Political Activist

Most bikers who support biker's rights believe they are political activists. They join an SMRO, attend chapter or state meetings, go to protests and rallies. But does that make them political activists?

Many would say no, since you have to be part of the political machinery to be a political activist. And I'd have to agree.

So what about bikers that send emails to their legislators? Or go to the state capital to lobby their elected representatives? Surely they are the true political activists.

I'd have to disagree.

Though they are taking action that comes in contact with state politics, they are not part of the political machinery. They are "outside looking in." They belly up to the bar ... but it's up to the bartender to pay them any attention.

I've seen far more college kids and little old ladies that are political activists. That's because they are the ones who work for candidates, knocking on doors and making phone calls. They are getting out the vote, and they are doing it for candidates that share their beliefs.

When I go to campaign events, I have yet to see any other bikers. And while I've celebrated at many a victory party, there are only college kids and little old ladies throwing the confetti. Where are the bikers?

Bikers are NOT political activists, by and large. Sure, there are a few around the country. Just check our STATE MAPS to see where the green motorcycles are. These are the bikers who have worked as campaign volunteers. They are part of the political machinery.

All the other bikers are political "passivists," since they are only talking about their rights. Instead of being actively engaged in politics, they are passively engaged.

But nobody on the inside has any reason to listen to passivists. By definition, they have no active role inside the political machinery. Instead, legislators are paying attention to the people who got them elected: political activists.

-RIDE2REPEAL@gmail.com