Brothers and Sisters,
I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a
very Happy, Safe and Prosperous New Year
As I look back on the year 2011 I recall some of the things that I never thought
I’d see again as well as some things I hope I never see again. There was resurgence
in patriotism and faith in America by people of all ages and the voice of the
American people sounded off loud and clear, “We the people” became the call to
action and the people stood together. We also saw an “Occupy Wall Street”
movement calling for an end to Capitalism and protesting against something, anything,
nothing, trying to create civil unrest in true Marxist socialist fashion
“Rebels without a clue”. I guess the media stopped paying attention to them and
they decided it wasn’t worth freezing their collective ass’s off for and went back
to bitchin’ and whinin’ to mom and dad.
2012 may be the most significant time in American History, a time when we must
look at where we are and where we are going. I believe it will be a pivotal time,
the year in which the choices we make now will determine the survival of this
country as the America we know and love or allow it to deteriorate into the swirling
abyss of socialism / globalization, transformed beyond recognition of the
United States we know today. There has never been a time where one of our most
sacred rights will save this country, our right to vote in free elections. I hope
and pray I’m wrong but I can’t shake the feeling that there will be radical socialist
groups determined to intimidate voters turning out on election day similar to
the incident that happened in Philadelphia when the “New Black Panthers” stood
at polling stations armed with nightsticks. You may remember after they were convicted
Attorney General Eric Holder ordered the courts to overturn the decision
and with out explanation those criminals walked away. I still don’t believe the order
came from Holder, I believe it came through Holder as just another example
of the current administrations disregard for the Constitution and liberty and justice
for all. This is nothing more than a regime and it must end. Get involved, get
out and vote.
2012 is also a time to for us as motorcyclists to strengthen our bond as Brothers
and Sisters to ensure that our rights are protected. Over the past three
years we have met with strong opposition to our “Stiffer Penalties Bill” in dealing with Right of Way Violations This Bill is not just about motorcyclists, it’s
about an epidemic that has existed and continues to grow. It is probably the number
one killer of motorcyclists but it affects all motorists. It’s about justice
for the victim, justice for family and loved ones affected by these mindless actions,
it’s about heightening awareness, it is and should be used as a deterrent
to end this carnage. I’m convinced there more here than meets the eye, otherwise
why would this opposition exist?
On New Years Day “an off-duty Broward sheriff's deputy died on Sunday when he
crashed his motorcycle into the side of a Cadillac, BSO said. Stajka Vangov,
75, pulled out in front of Deputy John Blackwelder, 45, said BSO spokeswoman
Veda Coleman-Wright. The deputy on a Honda motorcycle collided with
Vangov's Cadillac at Commercial Boulevard and Northeast Third Avenue when she
tried to turn left across his path”. Three years ago, I had spoken to one of our
members who is also a P.B.S.O. Deputy and a rider to speak to his fellow officers
that ride and ask them to join us by supporting this legislation after learning
of three incidents that happened within a two and a half hours of each other
involving on duty P.B.S.O. officers on motorcycles. All three were victims of
right of way violations. To date I have not heard from anyone at the P.B.S.O. Let
this be the year we come together on common ground and get this Bill passed.
It took six or seven years of countless accidents, injuries and deaths caused by
distracted drivers on cell phones to gain any community and media support to
deal with this problem. And then, only because of the “TEXTING” epidemic had
become the focus of their attention. Florida is still one of the few states that
have not passed legislation to restrict the use of these devices. There have
been several Bills proposed in a verity of formats and verbiage and still not a
single piece of legislation has been passed. It’s up to us as ABATE members to
become involved with our community leaders and legislators but I’m reaching
out to the motorcycle community to become involved by supporting our efforts
in becoming members of ABATE. Let this be the year we let our collective voices
are heard.
Look for our safety booth at bike nights throughout Palm Bch. County to pick
up an application or go on line and visit our web site at www.abatepalmbeach.com
click on “How to Join” you can fill out the form on line, print and mail or fax. We accept Visa or Master Card and check by fax; just make a photocopy of your
check and fax it along with your application.
I hope to see you at our next chapter meeting Sunday 1/15/12 at 11:30 AM. Our
meetings are held at VFW Post 4143 located at 2404 Broadway Riviera Bch.
561-844-5718 Go east on Blue Heron Blvd. to Broadway (US 1) turn right and
look for the flag on the east side.
Ride Safe - Ride Free
Strongbow President
ABATE of FL Palm Beach Chapter
561-482-4346 Cell: 561-302-0879
president@abatepalmbeach.com
