(IN MY OPINION by Roadblock 1%er) THE BATTLE FOR OUR RIGHTS CONTINUES

OFF THE WIRE
“Anything you say can and will be used against you”

As we've seen in recent motorcycle club trials, anything you say can be twisted by cops, snitches, prosecutors and others to crucify you to the fullest extent of the law. “Thanks” to plea-bargaining rats and politically motivated government agents, you can't trust anyone with your freedom.

Does this mean you give up on riding motorcycles with your friends and club brothers? Does it mean you can no longer share opinions or joke around, for fear some jerk-off in the corner will use your words one day to save his own ass in Court? Does it mean you should be reluctant to party at your clubhouse, go on runs, and participate in functions with your club brothers?

These days, some will choose to park the bike, stay at home and avoid any confrontation with the increasingly overzealous law enforcement agencies. Some may feel they have too much to lose.

Ironically, staying at home and hiding guarantees you will lose your Freedom. By giving up, you have lost everything guaranteed to you by your Constitution.

Further, even our own homes are no longer a safe haven. We now see examples of invasions of privacy regularly on the news. Innocent people lose their freedom, and lives, to state and federal "Gang Units" in their homes right here in the USA.

Therefore, rather than live in fear of illegal government tactics, it's up to each individual to continue to ride, and enjoy the association and freedom of speech promised by the Bill of Rights and Constitutions of our respective countries. Important victories to protect those rights ARE being won in Courts, by clubs and individuals. These favorable court rulings are setting precedent and case law that can be used to support future cases.

In almost every case, a guilty verdict depends on how the defendant is classified. Since they rarely have any “real” evidence, the prosecution has to convince a jury that the defendant on trial is a member of an "Outlaw Motorcycle Gang," a "Gang Associate," and/or a member of a Criminal Organization. This prejudices a jury, and allows the government to convict and sentence a defendant to a virtual life sentence for minor criminal conduct based on questionable evidence.

The good news is that recent court decisions have determined that Motorcycle Clubs are not "Criminal Organizations" and cannot be referred to as "Gangs." (Listed below are some favorable court rulings. )

More than ever, it is essential that we challenge the government’s classification of our clubs and members as criminals if they are not guilty of criminal conduct. It is not a crime to belong to a motorcycle club. Our choices today are simple: to run or to fight. A warrior chooses to fight. Our clubs’ future and our individual rights can be successfully defended, and it is up to us.

Legal Victories:

(1) May 22, United Kingdom: Colwyn Bay Bikers jailed for drug offences. Acknowledging that the Outlaws motorcycle organization itself was “perfectly lawful,” Judge Merfyn Hughes, QC, determined that defendant Dawson used his role as European Pres to further his own criminal activity. Stating: “In doing so, he brought that organization into disrepute, conducting an organized, wholesale and commercial drug supply.”

(2) Dec 30, 2010 – Zurich, Switzerland: After charges from a six-year probe into the activities of the Zurich Hells Angels Motorcycle Club, the Dutch Supreme Court has cleared it of being a criminal organization. This court held that the chapter could not be held responsible for the criminal conduct of other chapters.

(3) June 14, 2011 – Helsinki, Finland: The Supreme Court has ruled that the Bandidos Helsinki motorcycle gang and its associated support-helsinki club are not criminal organizations. The high court ruled on Tuesday that although several members of the group have been found guilty of serious drug and other offenses, that does not mean that the club was specifically organized to carry out crimes.

(4) June 1, 2011, Spokane, Washington USA: In the recent trial of the Spokane's chapter's sergeant-at-arms, Ricky Jenks, the judge ruled the prosecution couldn't say 'Hells Angels' or refer to the club as a gang.

http://www.freeroadblock.us/to_hide_or_fight.htm