Hello, Friends--

I hope you're doing well as we get ready to slide out of April and into May.  Here's my May version of my Tiger Tales for you to read, and I hope you find it informative and enjoyable: but first, PLEASE heed this important alert!! I just received the news TODAY, from multiple sources, that Rep. Shane Jett (R-Tecumseh) helped sneak a rider onto SB 1507, which would allow the North American NAFTA Super-Highway (part of the North American Union strategy engineered by President Bush and then Mexican President Vincente Fox) to be built through Oklahoma. In the Oklahoma State Senate, a rider or amendment doesn't have to be germane to the original bill: that means its content doesn't have to be related to the content of the original bill at all.  Basically, SB 1507 was passed by both the Oklahoma Senate and House, nearly UNANIMOUSLY, without too many legislators reading it or being aware of it, and is now headed to Gov. Brad Henry's desk for signature.  If you're not familiar with this issue, Google "NAFTA Super-Highway" and "North American Union" and read about this grand plan in detail--it'll curl your hair!! 

According to the OK Conservative Political Action Committee, Jett’s amendment facilitates multi-modal transportation corridors for rail, utilities, pipe lines and even a inland “smart” port. These are all components for the NAFTA Superhighway and is an important step toward creating a North American Union, eventually eliminating economic and possibly physical borders between Mexico, Canada and the U.S--even to the extent of establishing a common currency known as the "Amero".  If you read more on this issue, you'll find plans for an eight-lane commercial-only highway and railroad coming through the Durant area of Oklahoma, to continue northward to a proposed Kansas City hub and from there northwest to Canada.  Large tracts of land in Oklahoma and Texas are already being bought up for this purpose.  The plan calls for security enforcement of this highway to be provided by the Mexican Military--on American Soil! 

This odious legislation got by our patriotic lawmakers until today, when it was sent to Gov. Henry for signature. It is imperative, let me say it again, it is vital that everyone contact the Governor IMMEDIATELY and tell him you want him to VETO this legislation. The phone numbers for his office are: (405) 521-2342 or 1-800-865-6490 and 1-800-522-8502. His OKC fax is (405) 521-3353 and the Tulsa fax is (918) 581-2835.  If you want to send him an e-mail, that's fine, but please, the more important communication method is by phone or FAX, and as soon as possible. Please leave a message that you are opposed to this legislation and strongly urge the Governor to VETO it! 

I know some might bristle that they don't consider this topic "Biker-related", but our National Sovereignty and Identity is at stake, and this threat could ultimately eliminate Biker Freedom as we know it--you only need to look at the European Union and their concept of "Global Harmonization" for bike design, production and maintenance to figure this out!  Thanks for listening, Ride Safely as we celebrate Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month in Oklahoma, and PLEASE pick up the phone and request Gov. Henry to VETO SB 1507!  Contact all your friends and urge them to do the same.  Take care of each other, and I'll see you on the Road! 

In Liberty,

Tiger Mike Revere 

ABATE of Oklahoma, Inc.

405-596-1072 (Cell)

TIGER TALES - MAY, 2008

  Greetings to all of Oklahoma’s Riding Community!  As I was writing this, the official word was issued that an NBA big-league team is moving to Oklahoma City.  Whatever your views on THAT issue, riders have known for a very long while that the Sooner State is big-league for motorcycling fun, and ABATE has been at the forefront to keep it that way!  Hopefully, everyone’s getting out and enjoying the springtime riding season in the Sooner State, despite some of the colder and severe weather we've been experiencing.  Every day of the week is packed with Bike Nights now, and you can find festive events advertised for weekend riding all over the state, including fun occasions hosted by all of our active ABATE Chapters.  Please remember to be careful out there, especially during Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month, which has been designated for May of each year, thanks to ABATE pushing to get SJR 50 passed a few years ago.  It’s a tremendous opportunity for our Riding Community to emphasize to the general Motoring Public the importance of Looking Out for Motorcyclists and Sharing the Road, and for us to remember to Ride Safely, Responsibly, Sober, and Aware!  Governor Brad Henry has issued a Proclamation for 2008 recognizing the importance of motorcycling in the Sooner State, and ABATE is working with the Department of Public Safety to come out with TV ads, radio spots, and road signage to support awareness of motorcyclists.  The DPS has over $100,000 in Federal Grant funding to use for this purpose, thanks to you supporting ABATE in getting Jaggers’ Law passed!  We’re at well over 100,000 registered motorcycles and trikes now in Oklahoma, and more folks are getting on two wheels every day, especially with gas at over $3.20 a gallon and the prices rising higher.  It’s critical that we reduce deaths and injuries in our Biker Family, and ABATE is committed to achieving that goal!

   Also, as I was composing this article, the area is gearing up for another important event taking place April 19 in Oklahoma City--the NCOM Christian Unity Mid-South Regional Meeting.  This uplifting multi-state occasion should prove to be educational, inspiring and informative, and will support our goal of getting our Motorcycling Community members to work more effectively together in a Common Cause of Unity and Freedom.  Anyone who's read my ramblings should know by now that the National Coalition of Motorcyclists is an influential group of motorcycle clubs and associations working together for the purpose of being a united voice for motorcyclists. NCOM has over 1,000 member organizations that share information and strategies to serve the motorcycle community. The goal and purpose of NCOM is to assist all motorcycle organizations and individual riders with FREE services such as legislative assistance, nationwide information network, public awareness programs, safety projects, loan program, biker anti-discrimination, legal and legislative assistance, etc. The Christian Unity arm of NCOM is the fastest growing part of NCOM. They are becoming very organized with Unity regional meetings, workshops at the NCOM convention and assistance with communications and involvement between mc groups. Find out how your Christian group can join NCOM Christian Unity and be involved in effective frontline motorcycle ministry.  Riders in Oklahoma have long known how valuable our Christian groups have been to provide aid, support and comfort to all of us, especially those grieving, injured or down on their luck.  They deserve our appreciation as they continue to do the Lord's work.  I know all meeting attendees will take pause to reflect upon the April 19,1995 bombing of the Murrah Building in Oklahoma City--we all need to do the same as America's troops continue to lay their lives on the line in the War on Terror. 

  With the 2008 Legislative session drawing to a close, we’ve unfortunately ended up with most of our bills dying in committee, including those which would’ve restricted use of Hand-Held Cell Phones while driving; our Red-Light legislative proposals designed to prevent riders from getting hit if their bikes don't trigger the light to turn green; and Right To Repair legislation which would’ve given independent shops and individuals access to tools and procedures only available to dealerships. ABATE is not giving up yet, and we’re attempting to get these issues attached as riders to other last-minute legislation.  Additionally, Right to Repair Legislation is still alive on the Federal level, and if it passes in Congress, it’ll apply in all the states.  You can read more about this important issue by checking out the Motorcycle Riders Foundation website at: www.mrf.org  ABATE is also working with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation by providing them with a database of intersections not responding to bikes, so technicians can go out and make them more responsive, so our efforts are having an effect even if the legislation doesn't get passed.  This is, I believe, an outgrowth of our improved working relationship with ODOT after our work on improving Construction Signage urging Motorcyclists to use extreme caution in work zones.  I mentioned DPS using Federal Grant money for Rider Safety and Awareness issues.  Last month, ABATE was concerned about that grant being shifted to the DPS General Fund.  Well, Holly did some research, and I'm relieved to report that the shift didn't happen.  The money is reserved for its original purpose, and Maj. Davidson of the OHP contacted us to reassure ABATE that the Highway Patrol desires to support the original intent of the grant.  Oklahoma is due to receive additional grant money, so I expect to see more publicity in the Sooner State designed to save biker lives!  On the National front, an important development is happening on the West Coast and in response to a national appeal from ABATE of California, ABATE of Oklahoma has contributed some money to their Judicial Fund.  California Freedom Fighters are presenting a case before their State Supreme Court to declare their Mandatory Helmet Law unconstitutional, and they have a very good chance of winning-let’s keep our fingers crossed for them!  We’ll be discussing these and many other vital topics at the annual National Coalition of Motorcyclists Convention May 8-11 in Houston, TX.  It's shaping up to be one of the largest and most productive Conventions ever, and I’ll let you know how things went at that event in next month’s article.  You can still obtain more information on NCOM if you’re interested in attending by logging on to www.aimncom.com

   It’s just about time for me to close, so I’ll wrap up with a heartfelt invitation to all of you to join your ABATE Brothers and Sisters on Memorial Day as we pay tribute to our Armed Forces members that have made the Supreme Sacrifice for Freedom, including over 4,300 in Iraq and Afghanistan.  ABATE will once again host the annual Bike Parade to the State Capitol War Memorial on Monday, May 26.  As we’ve done for sixteen years, we’ll leave out of the Skyline Restaurant parking lot, S.E. Fifteenth Street, ¼ mile east of I-35 in Oklahoma City, promptly at 10:30AM and cover a short parade route to arrive in time for the 11:00AM services hosted by the Sooner Detachment of the Oklahoma Marine Corps League.  Polish your chrome, fly your flags proudly, and come on out and join us!  Also, PLEASE consider participating in the Rolling Thunder Hospitality event hosted in El Reno on Sunday, May 18.  For a number of years now, Sunset Chapter ABATE members ride in a large patriotic group west on I-40 to meet the motorcycling contingent headed to Washington to honor America's Veterans.  There's a festive cookout in El Reno and good feeling all around.  You can obtain more information by checking out Page 2 (May 18) of the OK Motorcycle Events Calendar. Log on to www.okmcevents.com or get in touch with ABATE's Sunset Chapter.  I’ll be looking for you!  Tiger's Tip O' The Month involves riding strategy.  Make effective use of cars in adjoining lanes to run blocker for you through intersections.  That'll help prevent vehicles from left-turning you, but avoid traveling in your blocker's blind spot.  Also, with this being another May in Oklahoma, watch out for crosswinds blowing you out of your lane into adjoining traffic! Keep a firm grip on BOTH handlebars, and ride in staggered formation--leave the two-across formations to Hollywood! 

  Before I take my leave, I want to include information I received after I wrote my April article, even though a number of you are aware already.  I was deeply saddened by the news that "Disco" Doug Griffith, Life Member of ABATE of Tulsa and longtime member of the Tulsa Trail Riders, passed away yesterday afternoon after a series of heart attacks and lung problems. Doug was a longtime street biker, and especially passionate about off-road motorcycling. He spent lots of years on motorcycles of all types, and really loved to ride. Since 2002, he logged thousands of miles on the road and on his dirt bike, after receiving a Heart Transplant. He was responsible for improving motorcycling Quality of Life in multiple areas, like greatly expanding acreage for Dirt Bikers by working with the Trail Riders to establish an Off-Road Riding Complex in Scipio, OK. In 2003, he rode with me and 38 others on a 40-hour bus trip to Washington DC to lobby our state's Congressional Delegation to, among other things, postpone the EPA's oppressive restrictions on motorcycle customization. Doug was very active in his ABATE Chapter, and could always be counted upon to defend Biker Rights in Oklahoma. He leaves behind family, friends, and a host of Oklahomans proud to ride with him. You can point to Doug as a singular example of the importance of considering Organ Donation, as he wouldn't have done as much for Riding Freedom in our state as he had, if the family of a 19 year-old hadn't consented to allowing their loved one's heart to beat a few years longer. He was a good friend, and I'll miss him terribly--Ride Free Forever, Doug Griffith!! In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to Tanya's Place, apartments in Tulsa provided for transplant recipients, where they are cared for at no charge.  There will be a donation box at Jack's Bike Shop in Tulsa, or you can write a check payable to Beracah Heart Ministries for the Doug Griffith Memorial, and mail to: Beracah Heart Ministries, c/o Chuck Stophel, 4209 West Quincy St., Broken Arrow OK 74012.  Again, please keep "Disco Doug's" family in your prayers at this difficult time.

 

  I was additionally shocked to receive the news from the Three Sands Chapter that Gordon Thompson passed away in his sleep the morning of April 1, and he was buried in Winfield, Kansas. "Uncle Gordo" loved, respected, and contributed much to the motorcycle community. He was a Charter member of the Three Sands ABATE Chapter, a past member of the Ponca City Cruisers, and a current member of several groups, including the Gold Wing Riders, BACA, and the American Legion Riders. He will be very much missed by so many that he had touched in numerous ways--Ride Free Forever, Uncle Gordo!! Whatever heavenly cloud he's on, I hope the Angel Gabriel sounds Reveille at 7:00AM every morning for him, just like he did to roust sleepy, hung-over bikers out of their tents at our ABATE State Parties!  There will be a special charitable fund established in Uncle Gordo's name as well, so please contact the Three Sands ABATE Chapter for more information.   Well, I'm sorry to have to finish my article with the tragic news of the loss of two special ABATE members, but please, along with remembering their grieving families, let's celebrate their lives and contributions.  That's been done already, with large turnouts from our Motorcycling Family at both memorial services.  Keep in mind that they made the world and our Riding Community better while being here. That's all any of us can ask for! Thanks for listening, enjoy the Spring weather (let's hope things don't get too severe!), and I'll see you on the Road.

 

Keep It On The Black Strip Between The Trees,

Tiger Mike