southwest chapter of abate of florida december 2012 newsletter

7/30/2019 Southwest Chapter of ABATE of Florida December 2012 Newsletter

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DECEMBER 2012Volume XXXII, Issue IV

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Presidents Message

Minutes

Membership Report

Calendar

Events

Classifieds

NCOM Bytes

Legislative Report

32nd Annual Christmas Run

Douglas T. Jacobson

State Veterans Home

23rd December 2012

Our goal is 500 riders this year. So, come out and

show your Christmas Spirit for some of our veterans

who have provided us with the ability to spend

Christmas with our families in peace.

(for more information, see pg. 12)


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Hello Everyone,

Another month gone by and season in effect here in SW Florida. Keep youreyes open as more traffic hits our streets and although we may know where weare going, so many new people on our roads and many not familiar with their sur-roundings. Watch out for the right lane driver who suddenly realizes their turn iscoming up and they are on the wrong side of the road and they are coming over,

no matter what.

Elections are behind us but looks like nothing changed. Same people up in White

house, Senate and Congress.

Some of us attended the L.A.M.A. 4th Anniversary party at Sun Sports as well asthose who supported Ft Myers bike night this past month. Lots of events comingup this season. Keep your eyes open for our legislative report from KenTeddybear Miller in this upcoming newsletter. Many new bills to be submittedthat we should be watching. Last, the annual Christmas ride is fast approachingand we will need you to step up and help out. Our meetings at Harley are working

out well as could be expected and the staff at Harley Davidson of Ft Myers aresupporting us as well.

Stay alert and ride safe,

Wayne


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ABATE of Florida, Inc.

Southwest Chapter

PO Box 60745, Fort Myers, FL 33906-6748southwest.abateflorida.com

President Wayne Cerra 239-989-3349 [email protected] President Jimmie Dennis 239-440-4213 [email protected] Tracy Davis 239-645-7936 [email protected] Todd KC Burns 239-634-3080 [email protected] At Arms Ken Coon 765-464-9542 [email protected] Trustee Wayne Cerra 239-989-3349 [email protected]/Communications Wayne Cerra 239-989-3349 [email protected] Ken Teddybear Miller 239-693-7035 [email protected] EditorKevin Barfield 239-771-2804 [email protected] Jimmie Dennis 239-440-4213 [email protected] CoordinatorVictor Piorkowski 239-823-6159 [email protected] Musburger 239-334-1620 [email protected] Delegate Frank Kennedy 239-849-9065 [email protected] Delegate Pam Mix 239-362-8807 [email protected] Kevin Barfield 239-771-2804 [email protected] Chaplain Tom Provenzano 239-267-8641 [email protected] Captain Scott Turner 239-633-5765 [email protected]

HELP SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL MRO*

Chapter Meetings held at

Harley Davidson of Fort Myers on

1ST Sunday of Each Month*MOTORCYCLE RIGHTS ORGANIZATION

ABATE OF FLORIDA, INC.

2011 ABATE of Florida, Inc. Southwest Chapter All Rights ReservedDonations to ABATE of Florida, Inc. are not deductible for Federal Income Tax PurposesABATE of Florida, Inc. and Southwest Chapter Does Not Condone Drinking and Driving

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ABATE of Florida, Inc.

Southwest ChapterPO BOX 60745 Fort Myers, FL 33906

southwest.abateflorida.com

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

Name _________________________________________________________

Mailing Address: _________________________________________________________

City, State, Zip Code ________________________________________________________

Email Address: ____________________________________________

Phone: _______________________________ (Include Area Code)

May we use your phone number for our phone tree? YES NO

Are you a registered Voter? YES NO

Please Lister your voting districts from your Voter Registration Card:

_________ FL House _________ FL Senate _________ US Congress

Name of Chapter you wish to join _________________________________________________

Select ONE of the following:

____New/Renewal - Annual Membership Due $20.00

____ Lifetime Membership $ 150.00

____ Transfer Membership to: ____________________________________________________

____ Change of Address: ________________________________________________________

Signature __________________________________________________ Date: ____________

Sponsored by Chapter Member : _________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

CHAPTER USE

Dues Paid by Cash

Check

Money Order

Mailed Date: Membership Card _________________________

Copy of By Laws _________________________

Membership Expiration _________________________

Memberships are open to anyone 18 years of age or older All members receive with their paidmembership a membership card, our bi-monthly Masterlink magazine, Chapter Newsletter,

Chapter voting privileges and personal involvement in Statewide legislative actions and their freedom to ride

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ABATE OF FLORIDA, INC.

MISSION STATEMENTWHO WE ARE

We are a non-profit organization of motorcycle en-thusiasts from all walks of life. We lobby and educatethe government and the general public to promotemotorcycling in a safe and positive image. We en-deavor to enlist the cooperation and participation ofall organizations and individuals that share a similarinterest in preserving our American tradition of FREE-DOM. We promote motorcycle safety, training, & po-litical awareness. We ARE NOT A CLUB OR A GANG.We fund our work through toy runs, poker runs,campouts, and other motorcycle activities. We areyour neighbors & friends who work, pay taxes, andget involved with our community. We serve and sup-

port our country and believe in freedom. We use alllegal means to protect our rights without infringingon the rights of others.

OUR GOALS

To become a powerful and viable political force inlegislative matters concerning the motorcyclist.

To promote the safe riding habits without infringingon individual freedoms.

To motivate the bikers to write letters to their legisla-tors before, during, and after the legislative session.

To furnish our members with a newsletter to keep allbikers informed in regards to upcoming legislation.

Disclaimer:

The views expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily thoseof ABATE of Florida, Inc. and or the Southwest Chapter.This publication allows members to express their beliefs and opin-ions. ABATE of Florida, Inc. and Southwest Chapter accept noresponsibility for the comments, opinions or views contained inthis newsletter.

Please direct correspondence in reference to this publication to:Wayne Cerra(cell) 239-989-3349

Donations to ABATE of Florida, Inc. are not deductible for Federal TaxPurposes.ABATE of Florida, Inc.

2010 ABATE of Florida, Inc. Southwest Chapter All Rights Reserved ABATE of Florida, Inc. and the Southwest Chapter do not condone drink-ing while riding or driving

IDENTIFICATION STATEMENTSOUTHWEST CHAPTER MONTHLYNEWSLETTER; ISSUE DATE:

December 2012

PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY

ABATE of Florida, Inc.Southwest Chapter

PO Box 60745, Fort Myers, FL 33906

http://southwest.abateflorida.com/

PRESENTLY, MEMBER MATERIAL DEADLINE ISTHE WEDNESDAYBEFORE EACH CHAPTER

MEETING FOR BOARD APPROVAL FORSUBMISSIONS

NEW ADVERTISERS OR AD CHANGES MUST

BE SUBMITTED BY THE

15TH OF EACH MONTH

Southwest ChapterMeeting Schedule

This months

Chapter MeetingWill be on

December 2nd @10:00 AM @

Harley Davidson ofFort Myers

Located at:

2160 Colonial Dr.Fort Myers, FL 33907

239-275-4647


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ABATE of Florida, Inc.'s Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Program

ABATE of Florida, Inc. is a state-wide non-profit organization of motorcycle enthusiasts from all walks of liWe promote motorcycle safety awareness, encourage continuing rider training and political awarness. We fund our work through motorcycle related activities. We are your neighbors and friends, whwork, pay taxes, serve our country and vote. We believe in freedom. We use all legal means to prote

our rights without infringing on the rights of others.ABATE of Florida, Inc. acknowledges the growth of motorcyclist of all ages riding in the State of Floda whether it is for economic reasons or pleasure. We are dedicated to teach our Motorcycle SafeAwareness Program in our efforts to reduce injuries and fatalities in our beautiful State of Florida. Oprogram is a 45 minute presentation including two videos to help everyone driving on Floridas roadbecome more aware of motorcyclists. Classes are taught in all 10 th grade drivers ed classes in LCounty by the Southwest Chapters Certified members. Sharing the road with respect and knowledge just one of many focuses we have pertaining to Motorcycle Safety.If you are planning on visiting or live in our beautiful State of Florida whether you choose to ride

drive here are some facts to keep in mind:Obey all traffic laws, signs & signalsConstantly check and expect to see motorcyclesMotorcycles are smaller than cars or trucks and it can be more difficult to judge their approachin

speedLook, look, & look again at traffic intersections before you turn or pull outAllow a three second Space Cushion when following a motorcycleThere are 7 to 9 blind spots in an average vehicleGive Motorcycles the same respect and courtesy that you want for yourself and other motorists

For Laws pertaining to riding a motorcycle in the State of Florida please visit www.hsmv.state.fl.u

ABATE(American Bikers Aimed Toward Education)

Southwest Chapter is a not-for-profit, safety, educationaland advocacy motorcyclist organization. Its aims are to

motorcycling in a positive image along with safety andawareness. The Southwest Chapter is a great group ofpeople who are working hard for the greater good of Flor

ida motorcycle riders. We would like you to join us andmake it an even better chapter!

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DEAR FELLOW

ABATE MEMBERS

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The Blessings to Bikers:

Just a Little Baby

or a

Gift From God?

s we prepare ourselves for celebrating the birth of Christ, this month, it's nice to know that the one we are celebrating and have placed our faith in, that Hrth and, His life and, Who He is, would be foretold with 100% accuracy by the accepted Books of the Bible! It is a time for believers, who have accepted ord into their lives, to be reinforced about their faith, and a time for those who have just played church and or, skirted around the issues of Who Christ is, te touched within their inner most being, to find Him and accept Him into their lives.he first coming of Jesus was actually predicted in Geneses. Remember when Eve got Adam into the first sin? Remember the story of Eve getting Adam at the apple from the forbidden tree? In Genesis 3:15, God is letting Adam and Eve know of the consequences of their actions. In Genesis 3:15 God is sag to Eve, And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; he shall bruise you on the head, and yo u suise him on the heel.This is the seed of a woman and not of a man. Nowhere else in the Bible is a woman said to have a seed. It is always the mansaid to have a seed. But here, God says, the woman's seed will bruise the serpent's head. Therefore, a virgin birth will bring about the Messiah. The derpent fooled and seduced Eve into disobeying God. But, in the future, her seed would crush the satans head. Jesus defeated satan through His death oe cross. Of course, that prophecy was fulfilled by the birth and death of Jesus, who was born to a virgin. Isaiah 7:14 predicts a virgin birth, "Therefore thord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel ." Isaiah 9:6 says, For a chll be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor,ghty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. Even the place of where Jesus was to be born was prophesized in Micah 5:2:2 But you, Bethlehem

phrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yetout of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goinrth arefrom of old, From everlasting. No one in history more perfectly fits these prophecies other than Jesus. Micah was written about 800 years befohrist. Isaiah was written about the same time period.any of us, see Jesus this season, as we celebrate his first coming to earth, as a little child a little baby. However, we need to see Jesus as a gift from Gho came to take away our sins and rectify what happened when Eve took that first bite of the forbidden fruit. We need to see Jesus as the true fulfillment

e prophesies to understand that He is who He says He is and claimed to be! Everything that was prophesized about Jesus that should happened, so this date, has all come 100% true. He ISthe Son of God and no one, who has actually taken the proper time to diligently search the scriptures, can mak honest assumption otherwise!

s you are getting ready to exchange gifts for this season, I would hope that with each gift exchange, you might consider Gods perfect gift.Tom) remember that on April 21, 1974, I made a pivotal decision in my life that I would never be le ft behind, if the Lord came back for His church, during

atural life. I knew that I could not continue my life as I had been doing it. Things were just going downhill and I knew it. I knew the scripture that told me tsus for me, was just not getting ready for eternity. Jesus said, I came to give you life and give it more abundantly. I remember my first Christmas after

pril. I celebrated it very differently and with a whole new meaning. Can you imagine celebrating Christmas with Christ in my heart? Can you imagine celebg a Christmas for the first time with Christ in yourheart? What a difference! I am not going to sit here and tell you that everything has been perfect in my nce then. As I have released more things in my life to the Lord, things have become better. He is not looking for perfect people. Hes looking for people u and me.e are going to ask you to make a difference in your life as we are about to celebrate Christmas, that is to truly know Christ. If you dont know Jesus as yo

ersonal savior, God is calling you to his Son through your conscience. That conscience is Gods Holy Spirit. Its that small voice within your deepest thou

at keeps saying, Its time to give yourself to Jesus. Its time to accept the Fathers forgiveness and become a part of His family. You can still be a bikerow Jesus. Many believe that if there were motorcycles during Biblical times, Jesus would be riding with us, telling us how much He loves us. He would ling us how He wants us to spend eternity with Him. And, He would be telling us how He would want us to have life, more abundantly here on earth.

you want Him now, please pray, "Dear God, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, my heavenly Father, I confess that I am a sinner and have beeparated from You. I am going to stop running from You. I ask forgiveness of my sins. I repent and accept this gift of repentance and I wish toee in You. I confess with my mouth that your son Jesus is my savior and died for me. I believe in my heart that You raised Him from the dead.ceive Jesus into my heart and ask Him to become the center of my life. I ask, in the Name of Jesus. Amen."

you prayed that prayer for the first time, and you mean it, you really have accepted Him into your heart, please let us know.

essings,astor Tom (SW ABATE Chaplain and Life Member and Estero River ABATE Life Member) and Pastor Kathy (SW ABATE Life Member)-

ww.messiahsmessengers.org- 239-267-8641 or email: [email protected]
http://www.messiahsmessengers.org/http://www.messiahsmessengers.org/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.messiahsmessengers.org/


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Good Morning Freedom Fighters:

The people have spoken, and we now have a new government in Washington, D.C. Strange as it may seem, it looks just like the o ld governmePresident Obama is in the White House, the Democrats control the U.S. Senate, and the Republicans control the U.S. House. The only differe

that I can see is that Obamacare is now the law of the land, and former U.S. Rep. Connie Mack has now joined the ranks of the unemployed. Is that a gothing or a bad thing?

Over the next four years, motorcyclists will be coming to Washington, D.C. with a full legislative agenda. Everything from the Right to Repair AIntelligent Transportation Technology (ITT).

Hopefully, our elected representatives on Capitol Hill will learn to reach across the isle and work together to address the many issues that are fing the people of this great county.

By the same token, ABATE of Florida, Inc. will not be idle. Florida motorcyclists are planning to go to Tallahassee with a full range of issues thiyear. Our lobbyist, Doc, tells me that he is writing a new stiffer penalties bill that will be introduced in the upcoming legislative session.

Between Washington, D.C. and Tallahassee, it looks like were all going to be very busy this year. So get ready to Rock n R oll.

See you in the wind,TEDDYBEAR

From ABATE of Florida, Inc.Darrin Scribe Brooks

Hey Everyone,

The Florida legislators were officially sworn in today and the Senate has already placed Bills for the session. For those of you that have been wus in the past, welcome back!! For those that are new to the Chapter Legislative position, I give you a warm welcome and my heartfelt thanks for steppinand taking part in THE most exciting job in ABATE of Florida, Inc.

Today the House and Senate in Florida help their swearing in ceremonies and started the filing of Bills and very soon the committees will start meet. As I have done in the past, I will continue to pass along the Bills that affect ABATE and other Bills that I think would be of interest to our members.all the Bills that I will inform you about are motorcycle related some will be just general interest. I will let you know which Bi lls ABATE of Florida, Inc. officsupports or opposes. ABATE of Florida, Inc. can only support or oppose a Bill that the State Delegates approve.

If you or your Chapter has a general interest in topic, please let me know and I will keep an eye out for Bills in that area of interest. Besides bemember of ABATE of Florida, Inc., you and all of our members are also private citizens and you have the right to be informed and to contact your legislaton any issue that your desire. I strongly encourage you and all our members to actively participate in the legislative process. If there is anything that I canto help you, please do not hesitate to ask me.

On a final note, I was appointed this summer by the Speaker of the House to serve on an 18 member purple ribbon task force on the developmand implementation of Florida's policy and procedures for dealing with the treatment and care to people with Alzheimer's disease.

Oh, one more thing, (those of you that attend the State Delegates meeting have heard me say that before)..... Following this email you will be gting the first of many Bill updates...TEXTING BILL INTRODUCED

Drivers would be banned from manually typing or reading texts, emails or other electronic messages while operating a car under legislation filethe Senate Tuesday.

The measure (SB 52), filed by Sen. Nancy Detert, R-Venice, calls for the offense to be what is known as a "secondary offense," meaning officecould only ticket people for texting while driving if they've stopped them for some other traffic violation. That is, if a police officer sees someone texting thwouldn't be able to pull them over but if they see someone speeding and texting, they could tack on extra charges for texting in addition to the speedinpenalty.

Drivers would still be able to read navigational devices or electronic maps without incurring a penalty under the proposal. Reading weather alerother safety-related information would also be exempt, as would using a hands-free voice-recognition application.

Texting while driving would be a nonmoving violation, punishable by a $30 fine, under the bill.Lawmakers will be in full session in March, but bills can be filed now and committee meetings on proposed legislation start Dec. 3. Detert's was

among the first measures in the Senate to emerge from bill drafting for the coming year.The National Transportation Safety Board has urged Florida and other states to ban the use of cell phones for texting or talking while driving. T

NTSB said last year that distracted driving, some of it due to cell phone use, contributed to nearly 4,000 highway deaths a year, citing National Highway fic Safety Administration data. About a quarter of American drivers admit they sometimes text and drive. The issue is on the NTSB's "most wanted" list fochanges in transportation safety nationwide.

According to the National Conference on State Legislatures, Florida is one of only five states without some sort of ban on texting while driving. others are Montana, South Dakota, Arizona, and South Carolina.

Detert has sponsored the proposal in at least the past two previous years with no success, despite generally bipartisan support.

LEGISLATIVE REPORTDecember 2012


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The idea has generally been met with opposition from Libertarian-leaning lawmakers from rural areas who have a philosophical aversion to government imposing additional safety laws. It has also been opposed by some minority legislators, who fear giving police additional reasons to target driverbecause of concerns about racial profiling though Detert's bill wouldn't allow police to proactively pull drivers over just for texting.

Two legislators who in the past have held the legislation up in committee former Sen. Ellyn Bogdanoff in the Senate and former Rep. BradDrake in the House are no longer in the Legislature.

Ten states California, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Nevada, Oregon, Washington and West Virginia and the

District of Columbia have banned hand-held phone use by all drivers.Several other states, including Colorado, Illinois, Michigan, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Massachusetts and Florida's neighboring states of Abama and Georgia, have a primary enforcement ban on texting while driving. Some states, such as Texas, have a texting ban just for younger drivers. Dtert's bill is yet to be referred to committee.HIGH COURT: EITHER DRIVER CAN CAUSE REAR-END CRASH

Faced with conflicting lower-court decisions, the Florida Supreme Court issued a pair of rulings Wednesday that could give a legal boost to moists who crash into other vehicles from behind.

The cases center, at least in part, on a longstanding legal presumption that rear drivers are negligent in vehicle collisions. But the justices ruledthat the presumption can be rebutted "by the production of evidence from which a jury could conclude that the front driver was negligent in the operation his or her vehicle."

The court ruled in cases from Seminole and Palm Beach counties. The Seminole County case, for example, stemmed from a 2007 accidenin which Crystal Charron was a passenger on a motorcycle that flipped when its driver tried to avoid hitting the rear end of a car driven by Warren Birge.

A circuit court sided with Birge in a resulting lawsuit, but the 5th District Court of Appeal reversed that decision because it said a jury could havfound that Birge was negligent.

The Supreme Court opinion said Birge was driving 35 mph and slammed on his brakes "for no objective reason," surprising other people on throad.

"Significantly, this court has never held that the rear-end presumption bars a claim for damages of a rear driver or others in the rearward zone odanger where there is evidence from which a jury could conclude that the front driver defendant was negligent and comparatively at fault in causing thecollision,'' said the opinion, which was written by Justice Jorge Labarga.

The other justices concurred in the decision, though Justice James E.C. Perry was recused.HIGH COURT TO CONSIDER RED-LIGHT CAMERA CASESThe Florida Supreme Court on Tuesday agreed to take up cases from Orlando and Aventura about the legality of local red-light camera ordinances.

Two appeals courts have taken different stances about the ordinances, with the 5th District Court of Appeal most recently rejecting Orlando's onance because it conflicts with state traffic laws. As an example, the appeals court said the Orlando ordinance is in conflict because it allows city code-enforcement officers to review photos and help determine whether red-light infractions have occurred.

The 3rd District Court of Appeal earlier upheld Aventura's ordinance. In a brief this summer asking the Supreme Court to rule on the issue, Orla

do said cities throughout the state have adopted red- light camera ordinances and face the possibility of lawsuits."More broadly, these times of lowered tax revenues and calls for public austerity have led local governments to seek creative, cost-effective wa

to decrease expenditures without abandoning their responsibility to protect their citizens and visitors,'' the brief said."Red light cameras represent just such an innovation, using modem technology to save lives, to reduce the number and corresponding cost of

accidents, and to free law enforcement officers from the task of monitoring dangerous intersections so that manpower can be p ut to better use elsewhereWhile agreeing to take the cases, the Supreme Court did not announce a date for oral arguments.

COURT: COP CAN'T USE 'STAND YOUR GROUND' LAWA Central Florida appeals court has ruled that a former Haines City police officer cannot use the state's controversial "Stand Your Ground" law

defend himself against a misdemeanor charge of using unnecessary force during an altercation in October 2010.The 2nd District Court of Appeal on Friday said the case involving Juan Caamano is the first to directly address whether the "Stand Your Groun

law applies to law enforcement officers.A three-judge panel overturned a circuit-court ruling that would have allowed Caamano to use the law in his defense to a misdemeanor battery

charge.

The court said another, more-stringent law applies to cases dealing with use of force by law officers.The charge against Caamano stems from an effort by police officers to clear a street party. When one person refused to leave, he was taken tothe ground by officers who struck him and used a Taser.

Caamano is accused of then approaching the scene and bringing his right foot down in a "stomping motion" toward the man's legs, while tellingthe man to put his arms behind his back, according to the ruling.

Prosecutors said Caamano's actions did not help the other officers bring the man into custody and that the man had not actively resistedCaamano.

The "Stand Your Ground" law allows people to use force if they reasonably believe it is needed to defend themselves or others.

LEGISLATIVE REPORT (Cont.)December 2012


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From the Motorcycle Riders FoundationWashington, D.C.Contact: Jeff Hennie, Vice President of Government Relations and Public Affairs

Breaking News!Election Day Wrap Up:

One week ago you went to the polls and decided the direction our country would be driven in. Both parties suggested radical ideas to reform country and what did we get? Status Quo. Nothing changed. Same President, same balance of Congress.So what happened? Having expressed unease with the economy, concern about the nation's direction and frustration with government gridlo

voters chose to maintain the status quo in Washington, propelling President Barack Obama to a second term, while keeping his party in charge of theSenate and Republicans in control of the House.

The President's victory was remarkable in many ways, racking up more than 300 electoral votes and carrying nearly every state he won in 20against a much weaker opponent. Only North Carolina and Indiana shifted from the President to the Republican column. Outside of North Carolina andpossibly Florida, the President carried every battleground state despite winning only a slim popular vote majority. The President led his opponent by 2.6million votes (50% to 48%).

That he became the first President to be re-elected with smaller popular vote and electoral college majorities than in his first term is less remaable than the fact that he won re-election during an anemic recovery that has left millions out of work and driven labor force participation rates to near 3year lows. No President since Franklin Roosevelt has won re-election with unemployment rates so high.

So what will happen? First as motorcyclists we did lose some races where major motorcyclists were involved. Senator (R-MA) Scott Brown whrides, lost his race and in Wisconsin, Tommy Thompson a strong supporter of ABATE of WI and the MRF failed to win the open Senate seat. A lot of peple just retired this year, the most noteworthy is Senator Olympia Snowe (R-ME). Snowe offered the original national helmet law repeal language thatwould become the law. So we have work to do with the new Congress, but thats always been the case.

Lame duck: First we have to get through the lame duck session of congress, the point in time after a political election but before the Congresadjourns for the year. Its an odd time of year when you have congressmen and women voting after they lost an election. Strange things tend to happenMy predictions of what issues will be addressed are: The Fiscal Cliff, Hurricane Sandy, and the Farm Bill.

House and Senate leadership elections will be a factor as well. Some rumors have Nancy Pelosi retiring since House Democrats underper-formed again in an election. So a lot has changed and at the same time everything in Washington DC is exactly as it was last Monday. Gridlocked,

In addition, it has always been the MRF position to not advocate for the SAE sound standard. The MRF has had a position on the sound working group national standards as reported most recently. For reference please refer our legislative agenda press release sent on 12-10-29.The Motorcycle Riders Foundation Legislative Strategy Agenda for 2012-2013

At the 2012 Motorcycle Riders Foundation's (MRF) Meeting of the Minds Conference held in September in Durham, North Carolina, a Legislative Strategy Session was hosted by the MRF's Legislative Committee. As has been done for the past several years, the MRF requested that it be attened by Sustaining State Motorcyclists' Rights Organizations (SSMRO) Legislative and/or Executive Officers. The goal was to set the MRF's Federal Leg

lative Agenda for the 2012 Meeting of the Minds to the 2013 Meeting of the Minds annual cycle.The MRF's SSMRO partners responded once again with a majority attendance and an increased participation over last year. The MRF Legis

tive Committee remains extremely pleased at the aligned and clear direction we experienced again this year from our SSMRO partners. This level ofagreement continues to allow for solid action plans to be effectively employed by our Government Relations Department and our SSMRO partners whiin Washington D.C. and in working federal issues in their home states. Additionally, we continue to see productive gains in s tate legislative activities thasupport our federal efforts when it comes to protecting on-road motorcyclists, motorcycling, and its associated lifestyle.

The MRF Legislative Committee continued the practice instituted two years ago of recording one vote per organization in attendance. A fullbreakdown of each vote can be seen in an upcoming issue of the MRF Reports. The session this year was moderated by MRF Vice President Jay Jackson with support from MRF Vice President of Government Relations & Public Affairs Jeff Hennie and MRF President Kirk "Hardtai l" Willard.Transportation Equity Act (TEA) upcoming reauthorization (the Highway Bill) - closely monitor for any action that would positively or negatively impactmotorcycles, motorcycling, and motorcyclists; oppose any motorcycling-related federal blackmails or federal sanctions contained in the bill; seek to in-clude House Resolution 904 language to ban motorcycle specific roadblock federal grant fundingPursue continuation of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) lobbying ban within individual states

Pursue reinstatement of the Motorcycle Advisory Council (MAC) to advise the Federal Highway Administration Oppose the adoption of the SAE Roadside Sound Test as a national enforcement standard, this is considered by our SSMRO's to be a state-by-stateissue at this timeClosely monitor the developing health care act for motorcycling specific discrimination; monitor HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability

Act) for motorcycling specific discriminationNHTSA motorcycle-specific checkpoint grant program - MRF to carry out a full effort to cut off specified use of funding for this motorcycle-based discrimnatory practice, while encouraging states to pass their own anti-checkpoint lawsContinue monitoring the Federal Crash Causation study and the MSF Naturalistic studyStrongly oppose any federal standard proposing stamping and certifying of motorcycle exhaust systems


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Continue to oppose federal agency activity regarding EPA Sound Emission User studies and the encouragement of state activity with federal resourc-again deemed to be a state by state issueWork to discourage ALL forms of distracted driving, oppose any related funding blackmails, and watch this issue closely for motorcycle specific dis-criminatory languageContinue promotion of the Right to Repair Act; continue Right to Repair coalition activities Continue participation at the federal level where the definition of a motorcycle is under review

MRF will oppose any motorcycling, motorcycle, or motorcyclist-based discriminatory legislation or rules proposed by the U.S. Congress or by a federagencyMRF to oppose any motorcyclist profiling legislation or rules this upcoming congressional session Continue participation in motorcycle related activity in the European Union, United Nations, and Canada MRF to fiercely oppose any mandatory helmet or apparel standardsMRF to encourage additional federal research of E15 fuel related to use in a motorcycle prior to any recommendations; contin ue to seek recommendtions on its use from motorcycle original equipment manufacturersMRF to actively pursue inclusion of motorcycles in ongoing Intelligent Transportations System (ITS) emerging technologies Pursue safer roadway design strategies at the federal level, include safer cable barrier research similar to European improvements in the discussionContinue to promote our theme of crash avoidance versus safer crashing, using the principles of House Resolution 1498 urging NHTSA to focus oncrash prevention and rider educationMRF to pursue limiting funding of the Center for Disease Control (CDC) for their increasing involvement in motorcycling safe ty issuesPursue CDC lobbying ban, seek to remove any references where CDC suggests motorcycle crashes are preventable injury events MRF to monitor private organizations that oppose the legislative agenda or mission of the MRF and investigate their funding sources to make certainthey are not receiving federal tax dollarsMRF to monitor public organizations for funding sources when in opposition to our legislative agenda or mission, respond app ropriately if they receivefederal tax dollars

With the recent election and changes upcoming in the U.S. Congress, combined with our comprehensive and aggressive legislative agendathe MRF Legislative Committee strongly encourages our SSMRO partners and our members to actively engage in a lively motorcycling dialogue withthe incoming members, as well as renewing relationships with incumbents, as an immediate priority. If your SSMRO needs any assistance in planningtrip to Washington D.C. to begin or strengthen the dialogue with your members of Congress, contact Jeff Hennie in the MRF office at 202-546-0983 [email protected]. We would also like to encourage you to finalize your plans to attend our national biker day event in Washington D.C. , Bikers Inside theBeltway, on Thursday May 16th, 2013. See our website at www.mrf.org for more details.MRF Legislative Committee Members:Keith Ball, Dave Dwyer, Jeff Hennie, George Gorman, Cindy Hodges, Jay Jackson, Jim "Legs" Korte, Boyd McFail, Larry Nielson, John Pierce, ToddRiba, Kirk "Hardtail" Willard (Chair)Breaking News!

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released there 2013 "Top Ten Most Wanted List" Wednesday, November 14th 2012 re-ports the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF). The list is a collection of the NTSB's top safety priorities. Recommendations are made to governingbodies and industry. Typically the list reflects recent concerns of the NTSB, for instance in a year where there are a lot if motor coach crashes you couexpect to see some recommendations to governing bodies to screen drivers better and to industry to make the buses safer.

Most recently motorcyclists made an appearance on the list. In 2010 the NTSB took aim at motorcyclist safety and recommended that eachand every State institute a mandatory State helmet law. Its important to note that the NTSB's recommendations are put into place 96% of the time. ThMRF met with the staff and Members of the Safety Board aggressively over the following year to educate them on a comprehensive approach to motocyclist safety. It worked, the following two years ('11, '12) the motorcyclist safety portion of the "Top Ten" was two fold. They recommended volunteerhelmet use and just as importantly to them, a strong emphasis on crash prevention.

This coming years list does not contain any motorcycle or motorcyclist recommendations what so ever. They have recognized the work thatbeing done at the National, State and Local levels is working. Motorcycle fatalities are still less than they were four years ago.

They recognize the fact that proper education and awareness programs work. The NTSB realize they have more pressing issues that theyneed to focus on and that the motorcyclist safety is in good hands, the right hands, the motorcyclists of Americas hands.

NTSB Chairman Deborah Hersman "Safety areas are dropped from the list when meaningful progress has been made."Read the 2013 NTSB Top Ten list here: http://www.ntsb.gov/safety/mwl.html

The NTSB is an independent government agency charged with determining the probable cause of transportation accidents and promotingtransportation safety, and assisting victims of transportation accidents and their families. Formed by Congress in 1926 their original charter was to in-vestigate only airline and airplane accidents. In 1967 that charter was expanded to include; marine, pipeline, railroad and highway modes.

From my family to yours:I wish all of you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Have a safe holiday season.See you in the wind,

TEDDYBEAR
http://www.ntsb.gov/safety/mwl.htmlhttp://www.ntsb.gov/safety/mwl.htmlhttp://www.ntsb.gov/safety/mwl.html


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PG 15

SOUTHWEST CHAPTER

LIFE MEMBERS

Keith BakerDarrell BarnettDenee BartelsScott Blink

Chet ButzJames BurkholderNora BurkholderDon CampbellFrances CazesWayne CerraJonathan ConantTerry CovingtonAudrey Cran

Maggie CranRick CranRob CranRobert Cruz CrusanJim CrystalDan CurryGinny DAstiBiffle DavisMary Dicenzo-Porter

Al Diagiaco

Frank DisommaCindy Doak

Randy EckBrian GalvinSonny GartrellLynnda GrayLarry GulliaBob HallHarry Hoover

Jeff HooverGeorge HuttmanSusan Red HuttmanDan JacksonCindy CJ JordanFrankie Kennedy

John KennedyEd LaCombeJulio LopezMary Ann Rivera

-Lopez

KD MarloweRussell MayRev.Rea MeansDon Meredith Jr.Jo Ann MillerKenneth MillerJohn Mitchell

Jim MozeleskiTaylor MusburgerTerry PadillaBob Penn

Asuncsion PeppersRichard PeppersVictor PiorkowskiKathleen ProvenzanoRev. Thomas ProvenzanoBill RobinsonJanet Rolfe

Tabitha Rossi

Roland SalsberryJencye SchmittJerry SchmittBruce ScheinerElsie SeifRobert SimonKelly SmithRandall SpiveyRichard StergulzSandy StergulzGrandpa StewartLynda StewartRussell SullivanScott TurnerRuth VorysTeresa Webster

D. Payton Wells

Michael WielandJama WyattSteve Wyatt


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Looking for a FEW GOOD MEN!!

The SWFL Chapter of

Leathernecks Motorcycle Club Intl., Inc.

We welcome Marine Veterans, FMF Corpsmen

And Active Duty Men and Women Marines

If you love riding a motorcycle and want the

Brotherhood/Sisterhood you had in the

Corps, then we are what you want!

For further information contact RailRoad at: 239-321-3298

Or visit our website at: www.leathernecks-swfl.com

AD EXPIRES:01 Mar. 2013

AD EXPIRES:TRADE

PG 16
http://www.leathernecks-swfl.com/http://www.leathernecks-swfl.com/http://www.leathernecks-swfl.com/http://www.leathernecks-swfl.com/http://www.leathernecks-swfl.com/


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4120 Hancock Bridge Parkway, North Fort Myers, FL 33903

239-995-0340

VerDow Motorcycle Repair, Inc.

(239) 332-1477

2531 Katherine St.Ft. Myers, FL 33901

All ABATE MembersReceive a 10% Discount

PG 17AD EXPIRES:01 Sep. 2013

AD EXPIRES:01 Dec. 2012


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PG 20

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SPORT BIKE

COMMUNITY

Do you ride a sport bike?

We are your source for information on rides and events that are geared towards your particular style. Check with us on a monthly regarding times and places for rides, events, and riding safety.

ABATE of Florida is a non-profit organization that fights for your rights as a biker and advocates safety and awareness of bikers, fbikers. We are your voice in Tallahassee to change laws and get stiffer penalties for people that kill bikers in auto crashes. We also do specrides and events all year long. We look forward to making the sport bike community apart of our growing family. Membership is only $20 a yor $150 for a lifetime, and you also receive a FREE $4,000 life insurance policy. As a member, you also receive this newsletter via email evmonth, so you can keep informed on whats going on around your area. Join us and help fight to change to general populations opinion ofbikers.

Ride Hard but Ride Smart

UPCOMMING EVENTS

Safety tips

1. Save your brain and wear a lid.

2. Never Expect that vehicles see you, always expect that they dont and be prepared for a way out.3. Take the Stunting to a secluded spot where no one else can get hurt.

Recommendation to Beginner RidersBook: How to Ride a Motor Cycle by Pat Hahn

It will teach the reader what to expect on the road in the first two years of riding.Name: Eddie Crash Mix

Number: 239-440-4064

PG 20

Hooter Ride to NowhereWhen: Every ThursdayWhere: Hooters of Fort Myers on US-41Time: 7:30 - kickstands up at 9:30


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MEMBERSHIP REPORT

PG 23

Renewals expire last day of your month

Membership is $20.00 per year and includes a $4,000.00 Accidental death or

dismemberment Policy

Membership applications can be picked up at Bike Night weekly at the Joint in

Cape Harbor on Tuesdays from 6 9:30 pm

Also at all your local motorcycle shops throughout Lee County where many offer

discounts to ABATE card holders

Welcome to the following new members:

Jerry Barnett, Marva Savanick, Larry Pati-

tucci,

Dennis Garbo, Dorian Gully Gullege,

David Bravo and Paul Gehl

Renewed members:

Elizabeth Barfield, Kevin Barfield, JimmieDennis, Janise Turner, Shari Shifrin, RogerMiller, Gene Cerra, Pete Agnello, AlainaDempsey, Phil West, Dale Conrad, and

John Morgan

Up for Renewal November and Decem-

ber 2012:

Jeff Barde, Barbara Bardell, Joe Canni-

zaro,

Tracy Davis, W Clay Engh, Linda Hon-eycutt, David Johnston, Paul Jones, Geral

Mangina, Wendy Mangina, J Scott McFarland, Ed Mix,Moe Moser, Carl Nelson, Carlos Perez,Cherie Reis, Charles Robb, Jason Stan-ford, Mike Sterling, Ray Walters, Paul

Woytik & Zach Motal


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SOUTHWEST FLORIDA SISTER CHAPTER INFORMATION

CALOOSAHATCHEE ESTERO RIVER

Meetings: every 3rd Friday at 7:00 PM Meetings: every 3rd Sunday at 10:00 AMPlace: TBD Place: Wicked Wings

8024 Alico Rd. #A10, Ft. Myers, FL.

GATOR ALLEY PEACE RIVER

Meetings: every 4th Sunday at 11:00 AM Meetings: every 4th Sunday at 11:00 AMPlace: VFW Place: 4940 Pan American Blvd., North Port, FL.

Pine Ridge Rd., Naples, FL.

(no meeting in Dec.)

SOUTHWEST WEST COAST

Meetings: every 1st Sunday at 10:00 AM Meetings: every 4th Sunday at 11:00 AMPlace: Harley Davidson of Ft. Myers Place: Fruitville Park2160 Colonial Blvd., Ft. Myers, FL. 5151 Richardson Rd., Sarasota, FL.

PG 2

Hello Bothers and Sisters,

Bike Nights are starting all around our area and SW Chapter is busy as ever. Come on out and spent timewith your extended family. Please, remember that we are all volunteers and could use a break from manning the table every now and then.

Christmas and New Years are coming up, between the Snow Birds and just Holiday travel in general, besafe and watch out for the other drivers out there! Make sure you are around for your family and extended familythis holiday season.

If your planning on a road trip this holiday season, be sure to check your vehicles out first (Tires, Oil, LightWindshield Washer Fluid, Brake Fluid, Etc..) and do maintenance as needed.

We would love to see you all around bike nights and all events in the future, so be safe, God bless, and...

STAY ALERT...STAY ALIVE!!!Kevin


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KEEP UP TO DATE ON

THE STATEWEB SITE

PRESS RELEASES, EVENTS, SAFETY

www.abateflorida.com

BRING A NEWMEMBER TO JOIN THEVOICES OFFLORIDA

MOTORCYCLISTS

PG 27

AD EXPIRES:01 Oct. 2012 Southwest Chapter

Meeting Schedule

This monthsChapter Meeting

Will be onDecember 2nd @

10:00 AM @Harley Davidson of Fort

Myers Located at:

2160 Colonial Dr.Fort Myers, FL 33907239-275-4647

http://profile.ak.fbcdn.net/hprofile-ak-snc4/27438_100001243055627_6949_n.jpg


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PG 29

AD EXPIRES:31 Jul. 2013
http://www.paradisedelicapecoral.com/images/Paradise%20Deli-Menu-2.jpghttp://www.paradisedelicapecoral.com/images/Paradise%20Deli-Menu-2.jpghttp://www.paradisedelicapecoral.com/images/Paradise%20Deli-Menu-2.jpghttp://www.paradisedelicapecoral.com/images/Paradise%20Deli-Menu-2.jpghttp://www.paradisedelicapecoral.com/images/Paradise%20Deli-Menu-2.jpg


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CHRISPROFFITT

[email protected]

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ABATEMEMBERSRECEIVE

A 10 %DISCOUNT

WITH

THEIRABATECARD

1112

PG 38



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Name of Business:__________________________________________________________________________

Address:__________________________________________________________________

Business Phone: _____________________________Contact:______________________

Address:__________________________________________________________________

Phone:______________________ Cell: __________________________

Email: ______________________________________________________

Type of Ad: Business Card Quarter Page Half Page Full Page

Duration of Ad: ____________________

Start Date of Ad: _____________________ Stop Date of Ad:______________________

Authorized Signature: __________________________________________________

Print Name:______________________________________________________

Type of Payment: Check _________ Check Number __________ Cash ___________

Advertisement Pricing

Business Card Quarter Page Half Page Full Page

6 Months $55.00 $85.00 $145.00 $200.00

12 Months $80.00 $135.00 $245.00 $375.00

Full page 12 month advertisers will receive an additional 2 months FREE

All advertisers will also receive a one year ABATE of Florida, Inc. membership which

also includes a $4,000.00 accidental death policy

All artwork must be submitted in PDF or JPEG format

All advertising MUST be approved by the Southwest Chapter of Abate of Florida, Inc.

For further information please contactWayne Cerra 239-989-3349 [email protected]

ADVERTISING APPLICATION

ABATE of Florida, Inc., Southwest ChapterPO BOX 60745 Fort Myers, FL 33906


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southwest chapter of abate of florida december 2012 newsletter

Documents