“Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but
rather to skid in broadside, in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, 'Wow! What a
Ride!” For many bikers, this quote by Hunter S. Thompson accurately summarizes the biker lifestyle.
Unfortunately, the personal freedoms associated with this lifestyle are eroding away before our very eyes.
Some of these freedoms went by the wayside due to politicians proposing laws that were in “our best interest.”
However, many of our freedoms have been taken away simply because those concerned chose to do nothing!
It’s been stated that the American Biker image was born in Hollister during the Fourth of July
weekend in 1947. Even before this date, bikers have been club-oriented – motorcycle clubs represent family,
brotherhood, honor, loyalty, respect, and much more. Like any other organization, whether fraternal,
religious or just plain social, motorcycle clubs provide like-minded bikers with a sense of kinship and a means
by which to express their personal freedoms. However, we’d be remiss to ignore the fact that the struggle to
maintain the motorcycle community is real. The lifestyle created by our brothers and sisters before us, and
for which they sacrificed, is currently under attack!
It’s been stated that the American Biker image was born in Hollister during the Fourth of July
weekend in 1947. Even before this date, bikers have been club-oriented – motorcycle clubs represent family,
brotherhood, honor, loyalty, respect, and much more. Like any other organization, whether fraternal,
religious or just plain social, motorcycle clubs provide like-minded bikers with a sense of kinship and a means
by which to express their personal freedoms. However, we’d be remiss to ignore the fact that the struggle to
maintain the motorcycle community is real. The lifestyle created by our brothers and sisters before us, and
for which they sacrificed, is currently under attack!
In a recent article we stated that law enforcement officials have intensified their harassment of
individuals who are members or associate with members of motorcycle clubs. It’s important to note a good
number of law enforcement agencies consider motorcycle clubs to be gangs. It doesn’t matter if you belong
to a 1% club, a family club, or the local HOG group – if you’re wearing a patch, you’re fair game – and yup,
you’ve been profiled! If you meet the criteria they’ve set forth you’re subject to being stopped for simply
being on the road. It is important to note that this type of scrutiny is often in violation of your Constitutional
Rights.
So what can we do? First and most importantly, motorcyclists in general, and more specifically, patch
holders, must unify for the purpose of fighting to retain and secure our personal freedom of expression.
Second, articulate the problem and submit a solution. The US Defenders is diligently working behind
the scenes with several MROs to bring about legislation that will put an end to the harassment of bikers. A
bill has been drafted, however before the bill can be introduced it’s vitally important that we provide data that
clearly substantiates our claim of discrimination and profiling.
We are currently compiling reports of like incidents to be used as substantiating documentation as we
pursue an anti-profiling bill. We are moving forward with prudence – we ask that you let us know if you find
yourself in a situation of harassment, we'd greatly appreciate your cooperation in sending an incident report
directly to Moony, California State Commander, US Defenders.
Remember – “One Heart, One Voice!”
For further information regarding the US Defenders/COIR, please visit the US Defenders webpage:
http://usdefenderscalifornia.webs.com/, or contact one of the following individuals:
US Defenders California State Commander: Moony – djordan@ffpis.com
· Southern California Unit Commander: MT – majortom@dslextreme.com
· Central California Unit Commander: Helldog – helldog@wildblue.net
· Northern California Unit Commander: Bobby – usdefenders.ca@gmail.com
· Monterey Bay Region Unit Commander: Lyle – gmrmc1@comcast.net
· San Diego Region Unit Commander: Psycho Terry – pyschoterry@graveyardgamblers.com
COIR (for ABATE) California State Commander: Lori Adams – lmadams55@dslextreme.com
COIR (for ABATE) California State Lt. Commander: Dogman – ptdogman@gmail.com
· Southern California Unit Commander: Art – usairon@coxnet.com
· Southern California Unit Commander: Nick – nickbenson@verizon.net
COIR (for MMA) California State Commander: Bingo – bingosoc@yahoo.com