backing.
Comancheros believed to have smashed Holden Commod
OFF THE WIRE
Matthew Schulz
Source: heraldsun.com.au
Australia - OUTLAW bikies are believed to have been behind a road rage attack on a man who dared to overtake them on their way to Melbourne. Police have called on witnesses to come forward, but the man whose car was damaged in the attack along the Hume Hwy is believed to be badly shaken.
All but one panel of his green Holden SSV Commodore was kicked in.
The Saturday, March 20 incident coincided with a mass visit to Melbourne later that day by the NSW-based Comancheros to celebrate the creation of their first year in their new headquarters in South Melbourne.
Police said most of the vehicles carried NSW plates, but they could not confirm the identity of the bikers.
According to police, the weekend attack happened along the Hume Hwy near Glenrowan, when the man attempted to overtake the group comprising up to 70 motorcycles and several cars about 10.55am.
The driver told police he had been stuck behind the group, which had taken up both lanes and were travelling much less than the 110km/h limit.
"When the male driver took the opportunity to pass the convoy by passing in the left hand side emergency lane he was pursued by several of the cars and forced to stop in the left lane of the highway," Sgt Adrian Keltie said today.
Attackers then leapt from the cars, surrounding the Commodore and kicking in all but one of the panels.
Once the car was trashed the attackers, continued their slow journey south towards Melbourne.
The Comancheros rolled into the city later in the day, where one of the country's most feared bikie groups partied with strippers, podium dancers and loud music.
They converged on the gang's headquarters, a leased warehouse in Thistlethwaite St, South Melbourne, which underwent a security upgrade for the party.
The Comancheros have gained notoriety for some of the worst bikie-related crimes in Australia's history.
The gang was involved in the 1984 Milperra shootout in Sydney in which six bikies and a 14-year-old girl died.
Last year, several members were charged with murder, riot and affray after a brawl in which a man was killed at Sydney airport.
And two Comanchero bikies were arrested earlier this month in an investigation into the seizure of 5kg of methylamphetamine.
The bikie gang is most prominent in New South Wales, but has been expanding over the past few years.
The incident comes days after Opposition Leader Ted Ballieu vowed to outlaw bikie gangs.
Mr Baillieu said the Brumby Government had turned Victoria into a bikie haven by refusing to outlaw them.
"Criminal bikie gangs are already setting up shop in Victoria after relocating from other states, which have introduced or intend to introduce laws banning these gangs," he said before their arrival.
"Victorian families need protection from bikie gangs engaged in serious criminal activity such as drug production and trafficking, violence, blackmail, extortion, arson and intimidation, and represent a major threat to public safety and order."
Matthew Schulz
Source: heraldsun.com.au
Australia - OUTLAW bikies are believed to have been behind a road rage attack on a man who dared to overtake them on their way to Melbourne. Police have called on witnesses to come forward, but the man whose car was damaged in the attack along the Hume Hwy is believed to be badly shaken.
All but one panel of his green Holden SSV Commodore was kicked in.
The Saturday, March 20 incident coincided with a mass visit to Melbourne later that day by the NSW-based Comancheros to celebrate the creation of their first year in their new headquarters in South Melbourne.
Police said most of the vehicles carried NSW plates, but they could not confirm the identity of the bikers.
According to police, the weekend attack happened along the Hume Hwy near Glenrowan, when the man attempted to overtake the group comprising up to 70 motorcycles and several cars about 10.55am.
The driver told police he had been stuck behind the group, which had taken up both lanes and were travelling much less than the 110km/h limit.
"When the male driver took the opportunity to pass the convoy by passing in the left hand side emergency lane he was pursued by several of the cars and forced to stop in the left lane of the highway," Sgt Adrian Keltie said today.
Attackers then leapt from the cars, surrounding the Commodore and kicking in all but one of the panels.
Once the car was trashed the attackers, continued their slow journey south towards Melbourne.
The Comancheros rolled into the city later in the day, where one of the country's most feared bikie groups partied with strippers, podium dancers and loud music.
They converged on the gang's headquarters, a leased warehouse in Thistlethwaite St, South Melbourne, which underwent a security upgrade for the party.
The Comancheros have gained notoriety for some of the worst bikie-related crimes in Australia's history.
The gang was involved in the 1984 Milperra shootout in Sydney in which six bikies and a 14-year-old girl died.
Last year, several members were charged with murder, riot and affray after a brawl in which a man was killed at Sydney airport.
And two Comanchero bikies were arrested earlier this month in an investigation into the seizure of 5kg of methylamphetamine.
The bikie gang is most prominent in New South Wales, but has been expanding over the past few years.
The incident comes days after Opposition Leader Ted Ballieu vowed to outlaw bikie gangs.
Mr Baillieu said the Brumby Government had turned Victoria into a bikie haven by refusing to outlaw them.
"Criminal bikie gangs are already setting up shop in Victoria after relocating from other states, which have introduced or intend to introduce laws banning these gangs," he said before their arrival.
"Victorian families need protection from bikie gangs engaged in serious criminal activity such as drug production and trafficking, violence, blackmail, extortion, arson and intimidation, and represent a major threat to public safety and order."
Angels ordered to quit Amsterdam territory
OFF THE WIRE
rnw.nl
Netherlands - The court of appeal in Amsterdam has ordered the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club to abandon most of its territory in the city by 25 June.
The Amsterdam city council is the owner of the land – situated along the Weesper Canal in the south east of the city – and wants to redevelop it with new housing. The Hells Angels have occupied the site for the last 36 years. Now they have been ordered to leave, the city council must compensate them for the construction of a new clubhouse.
rnw.nl
Netherlands - The court of appeal in Amsterdam has ordered the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club to abandon most of its territory in the city by 25 June.
The Amsterdam city council is the owner of the land – situated along the Weesper Canal in the south east of the city – and wants to redevelop it with new housing. The Hells Angels have occupied the site for the last 36 years. Now they have been ordered to leave, the city council must compensate them for the construction of a new clubhouse.
Mongols biker pleads not guilty to acts with minor
OFF THE WIRE
freelancenews.com
Hollister, CA - A 56-year-old Hollister man and a known member of the Mongols motorcycle gang pleaded not guilty today to 16 felony counts in connection with allegations he continually raped and assaulted a minor over an eight-year span.
Michael Reyes, 56, was arrested by the Hollister Police Department on March 11, a day after an adult reported the crimes, while the suspected victim still is a minor.
Reyes appeared at the San Benito County Courthouse this afternoon for an arraignment. He pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Deputy District Attorney Karen Forcum followed up by noting prosecutors planned to file an amended complaint because the suspected crimes occurred in the other jurisdictions.
Judge Steven Sanders scheduled his next hearing, a preliminary examination, for 2 p.m. April 15.
Prosecutors last week filed the charges and related special allegations - which could enhance a potential penalty for each conviction - for most of the accusations.
The suspected crimes started Jan. 1, 2002. Prosecutors allege on that day, Reyes committed continued sexual abuse of a child, sexual penetration with a sexual object and lewd or lascivious acts. Those charges included a total of four special allegations alleging use of force or "substantial sexual conduct," according to court records.
On Jan. 1, 2005, charges allege Reyes committed rape by force or fear and lewd or lascivious acts - with a total of four special allegations.
On April 20, 2005, they allege he committed rape by force or fear and lewd or lascivious acts, with three special allegations for the latter allegation.
They suspect a couple of weeks later, Reyes again committed rape and lewd or lascivious acts, with three more special allegations. Six months after that, prosecutors allege the same two crimes occurred.
Prosecutors also included four felony charges accusing Reyes of seducing a child under 14, each of the times in 2005, while there were special allegations added for three of the suspected incidents, according to records.
Additionally, the district attorney charged Reyes alleging forcible acts of sexual penetration of a child for the suspected January 2002 incidents.
freelancenews.com
Hollister, CA - A 56-year-old Hollister man and a known member of the Mongols motorcycle gang pleaded not guilty today to 16 felony counts in connection with allegations he continually raped and assaulted a minor over an eight-year span.
Michael Reyes, 56, was arrested by the Hollister Police Department on March 11, a day after an adult reported the crimes, while the suspected victim still is a minor.
Reyes appeared at the San Benito County Courthouse this afternoon for an arraignment. He pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Deputy District Attorney Karen Forcum followed up by noting prosecutors planned to file an amended complaint because the suspected crimes occurred in the other jurisdictions.
Judge Steven Sanders scheduled his next hearing, a preliminary examination, for 2 p.m. April 15.
Prosecutors last week filed the charges and related special allegations - which could enhance a potential penalty for each conviction - for most of the accusations.
The suspected crimes started Jan. 1, 2002. Prosecutors allege on that day, Reyes committed continued sexual abuse of a child, sexual penetration with a sexual object and lewd or lascivious acts. Those charges included a total of four special allegations alleging use of force or "substantial sexual conduct," according to court records.
On Jan. 1, 2005, charges allege Reyes committed rape by force or fear and lewd or lascivious acts - with a total of four special allegations.
On April 20, 2005, they allege he committed rape by force or fear and lewd or lascivious acts, with three special allegations for the latter allegation.
They suspect a couple of weeks later, Reyes again committed rape and lewd or lascivious acts, with three more special allegations. Six months after that, prosecutors allege the same two crimes occurred.
Prosecutors also included four felony charges accusing Reyes of seducing a child under 14, each of the times in 2005, while there were special allegations added for three of the suspected incidents, according to records.
Additionally, the district attorney charged Reyes alleging forcible acts of sexual penetration of a child for the suspected January 2002 incidents.
Bandidos bikie pleads not guilty
OFF THE WIRE
Eloise Handley
Source: goldcoastmail.com.au
Australia - A SHARPLY-dressed Darrell Vincent Cross pleaded not guilty in the Brisbane District Court yesterday to dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and seriously assaulting a police officer.
The Warwick Bandidos bikie gang identity faced the two charges which related to an incident where Cross allegedly tried to run down a police officer in Moorooka on April 23 last year.
Cocooned in a black suit with his long tuft of hair neatly plaited down his back, the 47-year-old was supported by family in the public gallery as 12 jury members were selected for his trial.
Cross' defence barrister exhausted his eight jury member challenges with the final community representation final upon eight women and four men.
Judge Leanne Clare SC stressed the importance of jury impartiality and explained the jurors' role of listening to the facts and evidence of the case and urged them to "keep an open mind".
"I ask the 12 of you if anyone has difficulty sitting in this trial?" Judge Clare said.
"I asked you to closely listen to the names of the witnesses in case you know them... know about the case which wouldn't be seen to be impartial."
None of the jury members expressed prejudice for the case and were released to resume the trial hearing which is set to kick off in Brisbane about 9.30am this morning.
The Crown Public Prosecutor told the court a total of eight witnesses may be called to testify against Cross which included the Oxley District Police Traffic Branch Senior Constable allegedly involved in the incident as well as five other Oxley District Police officers, a Greenslopes Hospital emergency doctor and a volunteer social worker from Fairfield.
The Crown Public Prosecutor did not object to Cross being released on bail under the condition he must attend each day of the pending trial.
Eloise Handley
Source: goldcoastmail.com.au
Australia - A SHARPLY-dressed Darrell Vincent Cross pleaded not guilty in the Brisbane District Court yesterday to dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and seriously assaulting a police officer.
The Warwick Bandidos bikie gang identity faced the two charges which related to an incident where Cross allegedly tried to run down a police officer in Moorooka on April 23 last year.
Cocooned in a black suit with his long tuft of hair neatly plaited down his back, the 47-year-old was supported by family in the public gallery as 12 jury members were selected for his trial.
Cross' defence barrister exhausted his eight jury member challenges with the final community representation final upon eight women and four men.
Judge Leanne Clare SC stressed the importance of jury impartiality and explained the jurors' role of listening to the facts and evidence of the case and urged them to "keep an open mind".
"I ask the 12 of you if anyone has difficulty sitting in this trial?" Judge Clare said.
"I asked you to closely listen to the names of the witnesses in case you know them... know about the case which wouldn't be seen to be impartial."
None of the jury members expressed prejudice for the case and were released to resume the trial hearing which is set to kick off in Brisbane about 9.30am this morning.
The Crown Public Prosecutor told the court a total of eight witnesses may be called to testify against Cross which included the Oxley District Police Traffic Branch Senior Constable allegedly involved in the incident as well as five other Oxley District Police officers, a Greenslopes Hospital emergency doctor and a volunteer social worker from Fairfield.
The Crown Public Prosecutor did not object to Cross being released on bail under the condition he must attend each day of the pending trial.
Lone Wolf bikie jailed for 16 years for cutting of
OFF THE WIRE
Greg Stolz
Source: couriermail.com.au
Australia - ~Lone Wolf bikie jailed for 16 years for cutting off man's ears over disputed drug debt~
A GOLD Coast bikie who cut off a man's ears over a disputed drug debt has been jailed for 16 years.
But amid emotion-charged scenes in Southport District Court today, former Lone Wolf bikie gang member Aaron Scheers vowed to appeal as he was led away to the cells.
Scheers' tearful mother cried out at the judge as he left the courtroom and his father said the truth had not come out.
``If the truth was told, we'd all be dead," he told reporters.
Other family members yelled accusations at officers from police anti-bikie squad Taskforce Hydra who charged Scheers.
Scheers, 26, pleaded guilty to 10 charges including kidnapping, grievious bodily harm, extortion and attempting to pervert the course of justice.
In November 2007, after an all night alcohol and drug-fuelled party at the Lone Wolf clubhouse at Currumbin, self-confessed criminal David Holmes was kidnapped from his home, tied up and taken to a national park where he was bashed and had his ears sliced off.
Holmes was later threatened and bribed not to testify against Scheers but another bikie gang associate rolled over to police.
Judge Clive Wall, QC, said Holmes had been left for dead in a callous, brutal and corwardly attack.
He said the ear-cutting, especially, was 'an extremely brutal and cruel' crime of a type rarely seen in Australia.
Holmes' disfigurement 'will be a permanent reminder of what you did to him', the judge told Scheers.
Judge Wall sentenced Scheers to 13 years for the ear-cutting - the top of the range recommended by prosecutors.
He added three years to the sentence for the offence of attempting to pervert the course of justice.
Earlier this month, Scheers was jailed for eight months for contempt for refusing to answer Crime and Misconduct Commission questions relating to witness tampering.
Scheers, who has already spent more than two years behind bars awaiting sentence, was declared a serious violent offender - meaning he will have to serve at least 80 per cent of his sentence.
``We'll appeal it, don't worry about it," he shouted to family members as he was led away.
Greg Stolz
Source: couriermail.com.au
Australia - ~Lone Wolf bikie jailed for 16 years for cutting off man's ears over disputed drug debt~
A GOLD Coast bikie who cut off a man's ears over a disputed drug debt has been jailed for 16 years.
But amid emotion-charged scenes in Southport District Court today, former Lone Wolf bikie gang member Aaron Scheers vowed to appeal as he was led away to the cells.
Scheers' tearful mother cried out at the judge as he left the courtroom and his father said the truth had not come out.
``If the truth was told, we'd all be dead," he told reporters.
Other family members yelled accusations at officers from police anti-bikie squad Taskforce Hydra who charged Scheers.
Scheers, 26, pleaded guilty to 10 charges including kidnapping, grievious bodily harm, extortion and attempting to pervert the course of justice.
In November 2007, after an all night alcohol and drug-fuelled party at the Lone Wolf clubhouse at Currumbin, self-confessed criminal David Holmes was kidnapped from his home, tied up and taken to a national park where he was bashed and had his ears sliced off.
Holmes was later threatened and bribed not to testify against Scheers but another bikie gang associate rolled over to police.
Judge Clive Wall, QC, said Holmes had been left for dead in a callous, brutal and corwardly attack.
He said the ear-cutting, especially, was 'an extremely brutal and cruel' crime of a type rarely seen in Australia.
Holmes' disfigurement 'will be a permanent reminder of what you did to him', the judge told Scheers.
Judge Wall sentenced Scheers to 13 years for the ear-cutting - the top of the range recommended by prosecutors.
He added three years to the sentence for the offence of attempting to pervert the course of justice.
Earlier this month, Scheers was jailed for eight months for contempt for refusing to answer Crime and Misconduct Commission questions relating to witness tampering.
Scheers, who has already spent more than two years behind bars awaiting sentence, was declared a serious violent offender - meaning he will have to serve at least 80 per cent of his sentence.
``We'll appeal it, don't worry about it," he shouted to family members as he was led away.
Germany goes full throttle against biker gangs aft
OFF THE WIRE
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Germany - ~Germany goes full throttle against biker gangs after cop killing~
BERLIN: A police officer was allegedly killed by a member of the Hells Angels motorcycle gang during a house search in central Germany, officials said.
The prosecutor's office in Koblenz said in a statement on Wednesday that a 43-year-old member of the Hells Angels shot twice at a police officer who tried to open the suspect's apartment door during a raid related to prostitution in the city of Anhausen.
The 42-year-old officer died from internal bleeding and the suspect was arrested.
In recent weeks across Germany, police have been cracking down on illegal activities they say motorcycle gangs like the Hells Angels and Bandidos have been involved in.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Germany - ~Germany goes full throttle against biker gangs after cop killing~
BERLIN: A police officer was allegedly killed by a member of the Hells Angels motorcycle gang during a house search in central Germany, officials said.
The prosecutor's office in Koblenz said in a statement on Wednesday that a 43-year-old member of the Hells Angels shot twice at a police officer who tried to open the suspect's apartment door during a raid related to prostitution in the city of Anhausen.
The 42-year-old officer died from internal bleeding and the suspect was arrested.
In recent weeks across Germany, police have been cracking down on illegal activities they say motorcycle gangs like the Hells Angels and Bandidos have been involved in.
Call to Action
Bikers Against Discrimination - About Bikers Against Discrimination (B.A.D.)
Thousands of American Bikers and motorcycle enthusiasts are discriminated against by business establishments and communities across the United States simply because they ride a motorcycle. We lack protective legislation which describes bikers/motorcyclists civil and constitutional rights leaving the American Biker subject to unjust biases and social stigmas as well as aggressive harassment by police agencies.
More and more communities are passing restrictive laws against motorcycle riders as a way to bring in more money through unjust and improper fines. MC's and RC's as entire organizations are unjustly targeted for the acts of one or two members and "bikers welcome" establishments suffer unfair scrutiny by local politicians who promote the discrimination of bikers in "grandstanding" efforts to garner support from their uninformed constituents..
B.A.D. will challenge the stereotype created by the "system" which does not recognize individual character and merit, and instead chooses to classify bikers in the category of criminal gangs!
Thousands of American Bikers and motorcycle enthusiasts are discriminated against by business establishments and communities across the United States simply because they ride a motorcycle. We lack protective legislation which describes bikers/motorcyclists civil and constitutional rights leaving the American Biker subject to unjust biases and social stigmas as well as aggressive harassment by police agencies.
More and more communities are passing restrictive laws against motorcycle riders as a way to bring in more money through unjust and improper fines. MC's and RC's as entire organizations are unjustly targeted for the acts of one or two members and "bikers welcome" establishments suffer unfair scrutiny by local politicians who promote the discrimination of bikers in "grandstanding" efforts to garner support from their uninformed constituents..
B.A.D. will challenge the stereotype created by the "system" which does not recognize individual character and merit, and instead chooses to classify bikers in the category of criminal gangs!
The B.A.D. Perspective
Bikers Against Discrimination - About Bikers Against Discrimination (B.A.D.)
Bikers Against Discrimination (B.A.D.), a special legal/legislative project created by Spirit of Biker Brotherhood, is focused solely on the aspects of discrimination against the American Biker. There are many types and acts of discrimination - using stereotypes and biases against a group of people in order to bar them from participation in society with freedom and liberty and to punish them as if they are second class citizens and unworthy of established civil and constitutional protections equal to all others in America.
Bikers are gradually dictated to as to what they can and cannot wear, are banned from businesses and establishments, not properly represented in government, campaigned against by government agencies using the media as a tool of enforcement to manipulate society into believing bikers are criminals and of ill intent and so on. In every aspect of society there are groups,associations and clubs. None suffer barriers intently initiated by government more than motorcycle clubs and none have their political representatives turn their backs on them more than they do to the american biker and motorcycle clubs.
If we accepted the premise that a few wrong acts discredit and disfranchise the american biker and MC then we must also accept that a rogue or crooked cop should cause the entire police force to be disbanded or the crooked judge should be cause for closing down the court house or the crooked politician should be cause to close down and disfranchise the state legislature and so on...Sound insane? Well,look at the reality there. If the same standard and excuse used against the american biker and MC's does not apply to all other segments of society - In America THATS DISCRIMINATION! Period!
B.A.D. seeks to solely attack that perspective,those standards used by govt. agencies and the process by which the american biker is percieved by the american public. To do that we need to develop statistics,surveys for mass public awareness/response and propose new legislation using our research in order to include the American Biker with equal rights as all americans have.
B.A.D. looks at things from a different angle. Example: biker is stopped and ticketed for dwi. Most would say,"he should have not been drinking"...B.A.D. has no interest in the actuality of the dwi...Our interest is in the fact we find the stop was made NOT for any traffic infraction but because the biker had patches on. Thats like stopping a car because the driver is black! UNCONSTITUTIONAL AND WITHOUT PROBABLE CAUSE!
Therefore,the charge and offense would not have happened if the biker was not being stereotyped and harassed by the police(not to mention the fact the biker only JUST HAD TWO BEERS 15 MINUTES AGO!). The dwi is for the lawyer,the discrimination is for B.A.D.
Historically, we have not had statistics,research and data which show an absolute pattern of discrimination against bikers in specific areas. Just word of mouth and comments made between bikers. B.A.D. seeks to take on the task to develop data
proving a pattern of discrimination because such data is necessary to win legal cases and pass legislation protecting the american biker.
So,we need to release surveys and develop statistics - create a think tank which will develop proposed legislation. Apart from ones membership in any group or segment of the biker society, we need the support of ALL motorcycle riders, "bikers" (those who ride as lifestyle) and MC's in this campaign to secure biker rights before the government goes too far. Much of society is asleep and like sheep believe the govenment will take care of things for them. B.A.D. understands the govt will take care of only themselves unless they are put on spot with PROOF that the system is geared to disfranchise and discriminate against certain groups in society like the American Biker.
B.A.D. doesnt care why they do it - we only care that it is being done and therefore needs to cease...
A man carries himself as he does. If it seems intimidating because of societies insecurities about themselves does not mean that the gruff looking,mean looking biker is the enemy. Rather,the polished,cologne wearing,suit wearing,sweet talking,double speak politician may be a greater enemy to members of society than a biker could ever be. B.A.D. keep its self in perspective.
Although we support the ideal of most biker rights groups and associations our issue of biker discrimination is the ONLY ISSUE we are interested in. We believe that that issue will answer to the reason there are other issues affecting bikers and if we can attack the essential human cause we will weaken the other issues against the American Biker.
Bikers Against Discrimination (B.A.D.), a special legal/legislative project created by Spirit of Biker Brotherhood, is focused solely on the aspects of discrimination against the American Biker. There are many types and acts of discrimination - using stereotypes and biases against a group of people in order to bar them from participation in society with freedom and liberty and to punish them as if they are second class citizens and unworthy of established civil and constitutional protections equal to all others in America.
Bikers are gradually dictated to as to what they can and cannot wear, are banned from businesses and establishments, not properly represented in government, campaigned against by government agencies using the media as a tool of enforcement to manipulate society into believing bikers are criminals and of ill intent and so on. In every aspect of society there are groups,associations and clubs. None suffer barriers intently initiated by government more than motorcycle clubs and none have their political representatives turn their backs on them more than they do to the american biker and motorcycle clubs.
If we accepted the premise that a few wrong acts discredit and disfranchise the american biker and MC then we must also accept that a rogue or crooked cop should cause the entire police force to be disbanded or the crooked judge should be cause for closing down the court house or the crooked politician should be cause to close down and disfranchise the state legislature and so on...Sound insane? Well,look at the reality there. If the same standard and excuse used against the american biker and MC's does not apply to all other segments of society - In America THATS DISCRIMINATION! Period!
B.A.D. seeks to solely attack that perspective,those standards used by govt. agencies and the process by which the american biker is percieved by the american public. To do that we need to develop statistics,surveys for mass public awareness/response and propose new legislation using our research in order to include the American Biker with equal rights as all americans have.
B.A.D. looks at things from a different angle. Example: biker is stopped and ticketed for dwi. Most would say,"he should have not been drinking"...B.A.D. has no interest in the actuality of the dwi...Our interest is in the fact we find the stop was made NOT for any traffic infraction but because the biker had patches on. Thats like stopping a car because the driver is black! UNCONSTITUTIONAL AND WITHOUT PROBABLE CAUSE!
Therefore,the charge and offense would not have happened if the biker was not being stereotyped and harassed by the police(not to mention the fact the biker only JUST HAD TWO BEERS 15 MINUTES AGO!). The dwi is for the lawyer,the discrimination is for B.A.D.
Historically, we have not had statistics,research and data which show an absolute pattern of discrimination against bikers in specific areas. Just word of mouth and comments made between bikers. B.A.D. seeks to take on the task to develop data
proving a pattern of discrimination because such data is necessary to win legal cases and pass legislation protecting the american biker.
So,we need to release surveys and develop statistics - create a think tank which will develop proposed legislation. Apart from ones membership in any group or segment of the biker society, we need the support of ALL motorcycle riders, "bikers" (those who ride as lifestyle) and MC's in this campaign to secure biker rights before the government goes too far. Much of society is asleep and like sheep believe the govenment will take care of things for them. B.A.D. understands the govt will take care of only themselves unless they are put on spot with PROOF that the system is geared to disfranchise and discriminate against certain groups in society like the American Biker.
B.A.D. doesnt care why they do it - we only care that it is being done and therefore needs to cease...
A man carries himself as he does. If it seems intimidating because of societies insecurities about themselves does not mean that the gruff looking,mean looking biker is the enemy. Rather,the polished,cologne wearing,suit wearing,sweet talking,double speak politician may be a greater enemy to members of society than a biker could ever be. B.A.D. keep its self in perspective.
Although we support the ideal of most biker rights groups and associations our issue of biker discrimination is the ONLY ISSUE we are interested in. We believe that that issue will answer to the reason there are other issues affecting bikers and if we can attack the essential human cause we will weaken the other issues against the American Biker.
Mission Statement
Bikers Against Discrimination - About Bikers Against Discrimination (B.A.D.)
"Bikers Against Discrimination (B.A.D.) seeks to end discrimination against the American Biker by use of investigative research, legal resources, and documentation of actual incidents for legal and legislative pursuits in the protection of the American Biker."
- Hank McGrath, Director, Bikers Against Discrimination
The concept of fighting biker discrimination through B.A.D. has the support of New York Rider Magazine, Alpha Syndicate Corporation, and AmericanBikerX.com, as well as established law firms and biker rights groups across the United States.
"Bikers Against Discrimination (B.A.D.) seeks to end discrimination against the American Biker by use of investigative research, legal resources, and documentation of actual incidents for legal and legislative pursuits in the protection of the American Biker."
- Hank McGrath, Director, Bikers Against Discrimination
The concept of fighting biker discrimination through B.A.D. has the support of New York Rider Magazine, Alpha Syndicate Corporation, and AmericanBikerX.com, as well as established law firms and biker rights groups across the United States.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Ex-Highwaymen leader pleads guilty to racketeering
OFF THE WIRE
Paul Egan
Source: detnews.com
Michigan - Detroit -- A former Detroit president of the Highwaymen Motorcycle Club could face more than 15 years in prison after he pleaded guilty this morning to racketeering.
Ronald Hatmaker, 51, admitted to knowing about or participating in crimes including extortion, drug dealing and illegal gambling but has not agreed to cooperate or testify against six other current or former Highwaymen leaders scheduled to stand trial in U.S. District Court in Detroit on April 1.
That trial, which kicks off the government's prosecution of more than 80 defendants charged in a lengthy FBI investigation of the club that was born in Detroit and has branches around the country, is expected to last two months.
Hatmaker told U.S. District Judge Nancy G. Edmunds he joined the Highwaymen in 2002 and served as Detroit president for parts of 2005 and 2006.
He admitted to threatening violence against a member who owed back dues and said he knew about illegal gambling and cocaine distribution inside the club's Michigan Avenue headquarters, in addition to other crimes.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Graveline said sharp disagreement remains between the government and Hatmaker's defense attorney, Jeffrey Cojocar, over Hatmaker's sentencing guideline range.
Prosecutors believe Hatmaker was involved in murder conspiracies against confidential informants in the racketeering case and say his sentencing guidelines, which are advisory only, are in the 15- to 20-year range, Graveline said.
Hatmaker denies he was involved in any murder conspiracy and says his guidelines should be about two years and six months to three years.
Edmunds allowed Hatmaker to remain free on bond and set his sentencing for Oct. 5.
Six alleged former or current leaders of the Highwaymen -- Aref "Steve" Nagi, Joseph "Little Joe" Whiting, Michael "Cocoa" Cicchetti, Leonard "Dad" Moore, Gary Ball Jr. and Anthony "Mad Anthony" Clark -- are to stand trial April 1.
Paul Egan
Source: detnews.com
Michigan - Detroit -- A former Detroit president of the Highwaymen Motorcycle Club could face more than 15 years in prison after he pleaded guilty this morning to racketeering.
Ronald Hatmaker, 51, admitted to knowing about or participating in crimes including extortion, drug dealing and illegal gambling but has not agreed to cooperate or testify against six other current or former Highwaymen leaders scheduled to stand trial in U.S. District Court in Detroit on April 1.
That trial, which kicks off the government's prosecution of more than 80 defendants charged in a lengthy FBI investigation of the club that was born in Detroit and has branches around the country, is expected to last two months.
Hatmaker told U.S. District Judge Nancy G. Edmunds he joined the Highwaymen in 2002 and served as Detroit president for parts of 2005 and 2006.
He admitted to threatening violence against a member who owed back dues and said he knew about illegal gambling and cocaine distribution inside the club's Michigan Avenue headquarters, in addition to other crimes.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Graveline said sharp disagreement remains between the government and Hatmaker's defense attorney, Jeffrey Cojocar, over Hatmaker's sentencing guideline range.
Prosecutors believe Hatmaker was involved in murder conspiracies against confidential informants in the racketeering case and say his sentencing guidelines, which are advisory only, are in the 15- to 20-year range, Graveline said.
Hatmaker denies he was involved in any murder conspiracy and says his guidelines should be about two years and six months to three years.
Edmunds allowed Hatmaker to remain free on bond and set his sentencing for Oct. 5.
Six alleged former or current leaders of the Highwaymen -- Aref "Steve" Nagi, Joseph "Little Joe" Whiting, Michael "Cocoa" Cicchetti, Leonard "Dad" Moore, Gary Ball Jr. and Anthony "Mad Anthony" Clark -- are to stand trial April 1.
More than mobs to worry about
OFF THE WIRE
Source: metro.us
Pennsylvania - Already reeling from flash mobs, city police have another concern to deal with in Center City this weekend: biker gangs.
The wildly popular 12th annual Philadelphia Tattoo Arts Convention, which returns Friday through Sunday, was marred last March by a fight between motorcycle gang members just outside the Sheraton at 17th and Race streets.
"We're doing no 'MC colors' this year by order of the local police and hotel," convention organizer Troy Timpel said Thursday, referring to the color patches worn by different biker gangs.
As if flash mobs weren't enough to deal with, officers will again closely monitor the Center City convention. Undercover officers last year saw a skirmish break out between Pagans and Outlaws, which included about 20 brawlers before some 30 officers arrested them and recovered some handguns.
The city's new approach to flash mobs is similarly proactive in the aftermath of three flash mobs since February, and Timpel described the bikers' fight at the convention much like Mayor Michael Nutter described flash mob participants.
"There were 20 motorcycle enthusiasts who got in a minor scuffle and left the hotel. They were fighting amongst themselves," Timpel said. "It was bad publicity."
Click Here for the original article
Source: metro.us
Pennsylvania - Already reeling from flash mobs, city police have another concern to deal with in Center City this weekend: biker gangs.
The wildly popular 12th annual Philadelphia Tattoo Arts Convention, which returns Friday through Sunday, was marred last March by a fight between motorcycle gang members just outside the Sheraton at 17th and Race streets.
"We're doing no 'MC colors' this year by order of the local police and hotel," convention organizer Troy Timpel said Thursday, referring to the color patches worn by different biker gangs.
As if flash mobs weren't enough to deal with, officers will again closely monitor the Center City convention. Undercover officers last year saw a skirmish break out between Pagans and Outlaws, which included about 20 brawlers before some 30 officers arrested them and recovered some handguns.
The city's new approach to flash mobs is similarly proactive in the aftermath of three flash mobs since February, and Timpel described the bikers' fight at the convention much like Mayor Michael Nutter described flash mob participants.
"There were 20 motorcycle enthusiasts who got in a minor scuffle and left the hotel. They were fighting amongst themselves," Timpel said. "It was bad publicity."
Click Here for the original article
to screwdriver@alphabiker.com
ccstrokerz383@gmail.com
From: Riders for Justice MA
To: claimscote@aol.com
Sent: Sun, Mar 28, 2010 6:51 am
Subject: press release
Press release 3/26/10 ( )
Justice riders press release
RELEASE - March 26, 2010
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
JUSTICE RIDERS - For more info, contact
Paul W. Cote, 978-535-8222, ClaimsCote@aol.com
Bill Gannon,
Mike Longtin, mlongtin@comcast.net -
Vince Silvia, vsilvia@thesilvias.com - 987-852-3626 (cell)
Larry Cahill, webmaster@bostonbiker.com -
Betsy Lister, Gypsypashn@aol.com, 781-393-9330
(Boston, MA) Suffolk County Superior Court Judge Charles T. Spurlock dismissed a
lawsuit filed by motorcyclists seeking to strike down a "noise ordinance"
enacted by the City of Boston last summer.
In a 4-page decision issued March 16th and released March 23rd, the Judge ruled
since none of the five (5) Plaintiffs had been ticketed yet, they had "no
standing" to bring the lawsuit challenging the Boston Ordinance, which imposes a
$300 fine if law enforcement can not readily find an EPA imprint on the
motorcycles. His decision did not address the validity of the Ordinance, which
still remains unclear. An earlier ruling by another Judge seemed to give the
riders standing, as they claimed they rode their motorcycles into Boston for
work and pleasure.
"One part of our goal was accomplished," roared Plaintiff Bill Gannon of Quincy,
"no tickets were issued to any riders in Boston last summer as a result of this
suit, so no biker had to pony up $300 for the Mayor's budget deficit."
The lawsuit was dismissed, "without prejudice," meaning it could be brought
back, once tickets had been issued.
"We are looking at our options," claimed Paul W. Cote of Amesbury, another
Plaintiff in the suit.
"We're asking the City to issue us tickets now so we can proceed. I'm sure
Boston Police and the riding community want to know where this challenge stands
with the riding season coming."
Cote claimed the 5 plaintiffs are consulting with their Attorney, Joseph S.
Provanzano of Peabody, weight options including filing for "reconsideration" or
an appeal to the Appeals Court, or just wait until ticketing starts.
Betsy Lister of Medford, the "Justice Riders" group Treasurer said another group
has been soliciting donations from the motorcyclist community for a "defense
fund" to fight individual citations issues while the Justice Riders will
continue on the "offense" to strike down the hastily enacted Ordinance.
"One way or another, we need a ruling on this EPA regulation," said Plaintiff
Mike Longtin of N. Easton.
Longtin says the EPA standard is a manufactures, not consumer standard; that any
"assurance" provided by the imprint at the time of manufacturing is only good
for one year or 3,730 miles, whichever comes first; and that current State laws
and regulations give the Registrar of Motor Vehicles the authority to write the
rules motorcycle exhaust systems must comply with and proper testing standards
law enforcement need to use to issue tickets for "excessive noise."
Plaintiff Larry Cahill of Medford, who hosts the popular BostonBiker.com web
site said, "I'm not going to spend a dime in Boston until this matter is cleared
up by the Court," and he'll ask his over 40,000 a month web site visitors to
follow his lead boycotting Boston businesses.
"Why consider spending a $100 in Boston for the chance of a $300 ticket?"
According to Registry of Motor Vehicle reports, over 182,000 motorcycles were
registered in the State as of September 2009.
"If 30,000 riders aren't spending $100 a weekend in Boston, that's $3 million as
weekend Boston businesses lose."
ccstrokerz383@gmail.com
From: Riders for Justice MA
To: claimscote@aol.com
Sent: Sun, Mar 28, 2010 6:51 am
Subject: press release
Press release 3/26/10 ( )
Justice riders press release
RELEASE - March 26, 2010
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
JUSTICE RIDERS - For more info, contact
Paul W. Cote, 978-535-8222, ClaimsCote@aol.com
Bill Gannon,
Mike Longtin, mlongtin@comcast.net -
Vince Silvia, vsilvia@thesilvias.com - 987-852-3626 (cell)
Larry Cahill, webmaster@bostonbiker.com -
Betsy Lister, Gypsypashn@aol.com, 781-393-9330
(Boston, MA) Suffolk County Superior Court Judge Charles T. Spurlock dismissed a
lawsuit filed by motorcyclists seeking to strike down a "noise ordinance"
enacted by the City of Boston last summer.
In a 4-page decision issued March 16th and released March 23rd, the Judge ruled
since none of the five (5) Plaintiffs had been ticketed yet, they had "no
standing" to bring the lawsuit challenging the Boston Ordinance, which imposes a
$300 fine if law enforcement can not readily find an EPA imprint on the
motorcycles. His decision did not address the validity of the Ordinance, which
still remains unclear. An earlier ruling by another Judge seemed to give the
riders standing, as they claimed they rode their motorcycles into Boston for
work and pleasure.
"One part of our goal was accomplished," roared Plaintiff Bill Gannon of Quincy,
"no tickets were issued to any riders in Boston last summer as a result of this
suit, so no biker had to pony up $300 for the Mayor's budget deficit."
The lawsuit was dismissed, "without prejudice," meaning it could be brought
back, once tickets had been issued.
"We are looking at our options," claimed Paul W. Cote of Amesbury, another
Plaintiff in the suit.
"We're asking the City to issue us tickets now so we can proceed. I'm sure
Boston Police and the riding community want to know where this challenge stands
with the riding season coming."
Cote claimed the 5 plaintiffs are consulting with their Attorney, Joseph S.
Provanzano of Peabody, weight options including filing for "reconsideration" or
an appeal to the Appeals Court, or just wait until ticketing starts.
Betsy Lister of Medford, the "Justice Riders" group Treasurer said another group
has been soliciting donations from the motorcyclist community for a "defense
fund" to fight individual citations issues while the Justice Riders will
continue on the "offense" to strike down the hastily enacted Ordinance.
"One way or another, we need a ruling on this EPA regulation," said Plaintiff
Mike Longtin of N. Easton.
Longtin says the EPA standard is a manufactures, not consumer standard; that any
"assurance" provided by the imprint at the time of manufacturing is only good
for one year or 3,730 miles, whichever comes first; and that current State laws
and regulations give the Registrar of Motor Vehicles the authority to write the
rules motorcycle exhaust systems must comply with and proper testing standards
law enforcement need to use to issue tickets for "excessive noise."
Plaintiff Larry Cahill of Medford, who hosts the popular BostonBiker.com web
site said, "I'm not going to spend a dime in Boston until this matter is cleared
up by the Court," and he'll ask his over 40,000 a month web site visitors to
follow his lead boycotting Boston businesses.
"Why consider spending a $100 in Boston for the chance of a $300 ticket?"
According to Registry of Motor Vehicle reports, over 182,000 motorcycles were
registered in the State as of September 2009.
"If 30,000 riders aren't spending $100 a weekend in Boston, that's $3 million as
weekend Boston businesses lose."
Pagans want seized material barred from trial
OFF THE WIRE
BY: Andrew Clevenger
Source: wvgazette.com
West Virginia - Government is wrongly criminalizing membership and violating 1st Amendment, defense
CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- In the early hours of Oct. 6, 2009, scores of federal agents fanned out across West Virginia and several other states, armed with arrest warrants for dozens of members and associates of the Pagans Motorcycle Club.
Several teams also carried search warrants for any Pagans paraphernalia in the suspects' homes.
On Thursday, four defendants argued that the government had wrongly collected various items and statements, and asked U.S. District Judge Thomas E. Johnston to ban prosecutors from using them at trial.
The government is using circular logic to support its racketeering case, defense attorneys suggested. According to them, prosecutors are saying the Pagans are a criminal organization, and evidence of membership is relevant to the criminal activity -- but proof of membership is needed to prove that Pagans acted together to commit racketeering crimes.
This wrongly criminalizes being a member of the Pagans, in violation of their freedom of association under the First Amendment, defense attorneys said.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Steve Loew said the government has to prove the defendants are part of the organization, and limiting the government's ability to lawfully collect evidence would impede the prosecution's case.
Linking defendants to the Pagans helps to establish the underlying racketeering offense, as well as their participation within the criminal organization as a whole, Loew wrote in court filings.
Nicholas Preservati, who represents the Pagans' Orlando chapter president, Martin Craig Nuss, said Thursday that his client readily admitted being a member of the Pagans.
"These individuals aren't embarrassed that they are Pagans," he said. "They aren't trying to hide it."
Seizing Pagans paraphernalia from his house doesn't have anything to do with whether Nuss mailed and personally delivered proceeds from an illegal motorcycle raffle across state lines, the lawyer said.
"They're trying to obtain evidence [of membership in the Pagans] to prove that he sold raffle tickets," Preservati said. "How do shirts and jackets and coffee mugs show that he sold raffle tickets?"
Loew said that members' "cuts," or "colors," as bikers' sleeveless denim jackets are called, not only show membership, but the location of particular patches on the vests indicates rank within the organization.
In addition to Pagans paraphernalia, defendants tried to suppress other items found during searches.
Tim Carrico, who represents Eric W. "Fritz" Wolfe, said agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives had no reason to believe Wolfe couldn't legally possess a gun when they recovered a pistol using a pawn ticket they found at Wolfe's St. Albans house.
Wolfe and his wife pawned the gun on May 26, 2009. Prosecutors later charged him with possessing a gun while being an illegal user of cocaine, but there was no evidence in October to suggest the gun was evidence of a crime, Carrico said.
Government is wrongly criminalizing membership and violating 1st Amendment, defense says
He also argued that agents found the pawn ticket when they illegally searched the couple's cars, which were not covered by the search warrant.
Agents testified that Wolfe's wife voluntarily gave them the pawn ticket, and that she also gave them permission to search the cars.
Another defendant, Kirk Norman "Razor" Dean, said that he gave permission to search his truck under duress after he was handcuffed at the door to his Dunbar house when agents rushed in with guns drawn.
He told agents that he had a properly licensed gun in a compartment between the truck's front seats. They also found two axe handles under the truck's rear seats.
"I had nothing to hide," he said when his lawyer, Jim Cagle, asked him why he agreed to the search. "And if I had refused consent, they would've gotten a search warrant [for the truck] anyway."
ATF Special Agent Jesse Hooker said that after the initial rush into the house, Dean and his girlfriend were very cordial as they sat on a couch in the living room as agents looked around.
There was even laughter when agents found a T-shirt emblazed with the letters ATF -- short for All Those Fools, Hooker said.
Dewayne Haddix, an ATF agent based in Clarksburg, said that when he asked Elmer Luke "Tramp" Moore if there were any drugs in his Weston house, Moore said there might be some cocaine residue in a container by his bed.
Moore said cocaine was cheaper than Viagra, and he didn't have to visit a doctor to get it, Haddix said. Indians had been using it for hundreds of years, Moore said, according to Haddix.
Moore's lawyer, Jim Roncaglione, asked the judge to suppress Moore's statements because they were made before he had been read his rights.
Of the 55 defendants named in a sweeping, 44-count indictment unsealed in October, 35 are scheduled to go to trial on May 4, including Nuss, Wolfe, Dean and Moore. Nineteen have entered guilty pleas to charges that include helping stockpile explosives as part of an ongoing feud with the Hell's Angels Motorcycle Club, intimidating other motorcycle clubs, extortion and selling drugs.
Earlier this week, federal prosecutors dropped all charges against Rocco J. "Rocky" Boyd, of Little Ferry, N.J., after he pleaded guilty to unlawfully aiding and abetting in the promotion of a raffle, a misdemeanor, in Kanawha Magistrate Court on March 19.
Boyd, who was accused in federal court of transporting raffle proceeds across state lines and participating in the alleged beating of a confidential informant in a New Jersey hotel room in January 2009, was fined $5 plus court costs.
Click Here for the original article
BY: Andrew Clevenger
Source: wvgazette.com
West Virginia - Government is wrongly criminalizing membership and violating 1st Amendment, defense
CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- In the early hours of Oct. 6, 2009, scores of federal agents fanned out across West Virginia and several other states, armed with arrest warrants for dozens of members and associates of the Pagans Motorcycle Club.
Several teams also carried search warrants for any Pagans paraphernalia in the suspects' homes.
On Thursday, four defendants argued that the government had wrongly collected various items and statements, and asked U.S. District Judge Thomas E. Johnston to ban prosecutors from using them at trial.
The government is using circular logic to support its racketeering case, defense attorneys suggested. According to them, prosecutors are saying the Pagans are a criminal organization, and evidence of membership is relevant to the criminal activity -- but proof of membership is needed to prove that Pagans acted together to commit racketeering crimes.
This wrongly criminalizes being a member of the Pagans, in violation of their freedom of association under the First Amendment, defense attorneys said.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Steve Loew said the government has to prove the defendants are part of the organization, and limiting the government's ability to lawfully collect evidence would impede the prosecution's case.
Linking defendants to the Pagans helps to establish the underlying racketeering offense, as well as their participation within the criminal organization as a whole, Loew wrote in court filings.
Nicholas Preservati, who represents the Pagans' Orlando chapter president, Martin Craig Nuss, said Thursday that his client readily admitted being a member of the Pagans.
"These individuals aren't embarrassed that they are Pagans," he said. "They aren't trying to hide it."
Seizing Pagans paraphernalia from his house doesn't have anything to do with whether Nuss mailed and personally delivered proceeds from an illegal motorcycle raffle across state lines, the lawyer said.
"They're trying to obtain evidence [of membership in the Pagans] to prove that he sold raffle tickets," Preservati said. "How do shirts and jackets and coffee mugs show that he sold raffle tickets?"
Loew said that members' "cuts," or "colors," as bikers' sleeveless denim jackets are called, not only show membership, but the location of particular patches on the vests indicates rank within the organization.
In addition to Pagans paraphernalia, defendants tried to suppress other items found during searches.
Tim Carrico, who represents Eric W. "Fritz" Wolfe, said agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives had no reason to believe Wolfe couldn't legally possess a gun when they recovered a pistol using a pawn ticket they found at Wolfe's St. Albans house.
Wolfe and his wife pawned the gun on May 26, 2009. Prosecutors later charged him with possessing a gun while being an illegal user of cocaine, but there was no evidence in October to suggest the gun was evidence of a crime, Carrico said.
Government is wrongly criminalizing membership and violating 1st Amendment, defense says
He also argued that agents found the pawn ticket when they illegally searched the couple's cars, which were not covered by the search warrant.
Agents testified that Wolfe's wife voluntarily gave them the pawn ticket, and that she also gave them permission to search the cars.
Another defendant, Kirk Norman "Razor" Dean, said that he gave permission to search his truck under duress after he was handcuffed at the door to his Dunbar house when agents rushed in with guns drawn.
He told agents that he had a properly licensed gun in a compartment between the truck's front seats. They also found two axe handles under the truck's rear seats.
"I had nothing to hide," he said when his lawyer, Jim Cagle, asked him why he agreed to the search. "And if I had refused consent, they would've gotten a search warrant [for the truck] anyway."
ATF Special Agent Jesse Hooker said that after the initial rush into the house, Dean and his girlfriend were very cordial as they sat on a couch in the living room as agents looked around.
There was even laughter when agents found a T-shirt emblazed with the letters ATF -- short for All Those Fools, Hooker said.
Dewayne Haddix, an ATF agent based in Clarksburg, said that when he asked Elmer Luke "Tramp" Moore if there were any drugs in his Weston house, Moore said there might be some cocaine residue in a container by his bed.
Moore said cocaine was cheaper than Viagra, and he didn't have to visit a doctor to get it, Haddix said. Indians had been using it for hundreds of years, Moore said, according to Haddix.
Moore's lawyer, Jim Roncaglione, asked the judge to suppress Moore's statements because they were made before he had been read his rights.
Of the 55 defendants named in a sweeping, 44-count indictment unsealed in October, 35 are scheduled to go to trial on May 4, including Nuss, Wolfe, Dean and Moore. Nineteen have entered guilty pleas to charges that include helping stockpile explosives as part of an ongoing feud with the Hell's Angels Motorcycle Club, intimidating other motorcycle clubs, extortion and selling drugs.
Earlier this week, federal prosecutors dropped all charges against Rocco J. "Rocky" Boyd, of Little Ferry, N.J., after he pleaded guilty to unlawfully aiding and abetting in the promotion of a raffle, a misdemeanor, in Kanawha Magistrate Court on March 19.
Boyd, who was accused in federal court of transporting raffle proceeds across state lines and participating in the alleged beating of a confidential informant in a New Jersey hotel room in January 2009, was fined $5 plus court costs.
Click Here for the original article
Bikie to take stand on Monday
OFF THE WIRE
warwickdailynews.com.au
Australia - TEMPERS flared yesterday as bikie Darrell Vincent Cross' time on the stand was shelved until Monday because his defence counsel called for another witness' testimony at the Brisbane District Court.
The Warwick Bandidos Motorcycle Club identity faces two charges, which include dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and serious assault of a police officer, but his defence counsel raised concern as they believed there was a discrepancy in the evidence.
Cross' family has supported him since his trial began on Wednesday and yesterday was no exception as more supporters joined the bandwagon and queued for a seat in the public gallery.
It is alleged Cross tried to run down an Oxley District Police Traffic Branch Senior Constable during routine vehicle speed checks at Moorooka Brisbane while perched on a 300kg Fatboy Harley Davidson motorcycle on April 23 last year.
The officer suffered arm, abdomen and groin injuries.
Click Here for the original article
warwickdailynews.com.au
Australia - TEMPERS flared yesterday as bikie Darrell Vincent Cross' time on the stand was shelved until Monday because his defence counsel called for another witness' testimony at the Brisbane District Court.
The Warwick Bandidos Motorcycle Club identity faces two charges, which include dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and serious assault of a police officer, but his defence counsel raised concern as they believed there was a discrepancy in the evidence.
Cross' family has supported him since his trial began on Wednesday and yesterday was no exception as more supporters joined the bandwagon and queued for a seat in the public gallery.
It is alleged Cross tried to run down an Oxley District Police Traffic Branch Senior Constable during routine vehicle speed checks at Moorooka Brisbane while perched on a 300kg Fatboy Harley Davidson motorcycle on April 23 last year.
The officer suffered arm, abdomen and groin injuries.
Click Here for the original article
Hemet residents rally in support of city, law enfo
OFF THE WIRE
BY: Jose Arballo Jr
Source: swrnn.com
California - ~Hemet residents rally in support of city, law enforcement officers~
The 20-minute rally held at the Ramona Bowl brought together residents, politicians, community leaders and scores of costumed members of the Ramona Outdoor Pageant.
Saying they are tired of their city getting a bum rap in media reports, hundreds of people gathered in Hemet Saturday to let others know the community is safe and not overrun by street gangs.
The 20-minute rally held at the Ramona Bowl brought together residents, politicians, community leaders and scores of costumed members of the Ramona Outdoor Pageant, which was holding its dress rehearsal at the bowl's outdoor amphitheater. Some of those in the crowd carried signs proclaiming "I (heart) Hemet" and "Hemet is Heaven." The event even included a cheer by former Councilwoman Lori Van Arsdale, a former cheerleader in college, who urged the crowd to share the message with others.
"Hemet is a great place to live," Van Arsdale told the group, some of whom were dressed in period costumes reflected of the Old West.
Van Arsdale and Tami Wilhelm, both members of the Ramona Bowl board, came up with the rally in response to recent media reports surrounding a string of attacks against the Hemet-based gang task force. Van Arsdale said the last straw was a radio report she heard in which the city was described as being under siege and the impression that people were afraid to go outside.
"We were getting calls from people back East asking if I was safe," Van Arsdale said before taking the stage. "This has gotten way out of hand."
While acknowledging there are some crime issues in the city, Van Arsdale and Wilhelm both said the impression left by the media reports can hurt the city and some of the community events that are coming up, including the pageant, which relies heavily on spectators from outside the area.
Councilman Jerry Franchville echoed some of the same comments, but placed some of the blame on those who have used fiery rhetoric in describing the crimes and speculation on who might be behind the attacks. The media, he told the crowd, was simply reporting what they were being told. Franchville, who is a law enforcement officer with the Riverside County Sheriff's Department, did not mention anyone by name.
During a news conference announcing the increase of the reward offered in connection with the incidents, state Attorney General Jerry Brown called the attacks "urban terrorism" and District Attorney Rod Pacheco said the Hemet-San Jacinto area was "ground zero" for gang activity in Riverside County. Both men are running for office.
Police in Hemet have not arrested anyone and stop short of blaming the Vagos Motorcycle club, 30 of whose members were arrested on suspicion of parole and weapons violations. Police Chief Richard Dana told the Los Angeles Times he did not believe the Vagos were responsible for the attacks.
Franchville said the attacks appear to be the work of one person and not the Vagos motorcycle gang that has been suggested by some. He predicted the person responsible would be captured soon.
On New Year's Eve, police discovered that someone had rerouted a natural gas line into the building housing the Hemet/San Jacinto Gang Task Force. Any spark could have set off an explosion.
On Feb. 23, an anti-gang officer opened a gate at the task force office on Saint John Place and was nearly struck by a bullet fired by a "zip gun," an improvised weapon. On March 5, a task force member found a device police described as "deadly" attached to his unmarked patrol car when he pulled into a filling station.
And on Tuesday night, four code enforcement trucks were set on fire with an accelerant.
Four days before the trucks were set on fire, someone called a police dispatcher and warned that a police vehicle would be blown up in response to the arrests.
Click Here for the original article
BY: Jose Arballo Jr
Source: swrnn.com
California - ~Hemet residents rally in support of city, law enforcement officers~
The 20-minute rally held at the Ramona Bowl brought together residents, politicians, community leaders and scores of costumed members of the Ramona Outdoor Pageant.
Saying they are tired of their city getting a bum rap in media reports, hundreds of people gathered in Hemet Saturday to let others know the community is safe and not overrun by street gangs.
The 20-minute rally held at the Ramona Bowl brought together residents, politicians, community leaders and scores of costumed members of the Ramona Outdoor Pageant, which was holding its dress rehearsal at the bowl's outdoor amphitheater. Some of those in the crowd carried signs proclaiming "I (heart) Hemet" and "Hemet is Heaven." The event even included a cheer by former Councilwoman Lori Van Arsdale, a former cheerleader in college, who urged the crowd to share the message with others.
"Hemet is a great place to live," Van Arsdale told the group, some of whom were dressed in period costumes reflected of the Old West.
Van Arsdale and Tami Wilhelm, both members of the Ramona Bowl board, came up with the rally in response to recent media reports surrounding a string of attacks against the Hemet-based gang task force. Van Arsdale said the last straw was a radio report she heard in which the city was described as being under siege and the impression that people were afraid to go outside.
"We were getting calls from people back East asking if I was safe," Van Arsdale said before taking the stage. "This has gotten way out of hand."
While acknowledging there are some crime issues in the city, Van Arsdale and Wilhelm both said the impression left by the media reports can hurt the city and some of the community events that are coming up, including the pageant, which relies heavily on spectators from outside the area.
Councilman Jerry Franchville echoed some of the same comments, but placed some of the blame on those who have used fiery rhetoric in describing the crimes and speculation on who might be behind the attacks. The media, he told the crowd, was simply reporting what they were being told. Franchville, who is a law enforcement officer with the Riverside County Sheriff's Department, did not mention anyone by name.
During a news conference announcing the increase of the reward offered in connection with the incidents, state Attorney General Jerry Brown called the attacks "urban terrorism" and District Attorney Rod Pacheco said the Hemet-San Jacinto area was "ground zero" for gang activity in Riverside County. Both men are running for office.
Police in Hemet have not arrested anyone and stop short of blaming the Vagos Motorcycle club, 30 of whose members were arrested on suspicion of parole and weapons violations. Police Chief Richard Dana told the Los Angeles Times he did not believe the Vagos were responsible for the attacks.
Franchville said the attacks appear to be the work of one person and not the Vagos motorcycle gang that has been suggested by some. He predicted the person responsible would be captured soon.
On New Year's Eve, police discovered that someone had rerouted a natural gas line into the building housing the Hemet/San Jacinto Gang Task Force. Any spark could have set off an explosion.
On Feb. 23, an anti-gang officer opened a gate at the task force office on Saint John Place and was nearly struck by a bullet fired by a "zip gun," an improvised weapon. On March 5, a task force member found a device police described as "deadly" attached to his unmarked patrol car when he pulled into a filling station.
And on Tuesday night, four code enforcement trucks were set on fire with an accelerant.
Four days before the trucks were set on fire, someone called a police dispatcher and warned that a police vehicle would be blown up in response to the arrests.
Click Here for the original article
Bikers had secret police documents, court hears
OFF THE WIRE
1% news
BY: Peter Edwards/Peter small
Canada - Evidence of sophisticated intelligence gathering emerges in Hells Angel trial
Top-secret police intelligence documents stamped "Private and Confidential" and "For Police Use Only" were found in the clubhouse of the Niagara Region Hells Angels and in the homes of senior club members, according to court documents.
Details of the police raid were filed in Ontario Superior Court on University Avenue before Justice John McMahon in the trial of Kenneth (Wags) Wagner, 43, of the Hells Angels Niagara chapter.
Wagner was found guilty today of trafficking cocaine and firearms for the benefit of a criminal organization. Sentencing arguments continue.
Wagner had pleaded guilty to trafficking more than four kilograms of cocaine to a member of the Oshawa Hells Angels chapter, who was acting as a police agent, and to possession of $150,675 in proceeds of crime.
However, Wagner had pleaded not guilty to instructing others to commit offences, namely trafficking cocaine and transferring a firearm for the benefit of a criminal organization.
Court heard that when police raided Wagner's home and the Welland-area clubhouse of the international biker club two years ago in a massive police roundup, they discovered three sets of confidential police documents.
The leaked police documents were used by federal prosecutor Tom Andreopoulos to argue that the Hells Angels are a sophisticated criminal organization, with active intelligence gathering operations.
Andreopoulos also noted a police report that states that Ontario Hells Angels maintain photos and lists of police officers, and also information on police officers' wives.
One of the documents discovered in the Niagara police raid was confidential material on the St. Catharines chapter of the Outlaws gang, a rival of the Hells Angels. The document included the Outlaws' photos, names, addresses, licence numbers and dates of birth.
Stamped at the bottom of the report was a notation reading: "This information is for NRP (Niagara Regional Police) personnel only and is not to be disseminated."
The reports were also found in the home Gerald (Skinny) Ward, 60, who was also a founding member of the Niagara Region chapter of the international biker club.
Ward has pleaded pleaded guilty to an assortment of drug trafficking charges, but also vigorously denied charges that they committed the crimes for the benefit of the Hells Angels. His case is ongoing.
Another confidential police document found in the clubhouse and in the homes of Wagner and Ward was a Niagara Regional Police internal intelligence memo concerning the purchase of a local hotel, which was stamped "Private and confidential" and "For police use only."
The third document found in the clubhouse and the homes of Wagner and Ward was a confidential handbook for members of the provincial Biker Enforcement Unit, which was designed to help officers understand biker gangs.
Police also found $150,675.00 in cash and a bulletproof vest in Wagner's home.
Also found at his home was an intelligence report prepared by a member of the Biker Enforcement Unit containing information about members of the Outlaws Motorcycle Club in the Niagara Region.
According to material filed in court by federal prosecutors, the discovery of the confidential police material demonstrates the ability of the Hells Angels to collect "intelligence information" on rival groups and to compromise the security of a police organization.
The Niagara clubhouse, located at 855 Darby Road in Welland, Ont., is heavily fortified, and court documents state that Wagner himself built and installed the clubhouse door, which is metal and filled with cement. A sign inside the clubhouse reads: "WHAT YOU SEE HERE – WHAT YOU SAY HERE – WHAT YOU HEAR HERE – STAYS HERE WHEN YOU LEAVE HERE"
Court documents noted that the biker club also aggressively defends its brand, and trademarked "death head" patch of a winged skull.
In a raid of the Oakville, Ont. home of Craig McIlquham, 38, of the Windsor chapter, police seized a communication on a movie underway named Evil, in which the Angels felt their brand was being infringed.
"They have promised not to use our colours or copyrights," the memo says. "They felt that because the movie was historical that the copyrights did not apply. They have also promised to take out the scene of Knevil kicking HA in the head. These are verbal assurances ... We will also ask for a "screening copy" of the movie or for a letter of refusal in case further legalities are required."
McIlquham and Giuliano Raimondo, 36, also of the Windsor chapter were each also arrested in the September 2006 police operation, called Project Tandem. They were each sentenced to five years and six months in prison for trafficking one kilo of cocaine, 10,000 ecstasy pills and two kilos of methamphetamine. McIlquham and Raimondo also jointly forfeited a total of $139,500 as proceeds of crime
Court heard today that 75 per cent of the estimated 400 Hells Angels in Canada have criminal records, and that members are required to pay dues to support members behind bars in what they call the "Big House Crew."
Other documents filed in court include a transcript of a secretly recorded conversation between Ward and Steve Gault, a full member and secretary of the Oshawa Hells Angels chapter.
At the time of the recordings, Gault was acting as a paid police agent and he received $400,000 for his undercover work, court heard. Gault is now in a witness protection program.
In the conversation between Ward and Gault on August 18, 2005, Ward advised Gault that he used to have a police officer bring him paperwork.
According to the recorded conversation, Ward also said that anybody using the Hells Angels name that isn't a Hells Angels must pay the chapter.
"This again shows that the Hells Angels vigorously protect their name and that the fact they are Hells Angels, people will pay them for fear of reprisal," says a police report filed in court.
In one of their recorded conversations, Ward advised Gault that the Hells Angels Niagara Chapter are the only ones allowed to deal cocaine in the Niagara area.
"They chase down anyone trying to bring product into their area, illustrating their territorial control," the police report states. "This demonstrates the Hells Angels territorial control and control of the illicit drug market within that territory.
During the 18-month undercover operation, Peterborough drug dealer Steven Vincent Deal tried to hire Gault to murder a drug competitor.
Deal pleaded guilty on January 3 in Lindsay, Ont. to counsel to commit murder and breach of recognizance.
Click Here for the original article
1% news
BY: Peter Edwards/Peter small
Canada - Evidence of sophisticated intelligence gathering emerges in Hells Angel trial
Top-secret police intelligence documents stamped "Private and Confidential" and "For Police Use Only" were found in the clubhouse of the Niagara Region Hells Angels and in the homes of senior club members, according to court documents.
Details of the police raid were filed in Ontario Superior Court on University Avenue before Justice John McMahon in the trial of Kenneth (Wags) Wagner, 43, of the Hells Angels Niagara chapter.
Wagner was found guilty today of trafficking cocaine and firearms for the benefit of a criminal organization. Sentencing arguments continue.
Wagner had pleaded guilty to trafficking more than four kilograms of cocaine to a member of the Oshawa Hells Angels chapter, who was acting as a police agent, and to possession of $150,675 in proceeds of crime.
However, Wagner had pleaded not guilty to instructing others to commit offences, namely trafficking cocaine and transferring a firearm for the benefit of a criminal organization.
Court heard that when police raided Wagner's home and the Welland-area clubhouse of the international biker club two years ago in a massive police roundup, they discovered three sets of confidential police documents.
The leaked police documents were used by federal prosecutor Tom Andreopoulos to argue that the Hells Angels are a sophisticated criminal organization, with active intelligence gathering operations.
Andreopoulos also noted a police report that states that Ontario Hells Angels maintain photos and lists of police officers, and also information on police officers' wives.
One of the documents discovered in the Niagara police raid was confidential material on the St. Catharines chapter of the Outlaws gang, a rival of the Hells Angels. The document included the Outlaws' photos, names, addresses, licence numbers and dates of birth.
Stamped at the bottom of the report was a notation reading: "This information is for NRP (Niagara Regional Police) personnel only and is not to be disseminated."
The reports were also found in the home Gerald (Skinny) Ward, 60, who was also a founding member of the Niagara Region chapter of the international biker club.
Ward has pleaded pleaded guilty to an assortment of drug trafficking charges, but also vigorously denied charges that they committed the crimes for the benefit of the Hells Angels. His case is ongoing.
Another confidential police document found in the clubhouse and in the homes of Wagner and Ward was a Niagara Regional Police internal intelligence memo concerning the purchase of a local hotel, which was stamped "Private and confidential" and "For police use only."
The third document found in the clubhouse and the homes of Wagner and Ward was a confidential handbook for members of the provincial Biker Enforcement Unit, which was designed to help officers understand biker gangs.
Police also found $150,675.00 in cash and a bulletproof vest in Wagner's home.
Also found at his home was an intelligence report prepared by a member of the Biker Enforcement Unit containing information about members of the Outlaws Motorcycle Club in the Niagara Region.
According to material filed in court by federal prosecutors, the discovery of the confidential police material demonstrates the ability of the Hells Angels to collect "intelligence information" on rival groups and to compromise the security of a police organization.
The Niagara clubhouse, located at 855 Darby Road in Welland, Ont., is heavily fortified, and court documents state that Wagner himself built and installed the clubhouse door, which is metal and filled with cement. A sign inside the clubhouse reads: "WHAT YOU SEE HERE – WHAT YOU SAY HERE – WHAT YOU HEAR HERE – STAYS HERE WHEN YOU LEAVE HERE"
Court documents noted that the biker club also aggressively defends its brand, and trademarked "death head" patch of a winged skull.
In a raid of the Oakville, Ont. home of Craig McIlquham, 38, of the Windsor chapter, police seized a communication on a movie underway named Evil, in which the Angels felt their brand was being infringed.
"They have promised not to use our colours or copyrights," the memo says. "They felt that because the movie was historical that the copyrights did not apply. They have also promised to take out the scene of Knevil kicking HA in the head. These are verbal assurances ... We will also ask for a "screening copy" of the movie or for a letter of refusal in case further legalities are required."
McIlquham and Giuliano Raimondo, 36, also of the Windsor chapter were each also arrested in the September 2006 police operation, called Project Tandem. They were each sentenced to five years and six months in prison for trafficking one kilo of cocaine, 10,000 ecstasy pills and two kilos of methamphetamine. McIlquham and Raimondo also jointly forfeited a total of $139,500 as proceeds of crime
Court heard today that 75 per cent of the estimated 400 Hells Angels in Canada have criminal records, and that members are required to pay dues to support members behind bars in what they call the "Big House Crew."
Other documents filed in court include a transcript of a secretly recorded conversation between Ward and Steve Gault, a full member and secretary of the Oshawa Hells Angels chapter.
At the time of the recordings, Gault was acting as a paid police agent and he received $400,000 for his undercover work, court heard. Gault is now in a witness protection program.
In the conversation between Ward and Gault on August 18, 2005, Ward advised Gault that he used to have a police officer bring him paperwork.
According to the recorded conversation, Ward also said that anybody using the Hells Angels name that isn't a Hells Angels must pay the chapter.
"This again shows that the Hells Angels vigorously protect their name and that the fact they are Hells Angels, people will pay them for fear of reprisal," says a police report filed in court.
In one of their recorded conversations, Ward advised Gault that the Hells Angels Niagara Chapter are the only ones allowed to deal cocaine in the Niagara area.
"They chase down anyone trying to bring product into their area, illustrating their territorial control," the police report states. "This demonstrates the Hells Angels territorial control and control of the illicit drug market within that territory.
During the 18-month undercover operation, Peterborough drug dealer Steven Vincent Deal tried to hire Gault to murder a drug competitor.
Deal pleaded guilty on January 3 in Lindsay, Ont. to counsel to commit murder and breach of recognizance.
Click Here for the original article
Sunday, March 28, 2010
"B.A.D." Work
As we prepare for our inaugaral Support Jam this Sunday at the 69er's MC clubhouse in Troy, B.A.D. wants to share with our supporters our case load and work to date.
Our formal commitment to supporting the American biker started back in 2006. Please read on.
B.A.D. Association Case Load Files
B.A.D., borne from Spirit of Biker Brotherhood documentary cable program (2006),gained momentum through shared resources of BikerLowDown.com Radio, NY Rider Magazine in 2008 - to present and balanced into an "Action Team" through AlphaBiker.com , had developed a history of case load files. We depict notations from some of those files here for public review to show our work and intensity to the devotion in defense of the rights of the American Biker and biker culture.
B.A.D. began to develop as a concept (2006-2010). Campaigned for biker rights projects at dozens of biker benefits for three 1/2 years. Assisted, in conjunction with FreedomAction League, in the reduction of sentence / lesser sentences on several biker DWI cases (2007 - 2009) .
Supported the innocence of a 1%ER falsely accused of murder.
We helped via Spirit of Biker Brotherhood through postive media documentaries to educate the public on the truth of the American Biker Culture (he was later found not guilty by jury trial) (2006-2008).
Spirit of Biker Brotherhood continued to document and share the American Biker lifestyle on cable television which played twice a day,several days a week in over 5 counties and two states for 3 years - while developing a personal and professional knowledge on the biases and discriminations suffered by the American Biker and 1%ER which was primarily created by government agencies.
B.A.D. Executive Director,Hank McGrath challenged NYS Governor Patterson in his choice of Caroline Kennedy for the vacant Hillary Clinton Senate seat, offering himself as a candidate and demanding the "common joe" be considered for any appointment rather than the elite. This caused a media stir which essentially joined in McGrath's challenge. Kennedy went away and Gillibrand later was appointed. Even though denied, McGrath was the first ex-offender to be considered for appointment in the NYS Senate Seat (2008).
Assisted in the application for a sentence reduction on a bikers extensive probation(2010).
B.A.D. developed the Honorary Membership which would go to those who are concerned with protecting the American Biker culture and civil rights and would provide B.A.D. with advise and guidance in our projects that affect the lifestyle,freedom and liberty of the American Biker. Assisted in the promotions of events supporting the American Biker culture (2006-2010).
Honorary Members & B.A.D. Exec. Director represented the American Biker in the 1st Albany Tea Party Rally - 2009. Hank McGrath was on the board organizing the historical event and was head of security.
Provided biker rights news through extensive investigative research for BikerLowDown.com Radio with L.J.James & Chuck DeCost ,such as the Myrtle Beach discriminations and Sturgis Bar Color Bans(2008 - 2010).
Provided biker rights news and American Biker MC coverage for White Trash news and other media sources on web throughout U.S.(2007 - 2010), New York Rider magazine (2008 - 2010), AlphaBiker Syndicate news (2009 - 2010).
B.A.D. participated in a mock government takeover of the city of Cohoes,NY as a voice against government intrusions with B.A.D. honorary members leading the procession on motorcycles(2009).
B.A.D. issued a letter of warning to a motorcycle event organizer in Lake George who has been known to blantly discriminate against the American Biker, 1%ER and biker media (2009).
B.A.D. Admin Director, Chuck DeCost, began a campaign of strategic networking of all biker media in preparation of civil rights battles for the American Biker - through B.A.D. and AlphaBiker.com, BikerLowDown.com Radio with L.J.James who is an Honorary Member of B.A.D.
Chuck also started the "Known Associate Network" at the AlphaBiker.com site to provide social networking for bikers(2009-2010).
B.A.D.,in conjunction with L.J.James & BikerLowDown.com radio and Chuck DeCost with AlphaBiker.com, gave birth to the mock campaign and satire political movement called the "Breed'Em Out Campaign" - which promotes our breeding out the elites and government officials through sex with their relatives and creating children who will be groomed to take over government positions.
B.A.D. campaigned against NYS Police negative propoganda in media sources through scathing and eye-opening response articles and letters which defends the American Biker, 1%ER, motorcycle ethusiast and supporters(2009-2010).
B.A.D. proposed change in NYS Human Rights Laws to include the word "culture" in its terms of protections so the American Biker would be able to retain true protections and rights from unjust bias and discriminations (January,2010).
B.A.D. Assn. officially held its first board meeting as a functional association on March 6,2010. Filed as a business in Fulton County,NY and established a business bank account during the same period. Proper resolutions were passed by a legal board to establish records for 2010 NYS filing of non-profit status.
We established the Motorcycle Culture Club and the B.A.D. Union within Bikers Against Discrimination Association to assist us in being more effective in our startegic plan to re-educate the public away from negative govt. propoganda against the biker,while joining forces in a networking acrossed the United States and world in preparation for our fight to establish protections for the American Biker Culture and the biker lifestyle.
Stay Tuned! We are just getting started!
Our formal commitment to supporting the American biker started back in 2006. Please read on.
B.A.D. Association Case Load Files
B.A.D., borne from Spirit of Biker Brotherhood documentary cable program (2006),gained momentum through shared resources of BikerLowDown.com Radio, NY Rider Magazine in 2008 - to present and balanced into an "Action Team" through AlphaBiker.com , had developed a history of case load files. We depict notations from some of those files here for public review to show our work and intensity to the devotion in defense of the rights of the American Biker and biker culture.
B.A.D. began to develop as a concept (2006-2010). Campaigned for biker rights projects at dozens of biker benefits for three 1/2 years. Assisted, in conjunction with FreedomAction League, in the reduction of sentence / lesser sentences on several biker DWI cases (2007 - 2009) .
Supported the innocence of a 1%ER falsely accused of murder.
We helped via Spirit of Biker Brotherhood through postive media documentaries to educate the public on the truth of the American Biker Culture (he was later found not guilty by jury trial) (2006-2008).
Spirit of Biker Brotherhood continued to document and share the American Biker lifestyle on cable television which played twice a day,several days a week in over 5 counties and two states for 3 years - while developing a personal and professional knowledge on the biases and discriminations suffered by the American Biker and 1%ER which was primarily created by government agencies.
B.A.D. Executive Director,Hank McGrath challenged NYS Governor Patterson in his choice of Caroline Kennedy for the vacant Hillary Clinton Senate seat, offering himself as a candidate and demanding the "common joe" be considered for any appointment rather than the elite. This caused a media stir which essentially joined in McGrath's challenge. Kennedy went away and Gillibrand later was appointed. Even though denied, McGrath was the first ex-offender to be considered for appointment in the NYS Senate Seat (2008).
Assisted in the application for a sentence reduction on a bikers extensive probation(2010).
B.A.D. developed the Honorary Membership which would go to those who are concerned with protecting the American Biker culture and civil rights and would provide B.A.D. with advise and guidance in our projects that affect the lifestyle,freedom and liberty of the American Biker. Assisted in the promotions of events supporting the American Biker culture (2006-2010).
Honorary Members & B.A.D. Exec. Director represented the American Biker in the 1st Albany Tea Party Rally - 2009. Hank McGrath was on the board organizing the historical event and was head of security.
Provided biker rights news through extensive investigative research for BikerLowDown.com Radio with L.J.James & Chuck DeCost ,such as the Myrtle Beach discriminations and Sturgis Bar Color Bans(2008 - 2010).
Provided biker rights news and American Biker MC coverage for White Trash news and other media sources on web throughout U.S.(2007 - 2010), New York Rider magazine (2008 - 2010), AlphaBiker Syndicate news (2009 - 2010).
B.A.D. participated in a mock government takeover of the city of Cohoes,NY as a voice against government intrusions with B.A.D. honorary members leading the procession on motorcycles(2009).
B.A.D. issued a letter of warning to a motorcycle event organizer in Lake George who has been known to blantly discriminate against the American Biker, 1%ER and biker media (2009).
B.A.D. Admin Director, Chuck DeCost, began a campaign of strategic networking of all biker media in preparation of civil rights battles for the American Biker - through B.A.D. and AlphaBiker.com, BikerLowDown.com Radio with L.J.James who is an Honorary Member of B.A.D.
Chuck also started the "Known Associate Network" at the AlphaBiker.com site to provide social networking for bikers(2009-2010).
B.A.D.,in conjunction with L.J.James & BikerLowDown.com radio and Chuck DeCost with AlphaBiker.com, gave birth to the mock campaign and satire political movement called the "Breed'Em Out Campaign" - which promotes our breeding out the elites and government officials through sex with their relatives and creating children who will be groomed to take over government positions.
B.A.D. campaigned against NYS Police negative propoganda in media sources through scathing and eye-opening response articles and letters which defends the American Biker, 1%ER, motorcycle ethusiast and supporters(2009-2010).
B.A.D. proposed change in NYS Human Rights Laws to include the word "culture" in its terms of protections so the American Biker would be able to retain true protections and rights from unjust bias and discriminations (January,2010).
B.A.D. Assn. officially held its first board meeting as a functional association on March 6,2010. Filed as a business in Fulton County,NY and established a business bank account during the same period. Proper resolutions were passed by a legal board to establish records for 2010 NYS filing of non-profit status.
We established the Motorcycle Culture Club and the B.A.D. Union within Bikers Against Discrimination Association to assist us in being more effective in our startegic plan to re-educate the public away from negative govt. propoganda against the biker,while joining forces in a networking acrossed the United States and world in preparation for our fight to establish protections for the American Biker Culture and the biker lifestyle.
Stay Tuned! We are just getting started!
Power outage a chuckle
OFF THE WIRE
POWER OUTAGE
At my recent assault trial, I offered a plea of "Guilty with an explanation." The judge asked me what my explanation was, so I told my story.
"Your Honor," I said, "I had a mammogram appointment, which I actually kept. I was met with: 'Hi! I'm Belinda!' This perky clipboard carrier smiled from ear to ear, tilted her head to one side and crooned, 'All I need you to do is step into this room right here, strip to the waist, then slip on this gown. Everything clear?' I'm thinking, 'Belinda, try decaf. This ain't rocket science.' Belinda skipped away to prepare the chamber of horrors.
With the right side finished, Belinda flipped me (literally) to the left and said, 'Hmmmm. Can you stand on your tippy toes and lean in a tad so we can get everything?' 'Fine', I answered. I was freezing, bruised, and out of air, so why not use the remaining circulation in my legs and neck and finish me off? My body was in a holding pattern that defied gravity (with my other breast wedged between those two 4 inch pieces of square glass) when we heard, then felt a zap!
Complete darkness and the power went off! 'Oh, maintenance is working. Bet they hit a snag.' Belinda said, and headed for the door. 'Excuse me! You're not leaving me in this vise alone are you?' I shouted. Belinda kept going and said, 'Oh, you fuddy-duddy...the door's wide open so you'll have the emergency hall lights. I'll be right back.'
Before I could shout 'NOOOO!' she disappeared. And that's exactly how Bubba and Earl, maintenance men extraordinaire, found me ... half-naked with part of me dangling from the Jaws of Life, and the other part smashed between glass! After exchanging a polite 'Hi, how's it going' type greeting, Bubba (or possibly Earl) asked, to my utter disbelief, if I knew the power was off. Trying to disguise my hysteria, I replied with as much calmness as possible 'Uh, yes, yes I did thanks.' 'You bet, take care' Bubba replied and waved good-bye as though I'd been standing in the line at the grocery store.
Two hours later, Belinda breezes in wearing a sheepish grin. Making no attempt to suppress her amusement, she said, 'Oh I am sooo sorry!' The power came back on and I totally forgot about you! And silly me, I went to lunch. Are we upset?'
And that, Your Honor, is exactly how her head ended up between the clamps...."
The judge could hardly contain her laughter as she said 'Case Dismissed!!'..
POWER OUTAGE
At my recent assault trial, I offered a plea of "Guilty with an explanation." The judge asked me what my explanation was, so I told my story.
"Your Honor," I said, "I had a mammogram appointment, which I actually kept. I was met with: 'Hi! I'm Belinda!' This perky clipboard carrier smiled from ear to ear, tilted her head to one side and crooned, 'All I need you to do is step into this room right here, strip to the waist, then slip on this gown. Everything clear?' I'm thinking, 'Belinda, try decaf. This ain't rocket science.' Belinda skipped away to prepare the chamber of horrors.
With the right side finished, Belinda flipped me (literally) to the left and said, 'Hmmmm. Can you stand on your tippy toes and lean in a tad so we can get everything?' 'Fine', I answered. I was freezing, bruised, and out of air, so why not use the remaining circulation in my legs and neck and finish me off? My body was in a holding pattern that defied gravity (with my other breast wedged between those two 4 inch pieces of square glass) when we heard, then felt a zap!
Complete darkness and the power went off! 'Oh, maintenance is working. Bet they hit a snag.' Belinda said, and headed for the door. 'Excuse me! You're not leaving me in this vise alone are you?' I shouted. Belinda kept going and said, 'Oh, you fuddy-duddy...the door's wide open so you'll have the emergency hall lights. I'll be right back.'
Before I could shout 'NOOOO!' she disappeared. And that's exactly how Bubba and Earl, maintenance men extraordinaire, found me ... half-naked with part of me dangling from the Jaws of Life, and the other part smashed between glass! After exchanging a polite 'Hi, how's it going' type greeting, Bubba (or possibly Earl) asked, to my utter disbelief, if I knew the power was off. Trying to disguise my hysteria, I replied with as much calmness as possible 'Uh, yes, yes I did thanks.' 'You bet, take care' Bubba replied and waved good-bye as though I'd been standing in the line at the grocery store.
Two hours later, Belinda breezes in wearing a sheepish grin. Making no attempt to suppress her amusement, she said, 'Oh I am sooo sorry!' The power came back on and I totally forgot about you! And silly me, I went to lunch. Are we upset?'
And that, Your Honor, is exactly how her head ended up between the clamps...."
The judge could hardly contain her laughter as she said 'Case Dismissed!!'..
Our sister needs your support,regarding Janet Hogan Letters
OFF THE WIRE
SENT MY LETTER YESTERDAY TO JANET. You may want to re-circulate this, Gill.
To the good folks that received this email >>> I personally have worn these shoes. Only in my case, being the opposite: Letters of good character & good standing within the community for my husband, Hells Angel President Rusty Coones. During 2001, I gathered 154 letters from friends & family (VERY DAUNTING TASK) to aid in leniency during sentencing.
I promise you, these letters work, and the Judge MUST READ EVERY WORD of EVERY LETTER. In our case, the Judge was overwhelmed & touched by all the good deeds, funny stories and generosity shown by Rusty to MANY FOLKS. The Judge’s touching comments from ‘the bench’ were “never in 30 years have I seen such support for 1 person – EVER. Only once before I received 70+ letters.”
Please take 10 minutes to write something sincere, following the guidelines below. IT’S NOT PERFECTION, in fact, some of our handwritten letters were the most intriguing, even the mis-spelled words captivated the Judge because those letters spoke the most truth from the heart. BE SURE TO INCLUDE YOUR ADDRESS & SIGN YOUR NAME.
Talk about your feelings, how angry & upset you. Telling a short story about your relationship to Janet is even better. Be real & truthful when asking for the Judge’s full & proper sentencing of this repeat offender. THIS WORKS, I know it!
Sincerely, K.O. Coones (Mrs. Rusty) kbunnyo@cox.net
Tom & Tina I need help on this gill
More than a year ago our sister Janet Hogan was on her bike, struck in the rear by a car whose driver then fled the scene. Janet suffered multiple and severe injuries. The Culprit Douglas Clay was driving drunk, fled the scene, was arrested for DUI, , gave police a false address, and disappeared again.
He has been convicted twice before for DUI. He was arrested in LA and returned to San Diego.
Clay has now pled Guilty to Felony DUI with Injuries, Fleeing the scene, driving on a suspended license, and 3rd DUI with circumstances. He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 25th 2010.
His lawyer is already trying to get the charges reduced. Janet needs as many people as possible to write a letter to the judge urging the judge to impose the most severe penalty possible on the Defendant. I have placed a sample letter at the bottom of this message. Please mail your letter to Janet Hogan at 3950 60th Street, apartment 143, San Diego CA 92115. She will bundle all of the letters together and send them to the court. For all of you whose schedule permits, we would like a section of motorcyclists in that courtroom on May 25th to show our support of Janet Hogan.
-------------------------------------------------------
To the Presiding Judge Your name and address
Department 31
Your Honor,
Douglas Clay plead Guilty to driving drunk, crashing into Janet Hogan causing severe injury which she will probably never fully recover from, and fleeing the scene. He has been convicted twice before for DUI, and shows no indication of changing his lifestyle. I am asking you to impose the most severe sentence possible to this man to punish him for what he did to motorcyclist Janet Hogan. Please keep this repeat offender who shows no regard for other people, and who disregards his responsibilities off the streets so that he does not kill someone in his next crash.
Thank you,
Your signature
SENT MY LETTER YESTERDAY TO JANET. You may want to re-circulate this, Gill.
To the good folks that received this email >>> I personally have worn these shoes. Only in my case, being the opposite: Letters of good character & good standing within the community for my husband, Hells Angel President Rusty Coones. During 2001, I gathered 154 letters from friends & family (VERY DAUNTING TASK) to aid in leniency during sentencing.
I promise you, these letters work, and the Judge MUST READ EVERY WORD of EVERY LETTER. In our case, the Judge was overwhelmed & touched by all the good deeds, funny stories and generosity shown by Rusty to MANY FOLKS. The Judge’s touching comments from ‘the bench’ were “never in 30 years have I seen such support for 1 person – EVER. Only once before I received 70+ letters.”
Please take 10 minutes to write something sincere, following the guidelines below. IT’S NOT PERFECTION, in fact, some of our handwritten letters were the most intriguing, even the mis-spelled words captivated the Judge because those letters spoke the most truth from the heart. BE SURE TO INCLUDE YOUR ADDRESS & SIGN YOUR NAME.
Talk about your feelings, how angry & upset you. Telling a short story about your relationship to Janet is even better. Be real & truthful when asking for the Judge’s full & proper sentencing of this repeat offender. THIS WORKS, I know it!
Sincerely, K.O. Coones (Mrs. Rusty) kbunnyo@cox.net
Tom & Tina I need help on this gill
More than a year ago our sister Janet Hogan was on her bike, struck in the rear by a car whose driver then fled the scene. Janet suffered multiple and severe injuries. The Culprit Douglas Clay was driving drunk, fled the scene, was arrested for DUI, , gave police a false address, and disappeared again.
He has been convicted twice before for DUI. He was arrested in LA and returned to San Diego.
Clay has now pled Guilty to Felony DUI with Injuries, Fleeing the scene, driving on a suspended license, and 3rd DUI with circumstances. He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 25th 2010.
His lawyer is already trying to get the charges reduced. Janet needs as many people as possible to write a letter to the judge urging the judge to impose the most severe penalty possible on the Defendant. I have placed a sample letter at the bottom of this message. Please mail your letter to Janet Hogan at 3950 60th Street, apartment 143, San Diego CA 92115. She will bundle all of the letters together and send them to the court. For all of you whose schedule permits, we would like a section of motorcyclists in that courtroom on May 25th to show our support of Janet Hogan.
-------------------------------------------------------
To the Presiding Judge Your name and address
Department 31
Your Honor,
Douglas Clay plead Guilty to driving drunk, crashing into Janet Hogan causing severe injury which she will probably never fully recover from, and fleeing the scene. He has been convicted twice before for DUI, and shows no indication of changing his lifestyle. I am asking you to impose the most severe sentence possible to this man to punish him for what he did to motorcyclist Janet Hogan. Please keep this repeat offender who shows no regard for other people, and who disregards his responsibilities off the streets so that he does not kill someone in his next crash.
Thank you,
Your signature
“Two Wheel Thunder” with motorcycle Icons, Michele Smith & Jay Barbieri premiers on Discovery’s HD Theater, June 7th 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
“Two Wheel Thunder” with motorcycle Icons, Michele Smith & Jay Barbieri premiers on Discovery’s HD Theater, June 7th 2010
Michele Smith and Jay Barbieri will be hosting a brand new motorcycle magazine show called “Two Wheel Thunder” on the Discovery network’s HD Theater. Smith and Barbieri previously hosted American Thunder on the Speed Channel but after fourteen years, and despite high ratings, SPEED decided not to bring the show back.
Michele Smith started out in the modeling world as a pin-up girl. Most of the jobs she did were sexy-type photos seen in motorcycle calendars, posters, catalogs and magazine covers like Playboy, Muscle and Fitness, Swimwear USA, Swimwear International and Neue Revue. She also appeared on the cover of Easy Riders Roadware clothing catalog and in too many industry magazines to list. Michele has been riding motorcycles since 1994 and is considered the “First Lady of Motorcycling” by millions of enthusiasts.
Michele commented: “After hosting American Thunder for eleven years and seeing many changes throughout the industry one thing that hasn't changed is the love of the motorcycle culture and the loyalty of the fans that have stood by us. The biker community will once again have a TV show that will bring them the latest in the V-Twin market and much more.”
Barbieri is not only hosting the show this season but is also the Executive Producer. Barbieri has been riding a Harley for over 25 years, has hundreds of thousand miles under his belt and has attendee countless motorcycle rallies across North America. His book the “Bikers Handbook, Becoming Part of the Motorcycle culture” is in it’s third printing.
Barbieri added: “HD Theater is the perfect place for our show, they get “it”. I’m very happy that Michele and I can continue to bring our loyal fan base everything the motorcycle sub culture has to offer. As the Executive Producer I have more creative control this year and can respond directly to our viewers requests. It’s a win win for all of us.”
Two Wheel Thunder will bring motorcycle enthusiasts an inside look at custom bike shows, coverage from rallies such as Daytona Beach bike week, bike builds and the best after market products available for V-Twin cruisers.
HD Theater is a high-definition television network from Discovery Communications, Inc., the owner of the Discovery Channel. It launched nation-wide in 2002 as Discovery HD Theater and is now the most widely distributed basic cable HD network in the United States. The network was rebranded to its current name on September 22, 2007, due to Discovery Network launching HD simulcasts of the Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, TLC, and the Science Channel. HD Theater has been a pioneer in development of programming specifically oriented to the HD format.
Fan page: www.facebook.com/pages/Two-Wheel-Thunder/300269857861
“Two Wheel Thunder” with motorcycle Icons, Michele Smith & Jay Barbieri premiers on Discovery’s HD Theater, June 7th 2010
Michele Smith and Jay Barbieri will be hosting a brand new motorcycle magazine show called “Two Wheel Thunder” on the Discovery network’s HD Theater. Smith and Barbieri previously hosted American Thunder on the Speed Channel but after fourteen years, and despite high ratings, SPEED decided not to bring the show back.
Michele Smith started out in the modeling world as a pin-up girl. Most of the jobs she did were sexy-type photos seen in motorcycle calendars, posters, catalogs and magazine covers like Playboy, Muscle and Fitness, Swimwear USA, Swimwear International and Neue Revue. She also appeared on the cover of Easy Riders Roadware clothing catalog and in too many industry magazines to list. Michele has been riding motorcycles since 1994 and is considered the “First Lady of Motorcycling” by millions of enthusiasts.
Michele commented: “After hosting American Thunder for eleven years and seeing many changes throughout the industry one thing that hasn't changed is the love of the motorcycle culture and the loyalty of the fans that have stood by us. The biker community will once again have a TV show that will bring them the latest in the V-Twin market and much more.”
Barbieri is not only hosting the show this season but is also the Executive Producer. Barbieri has been riding a Harley for over 25 years, has hundreds of thousand miles under his belt and has attendee countless motorcycle rallies across North America. His book the “Bikers Handbook, Becoming Part of the Motorcycle culture” is in it’s third printing.
Barbieri added: “HD Theater is the perfect place for our show, they get “it”. I’m very happy that Michele and I can continue to bring our loyal fan base everything the motorcycle sub culture has to offer. As the Executive Producer I have more creative control this year and can respond directly to our viewers requests. It’s a win win for all of us.”
Two Wheel Thunder will bring motorcycle enthusiasts an inside look at custom bike shows, coverage from rallies such as Daytona Beach bike week, bike builds and the best after market products available for V-Twin cruisers.
HD Theater is a high-definition television network from Discovery Communications, Inc., the owner of the Discovery Channel. It launched nation-wide in 2002 as Discovery HD Theater and is now the most widely distributed basic cable HD network in the United States. The network was rebranded to its current name on September 22, 2007, due to Discovery Network launching HD simulcasts of the Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, TLC, and the Science Channel. HD Theater has been a pioneer in development of programming specifically oriented to the HD format.
Fan page: www.facebook.com/pages/Two-Wheel-Thunder/300269857861