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There is only one word to describe Dream Town Revisited. Awesome! Friday
9 June 2000 I rode to the Tarrant County Convention Center in Ft. Worth
with the Denton bunch. The TMRA 2 Caucus was visited by a who's who of
prominent Democratic officials: Mollie Beth Malcolm, the first woman to
chair the Democratic Party in Texas, which, was made possible by the
endorsement of Texas bikers. Rep. Lewis, who will pre-file, and sponsor
the Equal Access Bill. Bob Slagle, former Democratic state chairman. Rep.
Terri Hodge, who was instrumental in ridding us of the helmet plague,
spoke as well. I was personally flattered by her appreciation of poster
art of mine presented to her by TMRA 2 the last session. She says it will
hang in her office forever. It's called "The Delegates," and
features a TMRA 2 and ABATE member, as well as a rider in a Thank God For
Terri Hodge T-shirt. We were also visited by John "JJ" Jones. A
Viet-Nam vet, biker activist, elected official and state lobbiest from
Ohio. A very motivational speaker to say the least. We attended our
district caucuses, gathered our credentials, then headed for Dream Town.
We got rain soaked just before reaching camp. This set the tone for the
rest of the weekend. Spirits were high. Platters of bar-b-cue were
consumed. A guitar duo entertained us. There were several other pickers in
the crowd and we passed the guitar around. It was great. Next morning
after breakfast and coffee we saddled up and met our police escort. By
then it was pouring rain. We didn't care, and laughed and grinned so
much, it's a wonder half of us weren't drowned. We circled the convention
center twice, then sloshed inside. There were seven Texas bikers on the
Resolutions Committee. At the last convention there were three. All of our
resolutions passed and were sent to the floor: 1) Equal Access for
motorcyclists. 2) Promoting the use and accessibility to facilities for
motorcycles and bicycles. 3) Allowing the use of breathalyzers in public
intoxication charges. 4) A study for the feasibility of placing liability
insurance on a drivers' license. I believe the last resolution is the most
important. It's the first time in 20 years of mandated insurance anyone
has tried to implement a common sense and affordable approach. Also, we're
branching out into areas not specifically related to motorcycling. We're
growing and moving up into new realms. On the floor Sputnik (TMRA 2
Chairman) wanted to talk about the Equal Access Resolution, and was given
permission. However, a non-biking delegate protested, saying it was out of
order. Mollie Beth answered, " Your protest is noted. Go ahead,
Sputnik." And he did. It was too cool. Believe me. At least two of
our members, Dale Slaughter out of the Hill Country, and Nona from ABATE
of Denton, are delegates to the Democratic National Convention.
Congratulations. Saturday night in camp "JJ" was appointed mayor
of Dream Town. He appeared visibly empressed with our work and said, "I'm
going back to Ohio and tell everybody something I saw with my own eyes.
That the Texas Motorcycle Rights Association runs the Democratic Party in
this state!" Thanks to Jeff Castro for keeping us well fed all
weekend. When he had a day job commitment Cindye, the Gypsy from Denton
stepped up to the plate. Thanks to Patch and Kim and Josh of Denton, who
were allowed to set up the beautiful Texas ABATE banner in the TMRA 2
booth, and distribute literature. Also to the Ft. Worth Police (five M.C.s
and one squad car) that did escort and road guard duty. Special thanks to
Cody from the Panhandle. He watched over our bikes all day. Since there
was no shelter he pulled guard duty in the rain. If I missed someone it is
unintentional. All who participated did one hell of a job in our efforts
to get the government off our backs. And, while I'm thinking about
patches, I've never considered flying one. That is until I saw JJ's. It's
beautiful. He's a member of an exclusive club started by U.S. Senator
Nighthorse Campbell. You have to be an elected official to qualify. Think
about it! A group of people once labeled law breakers are now Lawmakers!
Ride safe. Especially when you are law making.
End
(Please
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