James Maniscalco: Not All Motorcyclists Are Involved in Criminal Activity

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http://uspolitics.einnews.com/247pr/294933
James Maniscalco: Not All Motorcyclists Are Involved in Criminal Activity

The recent arrest of the Outlaws motorcycle gang has many wondering if motorcyclists need to be watched more closely. Motorcycle instructor, James Maniscalco refutes these claims and offers evidence to support the biker community.
NEW YORK, NY, July 31, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- For decades, motorcycle riders have been burdened with the stigma that they are rough, lawless and violent. Despite most of these stereotypes coming from fictional media, a new article from The Huffington Post shines light on the recent arrest of a criminal motorcycle gang, leaving many to wonder if such labels truly do apply. In Indianapolis, members of the Outlaws motorcycle gang were recently arrested for a wide array of crimes that include "drug trafficking, extortion, money laundering, witness tampering and illegal gambling." While the culprits are now behind bars and awaiting court trial, James Maniscalco, a motorcycle enthusiast and trainer, urges the public to not let this event affect the way bikers are perceived.
After a year-long investigation, the FBI and other local law enforcement agencies were able to work together to infiltrate the gang and expose them for their crimes. Not only were the gang's members held accountable, but several outside associates were charged with crimes as well, including one "millionaire CEO," businessman Charles N. Ernstes II. On the subject of how diverse this case is, lead prosecutor and Assistant U.S. Attorney, Brad Blackington states, "All kinds of people from different walks of life are involved in criminal activity."
Following that mentality, James Maniscalco notes that just because one businessman committed a crime, it does not mean all businessmen are criminals. In his eyes, the same logic should apply to motorcyclists. According to Maniscalco, the Outlaws incident brings particular attention on biker clubs as a whole, to which he comments, "There are tons of bikers in clubs that have names that are somehow affiliated with going against the law. Even if the Outlaws were not committing crimes, their name still brings about negative attention. For those that want to join a motorcycle club, find one that has a solid reputation or doesn't have a negative sounding name."
More importantly, James Maniscalco notes that a large percentage of biker clubs are actually focused on making a difference in their communities. Having worked, ridden and interacted with members of these clubs he has found that they all have a genuine passion for helping each other out; the only thing different about them, is that they love to ride motorcycles and show off their machines. Maniscalco concludes, "The public must note that most biker clubs work to stay away from criminal activity, and perform charitable work to improve their community. In order to continue these positive efforts, the public must stop looking at motorcycle clubs as a whole, and starting respecting what they have done individually for their neighborhoods."