OFF THE WIRE
GroundReport | Author: Robert Tilford
Anyone familiar with the reality based TV show on Discovery Channel called “The Devil’s Ride” knows that veterans are prominently represented in the two motorcycle clubs featured on the program.
Rockem, for example, the club president of Sin Mob is a former Marine. So is Danny Boy, the former club president of the Laffing Devils is also a former Marine.
The veterans are part of a subculture within the gangs or clubs which engage in all sorts of nefarious activities including, but not limited to: assault, robbery, blackmail, extortion, and even acts of domestic terrorism.
According to a recently released FBI report, Gang-related activity in the US military is increasing and poses a threat to law enforcement officials and national security.
Both the Sin Mob and the Laffing Devils claim they do what they do for “honor, respect and brotherhood”, but it has nothing to do with that.
Both clubs also display the Marine Corp flag on their clubhouse walls – which is a total abomination, as far as I am concerned.
These members come into the club with prior military and combat experience, from Vietnam and the Gulf wars and Afghanistan.
These veterans represent a growing and troubling trend for America – one that the Pentagon refuses to acknowledge or deal with outside the military. I suppose they have their hands full with those gang members already withing their organization – which is a huge problem nationwide.
Veterans are also represented in one percent-er clubs and gangs across America.
An informal survey in 2013 shows veterans make up about one third or less of the membership of one percent clubs, including the Hell’s Angels, Vagos, Free Souls, Bandidos, Highwaymen, Warlocks, Sons of Silence, Outlaws, Pagans, Mongols…just to name a few.
Some have suggested that veterans who bring dishonor to themselves and their communities by joining gangs, outlaw motorcycle clubs and violent criminal organizations and commit felonies such as murder and rape should lose their veteran benefits.
Others suggest that such a deterrent measure would have little or no deterrent effect on veterans from joining such organizations – but it might make them think twice before they kill or rob someone.
We floated this idea past a few prominent members of the US House of Representatives, including top leadership of both political parties by email and no member would respond to back to us on this subject. I assume they didn’t consider this a good idea at this time?
