I know it seems like I am always bitching about people not getting involved in ABATE. The reason is that we get frustrated at having the same people doing the work all the time.

I got even more frustrated when I was on vacation this last week. Of course we took the bikes and of course we visited only states that did not have a helmet-law mandate for adults. I know exactly to the mile how far freedom is. We do this though not only to enjoy our freedom but also as a boycott; I’ll be damned if I spend a penny in a state that does not let me live like the tax-paying, voting citizen that I am.

I was thus very frustrated when I met a group of riders from Michigan who not only did not belong to ABATE but did not even want to take the time to hear about us. They were not in a hurry; they were staying at the same motel and had plenty of time on their hands.  They just did not care.

I hope you care enough to visit our Website and contact us.

On that same trip we visited the AMA (American Motorcyclist Association). As I mentioned some time ago, they are fighting for our rights on a federal level. The Motorcycle Rider’s Foundation is also a very close ally of ours; I will write more about them next month as they have a national event coming up.

At the AMA we saw their museum which featured Moto Stars: celebrities that helped shaped motorcycling today. But more importantly we met with Imre Szauter to discuss an issue that I will be working on for Michigan motorcyclists. The AMA is a tremendous source of information, and they are always willing to help. More news on this project as it develops.

On another note: the primaries are over. I hope you voted (here I go again harping). I know the local races may seem inconsequential in light of the huge presidential debate, but these are very important to your future. If your state Senator and House Rep are not motorcycle friendly then we can forget getting our bills passed in the upcoming years.

I took the time to contact everyone running in my district. I was very surprised that almost every one got back to me, and within a couple of days at that! So I was able to choose people that I know would represent my best interests. Of course I have other issues that I am interested in, as you all do too. But motorcycling freedom is and always has been important to me, so it plays a major role at the polls. Only you can decide your priorities in picking a candidate, but ABATE can certainly tell you where your candidates stand on Motorcyclists’ Rights.

We do extensive research, especially on candidates running for Michigan House and Senate seats. We have even found candidates that ride, which usually (but not always) means they will be amenable to our issues. It’s not by change or dumb luck that our helmet-modification bill made it through both the House and Senate these past two sessions; it is due to the hard work of our lobbying our elected officials. But if those in office are against us from the get-go, no amount of lobbying will change their minds, That is why it is important to get the right people in office in the first place.

OK, it is not too late. We still have the main elections coming up in November. If you have any questions on how your candidates stand on motorcycle issues, give us a shout, we’ll let you know.

Here’s how to reach us:

1. Call the ABATE state office at 248-685-9150

2. Log on to our newly renovated website: www.abateofmichigan.org

3. Visit a local ABATE meeting (see Website for times and locations)

Vince Piacenti

ABATE of Michigan

Board of Directors