Freedom of Choice 1

Hello to all our Riding Community, and how's everybody? I'm sure everyone's ready for Spring to come around the corner and warm up our state, especially after all the wacky weather we've had! As I write this, North Texas is getting some of the worst snow they've had in many years--over eleven inches, with Oklahoma only getting a glancing blow from this latest storm. So much for Global Warming, I guess. A number of our ABATE Members have only recently gotten their power back on after almost two weeks without it, particularly in the Lawton and Altus areas. I'm very glad our ABATE Family was able to survive without undue hardship. As I mention my friends from Lawton District 3, I'm reminded that one of their chapter members, Allan Luttrell, was run over on his bike recently by a negligent motorist, and was grievously injured. He's currently recuperating at OU Trauma Center, and I hope everyone will remember him in thought and prayer. Our 2010 Legislative Campaign, with the goal of both passing a Motorcycling Safety, Education and Awareness bill and clarifying and increasing the effectiveness of Jaggers' Law, is specifically designed to reduce the likelihood of riders like Allan Luttrell becoming victimized. Here's to a Speedy Recovery, Allan--your ABATE Brothers and Sisters stand in solidarity with you!

It certainly was great to see everybody who was able to attend our 19th Annual ABATE Legislative Breakfast on February 10, and it was terrific to get positive feedback on how well ABATE attendees were received. Almost 200 riders showed up, many wearing pink shirts, ribbons and buttons to honor the life of our own "Gunner" Catcher. I personally interacted with the Capitol Sgt-at-Arms, and he complimented our Riding Community on how well-behaved, dedicated and courteous everyone was. That's the result of close to two decades of ABATE Freedom Fighters working together to cultivate relationships by simply treating others the way we want to be treated. Thanks so much to all of you for your considerable efforts. The OETA Television Crew was even impressed, and gave us some good press coverage. Over 70 ABATE Members set the stage for a successful event by attending what turned into a leadership brainstorming session at the Hawthorn Inn in Oklahoma City the night before. Thanks, "2R" for moderating that politically beneficial and socially uplifting session. Kudos also to our ABATE folks who brought sewing machines to outfit riding vests with the truly awesome Legislative Breakfast patches which can only be obtained by event attendees who took an active part in lobbying for Biker Freedom. We are well on our way to getting the legislation passed mentioned earlier, as well as our Malfunctioning Traffic Light Bill and legislation naming three experienced riders to the state's Motorcycle Advisory Council. The respect ABATE has with the Oklahoma Legislature was evident when our membership was recognized with a standing ovation from Legislators in both the House and Senate Chambers! I'd like to enthusiastically thank Carmaletta Lara for rounding up the breakfast items and supervising logistics, Sharon "Li'l Bit" Taylor for spending over four hours visiting legislators' offices and delivering invitations, and all ABATE Members for taking time out of your busy schedules to volunteer--you're American and Oklahoma Patriots of the finest sort!

We in the Central OK District have our 2010 event line-up for distribution and entry into the ABATE Activities Calendar. The event listing is as follows: War Memorial Run to the State Capitol: Monday, May 31, 2010 (Memorial Day); Jesus House Benefit Poker Run: Saturday, June 19, 2010; ABATE and Friends Party: Saturday, September 11, 2010; Veterans' Day Run to the State Capitol: Thursday, November 11, 2010 (Veterans' Day); COD Toy Run: Sunday, December 12, 2010. I sincerely hope a number of you will be able to join us for some of these festive occasions--if for no other reason than to see me back on a motorcycle! Feel free to contact me if you have any questions, or if we need to deconflict on any of the dates. Unfortunately, the Toy Run date is carved in stone, and historically has been held the same day as the Tulsa Toy Run. I apologize for that, and wish it could be otherwise--maybe we can negotiate some sort of change in the future. Our Chapter membership is enthusiastic about this being a terrific year, and look forward to you joining us in the fun. John Pierce mentioned at the State Motorcyclists Improving Legislative Effectiveness seminar that an indication of a successful Chapter meeting is when folks stay after adjournment to socialize and discuss issues. Our members have routinely been hanging out in a cold parking lot for 45 minutes afterward, so that must be a good sign!

Tiger's Tip O' The Month: With Spring Riding Season approaching, it's time to get both yourselves and your machines in condition to ride more often, and I'm sure no arm-twisting is needed for that! Not everyone out there is hard-core to the extent that they've done a bunch of motorcycling over the winter, so if your bike has been put to bed for a couple of months, it's a good time to get a complete servicing accomplished. There are a number of excellent independent bike shops and motorcycle dealerships out there that support ABATE and Motorcycling Freedom, and they deserve our patronage. Spring is also a good time to consider taking the Experienced Riders Course, if your skills are rusty and need polishing. Remember: the "E" in ABATE stands for Education! One other thing: with all the wintry weather we've experienced, there's still tons of sand on the road that can make riding, especially at slow speed, treacherous. You can even take a spill on it getting on and off your scoot, so be observant!

Well, it's time for me to call a halt to this scribbling so I can head to work and pay bills. I very much look forward to seeing my Riding Family on the Road as things green up and March hopefully goes out like a Lamb. You know, in the Ancient World, there was no higher honor to brag about than to announce that a person was a Roman Citizen. Achieving that status usually came about as the result of hard work, achievement, heroism, or through purchasing the title with large amounts of money. Just before the Oklahoma SMILE's afternoon meeting began on January 9, I was completely taken by surprise as my ABATE Family presented me with a gorgeous eagle sculpture--thanks for the kind words, Ray-Man. Much more meaningful, however, was my receiving the first-ever Lifetime Membership in ABATE of Oklahoma from all my Brothers and Sisters! The Organization also gave me a Lifetime Member Patch at the Legislative Breakfast, which I definitely intend to fly with great pride! Like the ancient Romans, I consider this a supreme honor, and I'm deeply humbled and appreciative. However, I'm not dead yet, and the work goes on--so, let's get back to the business of defending Liberty. Ride Free and Safely, and I'll see you next month!