ABATE of Michigan President ~ Gary Kopta

Hello everyone,

 I hope your getting some riding in before the season is over.

 On June 25th I had the privilege along with my wife Debbie and VP Butch Brown to escort the Vietnam Moving Memorial Wall from RayC's HD in Lapeer to Darbee Farm Soccer Field in Caro. US Navy Veteran Larry Kovacs coordinated the escort and told me he couldn't have done it without the help from Butch Brown. 

 Because of the help Butch gave ABATE of Michigan recieved a Thank You in the brochure given out at the event. 

 I have been on a few escorted runs before but I've never seen the amount of people standing along the route waving the American Flag along with the fact that people in cars were pulling over out of respect and there were a few soldiers saluting as we rode by. 

 On this day it didn't matter if you were Republican or Democrat. We all were there to honor the 58,320 people whose names are on that wall. If only this country could be this united on more issues maybe there wouldn't be this much anger in our country. People can't even talk about politics within their own family without it turning into an argument. We all need to get back to how it was years ago where you could agree to disagree without the personal attacks. Everyone can have an opinion. The soldiers on the wall were fighting for someone to be able to be free to think and say whatever they wanted to. It's called freedom and it's something we all have in this country. 

 OK my lecturing is over let's get to ABATE stuff. 

 Right now our elected officials are in their districts, walking in parades, kissing babies and shaking hands thinking about their next election. Feel free to approach them and let them know who you are and what our concerns are. They all want your vote so they will listen to you. Don't be shy just walk up to them. Remember they are people that live in your area so you mean something to them.

 Our 50x50 membership program is struggling. Please remember how many new members you sign up and drop me an email so I know who the top 3 recruiters are. Don't forget your awards that will be handed out at the field meet next year.

 Lastly, Don't forget to sell sell sell those bike tickets. Those tickets pay our lobbyist Noel to help us in our fight with this insurance atrocity in Lansing. Without Noel you would still be required to wear that piece of tupperware on your head. The man does get things done but this insurance mess is definately an uphill battle and we need all of you to contact your legislators when this time is right. More on that at a later date.

 That's all for this month thanks for listening to me rant.     

 Ride safe