Hey,
It’s Sunday and Memorial Day and time to think, respect and reflect. I discovered through one of my best friends, Dr. Hamster, something more we all need to think about.
It’s one of the mysteries of human existence and life. I’m in the process of trying to figure out why the government wants to pick on chopper builders over made-up climate bullshit. But it’s really about competition and control.
Maybe it started three million years ago when one tribe started to fuck with another tribe’s women or hunting lands. We’ve been at it ever since from religious wars, to political upheavel, you name it, it’s all about competition and control.
So, think about it. A couple of guys with spears get all worked up over some other tribe and spent the rest of their lives fighting and convincing others to fight. People died, children lost their parents and ultimately the leaders died and life went on.
I guess what I’m trying to say is this shit won’t ever stop, but don’t take it seriously. Life is amazing and we need to relax and enjoy it.
Look around at your buddies. If one is all riled up about something, tell him to relax. Whatever it is won’t last. Everything is coming and going. Everything is changing whether we like it or not, so relax and enjoy each day.
So, a good friend had a melt-down last week. He continually pushes himself too hard. He almost pushed himself into oblivion. But at the end of the day we are only around about 80 little years, then we’re gone, toast.
In a sense schools should not teach all this stressful stuff and how to avoid it. They should teach kids how to be bikers, surfers or maybe outdoorsmen. We should just make enough money to buy bike parts and go for a ride.
Like I’ve always said, bikers know the way, they understand freedom and what’s really important. That’s why we scare the control freaks of the world.
Let’s hit the news and don’t forget to take time out for Memorial Day.
Memorial Day or Decoration Day is a federal holiday in the United States for remembering the people who died while serving in the country’s armed forces.
CYRIL HUZE died this past week–
I miss him.
He saw, embraced, and built some very motorcycles. He made motorcycling better. I am glad he shared his eye for motorcycles.
Thanks for stopping by, Cyril. Wish you didn’t have to go.
–Mike Greenwald
QUICK, OPEN THE BIKERNET BAD JOKE LIBRARY–A doctor was addressing a large audience in Oxford ….
“The material we put into our stomachs should have killed most of us sitting here, years ago. Red meat is full of steroids and dye. Soft drinks corrode your stomach lining. Chinese food is loaded with MSG. High trans-fat diets can be disastrous and none of us realizes the long-term harm caused by
the germs in our drinking water.
“But, there is one thing that is the most dangerous of all and most of us have, or will eat it. Can anyone here tell me what food it is that causes the most grief and suffering for years after eating it?”
After several seconds of quiet, a 70-year-old man in the front row raised his hand, and softly said, “Wedding Cake.”
PUBLIC ALERT FROM THE SARGE–
Just saw on Channel 13 (Orlando, FL) there is a RE-CALL notice on SPAM with the date of 2021
–Sarge
THE SWEDISH HEADQUARTERS—Currently under investigation by Bikernet surveillance. Drones are Amazing
–Sheriff
The Source SHERIFF MEDIA GRIUP SWEDEN
DON’T FORGET TO VOTE—If you need some help, the NRA has created a rating category list.
NRA-PVF Candidate Ratings and Endorsements are Now Posted for the Primary Election
MRF REPORT RIDING FREE FROM DC–Your Weekly Biker Bulletin from Inside the Beltway
Your Motorcycle Riders Foundation team in Washington, D.C. is pleased to provide our members with the latest information and updates on issues that impact the freedom and safety of American street motorcyclists. Count on your MRF to keep you informed about a range of matters that are critical to the advancement of motorcycling and its associated lifestyle.
NEWS FROM THE HILL – Road Dollars & New Ethanol Bill Alert
Ask and you shall receive. Mere days after an epic Bikers Inside the Beltway, I was contacted by congressional staff to alert our membership about legislation that they believed “would prove beneficial” in regard to our concerns over the lack of education about effects of ethanol on motorcycles. And by God, they may be right.
During Bikers Inside the Beltway, we armed our folks with 2 images: one of the EPA website where it says it is illegal to use E15 and higher blends of ethanol in motorcycles and another, the sticker of what one would see at the pump….with zero mention of motorcycles. The Consumer Protection and Fuel Transparency Act of 2018 would aim to fix this.
The bill, introduced by Representatives’ Austin Scott (R-GA) and Lois Frankel (D-FL) would expand awareness on how to safely use fuel containing more than 10 percent ethanol.
This would include things like improving labeling requirements, actually seeking INPUT from motorcycle owners on the concerns of ethanol, a public education campaign as well as outreach at the point of sale…i.e. some freakin’ WARNING about ethanol’s effects on motorcycle engines.
I’m still waiting on a bill number, but did manage to get my grimy hands on the bill language. Send me a note if you want a copy before the general public.
Next steps for us? I’m going to link up with other interested parties…boat association, marine manufacturers and the AMA to leverage man power. And then you will see a Call to Action. This *could* see some activity…its less controversial than past ethanol measures because it doesn’t completely overhaul the Renewable Fuel Standard, but instead takes an educational and public awareness approach. Let’s hit this one hard.
Summer blockbuster…or sleeper? This week the head honcho of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee said that we will see that oft-mentioned infrastructure bill…soon. Rep. Bill Shuster (R-PA.) is working to unveil an infrastructure bill this summer.
What makes me sit up straight and take notice? Shuster is retiring at the end of the year. And a source close to the matter says he wants to go out on a high note and leave one last ‘gift.’ BUT….as we all know…gifts cost money. And this one wouldn’t be cheap.
Since President Trump started his push for ambitious spending on infrastructure, one big issue has been how to pay for it. I’ve been lurking around policy discussions on this as of late…and here is how its shaking out:
Economists have agreed that user charges are the most efficient way to pay for infrastructure. Every time a car (or motorcycle!) gets on road, the driver (or rider!) incurs private costs – such as fuel consumption, vehicle depreciation, etc. But there are costs to society – things like increased congestion and road damage.
And through taxes on gasoline are meant to correct this, its failing because many of today’s vehicles have higher fuel efficiency or don’t use fuel at all (hello, Prius!).
Therefore, TOLLS can most directly address those societal costs…and be used to pay for infrastructure. There are some numbers to back this up….the Highway Trust Fund (which pays for roadway funding via gasoline taxes) is going broke.
America is spending $15 billion MORE than we are bringing in with fuel tax revenue. To date, Congress has spent $140 billion from the general fund to keep the Highway Trust Fund going. And even a monkey could tell you that’s not sustainable. Bottom line here? Expect to see more “user fees” i.e. toll roads and a higher tax on gasoline. Bottom line for me?
We need to push to get motorcycles exempted from toll roads. We don’t have the same impact on a highway like an automobile. So why should we pay the same? Some states (yay Virginia!) have been successful in this endeavor. Stay tuned.
–Megan Ekstrom
Vice-President of Government Affairs & Public Relations
The Motorcycle Riders Foundation
I don’t get it. Why do we need a new infrastructure bill? We’ve had serious infrastructure since WWII. What happened?–Bandit
NEWS FROM CHOPPERTOWN–We got Dice Digital Issue 79 ready for download! As always it’s packed with more bikes you can shake a stick at, videos, and even direct Instagram links to all the builders.
We also got a special deal on a box of DVDs from the producer of The Bus Movie! While supplies last, this flick rules.
Click below to see our BEST SELLERS
Click below to see our NEWEST TITLES
Please pass the word on these promotions so we can keep supporting our filmmakers to make more films for us all to enjoy. Thanks guys!
Have a great week and enjoy! Stay independent.
–Zack, Scott, Dean, and Matt (forever)
Dice Digital Issue 79
LATEST FROM THE PETERSEN MUSEUM–The New Vault
presented by Hagerty
May 30th and 31st, 2018
60,000 sq ft, 250 vehicles
The wait is over! Join us for the grand reopening of our new and expanded Vault presented by Hagerty. We’ve doubled the content with over 250 of the most iconic vehicles, motorcycles, and trucks from around the world.
Our exclusive opening will take place on May 30th and 31st where guests will have the option of participating in a free roam or guided tour of our new Vault presented by Hagerty. This is also the only time that guests will be permitted to take photographs.
The 75-minute free roam tour will have docents standing by to answer all questions or you may have a docent guide you through our new Vault presented by Hagerty® on a 120-minute tour.
Both tours are followed by your choice of pizza or salad and a drink in the Drago Ristorante.
Limited to 250 tickets per day.
TEXAS SHERIFF Dave Mann Resigns from City Council After Bikers Honored–
White Settlement, Texas City Councilman Dave Mann, also a Tarrant County Deputy Sheriff, abruptly resigned Tuesday night, a week after the city, he said, “recognized local Bandidos motorcycle gang members during a proclamation for Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.”
Mann is extensively quoted by local media vilifying the Bandidos Motorcycle Club, even members participating in protected political conduct, suggesting that Bandidos not be recognized for any civic achievements or even be allowed at public events.
The comments by employees of the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Department reveal a fundamental flaw in law enforcement’s understanding of the 1st Amendment and the rights of expression and association embodied within. This fundamental flaw, to treat all members of the Bandidos or their associates as criminals, based on the actions of other members, increases the probability of illegal profiling and other acts of discrimination targeting individuals for their associations, not behaviors.
Tarrant County Sheriff Department’s Discriminatory Mindset
On May 8th, 2018 members of motorcycle clubs openly displaying support for the Bandidos MC were among a group recognized by the city council for their efforts during Motorcycle Awareness Month. Because of this recognition, local news media reports Dave Mann as saying that he could no longer serve on a council that did not value and protect its citizens.
The Star-Telegram reports Mann writing in his letter of resignation, “It is a sad day when city officials invite violent criminal street gangs into our city who thrive on selling heroin, marijuana, methamphetamine and other narcotics and promote prostitution, human trafficking, gun trafficking, murder and other criminal activities.”
This discriminatory mindset extends to Mann’s direct supervisor. “I commend you for taking the higher road,” Capt. B Hardin wrote. “Not just as a City Councilman but as a Texas Peace Officer. We really have to watch who we associate with and it’s obvious there are some people on your City Council who prefer to associate with the wrong people.”
Mann doesn’t even think members should be allowed at public events. The Star Telegram reports, “The letter also stated that when the motorcycle gang members were leaving the city hall, a city official “openly” invited them to the Fourth of July parade, a family friendly activity. “I cannot be a part of a council who openly honors criminals and their illicit activities. Council members are sworn to protect our citizens!”
(See Star-Telegram, “Did White Settlement honor Bandidos? This councilman says so, and now he has resigned,” May 15, 2018)
Associating With Bandidos Is A Constitutionally Protected Right
It’s a good thing Dave Mann has resigned. Unfortunately, he and his supervisor are law enforcement officers and their discriminatory mindset follows the former council member to the streets where real damage can occur. Mann’s desire to exclude Bandido supporters from public events or political activities in the community would violate the 1st Amendment.
Motorcycle clubs, including those clubs labeled organized or criminal gangs by authorities, are 1st Amendment protected associations. Restrictions such as Mann appears to endorse, solely based on association in a motorcycle club, would violate the 1st Amendment.
There is “no evidence that by merely wearing [1% motorcycle club] “colors,” an individual is “involved in or associated with the alleged violent or criminal activity of other [1% motorcycle club] members. It is a fundamental principle that the government may not impose restrictions on an individual “merely because an individual belong[s] to a group, some members of which committed acts of violence.” In fact, the Supreme Court has long “disapproved governmental action . . . denying rights and privileges solely because of a citizen’s association with an unpopular organization.” Healy v. James, 408 U.S. 169, 185-86 (1972).
If Mann were permitted to impose restrictions on any person “who wears the insignia of [a 1% motorcycle club], without regard to or knowledge of that individual’s specific intent to engage in the alleged violent activities committed by other members,” it would be “antithetical to the basic principles enshrined in the First Amendment and repugnant to the fundamental doctrine of personal guilt that is a hallmark of American jurisprudence.”
(see Coles v. Carlini 162 F.Supp.3d 380 (2015))
Addressing Motorcycle Profiling
If Mann responds to Motorcycle Awareness Month with such venomous rage, how do you think he treats club members on the side of the road? Mann’s abusive and discriminatory rhetoric is unacceptable as a public servant and serves to demonstrate why legislation addressing the issue of motorcycle profiling is so important.
KEEP THE BIKERNET BAD JOKE LIBRARY WIDE OPEN–A man wanted to get married. He was having trouble choosing among three likely candidates. He gives each woman a present of $5,000 and watches to see what they do with the money.
The first does a total makeover. She goes to a fancy beauty salon, gets her hair done, new makeup, buys several new outfits and dresses up very nicely for the man. She tells him that she has done this to be more attractive for him because she loves him so much.
The man was impressed.
The second goes shopping to buy the man gifts. She gets him a new set of golf clubs, some new gizmos for his computer and some expensive clothes. As she presents these gifts, she tells him that she has spent all the money on him because she loves him so much.
Again, the man is impressed.
The third invests the money in the stock market She earns several times the $5,000. She gives him back his $5,000 and reinvests the remainder in a joint account. She tells him that she wants to save for their future because she loves him so much.
Obviously, the man was impressed.
The man thought for a long time about what each woman had done with the money he’d given her. Then he married the one with the biggest tits.
–from Sidehack Jerry
MAJOR VA overhaul heads to Trump for signature–Bill improves veterans’ medical care options
WASHINGTON —The Senate on Wednesday overwhelmingly approved legislation paving the way for a major overhaul of the Department of Veterans Affairs and the way veterans access health care in the private sector at government expense. The measure’s passage by vote of 92-5 represents a significant bipartisan legislative victory for President Trump, who is expected to sign the bill into law within days.
It also delivers on a key campaign promise for the president, who pledged to expand veterans’ opportunities to get private sector care.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., was so confident in its passage, he issued a statement last week declaring the bill would reach the president’s desk before Memorial Day.
“This bicameral, bipartisan bill contains significant reforms to the Department of Veterans Affairs which will increase and strengthen the healthcare and community care options available to America’s veterans,” he said.
The bill combines seven different programs governing non-VA medical care, including the so-called Choice program, which was created in 2014 after veterans died waiting for appointments at the Phoenix VA.
The legislation tasks VA leadership with creating rules for when veterans can go to private doctors instead of the VA. Criteria to be considered include wait times for VA appointments, quality of care and distance from a facility.
Known as the VA MISSION Act, the legislation also creates a commission to review VA facilities and recommends which ones are worth repairing, where new ones should be built, and which ones should be closed and care provided instead in the private sector.
Pre-9/11 veterans will receive expanded benefits to help cover the cost of caregivers to take care of injured veterans in their homes under the bill. Such benefits were previously provided to only post-9/11 veterans.
The bill also includes some incentives to help the VA hire more health care providers. It allows the agency to provide scholarships to medical students in exchange for their pledging to work at VA. Currently some 33,000 positions are unfilled at the agency.
More than two dozen veterans’ groups support the legislation, including The American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and Vietnam Veterans of America.
But it wasn’t a smooth ride to passage. After months of negotiations, Trump fired former VA secretary David Shulkin in part because of his work on the bill. Shulkin supported a prior version that administration officials said didn’t go far enough to offer veterans more private health care choices.
The president last week announced his intent to nominate Acting VA Secretary Robert Wilkie to be the next secretary. Wilkie is currently undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness at the Pentagon.
The move followed the withdrawal of his last nominee, White House doctor and Navy Rear Adm. Ronny Jackson, amid questions about his qualifications and a raft of misconduct allegations
–Donovan Slack
USA TODAY
–from Rogue
DUE TO SUBTROPICAL STORM ALBERTO AND THE SAFETY OF OUR RIDERS THE MR. P RIDE HAS BEEN CANCELLED
LOOKING FOR CUSTOM BAG GUARDS–Thanks for your help on he bag guards. I will let you know if LINDBY contacts me….cannot believe more have not jumped on that wagon. Seems like there would be a market for them.
–Barry G
PS …a girl in High school (‘76) had a ‘57 Chevy with that painted on the trunk, she always won.
Daddy built the car for her.
INTERNATIONAL EDITOR HITS THE BIG APPLE– Flew from Long Beach for a change. Nice small airport. Here till Wed 30. Lots of walking. World Trade Center museum $34 and top of new tower 102 stories $37.
Every photo has a story but it’s late.
–Art Hall
Severe Bikernet International Editor on the Road
[page break]
JOSH PLACA’S WORDS–On this Thursday News:
I agree with what Joshua Placa has said. All of it. It is good advice. Going into a meeting with guns blazing will not get anyone taken seriously. Suppose a Democrat goes up guns blazing in a meeting full of Trump executives you know you are not listening and just want to get the formality of the meeting over and throw his ass out of the room.
Read the Trump book too – The Art of the Deal.
You need to get your priorities right about the motorcycle industry instead of talking about climate or guns or abortions or outlaw clubs.
Its like these individuals who filed a lawsuit against Marlboro saying their falsely advertised cigarettes gave us cancer and Marlboro buries them with “prove it” and in the 1940s 1950s medical doctors appeared in advertisements saying why they preferred a particular cigarette brand.
In World War 2, the British Government issued packs of cigarettes to all British soldiers because it was believed it gives courage to men. In the bestselling book by Allen Carr “Easy Way to Quit Smoking” the author mentions this highly decorated, highly qualified, disciplined old Army General who had cancer and could not stop smoking. He was one of the men introduced to cigarettes by the World War 2 Army rations for soldiers. What is he gonna do? Sue the British Empire?
Allen Carr mentioned how British Government keeps increasing taxes on cigarettes saying it will reduce the likelihood of a cigarette smoker buying a cigarette. It’s a drug addiction. Price has never stopped cocaine or heroin or alcohol abusers.
What the British Government does is make profits from its citizens. Cost of making a pack of cigarettes may be 5 dollars and they charge the smoker 25 dollars and the bulk of that money is the annual 50% increase in taxation pocketed by the British Government.
India does the exact same thing. No big cancer hospitals in any city ever came up with the billions of dollars Governments continue to make with this scam. Colorado legalised weed primarily to increase tax revenue and cut the huge public spending on marijuana chasing by cops, DAs and everyone in the Judiciary and prison systems.
Listen to what are the official arguments by corporate companies like Harley-Davidson. How they talk to these Government people in their meetings and in media interviews. Focus on points of discussion, which are not radical, not extreme, not using news and research from suspicious conspiracy theory sources. Talk like that corporate H-D guy with focus on talking rather than debating. Don’t say it like it is. Be diplomatic. Negotiate. Get a deal. Wear an office shirt and tie if you have to.
For example, maybe you hate heavy metal music. You hear someone playing it and you just know its crap. Then a stranger comes to you and tells you, “Hey, can you comment on this one song. I think its good stuff but I don’t know about this genre of music.” And he plays this nice music with a nice hook and polished studio recording and it is Metallica playing “Enter Sandman”. And you think, “Is this also Metal Music? Maybe not all Metal Music is a pile of shit. Let’s play another of this band’s song.”
Show them the “better half” of motorcycle culture, custom culture, vendors, dealers, events, community, charity, exports, etc.
Yes, at 70 you know more about the motorcycle industry than anyone in any of those Government offices will ever know in their lifetime. Just inform, don’t try to educate them. Truth is bitter and if you speak this truth with a bitter tongue, it won’t get you any respect that you deserve as an industry veteran trying to be heard by people who have only read law books and government funded research.
Like a high-school show and tell. Just say selected things from the vast sea of things that you believe is killing motorcycles.
Even if you don’t get an A Grade, they may invite you to talk in more detail to understand this motorcycle business and industry and why any human should speed down a highway on two-wheels in this modern developed nation.
That Donald Trump book “The Art of the Deal” also contains an 11-step formula for business success, inspired by Norman Vincent Peale’s The Power of Positive Thinking. Trump’s steps are:
Think big
Protect the downside and the upside will take care of itself
Maximize your options
Know your market
Use your leverage
Enhance your location
Get the word out
Fight back
Deliver the goods
Contain the costs
Have fun
Its a good book that you should have on your reading list.
OFF TOPIC
Born in 1979, I was an MTV generation kid. Just yesterday I was reading up on the big legends in wrestling from back in the day. I read about Jesse Ventura who was in the Navy and got the same training that a Navy SEAL gets even today (UDT). Was in the Vietnam War. When back, he wore a Mongols color and patch and would ride into Naval Base Coronado. No one bothered him with that. He was third in command and full-patch member in his Chapter.
After the wrestling and the epic Predator movie (“I Ain’t Got Time to Bleed” dialogue) he ran for Mayor and won against the 25-year incumbent mayor. He continued as an independent not aligning with Democrats nor Republicans because there were good policies from both of them and very bad policies from both of them parties and that has not changed ever. Ventura was a Christian but not a Bible-thumper. He believed in the words in the Declaration of Independence and Freedom, Liberty, Civil Rights for all. He never played those political gimmick cards of race, religion, ancient past of any Party or person.
We all thought Dubya Bush has started two never ending wars, then Obama comes and starts a whole new war in Syria, etc, and his drone wars. Now today there may be new entrants to the war with Russia and Iran.
Jesse Ventura lives with his first and only wife Terry of 43 years in Minnesota. You should go meet him someday. He fell prey to media baiting and bullying like any gentleman free spirited biker like you would. Ventura frequently described himself as “fiscally conservative and socially liberal.”
Later he made extreme statements and promoted conspiracy theories ruining his reputation and credibility. Sometimes no one needs to hear some of the truths even though it is true.
Anyways, so now the only books of his I would recommend to anybody are:
I Ain’t Got Time to Bleed: Reworking the Body Politic from the Bottom Up (May 1999) ISBN 978-0-375-50332-0
Hey, maybe you could co-write a book with him. I would pay to read that.
–Ujjwal Dey
wayfarer@bikernet.com
Interesting. I don’t think I’m being harsh or threatening. The soft touch has been promoted by all the motorcycle manufacturers, the MIC and organizations for almost two decades. How are they doing? Should I just repeat what they have said?
You need to read about the McCarthy Era. This is almost worse. Yes, it’s like speaking out against the green environmental religion. I’m a denier? Or are they denying the truth? We need to find freedom again and a balance from over-regulation or end up banned. Think about it for a minute or a week.
–Bandit
NEW MATTE BLACK WILLIE G SKULL COLLECTION EXPRESSES SUBTLE, DURABLE CUSTOM STYLE–The new Willie G Skull Black Collection from Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Parts & Accessories is perfect for adding a custom touch to a motorcycle’s style.
Manufactured from original equipment components to ensure a perfect fit, the covers in this 17-piece collection are painted black for a rich matte sheen to provide a long-lasting finish.
Penned at the hand of Willie G Davidson, the famous skull collection makes a shift to the dark side. A new matte black finish has the same great design from the previous chrome offering. Completely drenched in black, the raised skull and surrounding “Harley-Davidson Motorcycle” script adds a subtle, ominous touch to your ride. This finish easily coexists alongside gloss black or wrinkle black surfaced to be combined for a wide variety of customization styles.
Available Willie G Skull Black Components include Air Cleaner Trims, Timer Covers, Derby Covers, LED Fuel Gauge, Fuel Cap, Fuel Tank Console Door, Front Axle Nut Covers and right-and-left-hand Medallions. These accessories fit many Street, Sportster®, VRSC, Softail, Dyna, Touring and Trike models. All items include black hardware when required for installation.
Visit www.H-D.com/catalogs to request a Genuine Motor Parts & Accessories catalog.
BANDIT 5-BALL RACING BELT BUCKLE ARRIVES–I got the package today. Too Cool For School, Man!
And thanks for the signed book. I’m headed to Nova Scotia.
MECUM MOTORCYCLE AUCTION IN LAS VEGAS– May 30- June 2
Starting Thursday evening, May 31, with a Legends of Racing Preview Party from 4-6pm at the South Point Hotel and Casino. Special guests will be Brad Lackey, Eddie Lawson, Kenny Roberts and Bubba Shobert. Over 600 motorcycles.
Auction starts at 9am Friday and Saturday, June 1-2
–Judy Whitson
Trailblazers
MEMO FROM THE MOUNTAIN–
Something to consider seriously. You drive yourself too hard.
See if you can start to practice meditation everyday. Find a way to slow some elements of your life down.
And finally reflect on something amazing you’ve accomplished, or a garden, a flower or an amazing motorcycle or car everyday.
I mentioned this for the following reasons:
Save your life
Raise your mental awareness
Enhance the spiritual side
And improve your overall health
—Ming Ball
A mere minion in the sea of life
GOOGLE ELECTION EFFORTS–Google employees are spending heavily to elect Democrats in California and to flip the House
Jason Spero, a vice president at Google , said that before the 2016 presidential election, his political activism amounted to attending the occasional fundraiser and writing checks to his preferred candidates. But after Trump’s victory, that all changed.
“I’d never been as aware, awake and active as I have been since that November,” he said.
Now, Spero and other employees at Google and across Silicon Valley, have their sights set on the November 2018 midterm elections, when they plan to do their part to flip the House of Representatives in favor of the Democrats and put a check on President Donald Trump . Much of their effort is focused on their home state of California, which has become central to the Democrats’ hopes.
To take back the House, Democrats need to win a net 23 seats from Republicans in November. California has 14 Republican representatives, and nine of those seats are considered competitive in this election, including seven in districts that Hillary Clinton won in 2016, according to the Cook Political Report.
Silicon Valley’s two districts and San Francisco are solidly blue, voting overwhelmingly for Clinton and, before that, Barack Obama. So technology workers are going outside of their hubs and contributing to competitive campaigns throughout California, with employees from Google’s parent company Alphabet leading the pack.
Heading into California’s June 5 primary elections, Spero has been meeting first-time congressional candidates across the state, joining finance committees, phone-banking, and providing advice on messaging.
And then there’s the cash. Spero has contributed thousands of dollars to Mike Levin, who’s running to replace the retiring Darrel Issa in the San Diego area, as well as to Dave Min, Harley Rouda, Jessica Moore and Josh Harder, who are all running in districts with Republican incumbents.
He’s even held fundraising events at his house, with employees from companies including Facebook , Twitter and Google.
“I can’t tell you how many times I heard in my living room, ‘I’ve never been to a political event before,'” Spero said. “The hypothesis of the events was that a lot of people were motivated but didn’t know what to do with that energy.”
–Yahoo UK Finance
–from Wafarer
CLUB RULES REVEALED IN TEXAS INVESTIGATION–I vote black for the new Bandit’s Cantina shirts! I’ll share our Weasel rules because of the current investigation in Texas. I can hold out no longer. The officials are all over me. I give up. It was either come forward with the notorious Weasel rules or spend the rest of my life in a Mexican Prison. –
Weasels Rules
1. There are no rules
2. There are only those rules that are written on these pages.
3. If other rules are deemed necessary for the future existence of The Weasels as a whole, refer to Rule No.1.
4. If Rule No. 1 does not apply, refer to Rule No. 2 or No. 4, unless Rule No. 3 suffices, in which case all other Rules are null and void.
5) There is no Rule No. 5.
Don’t forget to update my stickers, check out what I found! Being a homeless vagrant, I have stuff all over! Iron Cylinder Ride tomorrow.
–RFR
Weasel in hiding
Monthly Feng Shui Forecast & Horoscope – June 6 – July 6, 2018
RAT (North) – Horoscope Luck Forecast for the Month Luck Star Rating
Monthly Feng Shui 2018 Forecast for RatBlessings from the #6 Heaven Star make this a promising month for Rats.
Opportunities abound and plans fall nicely into place. Boost this Star with a Gui Ren Plaque or 6 Heaven Gold Coin Plaque. There is much to be learned by listening to advice from a mentor type, who may also choose to help you with a project or at least refer you to connections they have.
This Gui Ren luck benefits you greatly, so be open to someone else’s ideas or experiences.
This month’s opportunities include some that are a challenge to you, but results can be satisfying, so step out of your comfort zone if necessary. Think creatively and follow unusual leads. It may not be all smooth sailing at first, but stick with ideas and your confidence and abilities grow. Team members or allies are willing to help you if you need it. Carry a Jade Emp or wear a eror Heaven Amulet Keychain or wear a 7-Eyed Dzi Bracelet to maximize good fortune this month.
Love luck shines, whether it’s a new romance or your actual soul mate. Singles should be carefree in dating now – be yourself and be less worried about impressing someone. Students have study luck, in part because a teacher or parent takes a mentor role with you. Be open to this person’s comments and don’t hesitate asking questions. They’ll offer even more help when you show interest.
–I’m a lucky Rat. –Bandit
NOTORIOUS CLUB NEWS--Five members of 69ers motorcycle gang indicted on federal charges
Last year three members of the 69ers Motorcycle Club gang were implicated in the execution of a rival gang leader in the middle of rush hour traffic in Pasco County.
Now those three and two other 69ers members have been indicted on federal charges that include racketeering, drug trafficking, firearms violations, conspiracy and murder, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Tampa.
They ran a criminal organization that sold cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine and protected its “power, territory and profits” through “intimidation, threats of violence, assaults and murder,” according to the unsealed indictment.
These five gang members were indicted:
• Christopher Brian “Durty” Cosimano, 30, of Gibsonton.
• Allan Burt “Big Bee” Guinto, 27, of Brandon.
• Michael Dominick “Pumpkin” Mencher, 51, of Tarpon Springs.
• Erick Richard “Big E” Robinson, 45, of Zephyrhills.
• Cody James “Little Savage” Wesling, 27, of Riverview.
Cosimano, Guinto and Mencher all face state charges of first-degree murder and are being held in the Pasco County jail without bail.
They’re accused of taking part in the Dec. 21, 2017 execution of Paul Anderson, 44, president of the Cross Bayou chapter of the Outlaws.
The federal indictment also said Cosimano is accused of shooting and wounding another Outlaws leader, James Costa, on July 25. Costa was the president of the St. Petersburg chapter of the Outlaws Motorcycle Club, the indictment said, but no other details about that shooting were disclosed.
The other two alleged gang members, Robinson and Wesling, were arrested on Thursday and booked into the Hillsborough County jail.
If convicted of all charges, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said Cosimano, Guinto, Mencher and Wesling could each be sentenced to life in prison. Robinson faces a maximum of up to 20 years in federal prison.
— Jamal Thalji
–Tampa Bay Times
–from Rogue
CORRESPONDENT ON THE ROAD MID-AMERICA PARTY STARTED —A bad crank sensor, Harley shop came out, picked me up, and fixed the bike in an hour and a half. Back on the road by 6:00 pm.
Hit rain through Topeka and Kansas City. I’m gonna chill for the night and drive into buckhorn in the morning. Right now a shot and a beer plus some ribs. Never a dull moment . Talk to you soon
Off to a great start, opening ceremony , great bands, lost of happy people . All share common bond, love of country and freedom . The plan for today is a little ride, some wet t-shirts, and more good music.
–David Campbell
THE FINAL HOLIDAY BAD JOKE–
Recently, while I was working in the flower beds and raking the leaves in the front yard, my neighbors stopped to chat as they returned home from walking their dog. During our friendly conversation, I asked their little girl what she wanted to be when she grew up.
She said she wanted to be President someday.
Both of her parents, Democratic Party members, were standing there so I asked her, “If you were President what would be the first thing you would do?”
She replied.. “I’d give food and houses to all the homeless people.”
Her parents beamed with pride! “Wow…what a worthy goal!” I said…”But you don’t have to wait until you’re President to do that!”
“What do you mean?” she replied. So I told her, “You can come over to my house and mow the lawn, pull weeds, and trim my hedge, and I’ll pay you $50. Then you can go over to the grocery store where the homeless guy hangs out, and you can give him the $50 to use toward food and put some away for a new house.
She thought that over for a few seconds, then she looked me straight in the eye and asked, “Why doesn’t the homeless guy come over and do the work, and you can just pay him the $50?”
I said, “Welcome to the Republican Party. Her parents aren’t speaking to me anymore.
–from “SIDEHACK” Jerry
sidehackjerry@gmail.com
WHERE’S IT ALL LEAD—To a calm place in the pines. We’ve changed our focus from blasting to Bonneville to run the Salt Torpedo on the salt for the first time to rolling to Sturgis. More reports on this move will be forthcoming. Headed to Deadwood soon to look at a place to stay.
Just finished Capn Bill’s buckle and took some shots. Should I give away my secrets? Hang on for a report next week.
Watch for this Trike story next week. I spent some time recently with the guy in the center, Mil Blair. This is currently the world’s fastest trike. You’ll see it on Bikernet Trikes.
