State Coordinator's Report | |
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I have seen some posts lately about ABATE changing to a 501c3 and why would be doing that because we are a motorcycle rights organization and we need to be able to go to the legislature and promote motorcycle rights. People say they had no idea why this would be happening or no one was informed. First, the membership has every right to tell the Board of Directors (BOD) or the State Coordinator what they want. Here is what was written almost a year ago.
This is going to make some of you upset and rightfully so. But it is a problem we as a group need to handle. Stay with me and read the facts. I want you to know I don’t like the position we are being put in but ‘it is, what it is’. Click to read more...
Andy McAfee
State Coordinator
| | SPRING OPENER SPECIAL RECOGNITION | |
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Members,
We recently sent these three sponsors plaques in recognition of their support with Spring Opener and more. If you get a chance, stop by the Harley Shop in Yakima, APPLE STATE MOTORSPORTS, or the gun shop in Lyle Washington, and say hi to Debi. And, if you have a need for an attorney, call Mike Meyers. Mike has been a big supporter over the years. He is also working with other motorcycle groups to support freedom of the road.
| | | We are in need of a new State Products Coordinator. If interested, please contact Bubba Bowen at srdeputy.abateofwashington@gmail.com. A special thank you to Cheryl Holtquist for all her hard work. | | MOTORCYCLE RIDERS FOUNDATION | |
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The Price of Apathy
by Mark Buckner
Executive Director, Motorcycle Riders Foundation
As patriotic Americans, we often talk about the price of freedom. We talk about the sacrifices required to protect our rights and about those who came before us, people of integrity who oftentimes gave everything they had in pursuit of an ideal; of a country and a way of life where our children and grandchildren can grow up proud to be Americans, unapologetically embracing a system of government that many other people in the world would love to have. We talk about our service men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice, and we are thankful to live in a country that allows us to live our lives as we please, to enjoy the freedom provided by our Constitution, to be able to participate in what laws are passed and which ones aren’t, and to teach our values to future generations. Read more...
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Industry Veteran, Bob Kay, Leads Independent Motorcycle Aftermarket Council
The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) has formed a council to review the challenges of independent motorcycle dealers and custom bike builders so they may be addressed by the MRF lobbyists in Washington, DC. “We are pleased to have Bob Kay lead the Independent Motorcycle Aftermarket Council, stated Kirk ”Hardtail” Willard, Bob’s firsthand experience over 5 decades will be invaluable to focusing the efforts of our lobbyists.”
The recent focus on internal combustion engines is threatening the future of independent motorcycle dealers and custom bike builders to provide alternative service centers as well as servicing older bikes and customization projects. Bob Kay said, “I am extremely proud of the team we put together to focus lobbyists on our right repair and modify with the input we receive from the Independent Motorcycle Aftermarket Network.” The Independent Motorcycle Aftermarket Council chaired by Bob Kay membership includes Keith Ball from Bikernet, Chris Callen from Cyclesource Magazine, Scott Hakins from S&S, Steve Broyles from Stevenson Cycles, John Jessup from Dream Rides, Jason Hallman from Cycle Stop USA and John O’Brien of Hardcore cycles. Read more...
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H.R. 1435, the Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act Passes the House!
On Thursday, September 14th, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 1435, the Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act, with a final vote of 222 to 190. H.R. 1435 would amend the Clean Air Act to prevent a ban on the sale of internal combustion engines, effectively trumping any state law that prohibits their sale. 214 Republicans were joined by eight Democrats in favor of the bill, while no Republicans voted against it. Read more...
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To all who knew him, the family wished to share this as Bill's last NCOM Newsbytes column. Ride Free.
Love & Respect to all,
The Bish Family
Read Bill's Obituary
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Bill's Last NCOM Biker Newsbytes
Compiled & Edited by Bill Bish, National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM)
In this edition, you'll find biker updates from across the country and around the world:
- NCOM success in Nebraska
- A bill threatens powersports in Minnesota and Maine
- $2.8 billion in funding for national outdoor recreation areas
- And more
Read more...
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“Texas” Larry Walker
Legislative Affairs Officer, ABATE of WA
360-271-9285
Background:
“Texas” Larry Walker is a nationally certified Rider Coach for novice, intermediate, and advanced training. He is the Senior Instructor for Navy Region Northwest, a long-time motorcyclist rights advocate with over 45 years of riding experience.
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The MRF and You
What we do on the state level, the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) does on the national level, maintaining a full-time lobbying presence in Washington DC. It also assists State Motorcyclist Rights Organizations (SMROs) in pursuing their state level goals, as well as working with their federal representatives. Two events that the MRF puts on are the Bikers Inside the Beltway, where riders come to DC to work with their state congressional delegations, and The Meeting of the Minds, an annual conference where riders from all over the nation get together to learn from each other and the national leaders. Read more...
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Preparing for the 2024 Legislative Session
We are rapidly approaching the 2024 legislative session. Contrary to the misprint in the last newsletter and the legislative survey, the 2024 session is only 60 days, which makes for a really hectic session. Read more...
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Stay Safe Out There
Let's talk about our safety when riding for a moment.
I'm not talking about gear, intoxication, speed. I'm talking about mindfulness.
You can talk about what's right, all day long. What your rights are, who's at fault, how those who "don't see us" are killing us.... all the live long day. Uh huh. Does that keep us alive? Does anybody's righteous indignation or knowledge of the law keep them alive?
No. It does not. Because there is always someone on the road with you that isn't thinking about your life and your safety.
Read more...
| | American Income Life - FREE Accidental Life & Dismemberment | |
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If you are a current non-expired member of ABATE of Washington, you will be receiving, or have already received a ‘beneficiary card’ in the mail from American Income Life (AIL).
These cards are mailed out annually to ABATE members as a reminder to update your beneficiary or add some ‘life insurance’ for yourself and/or your family. AIL provides a free ‘accidental death and dismemberment’ of up to $4000 to any non-expired ABATE member. What this means is: if you are involved in an accident and die or lose an arm/leg/eye, etc. AIL will pay you or your beneficiary up to $4000. AIL also offers other life insurance, and if you are interested in getting any type of life insurance or adding to what you already have, they can help you out.
What I’m asking of you members is, please, when they call, be considerate. They are just trying to do their jobs. If you are not interested in any other insurance, let them know and ask them to send you your certificate. If you would like to hear more about the insurance they provide, they will schedule a meet-up with you and give you other options. If you feel that you are being harassed after saying no, please get the person's name and phone number and send it to me.
I cannot stress enough about making sure your beneficiary is up to date with AIL or any other insurance policy you have. Finding out, after the fact, that someone you did NOT want to be the recipient of your demise is too late!
Please, this is a FREE benefit that AIL provides to non-expired ABATE Members, be courteous to them. Click here to read more…
Andy McAfee
State Coordinator
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Steam 2023 & BOD Meeting
October 14-15, 2023
| CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW FLYER | |  | |
Destiny Riders of Tacoma Garden Maintenance
October 14, 2023
| CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW FLYER | | |
RIDER REIMBURSEMENT
Complete a State-Approved Rider Safety Course to receive $50 reimbursement & more!
CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW FLYER
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COLUMBIA GORGE
Hello fellow members!
Our chapter has been busy & we are excited for what the future holds! At our September meeting, we voted in our new officers, which include Scott Robinson as Coordinator, Annette Nunn as Deputy Coordinator, Terry Campbell as Secretary & Trish Ruehl as Treasurer. We are also blessed to expand our chapter with a chaplain & road captain. Annette will be attending the STEAM training, so be sure to say hello!
READ MORE
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FOOTHILLS
Greetings from Foothills!
Happy fall, y'all. As the seasons change, so do so many other things. We are mentioning quite frequently in our chapter meetings about left turns in front of us, roadway conditions, tire pressure, bike maintenance, and animals in the roadway. Please be alert & always watch your surroundings. Foothills had the opportunity to join forces with Spanway, and we were able to raise $2250 & 1000 lbs. of food donated to the Orting Senior Center's food pantry that feeds our local low-income seniors.
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MASON COUNTY
Hi there from Mason County Chapter.
The most recent ride that we completed was on Saturday August 27th 2023. It was a Memorial Ride that we participated in to honor one of our long time members Chet Rhoades of Shelton, WA that recently passed away. He is survived by his son Pete who is also an active member of our chapter.
READ MORE
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SKCC
Hello to all. Fall is upon us, what a summer we had.
The weather was great, pretty hot most of the time which makes fall riding so nice, to get out there in the cool weather and not sweat so much.
There was no lack of things to do this summer, SKCC held a number of rides and events, we strived to make it to other chapter events to show support.
READ MORE
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SPANAWAY
Hard to think that Summer is almost over. However, at our September meeting, we had nominations and seating of officers. All seated officers were unopposed and will continue in their positions for the next year. We have a busy Fall coming up. First will be our Halloween Dance in partnership with Tacoma Chapter.
READ MORE
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STAR LAKE
Greetings everyone from Star Lake Chapter,
We had to postpone the September chapter meeting until later in the month (TBD) and cancel the Hope’s Closet ride event that was set for September 16, 2023, since both coordinators contracted COVID and unable to support the events. The chapter members came together and recommended that we postpone and reschedule it for later when everyone was better prepared and healthy. Our September meeting will be set before the end of the month and well before the BOD in October.
READ MORE
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Need to reach a specific Chapter?
Get their contact information here:
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Filling in the Blanks
Most people have a pretty clear memory of how they got hurt. Frequently their memories are punctuated with very specific details. “That son of a bitch looked me right in the eye before turning left.” “The front door mat was a bright pastel color.” “The impact made a sound just like an M-80 going off.” But when you go through something traumatic, like a motorcycle wreck, the brain isn’t focused on making memories—it’s focused on survival. The same mechanisms that keep the brain sharp enough to escape immediate danger may also make it harder to accurately recall the event.
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He Passed Me Going 90 MPH
In just about every motorcycle case we have there
are allegations that our client was speeding. There are a couple of important things to know about the issue of motorcycle speed. The first relates to the reliability of witness observations. The second deals with the way courts deal with favored drivers exceeding the speed limit.
Witnesses are almost always wrong about
motorcycle speed. It may be based on the relatively small size of motorcycles compared to other vehicles. Or it may be based on witness bias.
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Public Health and Relations Crisis
The concept of public health has really expanded. It used to focus on disease. Now it includes things like gun deaths. New York’s Governor recently declared
a gun violence disaster emergency. This new strategy treats gun violence as a public health crisis. We have a public health crisis of our own in Washington. It doesn’t have anything to do with guns. Or COVID-19. It has to do with motorcycles.
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What the Jury Doesn't Hear
The evidence rules have a big impact on what the jury gets to hear (and what it doesn’t get to hear). Evidence can seem a lot like an iceberg: 10 percent visible, 90 percent below the surface.
A lot of the evidence rules are counter-intuitive. Here’s what the jury doesn’t get to hear in a personal injury case:
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