For Better or for Worse

Motorcyclists have been trying to restore their rights for decades. In a few cases they've made major strides. They were the lucky ones. Most often they have only had limited success.

How many times have they made the trip to the capitol? Sent out urgent calls to action when yet another bill comes crashing down on their freedom? And then walked away empty-handed, or put on a happy face by saying a bill could have been a lot worse.

The problem is that bikers rights activists are getting really good ... at doing what doesn't work.

Imagine it's your wedding night, and you're looking forward to an incredible night with your bride. For better or for worse, you two are stuck with each other ... for the long haul. That's a heck of a time to find out that she's really a dude.

Sure, you'd complain. You expected a beautiful woman, and explain that she's supposed to be, shall we say ... "complementary." Of course it makes perfect sense for her to be a woman. But all the pleading in the world won't change her outie into an innie.

But you don't have to be the "stuckee."

Instead of waiting until it was too late to do anything about it, you should have checked under the hood. Or at least noticed that she seemed to always wear turtleneck sweaters. Or that her shoes were the same size as yours.

Now she still wants you, of course. Just not the way you'd hoped.

Politics is the same way, with courtship taking place during the campaign season. The first step is to ask candidates where they stand on the helmet law. Their answer will probably encompass where they stand on personal freedom vs. public safety. Innie or outie.

The next step is find out if they have a reasonable chance of winning. Check with your SMRO since it's their job to know. Even if they don't, the Internet is a treasure trove of information about a candidate's chances. Newspaper articles, campaign finance reports, and political blogs are full of tips.

It would be a total waste of time to invest your time and energy with a sure loser. And you'd probably miss an opportunity to help a nearby candidate who is worth the effort. They have to be electable.

Finally, bust your tail to help them win. Make sure they know your top priority is sending them to the capitol. And then, after the election, you will be on a first name basis with one or more biker-friendly legislators.

This doesn't happen overnight. Old habits die hard. It's easier to react to bad bills than it is to build relationships ahead of time.

Just remember:
For better or for worse, you are stuck with the results.

-RIDE2REPEAL@gmail.com