CALL TO ACTION
HB1569 “EQUAL ACCESS BILL”

This Call to Action will consist of emailing
all the members of the committee for the Equal Access bill.
The members and email address are provided below.

Sample letter:
Attention Senator;
I am asking you to please support
HB 1569 “Equal Access Bill”
which has been recently sent to your
Senate Business and Commerce Committee.
Your positive open support of this bill is an ongoing effort
by motorcycle riders across Texas to allow freedom loving bikers
to continue to have open public access where other Texans are legally allowed
to patronize. This Bill does not create a protected class of citizen,
but will grant equal access for Texans
to enjoy all the Great State of Texas has to offer the General Public.
Your Support on HB1569 will be greatly appreciated.

Name:
Address/email/phone

Senator Committee Email Contact Information:

kirk.watson@senate.state.tx.us

craig.estes@senate.state.tx.us

mike.jackson@senate.state.tx.us

eddie.lucio@senate.state.tx.us

leticia.vandeputte@senate.state.tx.us

kip.averitt@senate.state.tx.us

kevin.eltife@senate.state.tx.us

troy.fraser@senate.state.tx.us

chris.harris@senate.state.tx.us

Please send your emails & responses
to your area Defender Commander
As soon as possible.

Thank You Defenders For Your Time on this,
there is not much time left in this session,
The next regular session is January 2011.

“God Bless The American Biker”
BIG KID
Get ”UR” Done!

ATTENTION All US DEFENDER UNITS IN TEXAS: CALL TO ACTION

Senate Bill 1967 - Highway Safety Bill will be heard in the Public Safety Committee of the Texas House of Representatives on May 18th, Monday at 2pm or after. Please be present in order to support this bill, if you are unable to stay please fill out an opinion card in favor of this bill, if you are unable to make it then email the committee members asking for their support.

Public Safety Committee website: http://www.house.state.tx.us/committees/list81/420.htm

You can email one or all of the committee members by using the following email format:
See bottom of this post……

Provided below is a sample letter of support you can use in your email. Simply cut and paste the letter but be sure to use the correct salutation and to include your actual name( not your roadname) and complete address along with your email address.

Dear Sir or Ma’am

As a member of the Public Safety Committee, you will find Senate Bill 1967-the Highway Safety Bill being heard in your committee in the near future. This is a bill that will have many positive benefits not only to motorcycle riders in Texas but to all Texans. As a Texan, a motorcycle rider, and a concerned citizen, I urge you to support this bill and I thank you for your service to our great state.

Name

Address/email/phone

Please send your letter copy’s and responses to Mud Dauber at gypsy_mud.dauber@yahoo.com

Barbara Mallory (barbara.mallory@house.state.tx.us)

Eddie Rodriguez (eddie.rodriguez@house.state.tx.us)

Hubert Vo (hubert.vo@house.state.tx.us)

Joe Driver (joe.driver@house.state.tx.us)

Lon Burnam (lon.burnam@house.state.tx.us)

Phil King (phil.king@house.state.tx.us)

Stephen Frost (stephen.frost@house.state.tx.us)

Tommy Merritt (tommy.merritt@house.state.tx.us)

Last weekend was our 2nd ever State COCI rally. It was a beautiful setting just outside of Rockdale, TX. The weather was wet off and on, but at least for the most part it was cool. Those of us who made it to the rally know what I’m talking about. It was great seeing familiar faces as well as meeting new ones.

By the time we go there and set up camp, Clem, the COIR Undersecretary for Texas had the COIR booth already set up and running. All I had to do was bring the banner and a chair. Special thanks to Roca Kid Rock for the Loan of some bungee cords.

True Few Casey and a couple of his brothers got our booth set up with the Wheel of Knives. There were 3 chances to win a knife by a spin of the wheel. This turned out to be a very popular stop for folks, as there were some good-looking knives up for grabs.

Things were going smoothly, and the HARD-COIR region 9 crew consisting of COIRman Bill the Drill and Lts. Montana and Zonie Mike showed up to take their shift. These boys have the largest participating COIR unit in the state, and they are tight.

After the sun went down, it was kick back and party time. This is always a good time and good chance to get to know people. Good Music, good people, and a Great atmosphere. Special thanks goes to Kit Worley and family for hosting us. They are really good down to earth people, and have a rally of their own some time in Oct.

Saturday was busy, as everybody was making preparations for the Defenders and COCI state meetings. Central Texas region Lts. Wes Brown and Richard Wells ran the COIR booth for a good portion of the day, along with Clem and myself off and on, then Pamela Thomas all the way from Amarillo

came in and helped. This lady deserves a pat on the back. She originally volunteered for a 5-6 hour shift.

The meeting was called to order with a Pledge of Allegiance to the US flag. Good people were recognized for outstanding work and people were introduced. TF Casey got the crowd going in unison, and if you don’t know the sound of One Heart, One Voice from a passionate crowd, I hope one day you experience it.

US Defender Lt Commander Companero Paul gave us a rundown on the great accomplishments we’ve made in Texas this year from the Calls to Action. We were instrumental in getting SB 1967 passed out of the senate uncontested with a unanimous vote.

State Safety and Awareness Liaison Butterfly gave a good report on all of the accomplishments COCI-Texas has made with the Share The Road signs and the Proclamations campaign which is a joint effort between COCI, TMRA, TMRA2, and Abate.

North Texas region Chair, Probationary Bandido Big Kid spoke about how humbling it was to be Chair of the largest COCI in the country with 86 member Clubs and COIR independents.

I spoke briefly and was humbled also. There was so much passion in the crowd as you could see the intent look in everyone’s faces because each and every individual there believes in what they are doing. I am proud to be in such company and vow to do my best to never let any of these people down.

Our National US Defenders Commander Bandido Gimmi Jimmy would up the meeting with the sad news of retiring the Texas Defenders, but with that came the proud induction of joining ranks with the US Defenders. US Defenders, look out. Texas is on board. We have a great many political battles ahead, and we are making progress. Gimmi Jimmy named off all of the wonderful states that are on board, and we should have more on board soon. Is this man on the move or what? These are exciting times my friends.

Our AIM attorney Bill Smith gave us all a good rundown on how the civil lawsuit against the City of Gonzales for denying access to a rally where many Patchholders had already paid in advance to attend. Give ‘em HELL Bill. We heard good reports from our other COCI regional Chairmen as well.

With business concluded, it was social time again. Buddy, let me tell you. The hospitality around the campgrounds was like one big family. Hard-COIR region 9 had the place well lit with one of them diesel generators, and the party was on. Good food, great people, great stories and jokes. The kind of place a fella can kick his boots off and relax. With all that had taken place this day, we called it an early night (comparatively speaking).

Sunday morning was a beautiful day. The clouds gave way to the sunshine. Soldiers For Jesus MC had the coffee pot going full bore. We were blessed at the Sunday morning services with some great singing and words to live by. Communion service was called, then it was off to the river for a good old fashioned Baptism. We got to witness 3 brothers and a young man get dunked and reborn. Words can’t describe it.

It was sad to have to part ways, but time waits for no man. This piece is a little descriptive for those of you who missed the rally. Next time, don’t miss it. Much Love & Respect…~Suds

Attention Defenders!
RE: HB 1967 relating to the safe operation of motorcycles and other vehicles in this state; providing penalties.

This is an official CALL TO ACTION! This Call to Action will be an email/phone campaign in support of HB 1967. This bill is to be voted on this Wednesday, and we need to drum up support from other legislators for Senator Carona’s Bill. Email and call your Senator’s office only! Please keep your email brief and to the point.

Your email only needs to consist of a few sentences, here is an example:

Dear Senator ­­­­­__________,

I am looking for your support on SB 1967. The motorcycle community was instrumental on working with Senator Carona on drafting this bill, and I would very much appreciate your support. This bill will be voted on Wednesday and it is very important that it dose not fail. Thank you for your time and support.

Sincerely,

____________

I realize that we have not participated in an email campaign before, but let’s give it a shot! If anyone can pull this off it’s us! Print out your email copy or send your copy via email to Mud Dauber gypsy_mud.dauber@yahoo.com, make sure you provide Mud Dauber with your Club name and chapter so every one can be properly accounted for. Also send your email responses from your elected officials.

This CALL TO ACTION is very simple;

(1) Email Senator

(2) Call Senator

(3) Email or deliver hard copy of your email and response from your Senator to Gypsy Mud Dauber.

YOUR EMAILS AND CALLS MUST BE DONE BEFORE WEDNESDAY PLEASE CALL YOUR CLUB MEMBERS AND INSURE EVERY ONE IS INFORMED!

To find out who represents you and/or your Senators email information, please log on to http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/Home.aspx or http://www.fyi.legis.state.tx.us/

More information on SB 1967 http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/tlodocs/81R/billtext/doc/SB01967I.doc

########## LIST OF EMAIL #############
Hey for those that need the email list here is one if they need, I got this from Terry Williams…

Here is a list for all the reps, I believe for the whole state….

Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst (the constitutional president of the
senate) 512
463-0001 & Fax: 512-463-0677 Website: http://www.ltgov.state.tx.us/ Duties
Link:
(including the Constitutional President of the Senate)
http://www.ltgov.state.tx.us/duties.php Cmte Info Link:
http://www.senate.state.tx.us/75r/senate/Commit.htm
——————————————————————————–

TX Senate members in 81st Legislative Session Link:
http://www.senate.state.tx.us/75r/senate/members.htm#members 1.. Averitt, Kip
(512) 463-0122 & Fax: (512) 475-3729 Kip.Averitt@Senate.State.Tx.US
2.. Carona, John (512) 463-0116 & Fax: (512) 463-3135
John.Carona@Senate.State.Tx.US
3.. Davis, Wendy (512) 463-0110 & Fax: (512) 475-3745
Wendy.Davis@Senate.State.Tx.US
4.. Deuell, Bob (512) 463-0102 & Fax: (512) 463-7202
Robert.Deuell@Senate.State.Tx.US
5.. Duncan, Robert (512) 463-0128 & Fax: (512) 463-2424
Robert.Duncan@Senate.State.Tx.US
6.. Ellis, Rodney (512) 463-0113 & Fax: (512) 463-0006
Rodney.Ellis@Senate.State.Tx.US
7.. Eltife, Kevin (512) 463-0101 & Fax: (512) 475-3751
Kevin.Eltife@Senate.State.Tx.US
8.. Estes, Craig (512) 463-0130 & Fax: (512) 463-8874
Craig.Estes@Senate.State.Tx.US
9.. Fraser, Troy (512) 463-0124 & Fax: (325) 676-8060
Troy.Fraser@Senate.State.Tx.US
10.. Gallegos, Mario, Jr. (512) 463-0106 & Fax: (512) 463-0346
Mario.Gallegos@Senate.State.Tx.US
11.. Harris, Chris (512) 463-0109 & Fax: (512) 463-7003
Chris.Harris@Senate.State.Tx.US
12.. Hegar, Glenn (512) 463-0118 & Fax: (512) 475-3736
Glenn.Hegar@Senate.State.Tx.US
13.. Hinojosa, Juan “Chuy” (512) 463-0120 & Fax: (512) 463-0229
Juan.Hinojosa@Senate.State.Tx.US
14.. Huffman, Joan (512) 463-0117 & Fax: (512) 463-0639
Joan.Huffman@Senate.State.Tx.US
15.. Jackson, Mike (512) 463-0111 & Fax: (512) 475-3727
Mike.Jackson@Senate.State.Tx.US
16.. Lucio, Eddie, Jr. (956) 968-9927 & Fax: (956) 447-0583
Eddie.Lucio@Senate.State.Tx.US
17.. Nelson, Jane (512) 463-0112 & Fax: (512) 463-0923
Jane.Nelson@Senate.State.Tx.US
18.. Nichols, Robert (512) 463-0103 & Fax: (903) 589-0203
Robert.Nichols@Senate.State.Tx.US
19.. Ogden, Steve (512) 463-0105 & Fax: (512) 463-5713
Steve.Ogden@Senate.State.Tx.US
20.. Patrick, Dan (512) 463-0107 & Fax: (512) 463-8810
Dan.Patrick@Senate.State.Tx.US
21.. Seliger, Kel (512) 463-0131 & Fax: (512) 475-3733
Kel.Seliger@Senate.State.Tx.US
22.. Shapiro, Florence (512) 463-0108 & Fax: (512) 463-7579
Florence.Shapiro@Senate.State.Tx.US
23.. Shapleigh, Eliot (512) 463-0129 & Fax: (915) 544-1998
Eliot.Shapleigh@Senate.State.Tx.US
24.. Uresti, Carlos (512) 463-0119 & Fax: (512) 463-1017
Carlos.Uresti@Senate.State.Tx.US
25.. Van de Putte, Leticia (512) 463-0126 & Fax: (512) 463-2114
Leticia.VandePutte@Senate.State.Tx.US
26.. Watson, Kirk (512) 463-0114 & Fax: (512) 463-5949
Kirk.Watson@Senate.State.Tx.US
27.. Wentworth, Jeff (512) 463-0125 & Fax: (512) 463-7794
Jeff.Wentworth@Senate.State.Tx.US
28.. West, Royce (512) 463-0123 & Fax: (512) 463-0299
Royce.West@Senate.State.Tx.US
29.. Whitmire, John (512) 463-0115 & Fax: (713) 864-5287
John.Whitmire@Senate.State.Tx.US
30.. Williams, Tommy (512) 463-0104 & Fax: (512) 463-6373
Tommy.Williams@Senate.State.Tx.US
31.. Zaffirini, Judith (512) 463-0121 & Fax: (956) 722-8586
Judith.Zaffirini@Senate.State.Tx.US

Senate Committee Assignments with Email Addresses:
The full list of Senate committees and members, showing newbies and political
affiliations:

Administration Committee

1.. Tommy Williams, R-The Woodlands, chairman (new member)
Tommy.Williams@Senate.State.Tx.US
2.. Carlos Uresti, D-San Antonio, vice chairman
Carlos.Uresti@Senate.State.Tx.US
3.. Steve Ogden, R-Bryan (new) Steve.Ogden@Senate.State.Tx.US
4.. Florence Shapiro, R-Plano Florence.Shapiro@Senate.State.Tx.US
5.. Jeff Wentworth, R-San Antonio Jeff.Wentworth@Senate.State.Tx.US
6.. John Whitmire, D-Houston John.Whitmire@Senate.State.Tx.US
7.. Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo Judith.Zaffirini@Senate.State.Tx.US
Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee (new, was a subcommittee)

1.. Craig Estes, R-Wichita Falls, chairman Craig.Estes@Senate.State.Tx.US
2.. Carlos Uresti, vice chairman (new, was member of subcommittee)
Carlos.Uresti@Senate.State.Tx.US
3.. Glenn Hegar, R-Katy Glenn.Hegar@Senate.State.Tx.US
4.. Juan Hinojosa, D-McAllen Juan.Hinojosa@Senate.State.Tx.US
5.. Mike Jackson, R-La Porte Mike.Jackson@Senate.State.Tx.US
Business and Commerce Committee
1.. Troy Fraser, R-Horseshoe Bay, chairman Troy.Fraser@Senate.State.Tx.US
2.. Chris Harris, R-Arlington, vice chairman
Chris.Harris@Senate.State.Tx.US
3.. Kip Averitt, R-Waco Kip.Averitt@Senate.State.Tx.US
4.. Kevin Eltife, R-Tyler Kevin.Eltife@Senate.State.Tx.US
5.. Mike Jackson, R-La Porte (new) Mike.Jackson@Senate.State.Tx.US
6.. Eddie Lucio, D-Brownsville Eddie.Lucio@Senate.State.Tx.US
7.. Leticia Van de Putte, D-San Antonio
Leticia.VandePutte@Senate.State.Tx.US
8.. Kirk Watson, D-Austin Kirk.Watson@Senate.State.Tx.US
Criminal Justice Committee

1.. John Whitmire, D-Houston, chairman John.Whitmire@Senate.State.Tx.US
2.. Kel Seliger, R-Amarillo, vice chairman Kel.Seliger@Senate.State.Tx.US
3.. John Carona, R-Dallas (new) John.Carona@Senate.State.Tx.US
4.. Rodney Ellis, D-Houston Rodney.Ellis@Senate.State.Tx.US
5.. Glenn Hegar, R-Katy Glenn.Hegar@Senate.State.Tx.US
6.. Juan Hinojosa, D-McAllen Juan.Hinojosa@Senate.State.Tx.US
7.. Dan Patrick, R-Houston (new) Dan.Patrick@Senate.State.Tx.US
Economic Development Committee (new, was a subcommittee)

1.. Chris Harris, R-Arlington, chairman (new)
Chris.Harris@Senate.State.Tx.US
2.. Kevin Eltife, R-Tyler, vice chair (new)
Kevin.Eltife@Senate.State.Tx.US
3.. Robert Deuell, R-Greenville (new) Robert.Deuell@Senate.State.Tx.US
4.. Kirk Watson, D-Austin Kirk.Watson@Senate.State.Tx.US
5.. Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo (new) Judith.Zaffirini@Senate.State.Tx.US
Education Committee

1.. Florence Shapiro, R-Plano, chair Florence.Shapiro@Senate.State.Tx.US
2.. Dan Patrick, R-Houston, vice chairman (new)
Dan.Patrick@Senate.State.Tx.US
3.. Kip Averitt, R-Waco Kip.Averitt@Senate.State.Tx.US
4.. Wendy Davis, D-Fort Worth (new) Wendy.Davis@Senate.State.Tx.US
5.. Mario Gallegos, D-Houston (new) Mario.Gallegos@Senate.State.Tx.US
6.. Steve Ogden, R-Bryan Steve.Ogden@Senate.State.Tx.US
7.. Leticia Van de Putte, D-San Antonio
Leticia.VandePutte@Senate.State.Tx.US
8.. Royce West, D-Dallas Royce.West@Senate.State.Tx.US
9.. Tommy Williams, R-The Woodlands Tommy.Williams@Senate.State.Tx.US
Finance Committee

1.. Steve Ogden, R-Bryan, chairman Steve.Ogden@Senate.State.Tx.US
2.. Juan Hinojosa, D-McAllen, vice chairman (new)
Juan.Hinojosa@Senate.State.Tx.US
3.. Kip Averitt, R-Waco Kip.Averitt@Senate.State.Tx.US
4.. Robert Deuell, R-Greenville Robert.Deuell@Senate.State.Tx.US
5.. Robert Duncan, R-Lubbock Robert.Duncan@Senate.State.Tx.US
6.. Kevin Eltife, R-Tyler Kevin.Eltife@Senate.State.Tx.US
7.. Chris Harris, R-Arlington (new) Chris.Harris@Senate.State.Tx.US
8.. Eddie Lucio, D-Brownsville Eddie.Lucio@Senate.State.Tx.US
9.. Jane Nelson, R-Lewisville Jane.Nelson@Senate.State.Tx.US
10.. Kel Seliger, R-Amarillo (new) Kel.Seliger@Senate.State.Tx.US
11.. Florence Shapiro, R-Plano Florence.Shapiro@Senate.State.Tx.US
12.. Royce West, D-Dallas Royce.West@Senate.State.Tx.US
13.. John Whitmire, D-Houston John.Whitmire@Senate.State.Tx.US
14.. Tommy Williams, R-The Woodlands Tommy.Williams@Senate.State.Tx.US
15.. Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo Judith.Zaffirini@Senate.State.Tx.US
Government Organization Committee

1.. Rodney Ellis, D-Houston, chairman Rodney.Ellis@Senate.State.Tx.US
2.. Glenn Hegar, R-Katy, vice chairman Glenn.Hegar@Senate.State.Tx.US
3.. Joan Huffman, R-Houston (new) Joan.Huffman@Senate.State.Tx.US
4.. Eddie Lucio, D-Brownsville (new) Eddie.Lucio@Senate.State.Tx.US
5.. Jane Nelson, R-Lewisville Jane.Nelson@Senate.State.Tx.US
6.. Steve Ogden, R-Bryan (new) Steve.Ogden@Senate.State.Tx.US
7.. John Whitmire, D-Houston John.Whitmire@Senate.State.Tx.US
Health and Human Services Committee

1.. Jane Nelson, R-Lewisville, chair Jane.Nelson@Senate.State.Tx.US
2.. Robert Deuell, R-Greenville, vice chair
Robert.Deuell@Senate.State.Tx.US
3.. Joan Huffman, R-Houston (new) Joan.Huffman@Senate.State.Tx.US
4.. Robert Nichols, R-Jacksonville Robert.Nichols@Senate.State.Tx.US
5.. Dan Patrick, R-Houston Dan.Patrick@Senate.State.Tx.US
6.. Eliot Shapleigh, D-El Paso Eliot.Shapleigh@Senate.State.Tx.US
7.. Carlos Uresti, D-San Antonio Carlos.Uresti@Senate.State.Tx.US
8.. Royce West, D-Dallas Royce.West@Senate.State.Tx.US
9.. Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo Judith.Zaffirini@Senate.State.Tx.US
Higher Education Committee (new, was a subcommittee)

1.. Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, chair Judith.Zaffirini@Senate.State.Tx.US
2.. Dan Patrick, R-Houston, vice chairman (new, was member of subcommittee)
Dan.Patrick@Senate.State.Tx.US
3.. Kip Averitt, R-Waco Kip.Averitt@Senate.State.Tx.US
4.. Robert Duncan, R-Lubbock (new) Robert.Duncan@Senate.State.Tx.US
5.. Royce West, D-Dallas Royce.West@Senate.State.Tx.US
Intergovernmental Relations Committee

1.. Royce West, D-Dallas, chairman Royce.West@Senate.State.Tx.US
2.. Robert Nichols, R-Jacksonville Robert.Nichols@Senate.State.Tx.US
3.. Mario Gallegos, D-Houston Mario.Gallegos@Senate.State.Tx.US
4.. Dan Patrick, R-Houston Dan.Patrick@Senate.State.Tx.US
5.. Jeff Wentworth, R-San Antonio Jeff.Wentworth@Senate.State.Tx.US
Subcommittee on Flooding and Evacuations

1.. Mario Gallegos, D-Houston, chairman Mario.Gallegos@Senate.State.Tx.US
2.. Robert Nichols, R-Jacksonville Robert.Nichols@Senate.State.Tx.US
3.. Dan Patrick, R-Houston Dan.Patrick@Senate.State.Tx.US
International Relations and Trade

1.. Eddie Lucio, D-Brownsville, chairman Eddie.Lucio@Senate.State.Tx.US
2.. Kel Seliger, R-Amarillo, vice chairman (new)
Kel.Seliger@Senate.State.Tx.US
3.. Wendy Davis, D-Fort Worth (new) Wendy.Davis@Senate.State.Tx.US
4.. Craig Estes, R-Wichita Falls Craig.Estes@Senate.State.Tx.US
5.. Troy Fraser, R-Horseshoe Bay Tony.Fraser@Senate.State.Tx.US
6.. Mario Gallegos, D-Houston Mario.Gallegos@Senate.State.Tx.US
7.. Tommy Williams, R-The Woodlands (new)
Tommy.Williams@Senate.State.Tx.US
Jurisprudence Committee

1.. Jeff Wentworth, R-San Antonio, chairman
Jeff.Wentworth@Senate.State.Tx.US
2.. Mario Gallegos, D-Houston, vice chairman (new)
Mario.Gallegos@Senate.State.Tx.US
3.. John Carona, R-Dallas John.Carona@Senate.State.Tx.US
4.. Robert Duncan, R-Lubbock Robert.Duncan@Senate.State.Tx.US
5.. Chris Harris, R-Arlington Chris.Harris@Senate.State.Tx.US
6.. Juan Hinojosa, D-McAllen Juan.Hinojosa@Senate.State.Tx.US
7.. Kirk Watson, D-Austin Kirk.Watson@Senate.State.Tx.US
Natural Resources

1.. Kip Averitt, R-Waco, chairman Kip.Averitt@Senate.State.Tx.US
2.. Craig Estes, R-Wichita Falls, vice chairman
Craig.Estes@Senate.State.Tx.US
3.. Robert Deuell, R-Greenville Robert.Deuell@Senate.State.Tx.US
4.. Robert Duncan, R-Lubbock Robert.Duncan@Senate.State.Tx.US
5.. Kevin Eltife, R-Tyler Kevin.Eltife@Senate.State.Tx.US
6.. Troy Fraser, R-Horseshoe Bay (new) Tony.Fraser@Senate.State.Tx.US
7.. Glenn Hegar, R-Katy Glenn.Hegar@Senate.State.Tx.US
8.. Juan Hinojosa, D-McAllen Juan.Hinojosa@Senate.State.Tx.US
9.. Mike Jackson, R-LaPorte Mike.Jackson@Senate.State.Tx.US
10.. Kel Seliger, R-Amarillo Kel.Seliger@Senate.State.Tx.US
11.. Carlos Uresti, D-San Antonio Carlos.Uresti@Senate.State.Tx.US
Nominations Committee

1.. Mike Jackson, R-La Porte, chairman Mike.Jackson@Senate.State.Tx.US
2.. Kevin Eltife, R-Tyler, vice chairman Kevin.Eltife@Senate.State.Tx.US
3.. Glenn Hegar, R-Katy Glenn.Hegar@Senate.State.Tx.US
4.. Jane Nelson, R-Lewisville Jane.Nelson@Senate.State.Tx.US
5.. Robert Nichols, R-Jacksonville Robert.Nichols@Senate.State.Tx.US
6.. Eliot Shapleigh, D-El Paso Eliot.Shapleigh@Senate.State.Tx.US
7.. Kirk Watson, D-Austin Kirk.Watson@Senate.State.Tx.US
State Affairs Committee

1.. Robert Duncan, R-Lubbock, chairman Robert.Duncan@Senate.State.Tx.US
2.. Robert Deuell, R-Greenville, vice chairman (new)
Robert.Deuell@Senate.State.Tx.US
3.. John Carona, R-Dallas John.Carona@Senate.State.Tx.US
4.. Rodney Ellis, D-Houston Rodney.Ellis@Senate.State.Tx.US
5.. Troy Fraser, R-Horseshoe Bay Tony.Fraser@Senate.State.Tx.US
6.. Chris Harris, R-Arlington Chris.Harris@Senate.State.Tx.US
7.. Mike Jackson, R-La Porte Mike.Jackson@Senate.State.Tx.US
8.. Eddie Lucio, D-Brownsville Eddie.Lucio@Senate.State.Tx.US
9.. Leticia Van de Putte, D-San Antonio
Leticia.VandePutte@Senate.State.Tx.US
Transportation and Homeland Security

1.. John Carona, R-Dallas, chairman John.Carona@Senate.State.Tx.US
2.. Kirk Watson, D-Austin, vice chairman Kirk.Watson@Senate.State.Tx.US
3.. Wendy Davis, D-Fort Worth (new) Wendy.Davis@Senate.State.Tx.US
4.. Rodney Ellis, D-Houston Rodney.Ellis@Senate.State.Tx.US
5.. Joaan Huffman, R-Houston (new) Joan.Huffman@Senate.State.Tx.US
6.. Robert Nichols, R-Jacksonville Robert.Nichols@Senate.State.Tx.US
7.. Florence Shapiro, R-Plano Florence.Shapiro@Senate.State.Tx.US
8.. Eliot Shapleigh, D-El Paso Eliot.Shapleigh@Senate.State.Tx.US
9.. Jeff Wentworth, R-San Antonio Jeff.Wentworth@Senate.State.Tx.US
Veterans Affairs and Military Installations

1.. Leticia Van de Putte, D-San Antonio, chair
Leticia.VandePutte@Senate.State.Tx.US
2.. Eliot Shapleigh, D-El Paso, vice chair
Eliot.Shapleigh@Senate.State.Tx.US
3.. Wendy Davis, D-Fort Worth (new) Wendy.Davis@Senate.State.Tx.US
4.. Craig Estes, R-Wichita Falls Craig.Estes@Senate.State.Tx.US
5.. Joan Huffman, R-Houston (new) Joan.Huffman@Senate.State.Tx.US
Subcommittee on Base Realignment and Closure

1.. Eliot Shapleigh, D-El Paso, chairman
Eliot.Shapleigh@Senate.State.Tx.US
2.. Craig Estes, R-Wichita Falls Craig.Estes@Senate.State.Tx.US
3.. Joan Huffman, R-Houston (new) Joan.Huffman@Senate.State.Tx.US

For a cloudy and cool day with spotty rain, COIR did exceptionally well. There were lots of independent riders. (must have been the free Green Beer.) We set up the COIR booth by the front door of Longhorn Harley Davidson in Grand Prairie, TX. New outpost COIR lieutenants Spirit Rider (Chico, TX) and Star (Wichita Falls, TX) helped out by manning the booth. Special thanks goes to Teacherman for filling in the gaps. DFW Independent Rep – Mailman showed up with a table, and we were on our way. All we had at first was our newly designed COIR patches, but the rest came up with the US Defenders officers. Already had people wanting to get on board. We fielded a lot of Q & A’s but did manage to get eight new people on board. One of those guys was leery of joining, so I told him that if he would commit to writing letters and such to our cause, then go ahead and fill out his contact info, and I would make sure he got the calls to action. He declined to donate anything, but hey, that’s one more letter or phone call that we didn’t have before.

Another guy on the other hand donated an extra $15 to the cause. Gotta love big hearted people.

The main theme of the event was Safety & Awareness. Our State Safety & Awareness Liaison, Butterfly, had a booth set up inside the dealership with donation buckets. These were to raise money for Share the Road signs for cities and townships where a presentation was done and accepted, but the city did not have the funding for signs. As you know, May is Motorcycle Safety and Awareness month, and Butterfly has kicked off this years proclamations campaign. If anyone wants to volunteer to support one of these proclamations in your area or set one up in your community, you should shoot her an email at sudsnbuttrfly@aol.com , and she will be able to give you all of the information and help needed to get you going in the right direction.

The COC&I meeting was called to order with the pledge of allegiance, and the normal business was addressed. Then the US Defender officers gave a report on where we were standing on some issues in the state legislature. If Senator Corona’s team holds up to their end of the bargain, then we have some positive changes ahead. To my recollection, this will be the first positive motorcycle friendly thing to come out of the Texas Legislature in 4-6 years.

I was called to speak on behalf of COIR, so when I took the stage I asked how many independents were in the crowd. Only 2 hands went up. It was kind of funny as I was thinking to myself, “well at least I know 2 people who ain’t scared”. I went on to speak about the progress we are starting to make in other states in setting up COIR. Our US Defenders Commander addressed the crowd and said that US defenders was now set up and running in 9 states. COIR is soon to follow. However, when I got back to the COIR booth, I was introduced to a man that had friends out in Florida that wanted to set up COIR out there. I am presently waiting to hear back from him and his friend, but we’ll help get them set up and running any time.

The crowd started fizzling out about 5 pm, so we folded up the COIR booth and enjoyed the party ourselves. A band called 2Fast4Ethel was rocking the crowd. If you haven’t ever heard these guys play a set, you don’t know what you’re missing.

As far as news in the future goes, our Information Liaison Officers are keeping a watchful eye on filed bills to go to committees. I am sure we will be getting future calls to action on the National and State levels soon. Also we are discussing the possibility of setting up a COIR booth a rally called Space City Bikefest, which will be in the Beaumont Houston area. We have been in touch with Houston, and will be contacting Beaumont to see if we can rally enough volunteers to man a booth. If we can get enough volunteers to commit to it, then we should be able to negotiate with the rally producers to get everyone in to work a shift and enjoy the rest of the rally for free admission just for working the booth. We will be looking into more rallies to do this type of thing throughout the year.

I would also like to recognize Clem from Austin as being promoted to Undersecretary, US Defenders/ COIR Division-Texas. He has been with us from the beginning and has gone above and beyond time and again. Please welcome him to his new office and I trust you all will be as cooperative and helpful to him as you have been with me. We will be sharing the workload for the Texas COIR. For information anytime, visit the COC&I Website and www.coctexas.org . Also soon to be out is a US Defenders website and COIR has its own section. Everybody needs to thank Bungee for all her hard work into this site. It is easy to navigate and looks dam good.

Thanks to everyone for making this program a huge success. I foresee that it will only get bigger and better from here. That’s about it for now.

~Suds
Secretary, U.S. Defenders/COIR Division

Putting feelings into words is never easy when thoughts weigh heavy on your mind. Long ago there was and still is a need to organize and stand up to totalitarian infringements on our God given rights and freedoms. These days more than ever there seems to be an attack on our United States Constitution and Bill of Rights.

In the past, there has been some stand up people who rose to the occasion to come to the defense of these attacks. However, as always, there are freedom-loving people who just don’t want to deal with the hassles of getting involved in politics they just don’t understand. Great things were accomplished with just a handful of support, and those individuals and groups have a great pride in being a part of those accomplishments, and are just in being so.

On the same note, pride cannot be allowed to stand in the way of further accomplishments. No two people see things the same way 100% of the time. What we will always have is groups of like-minded people who share similar views.

When talking to these groups one on one, you will find a common view shared by all where individual freedom is concerned. Freedom, to me, is being able to conduct our day-to-day lives free from hassle and pursuing individual happiness without infringing on the rights of others.

These rights are what we as freedom-loving individuals fight for, and all it boils down to is respect for one another. Lots of individuals chose not to get involved in politics because of the hassle. They won’t get near an organization because of the politics. This seems to be because politics dictate the way we have to live. Politics mean more restrictions. You can do this, but you can’t do that. You can associate with this person, but you can’t associate with that person, and so on. Being told how to live in your own back yard ain’t freedom.

In the struggle to legally fight the politics that threaten our freedoms, we have learned to play by the rules. Some great accomplishments have been made this way. After all, who doesn’t enjoy beating someone at his or her own game? In doing so, has something been sacrificed by being consumed by the rules and guidelines it took to accomplish this? Has being too proud of these accomplishments formed an opinion that excludes peoples that chose not to get involved at the time when an appeal for help went out?

If this is indeed the case, then the purpose of joining together for the good of all was defeated even though the objective was won. Individual pride will not allow ones self to be shamed into doing the right thing. This is something that an individual has to work out within him or herself and go with their own hearts. We all were born with a sense of right and wrong and there are no in betweens. Again, it boils down to respect for one another.

In summary, pride has it’s place where we as individuals can review our accomplishments that helped make a difference for the good of all, and politics has it’s place as a tool, as a way to ensure that we can continue our day-to-day freedoms for generations to come. I say it is time to put politics in perspective, tone down pride, and magnify respect. If respect is lost, then all is lost, and the rest don’t really matter, does it?

U.S. Defenders and Coalition of Independent Riders (COIR) are learning to do just that. Realizing that we all need each other to the extent of keeping our lifestyle free from tyrannical discriminating laws, there can be no “I”, there has to be “We”. A rope hanging by one strand cannot hold the weight, but when all strands are intact and holding together, it can hold much weight.

Your State may be called upon to be such a strand soon. If you hear of a gathering of U.S Defenders and C.O.I.R near you, come check us out. You might be glad you did. For more information Contact ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­_____________; ____________ at ___________________, or Suds; Secretary of COIR/Texas at coir@coctexas.org.

Unit Commanders,

This is an immediate CALL TO ACTION for all units. Your attention and
follow up is required. This item is regarding the bill titled S- 132,the
Gang and Prevention Act 2009. This bill is currently sitting with the
Senate Judiciary Committee , it has not reached the floor yet,  we hope
to get our business of writing letters to the appropriate parties done
with speed and efficiency before this bill comes to the floor. The bill
has been sponsored by Senator Feinstein CA, if you feel the need to
write her directly.
Our US Senators from Texas are directly involved with this bill; Senator
Cornyn sits on the Judiciary Committee, and our so called motorcycle
friendly Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison has signed on to Co-sponsor the
bill!
Use the sample letters attached, or make up your own, the important part
is getting them written and mailed immediately.
Unit Commanders, call in your unit Texas Defenders, advise them on how
to write the letters, reemphasize PHOTOCOPY their letters and keep a
copy to turn back in to you. This CALL TO ACTION needs to happen NOW,
all letters need to be back in your hands by February 11th,2009. Timing
is very important, please get back to me with any questions or concerns.
Please use your Field Report to document the Texas Defender
participation from each of your regions.

• [BILL S- 132,the
  Gang and Prevention Act 2009]
• TX US SENATE J. Cornyn
• TX US SENATE K. Hutchison
• [BILL S-132 Summary And Status]

“LEGISLATIVE DAY”
2009
January  25-26
Once again we ask that you join us to speak with Legislators on behalf of
our issues
Failure To Yield – Equal Access – Insurance etc.
We shall be opposing
Trans Texas Corridor – Helmet Bill – Road Blocks
We have blocked rooms for Sunday Jan. 25th, 2009 at the Red Roof Inn, 8210 N
I-35 in Austin. That is next door to the one we have been using. Each room
has Double Queen size beds at a cost of $ 44.99 + tax. To get this rate
you must book your room by December 25th. You may stay over Monday night
at the same rate if you so choose.

To reserve your room(s) call 1-800-733-7663. Tell them “I’m with Texas
Motorcycle Rights Association. We have rooms blocked at Austin North and I
want (give the number of rooms). Be sure to specify Smoking or Non-smoking.

Free Bike parking only is located on the South and West side of the
Capitol where parking meters are capped

TMRA 2 will set up following the Biker Church Services at the Austin M C
Community Service Center, 2103 E.M. Franklin, on Sunday the 25th for the
Pre-Legislative Day information sharing and party. (Go East on Airport
Blvd. from I-35, turn left onto M.L.K. Blvd., turn left at next light –
E.M.Franklin. Center is one block up on your right.)
We shall discuss the issues, hand out talking points, hold an auction and
do all the things we normally did around the pool. All are welcome to
attend Biker church services at 11:00pm.

MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 3:00PM

The bar will be open and no drinks may be brought in or out during the
evening.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Sputnik @ 512-971-6777 or Terri @ 512-971-1377

Attention All DFW (North Texas) Texas Defenders and  COIR Members.

As we discussed at the last DFW Region Meeting,
there will be a Texas Defender / COIR Meeting this Sunday
Oct 12th at 1pm located at Diamond Jims in Arlington.
We will be reviewing the last call to action and discussing
how we can improve and stream line future call to actions and
cover letter writing so we can get the job done in an efficient and effective manner.

We will also be discussing the Booth at the up coming TCOC & I
GET”UR”DONE Rally Oct 17 & 18

We appreciate the job everyone did .
DFW Defenders Produced 550 letters with copies on the Hippa Bill.
A JOB WELL DONE DEFENDERS - OOOH-Fn-RAH!!!
Thank You From Your
DFW Region Officers

See You Sunday!
BIG KID
DFW Region Chairman
Gryphon Professor

Well, I made my first Austin COC meeting last Sunday. I would like to thank Bandidos MC for putting me up for the night. The Hospitality was fantastic.
First there was Biker Church before the meeting. If y’all get a chance, it is something worth checking out. There was some talented singers singing praises and worshiping the Lord, and a good message was told.

There was quite an impressive crowd present for the COC meeting. The meeting was called to order and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance. Letters from the recent call to action were turned in to their unit commander, “Jaded”. There were some impressive speakers present also.

Bandido Gimme Jimmy, COC State Chairman spoke of the importance of getting these letters done and mailed in a timely manner. Rapid response plays a key role in making this program work. Perhaps we need to drill every now and a gain to stay on our toes. It has been a while since our last call to action. Bandido Gimme Jimmy also stated that the next call to action is in the making and will be implemented in the near future.

Leatherneck Lefty, Central Texas region Chairman facilitated the meeting and introduced the speakers. He also affirmed the importance of acting on a call to action from their unit commander.

Wastelander Dave, Central Texas Region Information officer gave a report and then my turn came to speak. There was so much to talk about and so little time that I guess I found myself a little tongue-tied. My main point was that there is much to be done, and it will take more than what we have to get it done. This is why we need more independents to join ranks and commit to what we’re doing. I don’t care if they ride or not. I don’t care if they are male or female, red, brown, black, white or psychedelic. If they believe in freedom of choice and the United States Constitution, we need them. A few more independents did join our ranks, and I would like to welcome Robert Nelson aboard. I handled getting him fixed up personally. It was also good to see Clem again. He is the Central Texas Region Independent Rep, or COIRman as I like to call his position. It was also nice meeting Chuck, another independent who joined ranks early on. I met so many people to whom I’d only known by and email address before it’s unreal.

Now back to the meeting. DFW Regional Chairman and North Texas Secretary of Defense Big Kid spoke of honoring the past, respecting the present, and I think, embracing the future. Don’t quote me on that last part, but it was a good message.

Tornado Cocinero was funny. He stated that how he hates speaking after Big Kid because he’s a tough act to follow. About that time, the microphone got unplugged, and he said, “I rest my case”. He also emphasized of the importance of answering a call to action, and getting the copies of the letters turned in to the Unit Commander for and accurate count and filing for possible future use.

Sputnik TMRAII Chairman spoke on the Presidential candidates, stating that it won’t make a hill of beans difference which one gets elected, because neither one of them is worth a shit. He spoke on some of the upcoming issues that will more than likely become future call to action implemented by the Texas Defenders. He says that we will be plenty busy from the November elections through the end of January 2009.

Some special recognitions were announced and Humpin People Deep Freeze handed out certificates of appreciation to clubs and individuals who were instrumental in contributing to a benefit for one of their brothers who is a throat cancer survivor. I have to say it was good seeing Humpin People Chester again. I had not seen him since NCOM earlier this year.

After the club event announcements, a motion to adjourn the meeting was seconded and closed with a moment of silence for our troops and a prayer lead by the Central Texas region Chaplain. I didn’t catch his name, but I know he is a member of Bikers for Christ.

Immediately after the COC meeting, I was privileged to attend the Texas Defenders workshop. Tips were exchanged on getting out letters, writing letter, and how to use the samples letters. Gypsy Mud Dauber hit on building a personal relationship with our State Representatives and Congressmen. This inspired me to elaborate a little more in depth.

It is important to know that while politicians serve in the capitols, they also have local offices. Many have at least 3 local offices in their districts. I made the suggestion that when someone had the time to stop off in the middle of a ride from time to time and get to know his or her secretaries on a personal level. It would even be better if the same person didn’t stop by every time and several somebody’s got to know the secretary. I guarantee that if this has never happened before, the secretary will get a little nervous with a biker or two waiting to speak with them and will make a phone call to their boss about it after you leave. After a while they will see you more on a friendly level and will feel silly about being scared the first time. This also is an advantage that will prompt them to convey your concerns to their bosses. It’s a win-win situation for us.

That’s all for now. Stay safe and ride free while it’s still legal to do so.

Suds,
Secretary; Texas Defenders/COIR Division