BIG BEND BIKERS FOR FREEDOM

A non violent plan to save the country that just might work

RGnostic@gmail.com (rc) — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 18:47:00 +0000

There is no doubt that due to the total mismanagement of the government "we the people" are going to suffer. All of us. The financial crises is going to affect everybody and it will not matter which party you belong to or blame.

The ones that won't suffer are those in power and in office. They will continue to collect their paychecks and sell us down the river.

In talking to regular folk, you know, like you and me. I am hearing an increasing dissatisfaction with all of government regardless of party. But what do we do? WE SEND THEM A FREAKING LOUD AND CLEAR MESSAGE.

This election VOTE AGAINST EVERY INCUMBENT! Regardless of party, regardless of whether or not they are good legislators. VOTE AGAINST EVERYONE OF THEM. Sweep them all out of office with the message that 2 years from now we will do the exact same thing if they do not turn this country around in a heart beat.

And then DO IT!

The only thing that moves these people is their own greed and their ability to feed it while in office.

ASK YOURSELF, WHAT MESSAGE WILL IT SEND IF EVERY INCUMBENT REGARDLESS OF PARTY OR IDEOLOGY HAS TO PACK UP AND LEAVE AFTER THIS ELECTION!

Do you think they might get the message that WE ARE PISSED AND NOT GOING TO TAKE IT ANYMORE!

Pass this on. If you have a blog post it, a mailing list send it, like to forward stuff, do it. And then ACT!
WE ARE GOING TO SUFFER. IT IS TIME THEY DID TO! PASS THE WORD NOW. IT WILL WORK.

Don't argue it, do it! I'm going to. We do not have to be whining sheep.Add to Technorati Favorites

Attention "Real" Bikers RIghts Advocates

RGnostic@gmail.com (rc) — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 18:10:00 +0000

For to long we have been playing defense. It is now time to go on the offense. Reportedly ABATE of Florida President/Lobbyist and Chairman of the Board of NCOM of Florida has been nominated by D.O.T. Secretary to the:

Motorcyclist Advisory Council to the Federal Highway Administration (MAC-FHWA).

This means he is no longer a "Florida Problem", he is anybody who rides problem.

If you are not familiar with the history of Motorcycle rights advocacy in the state of Florida and now coming to your neighborhood Read the following posts and there links. Yes it is a lot of reading. However, what use is an uniformed, non-active "Bikers Rights" advocate? Kinda like tits on a Bull and the reason we are falling behind in the battle for our rights, freedoms and liberties!

Another letter to DOT Secretary Mary Peters.

Re:

James "Doc" Reichenbach II to the Motorcyclist Advisory Council to the Federal Highway Administration (MAC-FHWA):?????

Sent this date to:

Senator Bill Nelson http://billnelson.senate.gov/

Contact: http://billnelson.senate.gov/contact/email.cfm

Phone: 202-224-5274

Senator Mel Martinez: http://martinez.senate.gov/public/

Contact: http://martinez.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=ContactInformation.ContactForm&CFID=41584100&CFTOKEN=93801015

Main: (202) 224-3041

Congressman Allen Boyd: http://www.house.gov/boyd/

Contact: http://www.house.gov/boyd/zip_authen.html

(202) 225-5235

Use this American Motorcycle Association link to find your officials quickly:

http://www.amadirectlink.com/legisltn/rapidresponse_open.asp?page=http://capwiz.com/amacycle/bio/?id=283&lvl=C&chamber=S

Another letter to DOT Secretary Mary Peters.

RGnostic@gmail.com (rc) — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 17:06:00 +0000

Posted by Diana On Bruce and Rays:

It took me 3 x's to write this due to my anger at this selection....but here is my letter.
NOTE: Florida motorcyclists and those throughout the United States, If you do not respond to this selection, you deserve what you get. This truly is a slap in our face! Please contact everyone you know and have them respond to Peter's selection.
Diana
___________________________________________

The Honorable Mary Peters
Secretary, U.S. Department of Transportation
Washington, DC 20590
202-366-4000

October 6, 2008

Ms. Peters,

I have information, which indicates you selected James D. Reichenbach II to the Motorcycle Advisory Council?

There are many motorcyclist who are more qualified and knowledgeable in motorcycle rights who could better represent us.

Once again, the government has decided that a non-motorcyclist should represent the motorcyclist of America.

The selection of Reichenbach is a slap in the face of the motorcyclist in the state of Florida as well as throughout the other states in the union.

Do you realize he represents 0.008 percent of the motorcyclist in the state of Florida? These are his figures that he claims are accurate. Actually several hundred of these individuals are deceased or no longer want to be affiliated with the organization of ABATE of Florida, Inc., due to Reichenbach and his actions.

Are you prepared to defend him?
He has lied to the members of his organization, has threatened them and has a total disregard for those paying his salary. If you doubt this, contact me, I have it all on video and audio. He has personally threatened to sue me as well as cause harm to my husband.

If you were informed on motorcyclist’s rights, you would have seen that he has done NOTHING for the rights of motorcyclist’s except sell their rights down the river.
I don’t doubt that you chose him due to a recommendation from an organization that claims to represent all of the motorcyclists throughout the United States.
I also don’t doubt that you chose him because you want a “yes man”.
Do not let this person claim to represent me.

His lack of education, lack of knowledge of the laws which affect us as motorcyclist and poor personal representation in public are not what I want the public to see as a “knowledgeable motorcyclist”.

With only 30 days left until the nation’s election, I can only hope that the new regime will see that not only are you inadequate to hold your position but that your selection of minions is also inadequate and select qualified and informed motorcyclists that actually RIDE.

I can only hope that other motorcyclists can see your error and inundate you with letters showing their disdain for this pitiful selection of a non-rider!

Diana L. Woods
Past President ABATE of Florida, Inc. of White Sands ChapterAdd to Technorati Favorites

Vietnam Vets/Legacy Vets MC Chapter E to hold run. Mark your calanders

RGnostic@gmail.com (rc) — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 16:57:00 +0000

7th.Annual VETERANS CHARITY RUN Hosted by VIETNAM VETS / LEGACY VETS MOTORCYCLE CLUB "E" Chapter Panama City..... November 1st. 2008....Best and Largest Veterans Motorcycle event in Bay County Fl......Rain or Shine, Door Prizes, Drawings, Booze Basket, Live Music....Register @ American Legion Post 365, 400 Aberdeen Pkwy, Lynn Haven, Fl. (850-271-3558) 0900-1200..... $10.00 Donation....First bike out 10:00.....Last bike in @3:00 AMVETS 2298....Drawing@ 4:00 sharpAdd to Technorati Favorites

Racers support Troops

RGnostic@gmail.com (rc) — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 16:41:00 +0000

Excerpt From the Tallahassee Democrat: Dozens of people came out to Monticello this weekend to show off and race their rides Sunday at the Benefit Car Show and Car Club Face-Off Kart Race. The event was held at the Monticello Karting and Motor Club, 1765 Big Joe Road. The money raised went to the Family Readiness Group for the 779th Engineer Battalion of the National Guard, based in Tallahassee.

"Anything you pay for the Guard is getting the money from that," said Tim Phipps, co-owner of the motor club.

By late Sunday afternoon, the group, which takes care of families of troops deployed overseas, estimated it had raise $1000.00 from the event.

"If they're not fighting over there, we're not having fun over here," Courreges said.
Those interested in volunteering with The Family Readiness Group can contact Matthew Reeves, recruitment information, at (850) 528-9476.

CHROME DIVAS DO IT AGAIN

RGnostic@gmail.com (rc) — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 16:06:00 +0000

Tallahassee Florida, Not having taken a count. But based on obsevation one would have to say that the Chrome Divas once again did a jam up job. on their annual run for Breast Cancer.

As it can be this time of the year the weather was kickin. The cause was good and the people turned out.

Starting at Capital City Harley Davidson and Ending at the Moon. It would appear that all who showed had a good time eating wings and dancing to the music of Jett Blue.

Congratulations once again Divas.

Go here for pics pics of the eventAdd to Technorati Favorites.

Area Blues Legend in Need

RGnostic@gmail.com (rc) — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 15:27:00 +0000

CLICK ON FLYER TO ENLARGE

Gainsville area soldier in need

RGnostic@gmail.com (rc) — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 15:23:00 +0000

Sent by Artie:

A young soldier from Williston, FL went to Iraq a strong and complete man. He came back just as strong, but not quite so complete. Due to an IED, Catlin Mixon lost both of his legs. This young man however has not let himself be crushed by this. On the contrary, he is trying to work on his family's farm and grandfather's ranch.

The VA provided this wounded warrior with the funds to get a base model Polaris Ranger, but the owner of Polaris of Gainesville has taken those funds and upgraded him to a top of the line 700XP.

This is where you come in. On October 11th, Polaris of Gainesville will be hosting a different kind of ride. Instead of the usual group ride or poker run, they will be having a time\distance run. Each bike will be given a sheet of directions to follow to cover an approximate 2-3 hour ride. The trick here is that you will be timed. The winner will not be the first in, but the person that does it in the closest to the prescribed time. That means not getting lost and paying attention to your speed.

Entry will be $10 per person, and 100% will go to setting up the Ranger for Catlin.

The Ranger needs...

Winch
Windshield
Roof
Lighting
Hand controls
Stereo
And anything else they can find to help

This is probably the most ambitious ride they have tried to set up and can not stress enough how great the cause is. Your support for this event would be greatly appreciated.

Polaris of Gainesville
12556 NW US Hwy 441
Alachua,FL 32615
386-418-4244

First bike out at 10am
Last bike out at noonAdd to Technorati Favorites

James "Doc" Reichenbach II to the Motorcyclist Advisory Council to the Federal Highway Administration (MAC-FHWA):?????

RGnostic@gmail.com (rc) — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 02:58:00 +0000

My Letter to Mary Peters Secretary Dept. of Transportation, e-mail address  mary.peters@dot.gov
address to forward to   mike.halladay@dot.gov     :

The Honorable Mary Peters
Secretary, U.S. Department of Transportation
Washington, DC 20590
202-366-4000

Dear Ms. Peters.

There has been a report that you have appointed ABATE of Florida President and lobbyist James D. Reichenbach II to the Motorcyclist Advisory Council to the Federal Highway Administration (MAC-FHWA).

This is absurd and decisions such as this will destroy any credibility or integrity the Motorcyclist Advisory Council to the Federal Highway Administration could possibly hope to achieve.

Have you vetted this individual?   Are you aware of this mans history?

Are you aware that he lied to his membership over monies reportedly received?
http://pub42.bravenet.com/forum/3562429698/fetch/648676/

Are you aware that he was found by the State of Florida to be in violation for failure to file financial disclosure as per the laws pertaining to state lobbyists.
http://www.bigbendbikersforfreedom.com/2008/01/abate-of-florida-president-and-lobbyist.html

Are you aware that he, in print, declared a bill (HB137) sponsored by Representative Lopez-Cantera dead and urged the motorcyclists of Florida to "not" write there representatives regarding there feelings on this proposed law, when in fact the bill was never dead and ended up becoming law?
http://www.bigbendbikersforfreedom.com/2008/01/brief-chronology-of-fl-hb137-and.html
http://www.bigbendbikersforfreedom.com/2007/10/is-abate-of-florida-claiming-territory.html
http://www.bigbendbikersforfreedom.com/2007/11/one-letter-from-politician-cantera-one.html

Are you aware he has members kicked out of ABATE of Florida in violation of his own organizations bylaws?

Are you aware that he has barred members from the public from attending meetings advertised as being open to the public?
http://www.bigbendbikersforfreedom.com/2008/04/abate-of-florida-bars-rc-from-entering.html

Are you aware that the State of Florida Department of Highway Safety has had numerous questions as to how and where grant monies have been spent?
http://www.bigbendbikersforfreedom.com/2007/07/is-it-possible-to-get-screwedby-feds.html

Are you aware that he holds the positions of both Paid lobbyist of the state of Florida and unpaid President of ABATE of Florida and Chairman of Board of Directors of NCOM leaving him not only facing numerous accusations of conflicts of interest but of also being in a unique position to abuse his power by attempting to stifle opposition?
http://www.bigbendbikersforfreedom.com/2008/07/former-whitesands-chapter-president-of.html

Are you aware that in a state meeting discussing the lobbyist position he used this power to shut down opposition in violation of organizations by-laws by violating Robert Rules of Order?

Are you a aware that in a committee meeting during a discussion of an issue (SB2372- April -07) his organization tasked him to vote against, he voted for in direct violation of his duties?
http://pub42.bravenet.com/forum/3562429698/fetch/802599/
http://www.bigbendbikersforfreedom.com/2007/04/war-goes-on-but.html

Are you aware that an accurate count of the membership of ABATE of Florida is only a guess as some members report being counted more than once and Chapter presidents have complained of dead members being maintained on the roles?

Are you aware that ABATE of Florida represents 1% +/- of the motorcycling population in the state of Florida?

Have you Spoken with the Florida Department of Highway Safety to inquire as to why ABATE of Florida grant money is a constant problem?
http://www.bigbendbikersforfreedom.com/2007/07/is-it-possible-to-get-screwedby-feds.html
Barbara Lauer, Chief, Bureau of Driver Education and DUI Programs (850) 617-2529 http://www.oppaga.state.fl.us/profiles/6065/a

Ms. Peters, as a former ABATE of Florida Chapter President who left ABATE after watching manipulations of people and money so bizarre it would be laughable were it not so damaging to the rights of individuals, much less "Motorcyclists". The thought that you would even consider for a moment such an individual as a committee member only deepens my commitment to the cause of "bikers rights." Because if this report is even remotely true it can only demonstrate that the incompetence accusations laid at your departments doorstep by many in the motorcycling community, are not just validated, but worse than thought.

But continue on. As appointments such as this will only make it easier to refute any advise or recommendations the advisory council may choose to give.

This e-mail can be found posted at http://www.bigbendbikersforfreedom.com/ and as many other websites as possible. We eagerly await your response.
rc
Publisher "Let Freedom Reign"
http://bigbendbikersforfreedom.com/
B.O.L.T.

Bruce Arnolds Letter Posted here:
The Honorable Mary Peters
Secretary, U.S. Department of Transportation
Washington, DC 20590
202-366-4000

Dear Ms. Peters:

I just read an unconfirmed report that you have appointed James "Doc" Reichenbach II to the Motorcyclist Advisory Council to the Federal Highway Administration (MAC-FHWA):

http://tinyurl.com/4une2g

James "Doc" Reichenbach II, who in 2005 lied to the ABATE of Florida membership about a $500,000 "safety grant":

http://tinyurl.com/4ovpbq

James "Doc" Reichenbach II, who later tried to clean up his story when he first attempted to slither into a seat on the committee:

http://tinyurl.com/4e4b2m

James "Doc" Reichenbach II, who went back to selling his "Big Lie" when someone in DC showed the good sense not to taint the committee with Reichenbach's presence:

http://tinyurl.com/3vlnml

James "Doc" Reichenbach II, who allegedly offered to sell out Florida's sportbikers on HB-137 in return for stiffer penalties legislation:

http://tinyurl.com/4yl6dc

James "Doc" Reichenbach II, who then denied any involvement when his alleged collusion with headline-seeking anti-biker politico Carlos Lopez-Cantera (R-FL) was exposed:

http://tinyurl.com/3qtt6s

James "Doc" Reichenbach II, whose questionable actions regarding a number of issues over the years have caused some of ABATE of Florida's most dedicated freedom fighters to resign from the organization:

http://tinyurl.com/59syo7

James "Doc" Reichenbach II, whose tyrannical mismanagement of ABATE of Florida even led to the voluntary dissolution of one of its finest chapters:

http://tinyurl.com/5bglyk

James "Doc" Reichenbach II, whose alleged collusion with anti-biker forces on HB-137 et al not only failed to put stiffer penalties laws on the books, but also resulted in ALL Florida motorcyclists getting saddled with one of the most draconian and discriminatory anti-motorcycle measures ever to become law:

http://tinyurl.com/4szays

SAY IT AIN'T SO, MARY.

The Bush Administration failed us on 9-11, and in eight years has failed to capture Osama Bin Laden. The Bush Administration has wasted thousands of brave American lives--and billions of dollars we did not have--fighting a war on false pretenses. The Bush Administration has destroyed our reputation abroad, and our economy at home. Today, the Bush Administration succeeded in shoving down the throats (or should I say up the a**es) of our struggling middle class a Near-Trillion Dollar "Pork Barrel Bailout" that will raise our national debt so high that even our grandchildren may not live long enough to pay it off:

http://tinyurl.com/zb3x2

And now, along with all that corruption and incompetence, you want to seat James "Doc" Reichenbach II on the MAC-FWHA?

Well, Ms. Peters, that certainly would be the consistent thing for you to do...

Speaking strictly for myself and no other individuals or organizations,

Bruce Arnold

Bruce@LdrLongDistanceRider.com
Author and Publisher, LdrLongDistanceRider.com
Co-Moderator, Bruce-n-Ray's Biker Forum
Mile Eater Gold Member, Iron Butt Association (IBA)
Member, Bikers of Lesser Tolerance (BOLT of Florida)
Sustaining Member, Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF)
2007 Chairman's Circle, American Motorcyclist Association (AMA)

Murdering Janklow continues "to get away with it" to

RGnostic@gmail.com (rc) — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 20:07:00 +0000

And from the Dragon:

Former South Dakota governor and U.S. Rep. Bill Janklow is back behind the wheel, but he still isn't following the rules of the road.

Janklow, who served 100 days in jail and lost his license for three years after being convicted of second-degree manslaughter for running a stop sign and killing a Minnesota motorcyclist five years ago, was ticketed Tuesday night, when he struck a parked vehicle in a grocery store parking lot and failed to report it.

Witnesses told Sioux Falls, S.D., police that Janklow was turning his pickup truck down the aisle of a parking lot outside a grocery store when the horse trailer he was pulling struck a parked Honda. Janklow, witnesses said, got out of his truck, surveyed the damage, moved on, parked his rig and went into the store and purchased groceries and drove away without reporting the incident.

http://www.minnpost.com/politicalagenda/2008/09/25/3644/south_dakotas_janklow_back_behind_the_wheel_ticketed_for_driving_incident Add to Technorati Favorites

HOG Heaven not so heavenly at the moment

RGnostic@gmail.com (rc) — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 19:41:00 +0000

Thanks to Artie for this one:

Excerpts from The Courier. Read the whole story here.

By Jamie Nash
Updated: 10.02.08
EAST COUNTY – More than $500,000 in Harley-Davidson motorcycles and parts were recovered Wednesday morning when law enforcement raided a Grangerland-area home and arrested a man for allegedly stealing the bikes and selling the parts on eBay.

Jody Floyd Mathes, 50, was arrested and charged with first-degree felony theft and a felony drug charge after multiple law enforcement agencies converged on his residence off FM 3083 and found the Harley-Davidson motorcycles and parts, along with 5 grams of methamphetamine and a .357 Magnum handgun, officials said.

Officers seized Mathes’ computer, printer and fax machine for further investigation, Womack said.

Mathes had been running a profitable eBay business selling the motorcycle parts and trafficking narcotics, police said.

Mathes was on parole for another conviction involving drugs, according to a search of public records and officers on scene.

“We found 13 complete Harleys that run an average of $20,000 each, six additional stripped bike frames and 30 motors and transmissions that didn’t go with any bike on scene,” Moore said.

The value of the recovered parts is an estimated $300,000, he said.

Officers also recovered a golf cart and a four-wheeler.

Moore said there was evidence of approximately 50 Harleys and one other motorcycle at the residence.

Officers located license plates from bikes stolen in Montgomery County, Harris County, Bandera, Boerne and the state of Oklahoma, he said.

Officials say the number of bikes stolen in the county over the past year have dramatically risen, from an average of about 15 to 58 last year – 48 of them were Harleys.

An auto theft officer on the scene said some bike owners called their office in tears when they reported their bikes were stolen.

“For a lot of people, it’s not what they drive, it’s who they are,” he said.Add to Technorati Favorites

Grieving mother strives to save other motorcycle riders

RGnostic@gmail.com (rc) — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 19:27:00 +0000

We have said it before, we will say it again. This woman is a one man MSO (Motorcycle Safety Organization) and deserves all the recognition she gets.

SAFETY HARBOR — It was late afternoon on May 19, 2005, on a busy street bordering one of the countless subdivisions in Hillsborough County.

Gene Pearson, a 31-year-old Pinellas County sheriff's corrections officer, was riding his motorcycle with two of his friends when a vehicle pulled out in front of him and Gene ran into the back of the man's car.

He died instantly from head trauma.

So did a part of his mother, Diane Pearson of Safety Harbor. She has since become a crusader for motorcycle safety, spreading her message mainly through purple bumper stickers that say Look Twice — Save a Life. Motorcycles Are Everywhere.

But she didn't know the road she was about to travel that day in 2005. All she knew was that her child was lying still under a yellow tarp. And she couldn't get to him.

• • •

Gene Pearson's brother, David Pearson, called his mother and told her Gene had been in an accident. She thought he was hurt and was in the hospital being treated and believed that was where her husband Gene, now 65, was taking her. But instead, she was taken to the scene of the crash.

She saw the yellow tarp and that was when she knew he was dead.

She was dazed and in shock.

"Time stood still,'' she said "Everything was in slow motion, just as they say.''

Gene's motorcycle was in pieces scattered all over the road. Flashing emergency lights blinded her.

She sat on a curb for four hours and looked at the yellow tarp covering her son's remains.

"I tried to run to it and everybody stopped me,'' she said. "I wanted to see him.''

But officers would not let her near his body.

She still is upset with law enforcement for keeping her away from her son's body.

She could have handled what was under the tarp, but she could not handle not holding his hand one more time or stroking his hair.

• • •

After the accident, Pearson, now 62, and a grandmother who works as a technical librarian at Gulf Aerospace in Oldsmar, met a woman in Georgia named Kathy Malone.

She had seen the purple bumper sticker on someone's car and traced it to Malone through the Internet.

Malone, who had also lost a son in a motorcycle accident, created the slogan "Look Twice — Save a Life. Motorcycles Are Everywhere."

The two became friends and Pearson decided to join Malone's cause and help distribute the signs.

You've probably seen them.

They are everywhere.

The message is on a billboard on Ulmerton Road, bus shelters, buses and benches.

They are available at Department of Motor Vehicles in Pinellas, Polk and Hillsborough counties and at Quaker Steak and Lube restaurant.

"We run out every month,'' said Bill Church, owner of the popular motorcycle hangout.

He said the stickers are plastered all over the restaurant, even in the bathroom.

"People read them and pay attention to them,'' he said.

Every Wednesday night is bike night at Quaker Steak and Lube. It attracts thousands of riders.

Sadly, every year, 20 to 30 of those Church either knows of or have visited the restaurant are killed while riding.

"It's dangerous out there,'' he said.

Ron Galletti, 46, owner of Born to Ride Magazine, inserts them into subscriptions he sends out. He also passes them out at events.

"The passion (Diane Pearson) has, it can't help but make a difference,'' he said.

He believes it's not just the car drivers who should look twice — better yet three or four times — but motorcyclists as well.

"The more educated motorcyclists are going to survive the mean streets,'' Galletti said. "It's really a two-way street.''

Diane Pearson said she has given away 56,000 stickers over the past 21/2 years, all for free.

She sends out 3,000 bumper stickers a month at a cost of $700.

She depends on contributions and devotes hours every week to the movement.

• • •

She does it to honor Gene.

He had been riding motorcycles since he was 18. He was a safe rider. He always wore his helmet, leather jacket and gloves. He never got a ticket.

He served in the Coast Guard for four years. In his Coast Guard photo, he looks strong and proud.

"He was a son, an uncle, a brother and a great friend,'' Diane Pearson said.

"He loved to help people. If a person needed a friend, he was the best friend the person could ever have.''

But when she closes her eyes, she doesn't see the Coast Guard photo, or the pictures with Gene and his nephew. She sees that yellow tarp.

Gene was under there.

If your of a mind to to donate to a charitable cause where all the money goes to helping to keep motorcyclists alive check out her site here. Some people suffer tragedies and become paralyzed, some turn them into victories.Add to Technorati Favorites

Congratulations Mike

RGnostic@gmail.com (rc) — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 19:15:00 +0000

Tallahassee Patriot Guard Road Captain has just got an "Official" promotion. His new rank is "Assistant State Captain". Though in retrospect I'm not sure "congratulations" is the appropriate word. Considering that some of the benefits that come with this position are increased expenditures of time, energy and self sacrifice
we might wonder if we should be offering our "condolences".

But often times doing the right thing only has one pay-off. And that is that ya done the "Right Thing". Damn unique concept huh? Congrats Mike!Add to Technorati Favorites

What bailout? The one for Pork Farmers?

RGnostic@gmail.com (rc) — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 18:34:00 +0000

As we speak the Washington bottom feeders,you know, Congress, have just finished a group hugging, butt patting and as usual, nauseating press conference announcing their passage of the "Bail out"???

So how come the Dow's reaction since this announcement of, o.k. ya got us over a barrel so we are going to reward your malfeasence with Bail money (unlike bail however, they won't have to show in court), is like that of a yo-yo bouncing up and down between negative and positive territory?

Ummm, Could it because we also got the worse jobs report in 5 years today. Hmmmmm, so will we be looking at a bailout for thhose who have been thrown out of work by the actions of both congress and corporate fat cats? HA!!!

As a matter of fact the President just now finished lying by congratulating congress for passing a bill that does not waste taxpayer dollars. Well check out Shirley's, aka the Girl Geek, site "The Delaware
Curmudgeon for a little heads up of what's in the bail out that we are paying for. Try the following posts as she tracks this insult to energy while I check on the stock price of K-Y Jelly.

http://delawarecurmudgeon.blogspot.com/2008/10/wtf-i-still-say-no-crash-and-burn-baby.html

http://delawarecurmudgeon.blogspot.com/2008/10/another-installment-of.html

Then go to the Delaware libertarian here for a good perspective on just why in the hell should we be bailing out Auto makers at the same time.

Now I for one are in complete agreement with Shirley when shes says "No, Crash and Burn Baby!"

And surprisingly on my little forays into the streets of late I'm hearing a lot of folk, who can't afford it now, who completely understand what the consequences would be, are saying the same thing, "NO, crash and burn!" And why are they saying that when the consequences for this country and their own lives would be devastating? Because they are sick and tired of being screwed over and are willing to go broke just to see fat cats and politicians taken out.

I wonder if the Corporate Government Coalition is aware of the seeds of revolution they are planting.

The common folk are waking up. And it's about damn time.

To quote Girl Geek, "Heh!"Add to Technorati Favorites

Liberal or Conservative, watch the damn road.

RGnostic@gmail.com (rc) — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 18:13:00 +0000

A friend (Tilex) and I were talking the other day about this inane differintiation between republicans and democrats when the truth is they are all whores. When he came up with this way perfect (sorry, I watched "School of Rock' last night) analogy that hope I can get right here:

Remember when you and your brothers and/or sisters and or by yourself were kids in the back seat of your parents car as they drove down the road fighting. Probably about something stupid as hell. But neither one of them willing to budge. Instead they would just get louder, use hand gestures and the car would start weaving.

And being kids we couldn't figure out which one was right , unless it was an issue so obvious even kids can get it. But we knew if we opened our mouths we would get it. But we also knew one other thing.

If they didn't quit their damn fighting and get their eye on the road it was not going to be a good end.

In fact how many times did you just want to holler out, could you all shut up and keep your eye on the road? Your scaring the hell out of us.

So this liberal/conservative/democrat/Republican thing is bogus o.k. Cause a heap of us are looking for another driver.Add to Technorati Favorites

A soldiers passing

RGnostic@gmail.com (rc) — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 17:11:00 +0000

If my cause be just

deserving of tears, good words and

flags waving to a trumpets mourning

if my death was cause for honor

me, or my cause, for we are not divided

for I lived and died for freedom

If that goal has not been achieved upon my passing

And you truly wish to honor me

Pick up the rifle that laid by my side when I fell and continue the fight

and win

So that I may rest in peace

What happens when your state MRO becomes meaningless

RGnostic@gmail.com (rc) — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 19:05:00 +0000

The police have to do the job! As ABATE of Florida consistently demonstrates their incompetence in all things legislative losing what little credibility they may have had left when they abandoned the title "A Brotherhood Against Totalitarian Enactments" for the more politically correct, and for a brief period, the more lucrative "American Bikers AIM (any relation to NCOM)ed Towards Education", a vucum is left that others are filling. And maybe not in a way Bikers should be real happy with.

From News Chief .com

Published: Friday, September 26, 2008 at 4:01 a.m.
Last Modified: Friday, September 26, 2008 at 7:52 a.m.
BARTOW - Members of the Polk County Sheriff's Office Traffic Unit will visit local motorcycle events such as "Bike Nights" and organized motorcycle charity rides over the next two weeks to distribute information pamphlets, kickstand pucks and other safety-related equipment to help promote motorcycle safety and educate the public.

Ummm, how does this work. Many motorcyclists have taken the all important but never proven Basic Rider course certified by the MSF but again, proven by no one. Why do they need educatin? Does there happen to be a heap of publics at bike nights that can be educated about motorcycle awareness.
Either/or I think my ass might ride down to Polk County to get a kickstand safety puck.

The events come after the Sheriff's Office was awarded grant money from the Florida Department of Transportation to help promote motorcycle safety and education due to the rise in motorcycle crashes and fatalities countywide.

See like this is money that ABATE of Florida should have got. So lets all ask the question at the same time, anybody know why ABATE of Florida did not get this grant? Were there money problems? Was they not complying? Did the legislative warriors turned the guardians of safety forget to fill out the paperwork?

In 2006, Polk County was ranked eighth out of the 67 counties in the state for the number of motorcycle-related traffic fatalities.

Polk County had 263 crashes involving injuries and another 21 that resulted in a fatality to either the operator or the passenger of the motorcycle, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

The number of motorcycle-related fatalities also increased from six in 2002 to 21 in 2006.
Further research shows that since 2002, the number of motorcycle related crashes statewide has increased by at least 100 per year.

Uniformed deputies and PCSO motorcycles displaying the added safety features paid for by the grant will be on display at the below-listed events, and the deputies will be on-hand to answer questions motorcyclists have about the rules of motorcycle safety.

Additionally, the grant allowed the deputies to buy 10 laser speed-measuring devices.
Deputies will also be giving out 70 DOT-approved helmets free of charge to those who cannot afford them and who are riding motorcycles without one, until the helmets run out.
Over the next week, deputies will be in the following places:

NOW SEE! THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU SIT ON YOUR ASS! THE POLICE TAKE YOUR MONEY AND BUY SPEED GUNS WITH WHICH TO POP YOUR ASS. THANK YOU ABATE of Florida.

Two organized rides Saturday, all day

Beef o' Brady's in North Lakeland, Tuesday, from 6 to 9 p.m.

Beef o' Brady's in Bartow, Wednesday, from 6 to 9 p.m.

Traffic deputies will also be on hand at future events to be announced.

I went to the ABATE of Florida Website and clicked on "Safety Programs" and found no ABATE safety programs.

Under commitment to safety I see:

"Abate of Florida, Inc. has held four workshops on Motorcycle Safety and has a fifth planned for May of 2008. At these seminars experts from all over the country speak on Motorcycle Safety.

Presentations were given on Two Trauma 1st Responder, Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Program, being properly insured, from the Eyes of the Law, and much more"

Since their are no links in the above paragraph I clicked on the calendar for May and found two parties listed. NO safety seminar. I did search the Calendar and did find a safety seminar flyer for April. There was no mention of safety experts from any part of the country. There were lots of jam up parties listed throughout the year however so Party animals so need to apply. In fact I did a heap of clickin and mostly what I found pertaining to safety were links to somewhere else.

So I went to the ABATE of POLK County chapter website. Nope no news there.

They skip 2007 and mention re 2006:

In 2006, ABATE of Florida, Inc., in cooperation with the Florida Department of Highways increased their efforts in motorcycle awareness with items such as billboards, public service announcements, posters, an additional Motorcycle Awareness video and various other items.

said other items being, ink pens, eyeglass fix it kits, something some of us couldn't figure out, air fresheners, tote bags and other funky stuff with no mention of safety but printed real pretty in big letter "ABATE of Florida"

ABATE of Florida, a riding club.Add to Technorati Favorites

What happens when you don't fight-Now Horry county considering backing Mrytle Beach

RGnostic@gmail.com (rc) — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 18:54:00 +0000

Bikers and Indivdiual Rights activist swarm Q and A session held by Mrytle Beach NAACP. Please note tongue in cheek. 65 people attended which is a shame. Since Bikers are steadily losing their rights they may wish to consult/partner with the NAACP and other organizations that have been successful in gaining theirs.

Myrtle Beach's new motorcycle rally ordinances might be in place, but that doesn't mean the heat has died down.

A forum Thursday night sponsored by the local branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People was meant to be a neutral discussion with a panel of city and county officials, but devolved into name-calling and accusations against city leaders.

The majority of the questions and comments from the 65-member audience at the Canal Street Recreation Center were directed at Myrtle Beach leaders.

Mayor John Rhodes, city Councilman Mike Chestnut, City Manager Tom Leath and Police Chief Warren Gall sat on the panel along with a lending officer from Conway National Bank, the Rev. Mickey James, president of the local NAACP chapter, Violet Lucas from the Horry-Georgetown Bikers Association, county Councilman Marion Foxworth and North Myrtle Beach Public Safety Director William Bailey.

Several people said they felt their civil rights are being infringed by the 15 ordinances the City Council gave final approval this week.

The discussion started out civilly with questions about enforcement at the May motorcycle rallies and a statement from Lucas indicating her group still wants to work with the city to make the May rallies better events for all concerned.

The city passed the new ordinances and amendments to existing ones after years of hearing from residents every May about the traffic, noise, garbage, reckless driving and lewd acts they say typify the two weeks of bike rallies.

The NAACP got involved several years ago after people complained about mistreatment during the predominately black Atlantic Beach Bikefest. The NAACP filed several suits against the city and some local restaurants for discrimination and monitors both May rallies to watch for equal treatment.
James said the association is neutral on the city's ordinances so far, though he is concerned about what he perceives as "civil rights encroachments." He did not specify his concerns, though.
Some are angry about the city's new ordinance making it an infraction not to wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle or mo-ped.

Tony Spinatto, a biker from the Georgetown area, wanted to know whether the city was going to make people in golf carts or in motorized wheelchairs wear helmets.

Others accused the police department of profiling bikers, racial profiling and the city of discrimination against bikers.

Bikers expressed concerns about whether the city is really trying to promote safety with the helmet ordinance or trying to punish them.

"Helmets will help eliminate deaths," Rhodes said, as well as permanent, serious injuries. "We feel we are doing the right thing for people's safety."

Leath said the city is sending a letter to area municipalities asking them to consider passing some or all the same ordinances to stand with Myrtle Beach.

Foxworth told the audience that the county will consider some measures, but likely would not pass all 15 ordinances because it cannot afford to enforce them.

"We're going to back the city where we can," he said.Add to Technorati Favorites

Panama City Florida woman killed in MC crash

RGnostic@gmail.com (rc) — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 18:29:00 +0000

From Panama City News Herald
Robin M. Arnett, 34, was riding on the back of an eastbound 2004 Yamaha motorcycle on Thomas Drive at about 12:40 a.m. CDT near the state park when Storm P. Wood, 27, who was steering the motorcycle, lost control of the bike at a curve, troopers reported. Both were ejected from the motorcycle, and neither was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, the release said.

Rescue workers pronounced Arnett dead at the scene, according to the release, and Wood was taken to Gulf Coast Community Hospital, where he was listed in serious condition Sunday.Add to Technorati Favorites

More on Set Free MC

RGnostic@gmail.com (rc) — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 18:02:00 +0000

Excerpts, read the whole story here

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) - In more than 25 years at the helm of his biker-inspired Christian ministry, Phillip Aguilar has counseled Hells Angels, married Mongols and provided a place to crash for just about every hog-riding gangster and drug addict he’s ever met.

But police say after years of bringing God to outlaws, Aguilar’s chopper-riding Christians may have morphed into just the kind of gang they claim to save people from.

Aguilar and four other members of the Set Free Soldiers pleaded not guilty at their arraignments Thursday on weapons and gang felonies after a bar brawl that ended with two Hells Angels stabbed. One member of Aguilar’s group is charged with attempted murder.

The case threatens to unravel Aguilar’s counterculture Christian empire, a domain already well-known among bikers that’s recently gained some traction in the mainstream.

A pre-dawn raid at the Set Free compound of four suburban homes just miles from Disneyland yielded gang paraphernalia, thousands of rounds of ammunition and dozens of guns and knives, said Sgt. Evan Sailor of the Newport Beach police.
Sailor said detectives also were alarmed by YouTube and MySpace videos that show members posing with guns and knives and riding their bikes with their faces covered with black handkerchiefs and, in one case, a skull mask.

“To me, it’s indicative of more than just a Christian group. It’s indicative of an outlaw motorcycle gang,” Sailor said. “It’s not like they’re showing Bible study classes.”
Yet Aguilar’s son said the Set Free Soldiers are hardworking Christians who act and dress the way they do so their gospel resonates with hard-to-reach sinners: the drug addicts, the outlaw bikers and the prostitutes.

Tallahassee Motorcyclists hit Sunday night

RGnostic@gmail.com (rc) — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 17:35:00 +0000

The Tallahassee Police Department is investigating the cause of a car crash, which left a motorcyclist in serious-but-stable condition in Tallahassee Memorial Hospital.

The crash occurred Sunday night at 9:30 p.m. at Monroe Street and Martin Luther King Blvd.

The motorcyclist was heading south and the car was heading north.

The car made a left at the intersection in front of the motorcycle which ejected the rider from his bike.

TPD reported the rider was wearing a helmet.

Alcohol is not a factor. An investigation is being conducted and charges are pending.Add to Technorati Favorites

So if you believe it is your obligation to fight-a public service announcement

RGnostic@gmail.com (rc) — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 17:03:00 +0000

In light of the previous post and past posts where we hope that we may have given at least one or two pause to question their action or lack thereof. In light of mainstream medias failure to go beyond a two minute sound byte adequately cover many issues in depth. In light of the school systems proclivity to to dumb down the American citizenry, rather than leave a child behind, with incomplete and revisionist history which were it practiced anywhere else we would refer to as propaganda and not education. But will insure that the powers to be will have more cattle to milk and slaughter, we provide the following links:

ACT UP Civil Disobedience Manual
How To Guide On Civil Disobedience and Direct Action
Nonviolent Civil Disobedience
How to Engage in Direct Action Civil Disobedience

Now for those who may run across this little ol site and mistakenly conclude that we are advocating treaon, sedition and/or revolution let us be so bold as to quote a portionof the declaration of independence:

"But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security."

I submit, we advocate nothing but old fashined American Patriotism.Add to Technorati Favorites

Marine Tim Lee Speaks

RGnostic@gmail.com (rc) — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 16:27:00 +0000

Yesterday (Sunday) representatives From Patriot Guard, Buffalo Soldiers, Christian Motorcycle Association, Chrome Divas, and B.O.L.T. met to escort hear Vietnam Veteran Marine Tim Lee to the North Florida Baptist Church where we formed flag lines down each aisle of the church in order to demonstrate respect and to hear his story.

Mr. Lee was wounded while, when he did not have to, he led his troops in the clearing of a mine field.
He stepped on a mine resulting in the loss of both legs.

HE spoke of how the experience re-established his commitment to God and led him to a life of evangelizing.

One of his statement that stuck in my head referenced the,

"the moral courage to fight" in reference to fighting for your country.

Strange words coming from a Christian when so many preach the gospel of peace. However without engaging in any religious argument there is precedent for such a statement and I will leave it to biblical scholars to figure it out.

I will reiterate what we have posted before. Had you been born in certain other countries, your upbringing and indoctrination might be such that Freedom and Christianity would be concepts you would not support. I'm note for sure, but I might suggest that it wasn't by any of your planning that you were born in America. So it would seem to me that any failure to stand up for and defend the principles of a country that graciously allows you to choose which God it is you wish to follow, including money, might seem a bit ungrateful and selfish.

So in my head I heard it as, "The moral obligation to fight." And as can often happen in my little pea brain a train cranked up and I had thoughts of:

The moral obligation to stand for those who can not stand for themselves

The moral obligation to help those less fortunate

The moral obligation to place higher ideals above ones self

The moral obligation to protect the rights of others whether we agree or not

Interestingly enough these are not uniquely Christian or American Ideals. These are ideals promoted by almost every religion and/or spiritual philosophy in the world. I wonder why?Add to Technorati Favorites

Rest In Peace -Sgt. Robert E. Brooks- PGR mission Quincy, FL

RGnostic@gmail.com (rc) — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 16:13:00 +0000

Saturday Patriot Guard Riders from as Far away as Panama City, Niceville and Thomasville, joined Tallahassee PGR riders to pay Final Respects to SGT. Robert E. Brooks.

Sgt Brooks was 25 year Army Vietnam Vet who spent the last years of his life as an ROTC instructor at East Gadsen High School. So beloved by those he instructed services were held in the East Quincy High School Gym.

PGR Riders met at the Flying J truck stop and proceeded to SGT Brooks home where 3 Gadsen County Sheriffs and family awaited our escort. We escorted the family to East Gadsen County High school and formed a Flag line of respect to the family of SGT. Brooks.

Upon conclusion of the service in the gym we formed another flag line as the the body of SGT Brooks was moved outside to be given military honors and formed a final flag line as he was placed in transport for his final ride to his home state for burial.

Rest in Peace SGT. Brooks and your family we will respectfully hold in our prayers.

(note: we have pictures and as soon as we find our camera we will post them).Add to Technorati Favorites

Economic threat to your freedom and welfare

RGnostic@gmail.com (rc) — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 14:50:00 +0000

Ideological motivations do not explain Nazi privatization. On the contrary, political motivations were important. The Nazi government may have used privatization as a tool to improve its relationship with big industrialists and to increase their support for Nazi policies.

We are told that the government bailout (when we use the word bailout we include the governments persuasion and assistance of major banks to take over troubled banks with government guarantees) major banks and AIG are necessary to avert a worldwide economic crash. And that may in fact be true.

How does that explain however the 25 billion dollar bailout of the American Auto Industry that they have snuck in. The failure of Ford or Feneral Motors would not cause a depression. It would be the natural consequence of a company failing to adapt to and provide the marketplace with product more efficiently than the competition. That my friends is capitalism. Were Ford or General Motors convinced that they would not be able to rely on a government bailout as Chysler did (prededence) they may have spent more time innovating and less time schmoozing and buying off poilticians.

It doesn't. In fact, no economicaly sound reason can be given for this bail out. A political reason may be theorized in that Michigan will be a swing state in the presidential elections. No party wants to be the one to tell the voters of Michigan, we can not bail you out because of the ineptitude of your multi-million dollar executives.

Privatization (read that the doing away with public ownership via stocks, bonds, etc.) was also likely used to enhance more general political support to Nazi party. Finally, financial motivations did play a central role in Nazi privatization. The proceeds from privatization in 1934-37 had relevant fiscal significance: Not less than 1.37 per cent of total fiscal revenues were obtained from selling shares in public firms. Moreover, the government avoided including a huge expenditure in the budget by using outside-of-the-budget tools to finance the public services franchised to Nazi organizations.
Nazi economic policy in the middle thirties was against the mainstream in several dimensions. The huge increase in public expenditure programs was unique,

Has anyone yet seen the cutting of giveaway programs yet as a way to to help relieve the debt? Not likely in a Presidential election year.

as was the increase in the armament programs, and together they heavily constrained the budget.

So add to our reluctance to cut back on give away programs the drain on the economy from fighting a two front war.

To finance this exceptional expenditure, exceptional policies were put in place.

Does anyone other than myself consider a 700 billion dollar bailout exceptional. Consider also the word bailout. This is not a bailout. This is a "Buy out". The government is receiving assests and a voice in company business.

Privatization was just one among them. It was systematically implemented in a period in which no other country did so, and this drove Nazi policy against the mainstream, which flowed against privatization of state ownership or public services until the last quarter of the twentieth century.

There has been discussion this a.m. that we are going to have to embrace the proposed bail out/buy out despite it's potential inflationary risks. One of the problems so we are told is that there is not a currency problem but a liquidity problem. Entities sitting on large piles of American cash are hoarding it. This includes China, The middle Eastern and other countries.

If we have a liqidity problem and mountains of cash are being hoarded across the world the Feds only solution to relieving the liquidity crunch is to add cash to the system. Meaning you got it, PRINT MORE MONEY? Remember, most cash assets are insured to a certain amount and in a presidential election year the the government is not going to allow Americans to lose their cash. So if inflation can not be avoided and massive amounts of cash are injected into the system and Some not so friendly countries decide to dump their cash on the markets at the same time what can we expect?

During and after World War I, Germans discovered that poverty doesn't end when poor people have handfuls of money stashed under the bed. Inflation takes care of that.

It all began at the dawn of World War I with the German Government's management of the war chest. The Reichsbank, the Central Bank of Germany, was allowed to "suspend the rights of an individual to convert banknotes to gold, and ... use government and commercial paper as part of the reserves it was required to hold against newly issued notes." (usagold.com). This was, in effect, spitting in the eye of the gold standard. This is important. It means that when the mark falters, the Government has nothing to support it with.

At the conclusion of World War I, Germany slid into an era of turmoil. The German economy was in tatters after years of warfare and economic sanctions. When war broke out in 1914, the German mark was valued at US$1 to 4 marks. By the end of the war, the ratio was US 1:18 marks and sliding. For those with a less economic bent, let us use the Loaf of Bread Index, where at the current time, one loaf of bread was worth 0.63 German marks:
1918
Loaf of Bread Index: 0.63 marks.
The Weimar Government was conceived in 1918, and the Allies forced it to to concede to the crippling Treaty of Versailles. Among the clauses of the treaty was a demand for reparations to the victors; Britain and France wanted to rebuild their nations and needed to repay their loans to the USA. The total figure was not determined at the time that the Weimar Government was forced to sign the treaty; instead, a committee was created to determine the amount.
January 1921
Loaf of Bread Index: 10 marks.
The reparations figure arrived in May 1921: £6,600,000,000 or 132,000,000,000* German marks. Germany was to pay reparations until 1987. For awhile there, it looked as though she was going to make it. In 1921, Germany almost managed to pay her entire first installment of £2 billion. Almost; and for a time, that was enough.
January 1922
Loaf of Bread Index: 163 marks.
Afraid of a backlash at the polling booth, taxes were never raised, and never exceeded 35% of expenditure. But spending was never cut, because reducing services would anger the voters. So the Government's income remained at the bare necessary minimum. There wasn't a mark to spare.
February 1922
Loaf of Bread Index: 250 marks.
Consumers began to realise that something was amiss and tried to withdraw their banknotes as gold, only to realise that they weren't allowed. Everything that had hitherto happened continued to happen, only a lot more prominently.
July 1922
Loaf of Bread Index: 3,465 marks.
By December 1922, Germany could not afford the crippling reparations repayments; she was due to pay coal and timber to France that she simply didn't have. When you default on a car payment, you risk getting your car repossessed; when you default on a reparations payment, your country gets repossessed. France, supported by Belgium and Italy, used Germany's non-compliance as an excuse to occupy the German territory of the Ruhr.

The Ruhr, to the west of the Rhine, was Germany's industrial centre. Metal factories (mainly iron and steel), coal mines and railways were all maintained in the area. When France occupied the Ruhr, Germany lost its ability to manufacture anything: its factories came under French control. Without factories, Germany lost its primary source of trade and income. Residents of the Rhine were forced out of their homes or imprisoned. Thousands of workers became unemployed and homeless.
Meanwhile, the mark slid to $US1 to 8,000 marks.

Germany reacted to the occupation of the Ruhr with indignation, and called for passive resistance against France. Workers in the industrial area immediately went on strike. France and Belgium responded by cutting economic ties with Germany. Several economic superpowers realised that Germany could not afford to repay its debts. Foreign loans were called in and foreign investments were cancelled.

What was the Treasury doing? The German Treasury attempted to combat the crisis by maintaining four minting presses that operated twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. (Kids, don't try this at home.) As the amount of money in circulation increased, the value decreased. Rapidly.

The height to which prices have climbed may be shown by the fact that as of February 15 1923, wholesale prices have risen on average 5967 times the peacetime level, those of foodstuffs to 4902 times, and those for industrial products 7958 times.
-- Franz Bumm of the Reich Department of Health, quoted in F. K. Ringer, 'The German Inflation of 1923'

September 1923
Loaf of Bread Index: 1,500,000 marks.
The value of the mark plummeted. When single mark notes became worthless, the Treasury minted 200 mark coins, then 1,000 cloth notes, then 20,000 mark bonds, and these became worthless too. "By the end of the 1923 hyperinflation," said historian Jonathan Tennenbaum, "the total nominal national debt of Weimar Germany was worth the equivalent of a few pennies or less." Got any spare change? I just need to fix the national debt.
November 1923
Loaf of Bread Index: 200,000,000,000 marks.
At November 1923, the height of the crisis, one American dollar was worth roughly 4,200,000,000,000* marks.

The horror stories about this hyperinflationary period are true. Menus in restaurants bore no prices because the currency fluctuated so rapidly that a meal could triple in value between ordering it and and paying for it. Paper currency was used to keep fires because the bulk of the currency was greater than the wood that it bought. If our sense of the culinary was higher at the time, we might have made pesto out of it.

May I give you some recollections of my own situation at that time? As soon as I received my salary I rushed out to buy the daily necessitities. My salary . . . was just enough to buy one loaf of bread and a small piece of cheese or oatmeal. On one occasion I had to refuse to give a lecture at a Berlin city college because I could not be assured that the fee would cover the subway fare to the classroom, and it was too far to walk. On another occasion, a private lesson I gave to the wife of a farmer was somewhat better paid - by one loaf of bread for the hour.
An acquaintance of mine, a clergyman, came to Berlin from a suburb with his monthly salary to buy a pair of shoes for his baby; he could only buy a cup of coffee.
-- Dr Frieda Wunderlick, in G. Bry, Wages in Germany 1871 - 1945

Now of course the the government is selling this to us under the guise of it must be done. This may be true. As for all to long the government has allowed the hyper rich to fatten political pocket books, in turn not holding them accountable for robbing the public, instead allowing them to get away with it. Yes we are aware that an occasional sacrificial cow was brought to the altar. But they all had friends in high places.

Now we have heard the blame cast at both parties as being the ones who were lax on their watch and allowed this economic crises to occur through lack of transparency and oversight. However my question to you would be, how many people, republican or democrat, were crying foul when stocks and home prices were going up? I didn't hear a cacophony of persons saying, hey we got to fix this shit, were making to much money!

Now there are those who are saying that this is going to be a good thing because the government will profit and that we, as shareholders in the government will profit through tax breaks etc. as these currently fairly worthless holdings become profitable. However we might note that as quick as the government is to bail out auto makers and wall street it has not been so quick to bail out any little guys. None that I know anyway.

My fear, which unfortunately was somewhat (note that word) validated by Glenn Beck last Friday (I say unfortunately because I'm no member of the Glenn Beck fan club) is that our current economic crises coupled with our "current rulers" propensity to restrict liberty wherever possible is creating a perfect storm that makes our post on 9-14-09 especially ominous.

As I end this post CNBC reports that calls are coming in to congress 9 to 1 against bailing out wall street. Lets see who our representatives listen to.Add to Technorati Favorites