Although living and working in Florida, I am not a member of ABATE FL. That you belong or not to ABATE, you should watch and listen to RC taking on ABATE Florida. Far from boring, hilarious in many ways and more important so instructive…
Daytona Bike Week. RC Takes On ABATE Florida.
Published by March 13th, 2012 in Editorial, Events and Videos.55 Responses to “Daytona Bike Week. RC Takes On ABATE Florida.”
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Not a real slick presentation, but it dang sure gets it’s point across. It is also frikin’ hilarious.
Right on.
this is the truth and people should get there heads out of there asses! and look what is going on around them. keep up the great work RC.RIDE ON DIE FREE !!!!
Not many in the media industry would have dared to publish this. Bravo Cyril!
Elvis,
Slick is left to the politicians.
Straight talk for common and uncommon folks.
Mike
Seems like a wasted effort to me. Sure they’ve done some voluntary motorcycle awareness But what about the long run? ABATE is a political rights organization, that fights for our freedoms everyday and in my State, they are the single reason that I am able to ride without a helmet. Just this week helmet related bills were introduced in our house and senate. In one day ABATE Minnesota mobilized ten’s of thousands of members to contact our representative’s and respectfully voice our opposition. The general consensus is that the bills do nor stand a chance.
How much is RC’s bitterness undermining the work of ABATE in Florida? I’m sure there is way more behind the scenes here that I don’t know. But… If RC is serious about motorcyclists rights, why doesn’t he run for office in ABATE and change it from within? Because it’s easier to just bitch about stuff than it is to fix it?
I see no reason why a rant like this merits national exposure.
EJ,
Are you buried in a snow drift? You have absolutely no idea of what is and has gone on in Florida. As a result, you are talking through your hat.
Mike
RC is spot on folks. He speaks country from the heart for his fellow motorcycle brothers and sisterhood.
The few ABATE Members around here didn’t even know the original name.
Boss Hawg
@EJ – undermining the work of a group paid to fight for motorcycling causes? Many would argue that the fight to ride helmetless is the worst culprit of undermining numerous other topics that need more attention.
RC is the real deal and calling out the watered down ABATE needs to be done. Great job, R.C. and thanks Cyril for posting this. L&R
Yup, ABATE of Florida has sold out. GREED is a terrible thing, ‘an it can infect many folks that maybe started out with high ideals, but succombed to the allure of lining thier own pockets through the rationalzation of “I deserve it ’cause I think I do soooo much for the silent majority.” Now, ABATE’s in other states are still true to the cause. South Dakota has one of the strongest organizations in the country! Other states contact us on how we do it! You see, not only do we have a responsibility to the bikers of our own state, but since we play host to the world’s largest motorcycle rally, we have a duty to ALL the free-thinking bikers of the PLANET! As long as we’re on a soapbox with wolves in sheep’s clothing, how about the previous articule about them evil insurance companies touting themselves as “Helping bikers”! Yeah, helping themselves to outragious profits in a dillusional scam on the public! Oh man, I could go on fer pages on them parasites! Anywho RC, keep fighting the good fight! Wiz
What EJ said sums it up.
Caliph Phil,
Sums up what?
Mike
Nice going RC.. I especially enjoyed the air Freshener knowing that about a year after they handed them out they posted a “rant” on their website telling members how dangerous air fresheners hanging from the rear view mirror is…. now to you folks posting stuff such as run for office? Sin
Some readers are mistakenly assuming that RC is attacking ABATE in general. All ABATE’s are independant of each other and to compare Florida ABATE to Minnesota or South Dakota is wrong. Unfortunatley, Florida has some real problems stemming from a disconnect with members and their needs and a manipulated election process that serves the administration and diminishes challeges to the power structure. The inability to communicate, or refusal to do that, about matters of agenda and finances is what is at the bottom of many of Florida’s problems. Accountability has to be established or new leadership should be put in place.
Sorry it has taken me so long to respond but I am at Bike Week and have been busy covering what is going on.
I would like to start by Thanking RC for taking the time to do this you tube so that motorcyclist in Florida now what is really going on with ABATE of Florida.
Just for the record I do support what RC has posted and will comment more shortly.
Thank You Cyril for posting this and yes we will see what other media sources do so as well.
I do realize that many publications depend on advertising dollars and it is common knowledge that at least one major advertiser (lawyer) has made it known he does not want to see Bad Comments even though they may be true about ABATE of Florida. I will go into this more later.
Now let’s see what other media sources will let people know about this video.
Since the election process is corrupt.. and in the end the current board of directors have the final say… running for a state office is just a waste of time… Doc is the president and hired himself at the tune of 55k to be the lobbist…. add in expenses and perks… he has a sweet thing going… and in my opinion… he has bent the rules of ethics over and stuff them a big one…. very bill he shoves up our arses.. makes money for the State of Florida… the State then turns around and gives ABATE a percentage back in the way of grants…. less then 1% of registered motorcycle owners belong to ABATE of Florida but 100% of us are forced to
While Abate of Florida (aka Doc) is everything RC says it is, they give a bad rap to all other Abate organizations. Well done RC, good to see you’re still fighting the good fight.
EJ
This is about ABATE of Florida and not about what is going on in other states and their ABATE organizations. There are many pro’s and con’s about each state organization and they should be addressed accordingly.
Since I do live in Florida and am directly involved in what goes on I feel I have a right to comment and also inform others as to what I see going on.
I am one of the original members of ABATE and a life time member of ABATE of Florida. The last part of that statement may have differences of opinions as I have spoken out against ABATE and instead of addressing those issues ABATE president and board of directors have informed me I am no longer a member, I have challenged that decision Because ABATE violated the state by-laws when attempting to revoke my membership. It appears that there are some in officer position that believe the rules do not apply to them, I do realize they have done this to others who have spoken out about wrong doings in the organization but I am not accepting it and exposing what they are doing.
ABATE is Suppose To Be A Motorcycle Rights Organization BUT in fact some have changed more to Safety Organization so they can get government grant money.
R.C is Not Bitter, He is stating facts about what is going on in Florida and if that is undermining a organization that is not doing what it was originally designed to do, they have it coming.
If members try to run for office and change things they are forced out of the organization and the election system is much like one from a third world country. Each chapter has two votes no matter how many members and the board of directors each have a vote. The chapter that the board member is in will vote for them and then when you add their vote it is almost impossible for anyone else to win. Members have attempted to change the way votes are counter to make the election fair but of course the board has regularily voted that down.
It is easier to inform the public about what is going on with ABATE and suggest they contact their legislators directly on what laws they want and do not want than have a organization that does not speak for them. This has prompted the ABATE of Florida Does Not Speak For Me stickers and t-shirts.
ABATE has tried to convince the legislature that they speak for the motorcycle riders of Florida when in fact the membership they claim to have is actually less than one percent (1%) of the motorcyclist in the state and many of the members do not agree with what is going on.
Sometimes a organization get so bad and out of touch with what its membership wants it is easier to let it die and start over. The only possible way that I can think of for ABATE of Florida to survive is to have a FAIR ELECTION – Get Rid Of ALL The Current Officers and start over with a clean slate.
It is important for everyone no matter where you live to know what is going on in Florida so it does not happen in your state.
I know RC, and all I can say is, he is the real deal, and has no reason to fabricate anything. The truth won’t hurt anyone, unless it was meant to.
I am a member of the Daytona Beach Chapter, and have no problem with these members, but there is something fishy and stinky on the State level that keeps getting swept under the carpet (baggers), and no one wants to talk about it. Basically they all say that people don’t like Doc, but…………….
But what????
I learned a looooooong time ago, that rumors, though rumors, are shared only because there is a spark of truth somewhere in the beginning.
Good job RC!!!
P.S. I would love to have Doc’s job……..$50,000 a year salary (I Believe that’s correct), hell yeah!!! I’d run for that office, and I’m qualified!!!! ~ Cochise Chops
EJ, I’ve had RC in my home.
I’m slingin’ RC’s video all over the place ever since Mike Greenwald sent the link, and I finally opened the email today.
Panflippo says it all, and a whole lot nicer than I would.
Do some research from about 8 or so years back up until now, if that doesn’t enlighten you, you’re no better off than the rest of the Kool-Aid drinkers
BRAVO Cyril! Sure speaks of what is going on politically not only in Florida but across this country… call it pork barreling, stipends or whatever you want, this type of misuse of OUR monies has to stop!
Rogue & Banshee, I do not see ABATE’s name anywhere on the dramatic “Look Twice” and the biker leaving the bar TV commercials that have been airing for the past year or less…. this is where that money should be spent…those commercial puts the real in reality of motorcycle accidents.
I am an ABATE life member and this blatent misuse of funds does not sit well with me. We used to advertise in our local ABATE newsletter but after the wife complained to me about the pages of bikers with beers or mixed drinks in their hands, we pulled our ad. Since voicing this issue there has been alot more scrutiny of the drinking photos in the newsletter
I couldn’t say RIGHT ON Enough!!!
Thank you RC for making a video worth watching!
I even got in a few laughs…hehehe
Don’t quit making these educational videos
To ABATE mobilizing the membership to call their representative I say “poo-ey”.
Being here in the State capitol in Tallahassee I have learned that all of those calls you place to your representative are written down by an intern, that is working for free, on one of those pink phone message notes, then ripped off the pad and thrown in the trash. Likewise, our emails go to another desk where yet another intern counts them and may or may not be asked to report how many yea v. nay emails were received.
I have worked for lobbyists here in Tallahassee and it is all about power brokering and lining someone’s pockets. What are we getting for our money? You have to admit some of these “safety” items were ridiculous! Be responsible with our money and show us detailed balance sheets. BTW who’s brother, uncle or son works at the marketing company who is making money from these ridiculous items?
I these hard times where every dollar spent should be used wisely, I would say shame to those who are wasting even a dime. I can’t say that I feel one bit safer knowing that some cage (car) driver has adjusted his or her glasses with that cheap little screwdriver!!
RC has done the resurch…He has tried to get disclosure form ABATE of FL…I know, I was a charter member of the Big Bend Chapter of ABATE of FL… I say this because along with RC, I saw first hand the inability of any ABATE group to influence policy at the ABATE State level in Folrida, and the inability of the leadership to account for their actions regarding funds given buy the groups and later by the State. RC didn’t start this mess he is someone who still believes we have an abligation to adhear to the founding principals of ABATE. Fight for Bikers Rights! Gain respect by being open…honest and forthcomming in all aspects of the organization and let each member present themselves as an example of the Brotherhood of Bikers. I applaud RC for his continuing efforts to make a difference. If enough of us stand with him we can influence change. Educate Yourselves. TM
As a former member of ABATE of Florida RC,Boss Hawg and Wiz have hit the nail on the head. I don’t know about the ABATE chapters in other state but in Florida they are run by a group of bully types led by their President, full time lobbyist. I have read in other sites that Fla. ABATE has been asked to open their books for an audit but refused. What is it,where there’s smoke there’s fire.
Here, http://www.bigbendbikersforfreedom.com/2011/10/abate-of-florida-and-state-joint.html,
is what we were able to find (when I say we I include Rogue and Banshee) re the latest expenditure of grant monies provided to ABATE. I did a breakdown and found that over half the money was spent on garbage. Note expenditures and amounts of items such as kickstand pucks, magnets, etc. Note the items in the video had no safety message. Only ABATE and State Agency name. Same with many of the items listed.
A representative asked for an independent audit of ABATE of Florida. The appropriations committee decided instead to take the word of ABATE’s own auditor??? Ask the fox how many chickens are in the coop.
In Florida teachers and other are laid off due to severe budget cuts. However various pet non-profits of legislators were able to sneak through. Ask yourself why?
EJ, I have been physically confronted by Doc and/or his do boys on at least 5 occasions. Some while a chapter president of ABATE. Banshee has the pics of one occasion.
My concern is that ABATE is but microcosm of Americas decline.
The last line of rc’s post should give you a chill, he is right. rc 2012
Yup, What a buncha crooks! Line a hunert of ’em up against a wall, SHOOT 99 of ’em, ‘an maybe the last one will straighten up!! Yuk-Yuk!! Wiz
I have sent this site and a link to RCs youtube to my media sources.
One has responded so far and this is my answer to her.
It is the talk of Daytona and many other places.
We are waiting to see what other media sources do.
ABATE of Florida and some others are trying to stop this information from going out.
We are also waiting to see if other Motorcycle Rights Organizations comment as all know what is going on.
Because of the actions of ABATE of Florida other organizations are fearful it will rub off on them. After all some have been and continue to do business with them.
The thing is that what ABATE of Florida is being accused of is documented by facts.
There are those who would prefer to allow this to be swept under the rug but it is not going away.
The question now to all the organizations is Do You Support and or Agree With ABATE of Florida Policy or NOT?
Rogues comment is on point as this is not a problem specific to Florida. Most are aware of Nationwide AIM/NCOM. The chairman of the board of NCOM is the President/Lobbyist of ABATE of Florida (see:
http://www.aimncom.com/ncom/ncom_board.htm). For local MC publications NCOM is an advertiser that many can not afford to lose. We know of at least one South Florida publication that was threatened with having the advertising pulled if any facts about ABATE (other than the ABATE pablum fed to them) were printed. If it can happen there it can happen anywhere.
This is analogous to the Mass Media many of us complain about because their bias is often dictated by advertising dollars. Many turn to the local rags to get the Biker info pertaining to their area. If “facts” are being kept out of these publications for fear of losing advertiser dollars, where do we turn for the truth?
For those younger than I and some others, time would be well spent researching the history of NCOM, COC’s the AMA and Richard Quigley.
ABATEs across the country are endorsing MSF curriculum for basic rider courses when, last I checked, their was not one credible independent research organization documenting the efficacy of the program. The late Wendy Moon was all over that and has great videos on You Tube.
So in fact, this is not a “FLORIDA PROBLEM”. This is the failure of Bikers as a whole to think critically and act accordingly.
Were it not for Cyrils site, most would not now have this info and even at that, most still do not know what ABATE was! We all must assume responsibility for the rights we lose and deaths that occur due to our lack of action.
Several years ago I believe doc reichenbach told the ama to stay out of his business in Florida. As I recall, this was during the time that one town wanted to ban motorcycles from a restaurant district. Does that mean that the AMA is still under orders from doc reichenbach?
It sounds to me like many AMA members in Florida want representation in Florida.
My wife and I live in Florida.
We WERE looooong time members of ABATE.
After we realized how the organization was being run at the state level we resigned in protest.
We resigned because we feel that until the current administration is somehow made to leave or change it is not the type of motorcyclists rights group we want to support or be affiliated with.
It is painfully obvious that the current administration is gloating and even arrogant about their grip on their position within the organization.
Anytime the board can arbitrarily say that an ABATE Life Member, who just happens to be a Sturgis Freedom Fighter Hall of Fame Member, status has been removed WITHOUT A HEARING AS THE BYLAWS OF ABATE of Florida clearly state (look on their web site and see for yourself) then something is seriously wrong. No hearing like their own bylaws state. They just had their ABATE lawyer (heh heh) send him a letter. The lawyer even spelled his name wrong on the document so HE really was never even served.
The board, to my knowledge, has never made a statement as to how they justified attempting The Man’s dismissal. That’s just how arrogant and confident of their grip on this money making organization they are.
I’d say they operate like the Mafia but the Mafia has class.
When there are different people at the State level my wife and I MAY re-join. Until then, IMNSHO, ABATE of Florida is a big scam.
I hope the folks of ABATE in the other states are watching and learning from this.
RC – GREAT JOB! Well said. I hope to meet you one day
As For now……………………………………………………….ABATE OF FLORIDA DOES NOT SPEAK FOR ME!!!!!!!
Very Respectfully……………………….PJ
Thanks ROGUE, your post was 10X more informative than the posted video.
EJ,
Rogue got the boot by supporting the position that rc had taken.
Hope the warmer weather works well for your Thursday night ride.
Mike
why don’t all of you disgruntled Fla. bikers just go up to Georgia and help them repeal their helmet law.
george
George the reason I do not go to Georgia and fight their Mandatory Helmet Law is because I live in Florida and I continue to work on motorcycle rights in this state.
Just for the record Florida Does Have A Mandatory Helmet Law. There is exemption for those who have a specific amount of health insurance. That is a Big Difference than not having a law. By ABATE saying they have repealed the Mandatory Helmet Law that is Untrue, what they have done is amended it and pacified the insurance industry.
George FYI. The have been North Florida Bikers that have run up to Georgia for at least two issues.
Helmets and Motorcycle safety checkpoints. I personally, on two different trips have rode helmetless to Cairo with the intention of getting a ticket. ON both occasions I passed police. One occasion was at a four way stop sigh. Knowing he saw me. I went through the sign (it was my turn) pulled over to light a cig. knowing he saw me. He went about his way. Ironically I usually where a helmet by choice.
Last year during bike week time frame we rode I-75 looking for NHTSA funded Motorcycle checkpoints (we later learned the checkpoints were placed at the northern end of Ga.) with the intent to engage in Non-cooperation.
We engaged in the latter as the NHTSA funding for states to implement Motorcycle Safety Checkpoints is of national concern having nothing to do with safety and everything to do with law enforcement. At the time a trucker radio station was also recruiting Truck drivers to help (they understood).
However both Rogue and Mike G. are correct. Motorcyclists ia all states must engage. ABATE of FLorida did not want AMA involved in Florida and ABATE of Georgia is not well represented in S. Georgia. To the best of our knowledge they did not ask for out of state help.
Some ABATE’s are a bit territorial and perceive other organizations as competition for limelight and dollars. This is sad. It fractionalizes the BIke community and hurts us all in the end.
So to your question, Just because you are not aware something happened does not mean it did not.
Something that all motorcyclists should be aware of is that in 2010 ABATE of Florida worked with the state to increase the fee for registering a motorcycle by $2.50; they said the money would be used for safety education.
I should note that there is already money in the licensing for this purpose and over the years the State of Florida has used it for other purposes.
They were successful in passing this because the state was going to make a lot of money from it and we all know the state like to do that.
The beginning of 2011 the state did in fact take that money to use for other things, when Abate of Florida was questioned about why they were not objecting to this the president Doc wrote in ABATE’s new letter they were not fighting it because ABATE was Still Getting Their Quarter of a Million Dollars.
The way I read this is that there was some kind of pre agreement with the state. Of course if anyone would like to explain this please explain where I am wrong.
A reporter from Fox News in Orlando found this money hid in a bill and questioned what it was for and what it was being spent on. He did attempt to interview Doc at the rally Abate had put on in Tallahassee and he reported that Doc said No Comment and told him to talk to Abates attorney.
DUH NO COMMENT – Why Not Doc?
After five (5) years when Abate was brought before the legislature they provided their version of how they have been spending the money they got. You can see that report in RC’s post.
I will say that ABATE and their membership are entitled to their views BUT They Do Not Speak For The Majority Of The Motorcyclist In Florida.
Abate should not be receiving money from the state collected from motorcyclist in a tax, which is exactly what a vehicle registration is.
So fellow motorcyclist how do like being force to contribute to ABATE of Florida to ride your motorcycle. Okay one option is to not register your motorcycle But then that produces other problems.
I am supplying information so that people will know what is going on. What you do with that information is up to you.
Mike What do you mean ABATE of Florida gave me the boot?
That should read attempted to.
Yes their lawyer did send a letter and in fact it had my name spelt wrong but to my address so I am not sure if it was really meant for me or someone else.
Just to be on the safe side I did send the attorney a letter by registered mail saying I contested the board’s decision because they we in violation of the by-lays.
Since Abate violated the rules I say I am still a member of ABATE of Florida. Now of course being childish they have stopped sending me their newsletter. I am heartbroken (sob). I get it from other sources and they have it on line so I do not see what they believe they have accomplished.
My grandchildren are more mature than this. LOL
Rogue,
The boot may have been an unfortunate choice of words. What seems to have happened was a flimflam game by a national coalition that has overtaken various Motorcycle Rights Organizations. It seems that the purpose of this take over was designed to harvest money from the misfortune of motorclists while ensuring that, as a class, the motorcyclist remains a renewable resource for taxes, commerce, and legalized predators. False flag laws and regulations have a constant barrage of fracturous intent to ramp up the costs of liberty and freedom.
Some of these once, well intentioned, MROs are now shills for governing bodies and meal tickets for bottom feeders of the legal profession.
ABATE of Florida may have been an MRO. The transformation to a Motorcycle Safety Organization with an impotent leader has transformed a rights organization to a welfare group of sheep that are controlled by gangster government.
It is about time to stop the fat man from sucking the life out of motorcycling.
Long, a battle cry, “Kill a biker, go to jail.” This is stupidity perpetrated by leaders of Florida ABATE. The motorcyclists of Florida seemingly have entrusted their collective voice to a group of coercive and collusive crooks.
Any and all laws dealing with motorcycles during this regime should be scrutinized and nullified.
Mike
It is always educational to sit back a bit and see where a thread like this is going to lead… and I am always amazed at times at just how uninformed a lot of riders that are having money taken out of their wallets can be at times…
First let me make it clear: ABATE of Florida does not Speak for Me…. if given a choice.. they would never receive a penny from me… I do not attend their runs.. parties.. or any event that is going to be of financial benefit to them… ever… but thanks to Doc… if I want to ride my bikes in the State of Florida… I am forced to pay $2.50 per bike and a percentage of that money does end up in Doc’s pocket….
I am behind Motorcycle Rights 100%… but I have been around too long and I am far too cynical to ever believe that a group that receives “grants” or any other entitlement from an enity is going to do anything other then raise more money for the enity thereby increasing the payout for themselves….
The record speaks for itself on that… everything ABATE does makes money for the State of Florida.. the Insurance Industry or Lawyers…
Mike mentioned the battle cry “Kill a Biker go to Jail”…. my question is “How does that help me or those I leave behind?”… for years I have been telling folks that if someone kills me out there by accident.. first they should have to pay my funeral expenses.. (we have all seen benefits raising money to help families with this cost)… and after that expense is taken care of.. maybe just maybe.. they should see if you can help my family… I ride motorcycles.. I ride fast… and I understand that “S**t Happens”…. going to jail.. or paying increased fines to the State of Florida so they have more grant monies to give Doc and ABATE of Florida does not help or take the burden off those left behind in any manner… (in my opinion of course)…
Mike, Rogue and RC,
I am moving back to Florida (Flagler Beach area) from South Georgia soon and wholeheartedly agree that these so called carpetbagging rogues (no pun intended “Rogue”) must be dealt with and brought to closure collectively.
ABATE of Florida Does Not Represent ME nor my rights as a motorcyclist and NEVER Will. In fact it is very difficult to figure out what they do represent other than lining the BOD pockets.
After I settle in I will be happy to assist with Rogue, RC, and others with getting signatures and legislation to get ABATE of Florida’s misrepresentation brought to closure with a our legislators and James “Doc” Reichenbach II money chain spilled for the participating motorcycle enthusiasts and biker brotherhood to see what a real POS lies within without accountability
Boss Hawg
Boss Hog…. you are moving into my part off the state… we are always looking for folks willing to help get the facts out to others…. (we as in Rogue, RC and myself)… give me a shout when you get settled and I will see you get all the current materials available…. and thanks for stepping up to help….
@ Banshee
Thanks….I am always ready to step up when it it’s for a good cause. I will look forward to meeting up.
Once settled, I will very much be part of the Palm Coast network.
Boss Hawg
Welcome Mr. Hawg. Being close to Banshee will be a plus.
That being said I feel the need to reiterate. The problem is “NOT” limited to Florida.
Any organization perpetuating the use of MSF curriculum is supporting a front group
For the Motorcycle Industry Council.
Many states have made Basic riding course using this curriculum A Totalitarian Enactment.
A percentage of the money paid to take the course makes it’s way to the respective states
in one way or another.
That is tax forced upon me and you without our consent. That is a violation of “Bikers” and
individual rights.
A short google search will reveal many “other” state ABATEs participating in this “Motorcycle safety”.
Maybe that is why so few are willing to speak out against “Doc”. Different states, same game!
That is the “Elephant in the living room”!
One thing one may want to know is “Who gets all the contracts to make and profit from this stuff?”
Wow!! I’m riding back to Cali, take a coffee break, read Cyrils blog and BOOM! I’m A life member of Abate of Cal. and past State Director. Half the reason I stepped down in ’06 after almost 10 years is to give new blood and new ideas a chance and because the first thing a good leader does is replace himself. Sounds like my old friend Doc has gotten a bit lost and tangled up. Right on with the original name also it is against totalitarian enactments, and that includes Obamacare so look how we were on the cutting edge! NCOM slid up on Abate of Ca right after I left also BUT I still support the COC. I try to keep all parasite lawyer propaganda out of my dealership and do what I can continue the fight but although I don’t like ranting in public forums, but this time it seems it may be useful. goodon ya Rogue, RC and the rest of you. Hopefuly this will help create the change that’s needed AND get people more involved. TPan, I loveyaman but lawyers are lawyers! GBA!!!
Knucklehead go to this site for answers http://www.bigbendbikersforfreedom.com/2011/10/abate-of-florida-and-state-joint.html
I will find the State of Florida Official Document the information came from as soon as I have a few minuets.
I am working on my Daytona photos right now.
Excellent rant. ABATE seems to act without reason or logic. Here in Pa. they host a yearly over 21 “old fashion biker party”. The last band plays until 4:30 am and the grounds are to be cleared of vehicles at noon. I scratch my head wondering how many inebriated riders and driver they’re putting on the roads. Strange thing for an organization geared towards education to sponsor.
The eyeglass repair kit is hilarious. I’m guessing those items are bought in bulk for pennies as a write off while the money is pocketed or paid to lobbyists. Someone’s got a sweet gig there in Florida.
Knucklehead and others – Here is a State of Florida document with Information regarding the ABATE FL audit? Starting with page 16.
http://leg.state.fl.us/data/committees/joint/jcla/meetingpackets/100311.pdf
It has been suggested to me that various national organizations may be muzzled on this topic because of their relationship with “Doc” Reichenbach or the government officials that are complicit in this.
Here are some facts that may help you to understand what is going on in Florida.
When he was a Representative, Greg Evers submitted a bill to the Florida Legislature on behalf of Doc Reichenbach, the President and Lobbyist for ABATE of Florida that would double the fine for running a red light. This bill was passed and made the State of Florida a lot of money. This bill also led to changes in the law and influenced red light cameras.
After the bill passed Representative Evers and the governor were photographed giving Doc Reichenbach a check for One Million Dollars. This raised some eyebrows as well as having people ask some questions. Eventually ABATE was to be audited and just before the hearing it was reported the Abate office caught fire and the books just happened to be in the building at the time.
Abate continued to receive money from the State of Florida and was later involved in making Motorcycle Rider Education Mandatory in the state. The state saved millions when they shut down all the motorcycle testing facilities in the state.
What really upset riders was in 2010 Doc working with now Senator Evers introduced a bill to raise motorcycle registrations by $2.50 saying it was to go towards education. Many objected to this saying there was already money in the licensing fee for that and the state regularly used it for other purposes.
Well the bill passed and in the beginning of 2011 the state did in fact take that money again. When Doc was asked why he was not fighting this action he wrote in Abates newsletter the Masterlink that he was not fighting it because ABATE of Florida Was Still Getting Their Quarter Of A Million Dollars.
That was followed by Fox News out of Orlando to question why Abate was getting this money while cuts were being made to schools and other agencies. That was followed by a committee looking into how Abate had been spending the money and led to the state releasing a document that Abate supplied to them.
There are still many unanswered questions and concerned residents of Florida are looking for answers.
I hate to tell ya this but i know for a fact since i have lived in Fl. way back when, that Doc has been the president there in Fl. for 25 years if not longer! That’s how long back i can remember him being president of Abate of Florida! I moved out of Fl. because of ex but i knew way back then how bad ABATE of FL. was. Lou Anne
Here he goes again spouting off because he was thrown out for undermining the efforts of ABATE. This clown has done more damage to our cause than all the politicians we fight combined because he didn’t get his way. Those stickers and trinkets he whines about put our message in people’s faces so that they will hopefully watch for bikers. My nephew was killed a couple weeks ago and I partially blame this clown.