My first non working vacation in 11 years

<u><i><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I am getting ready to embark on a "new again" experience....a non working, non riding related vacation!</span></b></i></u><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">My only child is getting married in Mexico on Tuesday and I couldn't be happier for her or our family as we are gaining a pretty good son in law!</span></i><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I am also excited as hubby and I never had a honeymoon when we got married ten years ago and so we are treating our time on Cozumel, save the day of my/our daughter's wedding - our honeymoon.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I am looking forward to the possibility of renting a scooter - hubby says he wants to try something other than a Harley...hmmm - that could be fun!  And we are planning on some snorkelling,  swimming, sandy beaches and little drinks with umbrellas in them!</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">No emails, no phone calls, no writing, no work for 10 whole days.  I am looking forward to seeing if I can handle that....I am pretty sure I a up for the task thanks to Ali who has ensured me she will take care of everything possible! If not for her, I probably would work 80% of the time I was gone so thanks for making this possible for me woman...</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">One of the only things she won't be doing is updating my blog so...you will be on your ow to remember to check out the news feeds on our site to see what might be new and important and have an impact on your life as a rider.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I want you to be good now and remember to visit daily! <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/">www.beltdrivebetty.com</a></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I am also grateful for Daryl - our layout artist from the Fairfield Times in Montana. Again, without Daryl to lay out the paper while I am gone, well this vacation just wouldn't happen!</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I am looking forward to coming back feeling energized and motivated to tackle all of the upcoming work like laying out our 2013 <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/rider-friendly">RFBA Community Phone Book</a>...getting everything ready for our Customer Service Award Contest, Our 2013 Beat the PMS Blues on line Show 'n' Shine, completing our <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/busted-knuckle-chronicles">Busted Knuckle News App</a> and the <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/rider-friendly">RFBA</a> App for your cell phones...</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Yes, when I get back I will be nose to the grind stone but I have help with my admin duties for the first time in a long time - I have a gal coming to help me for at least 2 months!!!!</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I know having her right here in the office helping me is going to make all the difference to me in meeting deadlines so....YEAH!!!!</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I am counting my blessings today for the great team I have these days, for the riders who contribute to our communication endeavours, you riders who read what we do, our advertisers/sponsors who make what we do possible... for my family, my motorcycle and all of the phenomenal and fabulous things I get to experience in this life, the people I meet...I am one lucky and grateful woman.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>In Other news:</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Ted Laternus looks at the <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/rider-training-and-safety/22418-loud-pipes-irritate-but-enhance-motorcycle-riders-safety">Loud Pipes issue</a></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">An Ontario <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/home/rider-down/1653-on-rider-down/22428-motorcyclist-from-brampton-dies-following-collision-in-mississauga">rider is dead following a crash in Mississauga</a></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">According to the LA Times the 2013 Harley Line up is <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/harley-davidson/22405-la-times-reports-2013-harleys-will-receive-pope-s-blessing-at-vatican">getting Pope Benedict's blessing as part of the 110 Anniversary Festivities - wonder how non Christian riders will feel about that...</a></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Oh and apparently the tabloids are having a war as to whether <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/component/content/article/22431-cher-not-marrying-boyfriend-tim-medvetz">Cher is really getting married again</a> or not - guess time will tell - huh!</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">There is a lot in the feeds today so please visit <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/">www.beltdrivebetty.com</a> where our work is keeping YOU informed!</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Tomorrow will be my last blog post before I leave!</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I leave you with some funnies, shared with me by friends on Facebook and via email...</span><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEYKDadyCpT0JTmJ_7F3gRQhBfEvBARe21AdX9MUzt45kT-ue7syCRPtgyn_DftSBgWhnY-5e7Bmn-aOzNxRAN3FMTT-joom5Pvpt81St8TBdLWF0w7CsaaO_bJdVvzmS09C_D/s1600/599351_10151181244811103_1778932512_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEYKDadyCpT0JTmJ_7F3gRQhBfEvBARe21AdX9MUzt45kT-ue7syCRPtgyn_DftSBgWhnY-5e7Bmn-aOzNxRAN3FMTT-joom5Pvpt81St8TBdLWF0w7CsaaO_bJdVvzmS09C_D/s320/599351_10151181244811103_1778932512_n.jpg" width="213" /></a></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih2C3fffYkxwTHMvhZuf538P4RStZWwLAwITtZ9y4zFXiBQQNPOXs0eiqNDVE-vbhKAWdHcoDAOGqVhmYIeH0HLsfSk3Qx2mZOWkRHoQSWhsg3rEAoMIFb3uhHScEiXRsrxZoA/s1600/420056_385893541480124_997340744_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih2C3fffYkxwTHMvhZuf538P4RStZWwLAwITtZ9y4zFXiBQQNPOXs0eiqNDVE-vbhKAWdHcoDAOGqVhmYIeH0HLsfSk3Qx2mZOWkRHoQSWhsg3rEAoMIFb3uhHScEiXRsrxZoA/s320/420056_385893541480124_997340744_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih2C3fffYkxwTHMvhZuf538P4RStZWwLAwITtZ9y4zFXiBQQNPOXs0eiqNDVE-vbhKAWdHcoDAOGqVhmYIeH0HLsfSk3Qx2mZOWkRHoQSWhsg3rEAoMIFb3uhHScEiXRsrxZoA/s1600/420056_385893541480124_997340744_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG8sB_Kp4-DHh-bZ2pHdOkyZLuyW3WONFv7dLfNYtyjZrUBh7WlNyaFkpHYNAit-BHAkgJl8IS1j6aUWi_hdc8SEzuYKtHiqCE1c1A84m6N77TQLLxHrQosoCRAxKExUAOMMSE/s1600/532652_367521256652933_246133989_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG8sB_Kp4-DHh-bZ2pHdOkyZLuyW3WONFv7dLfNYtyjZrUBh7WlNyaFkpHYNAit-BHAkgJl8IS1j6aUWi_hdc8SEzuYKtHiqCE1c1A84m6N77TQLLxHrQosoCRAxKExUAOMMSE/s320/532652_367521256652933_246133989_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Have a fabulous Thursday - hope you enjoy your latest edition of the Busted Knuckle Chronicles...</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <i><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Belt Drive Betty</span></b></i><br /> <i><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Editor & Rider</span></b></i><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>

My first non working vacation in 11 years

I am getting ready to embark on a "new again" experience....a non working, non riding related vacation! My only child is getting...

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The Hells Angels sue the US Government and Celebrities in the News

<i><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Good morning everyone, the news is filled with some interesting tidbits.</span></b></i><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/news/law-a-politics/357-contacts/22280-hells-angels-sue-us-over-visas-criminal-designation">The Hells Angels are suing the US Government</a> over their policy of preventing Hells Angels from other countries entry to the US. Apparently - even with no criminal record, people who wear their patch are being told NO when it comes to entering the US.</span></i><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">From everything I am lead to understand about the criminal justice system here in Canada and in the US - it is that an INDIVIDUAL faces charges and goes to jail for their decisions and conduct as an individual. And there is supposed to be a presumption of innocence until proven guilty right?</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In light of all of the issues that have been transpiring between the general motorcycle community courtesy of the "fight" between the 1% clubs and the police services, municipal, provincial and federal governments, I have to ask the question - WHY...</span><br /> <div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">WHY - I have to ask this question from a Charter and Criminal Law Point of View - WHY - is sweeping discrimination OK for organizations like the Hells Angels and the general motorcycle community as a result, but not for the RCMP, the Liberal Party of Canada, the Roman Catholic Church, the Boy Scouts?</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>The definition of a criminal organization is:</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Criminal Code s. 467.1</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">· 467.1 (1) The following definitions apply in this Act.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">“criminal organization”</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">« organisation criminelle »</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">“criminal organization” means a group, however organized, that</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">o (a) is composed of three or more persons in or outside Canada; and</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">o (b) has as one of its main purposes or main activities the facilitation or commission of one or more serious offences that, if committed, would likely result in the direct or indirect receipt of a material benefit, including a financial benefit, by the group or by any of the persons who constitute the group.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It does not include a group of persons that forms randomly for the immediate commission of a single offence.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>That's a pretty vague definition isn't it? Truly, that means any group can be deemed to be a criminal organization based on the action of three or more of it's members.  </b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">WHY is it OK to treat all who attend a motorcycle rally where members of the Hells Angels or other 1% groups are in attendance like they are all potential criminals?  Why is it OK to have Biker Enforcement Units at these rallies, photographing, video tapping all rally goers who dare to speak to a 1% patch holder or who buy a support tee shirt? Why is it OK to allow the members of the BEU to treat us differently from any other tax paying community? And why is it that they are allowed to be so confrontational and to act like they want to instigate a problem? </span></i><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Why is our community - the other 99% of us who do not belong to 1% clubs,  tarred with this brush and yet...there are other communities whose members have conducted themselves just as badly or worse and yet they are considered upstanding communities and treated differently as a whole than we are?</span></i><br /> <i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></i> <i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">How can we - the motorcycle community ever expect to have a decent working relationship with any police force in any large scale and meaningful way when our community is singled out and treated differently than others? </span></i><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Help me to understand why the motorcycle community as a whole is treated differently from other communities who have bad guys that walk among them?</span></i><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I'd love your thoughts on this topic - help me to understand better where the equality we are guaranteed under the Charter exists for motorcyclist - <i>PLEASE.</i></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>In other news:</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/component/content/article/286-news-international-/22281-cher-to-marry-former-hells-angels-biker">Cher is marrying former Hells Angels member Tim<b style="background-color: white; border: 0px none; color: #555555; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px none; padding: 0px;"> </b>Medvetz</a>. They are planning a long motorcycle trip that will end up in Vegas where they plan to tie the knot!</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/component/content/article/22284-wynonna-judds-husband-has-leg-amputated">Wynona Judd's hubby has had his leg amputated</a>. According to news sources he was riding with no license, crossed the centre line and hit hit leg on the fender of a vehicle.  Judd has apparently cancelled her Canadian concerts.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/intl-motogp/22278-stoner-launches-motogp-attack-on-rossi">MotoGP news Casey Stoner has SLAMMED Valentino Rossi</a> for his inability to ride the Ducati successfully and he slammed the team for claiming they had a bike that any rider could win with. Rossi remains winless after 22 months with the Ducati Team.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">There are a ton of other stories in the news feeds that may affect your day, or life as a rider. To find out what's happening in our world, visit <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/">www.beltdrivebetty.com </a>where our work is keeping YOU informed!</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I leave you with a few funnies shared with me by friends via Facebook and emails.</span><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaZSNojCprew7oiuXPG7lz8hI3w79V4dX-51pULjMqRx11oquAP9LyIRiTZHgpI112-v3S1qcq_xYViGj5J8hpse5WrW-prrDCySatmpPVjjBFN110_hUyjbQ6WRD1VAoCaTlf/s1600/484506_360793820656497_1806519587_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaZSNojCprew7oiuXPG7lz8hI3w79V4dX-51pULjMqRx11oquAP9LyIRiTZHgpI112-v3S1qcq_xYViGj5J8hpse5WrW-prrDCySatmpPVjjBFN110_hUyjbQ6WRD1VAoCaTlf/s320/484506_360793820656497_1806519587_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8T6YHojCNw1JLLbMYu0UKIl-BQeSFt0cJ5YNFwUUNFhlQ3GuXROxWHOZ3zRBIORGO72LgymQEV99gYK6bYiQhN0k4Z13LRf6b-L7Rzr6Eg-gWj1DQpgaRhGxGfu7QdVCZHnn0/s1600/549050_353659214708362_452480234_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8T6YHojCNw1JLLbMYu0UKIl-BQeSFt0cJ5YNFwUUNFhlQ3GuXROxWHOZ3zRBIORGO72LgymQEV99gYK6bYiQhN0k4Z13LRf6b-L7Rzr6Eg-gWj1DQpgaRhGxGfu7QdVCZHnn0/s320/549050_353659214708362_452480234_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgXw9tqg37NTPLR42wRZBfUgO3_voci0DywBmBLHkRBQnMNKFS0TpuGmdA9dRmCK062zwG3i_Pk65layCQ5ZlP12_xYoVg7M7uWcXW5nAGjssIkgOfpVutJ_JvABpif9QEQFg6/s1600/419879_374543072618833_1945359374_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgXw9tqg37NTPLR42wRZBfUgO3_voci0DywBmBLHkRBQnMNKFS0TpuGmdA9dRmCK062zwG3i_Pk65layCQ5ZlP12_xYoVg7M7uWcXW5nAGjssIkgOfpVutJ_JvABpif9QEQFg6/s320/419879_374543072618833_1945359374_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Have a fantastic Tuesday everyone and please, if you are lucky enough to be riding today - Ride like EVERYONE around you is blind and can not see you!</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Belt Drive Betty</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Editor & Rider</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> </div>

The Hells Angels sue the US Government and Celebrities in the News

Good morning everyone, the news is filled with some interesting tidbits. The Hells Angels are suing the US Government over their policy o...

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Could what is happening in Australia ever happen here?

<i><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Hope you are prepared for a good long read this morning - you WILL need a coffee or tea and 15 minutes to get through this rant but I feel it is important that you take that time...</span></b></i><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I read with much dismay, an article out of Australia, <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/news/law-a-politics/361-contacts/22221-guilt-by-association">where in the new Consorting Laws have put an innocent, mentally challenged man in prison.</a> The conviction of the man was over turned last week, but none the less, the fact that the police there appear to be using this law against people they "don't like" is troubling.</span></i><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Begin Quote:</b><br /><br /> "BARRISTER Wayne Baffsky had long suspected that consorting laws aimed at outlaw bikies in NSW would be unleashed on anybody the police did not like. The Hells Angels barrister never dreamed it would happen so soon." <b>End Quote</b><br /><br />I have also been following closely what has been happening right here in Canada with the rank and file of the RCMP and folks, I am concerned.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />There is so much in house fighting over the reforms that need to take place with in the police agency,, that truthfully, they appear to be kids in a sand box fighting over a dinky toy instead of grown adults working through an important issue. </span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>The headlines read:</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/news/law-a-politics/1920-bad-cop-no-donut/22218-ontario-judge-rebukes-top-mountie-in-leaked-letter">Ontario judge rebukes top Mountie in leaked letter</a></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/news/law-a-politics/1920-bad-cop-no-donut/22227-email-exposes-top-cop%E2%80%99s-lousy-leadership">Email exposes top cop’s lousy leadership</a></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/news/law-a-politics/1920-bad-cop-no-donut/22135-dissident-mounties-threaten-to-expose-force%E2%80%99s-%E2%80%98orchards-of-bad-apples%E2%80%99">Dissident Mounties threaten to expose force’s ‘orchards of Bad Apples’</a></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/news/law-a-politics/1920-bad-cop-no-donut/22129-corporal%E2%80%99s-critical-letter-latest-salvo-against-rcmp-management">Corporal’s critical letter latest salvo against RCMP management</a></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Then there is the fact that the RCMP are in the news for more poor conduct issues with individual members, those headlines read:</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/news/law-a-politics/1920-bad-cop-no-donut/22130-judge-deems-penticton-rcmp-officers-testimony-not-believable-in-trial">Judge deems Penticton RCMP officers testimony not believable in trial</a></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/news/law-a-politics/1920-bad-cop-no-donut/22138-couple-not-guilty-after-penticton-rcmp-botch-warrants-in-grow-op-bust">Couple not guilty after Penticton RCMP botch warrants in grow op bust</a></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/news/law-a-politics/1920-bad-cop-no-donut/22139-mountie%E2%80%99s-discipline-report-took-eight-months-to-write-documents">Mountie’s discipline report took eight months to write: documents</a></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I want everyone who reads my blog to understand what we are up against when it comes to the feelings of all involved in protecting the rights and freedoms of Canadian Motorcyclists. And then ask yourself - could what is happening in Australia ever happen here?  I know how I feel - what about you?</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <br /> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I came home to something last night that I feel I need to share with you as it pertains to the above situations that are happening with in the RCMP.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">After a great evening spent at the Howlin' Coyote Bikers Bash and a day of riding to get back home - I received the email you see below.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The criticisms in the email stem from our Police Harassment and Profiling Report.  The person in question feels that I am not attempting to foster a "work together with the police" environment on our site. </span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Here is his email in its entirety, the only editing to his email was to remove the reference as to which club he rides with.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>And I quote: </b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I recently had an opportunity to review your website and I wanted to share some concerns. I have been riding dirt bikes, street bikes and touring bikes for almost 40 years. My wife and I currently own a 2010 Yamaha Roadstar 1700, a 2005 Yamaha V-Star 1100 and a 1996 Kawasaki Ninja. We both have served in the military for 30 yrs across the country and overseas as well thus we have also had the opportunity to ride motorcycles in various jurisdictions, in the US and elsewhere.  Upon transferring to the Reserve Force with the military I became a full time police officer and currently still work in that field. I think it is obvious that we have a significant amount of riding experience and exposure to the riding public as well as law enforcement around the world. <br /><br />Your website does nothing to mention working with Law Enforcement in improving relationships with the riding community or more importantly, riding safety. There is an obvious solicitation of negative views of the police, complaints against police and input of negative interactions with the police. In addition it provides a complete questionnaire where you can provide the police officer's names, badge numbers, date/time/group of the incident, and even photographs, etc. It asks you to provide copies of the pics and or video taken however it does not state the purpose of providing the recordings/pictures. There is only one question in the entire page where it asks if the officer(s)/interaction was friendly. We, as the police do not provide the details of every traffic stop with a motorcyclist to the general public. If the matter is in the interest of the public (safety, threat, etc) the information that is released is minimal; i.e. the persons name and charges laid are detailed and only if a person has appeared before a justice. Yet you are prepared to rely on likely prejudicial information from one side of the story and to what end? Strange, not a single question of: Were you, the motorcyclist, guilty of a breach of a traffic act or criminal offense which resulted the police stopping you? Has this incident been resolved in court and if so, what was the result? Did this incident make you a better/safer rider?</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />Safety of the public is our mission.....working together with all of the various motoring communities is a critical part of successfully completing that mission on a daily basis. There is always room for improvement on the part of law enforcement as well as the motoring public. Open communication, training and capitalization of the safe, successful and positive interactions with the police are also part of that effort. <br /><br />Belt Drive Betty is clearly not part of that community.<b> END QUOTE</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In my letter to the person who sent me this scathing rebuke of our web site and the form, I expressed my concerns regarding his sentiments and attempted to educate him on what we are truly doing with that form and the information we have been gathering.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>And I quote:</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">As a rider for close to 40 years myself, I have witnessed both the good and bad in motorcycling and in the police services as I myself also happen to have three uncles (One biological and two "adopted" ones) who are retired from the force.<br /><br />To be very frank with you, I find the tone of your letter to be accusatory instead of inquisitive and therefore it comes across as confrontational instead of educational.<br /><br />You assume that we rely on a one sided version of the information and yet you don't even truly ask what we do with the information being gathered, why it's being gathered or what the possible need for it being gathered could possibly be.<br /><br />So, let me somewhat enlighten you as to what the roles and our end run goals, from the perspective of Belt Drive Betty Media and the soon to be formed motorcyclists advocacy association, are.<br /><br /><b>My web site is a news and information site. </b><br /><br />We gather, analyze, investigate and report on what we learn and we will be turning the information over to the advocacy association to work with further, in the future. <br /><br />The advocacy association's job will be to educate and assist the riding community with the end run goal of fostering a better understanding and a spirit of cooperation between the motorcycling community and the police services in this country. (But that is only one area of advocacy that it will undertake.)<br /><br />Of late, there have been a number of high profile situations surrounding motorcycle rallies that have had some rather disturbing incidences transpire and our community has been very upset because they do not understand the behind the scene events that have occurred.<br /><br />I ascertained that there was the need to find out what was going on and hence the form was created.<br /><br />The number of people who have been upset enough to fill out a form has caused me to believe that we need an advocacy group to work on behalf of the motorcycle community.<br /><br />You see, many people who have experienced what they believe to be abuse of authority and or force or harassment/profiling are too scared to deal with the issues they face alone and we intend to help them to navigate the channels through the advocacy group.<br /><br />We, as Belt Drive Betty Media, gather the information from them and we then contact the detachments in question, we get the officers side of the incident and if necessary we will make FIA requests. <br /><br />We have a former police officer to assist us in understanding the situations on a case-by-case basis as well as a lawyer. <br /><br />When the information in the forms is dealt with and we know what the facts are on the other side of the equation, we discuss the situations with our lawyer and then let the rider know the whys and what’s of the situation they faced. How it is handled from there will be determined based on a case-by-case situation and will be between the lawyer and the rider involved.</span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />Belt Drive Betty Media plays the role investigator and gatherer of information.<br /><br />I, personally, am spearheading the formation of a Motorcyclist Advocacy Association. <br /><br /><b>I wear many hats in the riding community.</b></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />I am a motorcycle tourism advocate who has been turned away from establishments, right here in Alberta – motels, campgrounds that refuse to serve me because I was on a motorcycle. I turned that lemon into the Rider Friendly Business Association to guide riders to the establishments that want to earn their business. I never want to see a visitor to my home province or my country ever be turned away just because for the machine they ride like I was. I happen to be a very proud Canadian.</span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />I work with and support all kinds of police and military charities and riding clubs. I have sponsored hundreds of thousands of dollars in free advertising and promotion to those groups and their events.</span><br /> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I am a member of the CAV and my father and mother both served in the forces.<br /><br />I work tirelessly to promote safe riding. We have a rider safety and training section on our web site under lifestyles.<br /><br />I endeavor to ensure that we take as fair and balanced an approach on everything that myself and Belt Drive Betty Media takes on.<br /><br />If you look through the news feeds, you will see that we report on everything to do with the RCMP and other police services – if it is in the news feeds and we find it, it is put out there for the riding community to find out about. You will also see the Hells Angel, Banditos, Outlaws and other 1% information. The information on both the police services and the 1% clubs comes from the mainstream media. We also have information on the various clubs, their charities and causes – so in essence our site shows the good the bad and the ugly – all of it.<br /><br />But we have so much more than the regular news…<br /><br />We have international, national and provincial information on travel and tourism, news and information on the manufacturers, ride comparisons, recalls, custom bikes and more.<br /><br />We provide a Never Ride Alone Program, monster events calendars and a whole lot more.<br /><br />I feel you are judging the quality and veracity of what we/I do based on one form, one form that I feel you have totally misjudged its intention.<br /><br />Our community has doubled in size in the last 10 years. And I, more than most, understand that education HAS to play a key role in its maturity. We cannot educate until we know what the rider is feeling, understanding and experiencing in their interactions with the police services.</span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />It is my aim to see the riding community have a place to voice their concerns, be assisted – either through education on their individual situation or through other forms of advocacy.</span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />I have preached for the past ten years that we have to learn how to share our world in a way that is compassionate and empathetic, that we have rights, responsibilities and obligations as citizens and taxpayers, but we, as a group, as a community have no voice, no place to be educated and we have no true seat at the table to put forth questions, concerns or suggestions.<br /><br />The police forces have their advocacy groups, their media departments for imparting information and education. The motorcycle community needs the same resources, not unlike the various sporting associations, employee associations etc.<br /><br />I hope that the information I have provided addresses your concerns and I ask you to remember that this community has grown from 300,000 to over 600,000 in the last 10 years and as we move towards the maturation of the community we need a national organization that can have a place at the discussion table when it comes to insurance, road maintenance, policing, events and a whole host of topics. <br /><br />We need a national organization that can educate, promote and lobby on behalf of the touring, cruising community on a variety of topics.<br /><br />I hope you will see the value in that and decide to participate and contribute the goals we look forward to pursing not just in my business – Belt Drive Betty Media, but in the Rider Friendly Business Association and in the soon to be formed Advocacy Association.</span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />One final thought before I close off….</span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />My personal rule of thumb is that there are three sides to every story:<br />Yours.<br />Mine.<br />And the facts!  <b>END QUOTE</b></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Oh well - one at a time we will educate and inform both riders and police services. </span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Some days I truly wonder about this job I have taken on and whether it is worth the effort.  The heat that I am getting is something I expected and yet it frustrates the daylights out of me that it even exists.</span></div> </div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I know, I know - thick skin, thick skin - I shall put on my armour of thick skin....my big girl panties and carry one...</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>So - back to my question of the day - do you see the situation that is transpiring in Australia ever becoming a reality here in Canada? I'd love to know your thoughts.</b></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>In other news:</b></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In BC - <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/british-columbia/293-news-british-columbia/22226-lack-of-charge-riles-dad">Lack of charge riles dad</a></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">A female rider from <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/home/rider-down/1654-qc-rider-down/22224-motorcycle-accident-in-ville-marie-tunnel-leaves-woman-dead">Quebec is dead following a crash in the Ville-Marie Tunnel</a></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In Sports - <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/canadian-motocross/22225-saskatoon-motorcycle-champ-making-comeback">Saskatoon motorcycle champ making comeback</a> - Brett McCormick plans to race again!</span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In Ontario - <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/ontario/296-motorcycle-television/22215-motorcyclists-stage-rolling-demo-t-shirts-aim-to-raise-visibility-" style="background-color: transparent;">Motorcyclists stage rolling demo T-shirts aim to raise visibility</a></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In entertainment - <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/component/content/article/22213-wynonna-judd-postpones-concerts-in-canada-after-husband-hurt-in-south-dakota-motorcycle-crash">Wynonna Judd postpones concerts in Canada after husband hurt in South Dakota motorcycle crash</a></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">To fill yourself in on what is happening in the motorcycle community and see what might affect your day and life as a rider <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/">visit www.beltdrivebetty.com</a> where our work is keeping YOU informed.</span></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I leave you with a few funnies, shared with me by friends on Facebook and via emails...<br /><br />Laughter - I REALLY NEED SOME TODAY!</span><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqbKCsH0kmklW7JZps-ThfeDNihpRPFianflkmh2AU6p4IHSYQVnfPKWeeZ6EsUD0QSlVv4cEj15Rwxy6jC8F-uU_wLNw6gCoIuRXKG4JSConR9iE5TtHyrVPDcViTgbwFNJk7/s1600/319478_447969178581182_1344324531_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqbKCsH0kmklW7JZps-ThfeDNihpRPFianflkmh2AU6p4IHSYQVnfPKWeeZ6EsUD0QSlVv4cEj15Rwxy6jC8F-uU_wLNw6gCoIuRXKG4JSConR9iE5TtHyrVPDcViTgbwFNJk7/s320/319478_447969178581182_1344324531_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZzK0zG1AaZCbMwVkY_fOePdW8XS3JUpHTBx_k9f2PzJ_PzLrnTu_Y6u2GIbdEBv420lgsptnsw9IsJGmroz8_6CQAHlCqHpgj9QQcY7NBj9t0I2tj7oj5ub31Ljo0PkonrWZ_/s1600/292899_458366520861991_1188849637_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZzK0zG1AaZCbMwVkY_fOePdW8XS3JUpHTBx_k9f2PzJ_PzLrnTu_Y6u2GIbdEBv420lgsptnsw9IsJGmroz8_6CQAHlCqHpgj9QQcY7NBj9t0I2tj7oj5ub31Ljo0PkonrWZ_/s320/292899_458366520861991_1188849637_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYhvshIcTPEKDa4-1GDKPmpJzPx1K1OxLhZqN3ViF-zHuyOYA4Kq0YDqX6JEaiQIaIuxuBtSRIfBfqKK9Kbc5XaI9yG2IYDCC_DgA0dPzLmiIQW-BR1QDLwX6kyUyEQQTTaqx2/s1600/549620_273588592742075_1903253709_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYhvshIcTPEKDa4-1GDKPmpJzPx1K1OxLhZqN3ViF-zHuyOYA4Kq0YDqX6JEaiQIaIuxuBtSRIfBfqKK9Kbc5XaI9yG2IYDCC_DgA0dPzLmiIQW-BR1QDLwX6kyUyEQQTTaqx2/s320/549620_273588592742075_1903253709_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />Have a fantastic Monday - if that's possible...<br /><br />If you are fortunate enough to be riding today please - ride like everyone around you is blind and can not see you.<br /><br /><i><b>Belt Drive Betty,<br />Editor and Rider</b></i></span></div>

Could what is happening in Australia ever happen here?

Hope you are prepared for a good long read this morning - you WILL need a coffee or tea and 15 minutes to get through this rant but I feel i...

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