Here's the thing., I think we can all agree that division and hate and war are all on the plate right now. All across the world. The only thing I truly enjoy anymore is motorcycles. When I see packs of colors and affiliations, I associate that with ...
Something bad, I can't explain it.
I've already had kick back about my vest comment. I have a vest too... It's Kevlar and has extra steel plates in it.
(That being said, I don't have a gun)
It's just I think after years of seeing the strange **** that happens at LACONIA and a twisted perception of motorcycle riding, I thought I'd throw in my two cents.
Thanks for being kind! I didn't mean to piss everyone off.
Should I assume you live in the northeast as you reference LACONIA? Not that it makes a difference for this discussion.
@Sandman 7227 "
Thanks for being kind! I didn't mean to piss everyone off." I appreciate this comment. The internet is a way for some to blow off steam and for others to share common ground and/or discuss differences in a polite and respectful manner. Some prefer insults or harsh words others prefer being respectful while expressing a difference.
With that said, I do disagree with most of your comments and points, perhaps more so to the degree that we have. I think you view it as major and I view it more as minor. I will agree there are biker gangs that lean on the unlawful side during their activities and within their life style. I agree many ride Harley's and/or v-twin cruisers. I also agree that many/most wear leather vest/jackets. By the numbers of these gang members and the number of the clubs, and by their own definition they are 1 percenters. That is 1% of the clubs and/or motorcyclist across the country. That 1% has made a lot more noise than the other 99%, but that is mostly because of the media. In almost anything good in our society there are also bad and if you only have 1% bad coming from something that is 99% good, I think that is part of an acceptable portion.
The main reason I disagree with your opening thread and other comments, is you reference a vest as the key denominator which isn't true. It is the colors that bind the outlaw gangs and 1%. That color may be displayed on a vest or jacket. When you condemn all riders wearing vest and/or colors as "Something bad" because of the behavior of the 1% it isn't that much different than saying all black are bad because 1% of the blacks you hear of may be in gangs. Or like saying all whites are bad because 1% of whites that you hear of are racist.
So, I don't agree and do not feel you can make a statement, "
I think we can all agree". I think you could easily state that as your opinion, but I think it would be a stretch to assume "
we can all agree" that "
division and hate and war are all on the plate right now. All across the world". I enjoy motorcycles and riding as it is a passion, but it is not the only thing I enjoy. I don't wear Kevlar with plates anymore, but wear a gun 99.5% of the time. I will agree there is a lot of division between Americans, but there is also a lot of common beleif and ground and despite our differences we need to share the good with the bad. Through the 63 years I have been riding, I view motorcyclist as having brought people of difference together far more than dividing them.
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