2010 Freedom Fighters Forum

Hello All,

As I write this the KMA/KBA just wrapped up another installment of the Freedom Fighters Forum. This year it was held at beautiful Lake Cumberland Resort Park’s convention center. Being so far away from any of the major towns I had my concerns about how many folks may be able to make it but we had over 150 people there this weekend between all the various groups represented there. Not only KMA members but ABATE of Ohio, CMT/ABATE of TN, Take Back KY members, Campaign for Liberty folks, TEA party folks and a variety of clubs both member and non members of the Confederation of Clubs here in KY. The purpose of these annual seminars like their national counterparts is to hopefully educate bikers of issues they are facing legislatively and motivate them to take action and tell them how to do it.

This year we had another all-star cast of speakers on the agenda. Heading up the lineup of political speakers was U.S. Congressman Hal Rogers. Congressman Rogers has in large part supported every bill we have asked of him during his tenure in Washington D.C. He spoke of some of the happenings going on there including the debate over the Health Care bill and the secrecy surrounding it. How very few members even know what is actually in the bill since it is being changed in closed meetings and bargains struck to appease various groups in the process. Some have become very public like the buying of the votes from the Senators from Louisiana and Nebraska. Some have not been made public. Where bikers need to be concerned are will they try to limit the coverage or impose additional fees, taxes, etc.. just because you own and ride a motorcycle. If this type of public option / government run health care system takes effect look for it to happen. He also took questions from the audience regarding cap and trade, term limits, the economy, the military and other issues. Our deepest thanks goes out to the Congressman for his support past, present and future on the issues that affect us all.

Next was a first for the KMA, we had either the candidate or representative for all those running for the US Senate seat on the Republican side this time around. Candidate Bill Johnson could not attend in person but sent some of his folks to meet people and answer questions about his positions. While our own Secretary of State Trey Grayson and Rand Paul were able to address the crowd in person. First up in the lineup was Trey Grayson. Speaking about his current position as Secretary of State and some of the accomplishments he has made while in that office. Working on making it easier for businesses to file their appropriate papers to the ease of filing to run for political office. He spoke on his positions facing the nation and also took questions from the audience dealing with a variety of issues. Many centered around the military since many of the folks in attendance are past military or may have friends or family in the service currently.

Rand Paul who has made a splash in KY politics also addressed the crowd. Definitely one NOT to be considered part of the beltway crowd spoke about the need for a smaller less intrusive government. How the interpretation or misinterpretation of the commerce clause in the constitution has allowed for the many abuses of the tenth amendment by the federal government. How the constitution is violated in Washington D.C. on an almost continuous basis because we let them. He also took a variety of questions from the audience about the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, to second amendment questions to climategate and the EPA. For those that may not know Rand Paul is the son of former presidential candidate Ron Paul the Congressman from Texas. We appreciate the time each of these candidates took to come and address our Forum and let our members get to meet them one on one versus the 6:00 news sound bite.

While politics is the primary focus we did have a couple of speakers on other topics as well. John Rice one of our business members and attorney in the Lexington area spoke on different types of insurance coverage and how each applies. With a variety of products out there your agent may not offer all the options available so it is best to know what types of products and options are out there and may benefit you the most. Also on the agenda was Tim Cody an instructor and instructor coach with the Ky Motorcycle Program. These are the folks that actually administer the rider classes in the state. They also have several other group presentations that are available as well. These involve riding in groups, older riders when the reflexes get a little slower and being aware of your surroundings along with a few others. These modules are available by contacting KMP and asking one of their instructors to present it to your group. They also need folks to help present them as well so if you see one you like and would like to help out give them a call.

Ralph Buss our AIM attorney for KY spoke some of the RICO cases he has been involved with and how the two proposed bills in the KY legislature regarding criminal gangs mirror some aspects of the federal RICO statutes. The 2 bills stuck square in the middle of our radar screen are HB 53 and HB 64. Both of these bills try define and criminalize being a member of a criminal gang. The KMA in no uncertain terms is opposed to these pieces of legislation and request that each of you call your state Representative and Senator in Frankfort and ask that they do the same. The language of these bills are so broad that the VFW or the Boy Scouts could be considered a criminal gang if pursued by a prosecuting attorney. If your group were deemed to be a criminal gang then you would be included in a national database shared with everyone from Homeland Security to your local school security officer. You can be added to this database if law enforcement has reliable information from an informant, parent or guardian among other things. Your group can be added to it even if another country that the US has diplomatic relations with has said your group is a gang. HB 53 makes it illegal to ask others to join your group or you can get a felony gang recruitment and HB 64 will let them take your property if used for the purpose of the gang. You may think it does not affect you but the same was said of RICO when it was passed and now the tobacco companies and other mom and pop stores have faced RICO charges because of the actions of others. Not only does this legislation make it possible to go after just about any group out there but has serious constitutional questions as well. It infringes on your right to assemble and since many of the aspects of these items do not have to go through court you are denied due process as well. What this in effect means is a few people in your group, who may or may not know commit a few crimes, YOU can be held responsible for it.

What we are asking you to do is call 1-800-372-7181 and you can leave a message for your Legislators. A simple one works best. “Please vote NO on HB 53 and HB64!!!” That is all we are asking you to do. It takes all of about 5 minutes to do and if you do not know who your Senator or Representative is, NO Problem. There are some really nice folks in the call center and they will be happy to help you look up who your elected officials are. They will ask for you phone number and address so that your Representative or Senator can reply to your message and from there they can look up who it may be. Please have your friends and family call on these 2 bills. Time is important and things can change quickly. Be sure to sign up for the latest updates on our e-newsletter at www.kmakba.com to get the most up to date info and the status of these and other bills.

Our final speaker of the day was Gimmi Jimmy of Texas speaking about the US defenders program he has been touting across the country. This is how folks can get involved especially those of you in the clubs. Whether you are a 1% club or a social club. Ministry club, dry and sober, family, manufacturer based or even independent rider here is a program to help you get involved and make a difference. At crucial times a “Call to Action” alert will go out. We are sending one out now about HB 53 and HB 64. Information about the bills will go out to a representative from each club who will organize his/her members to call, write or email about a particular bill or maybe to help in a campaign if needed. If your club or group would like more information about this effort please go to www.usdefenders.org or you can contact myself. I was selected to be the State Commander for the KY Defenders and along with the help of a great many others this effort should help compliment the work of the KMA/KBA in that we need as many folks involved as possible in calling and talking with their elected officials on bills of common interests.

Please be sure to stay involved and keep your eyes on Frankfort and Washington D.C. Get involved in a political campaign or even run for office on your own. Please make the phone call 1-800-372-7181 and ask your Legislator to VOTE NO on HB 53 and HB 64.

Jay Huber

KMA/KBA State President

Dedicated to Protecting the

Rights of All KY Motorcyclists