Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF)

Celebrate America’s Birthday : greetings from MRF

Happy Birthday America – Celebrate Independence Day This fourth of July we celebrate the birth of American independence. We at the Motorcycle Riders Foundation would like to recognize that freedom is not free and thank those in our armed forces for defending all of our freedoms. Perhaps Patrick Henry said it best back in 1775 when he declared “Give me liberty or give me death!” Why we celebrate: In June 1776, representatives of the 13 colonies then fighting in the revolutionary struggle weighed a resolution that would declare their independence from Great Britain. On July 2nd, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days later its delegates adopted the Declaration of Independence. AboutMotorcycle Riders Foundation: The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) provides leadership at the federal level for states’ motorcyclists’ rights organizations as well as motorcycle clubs and individual riders. Visit: www.mrf.org

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Why the American Flag is Folded 13 Times

American Flag History from the Motorcycle Riders Foundation “Have you ever wondered why the flag of the United States of America is folded 13 times when it is lowered or when it is folded and handed to the widow at the burial of a veteran? Here is the meaning of each of those folds and what it means to you.” Know why the stars are on top with the American Flag taking a different shape when completely folded and all tucked in. Read the Article by Paulette Korte from Motorcycle Riders Foundation by Clicking Here. * * * * Know more about Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) at https://mrf.org/

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International Motorcycling Advocate Deb Butitta Dies in Crash

June 4, 2022: International Motorcycling Advocate Deb Butitta Dies in Arizona Crash It is with a heavy heart and a great sense of loss that the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) shares the passing of Deborah Butitta. Deb had been committed to serving and protecting motorcyclists’ rights at the state, federal and international levels during the last four decades. Deb was taken from us due to internal injuries suffered in a motorcycle crash after a truck turned left in front of her on June 3, 2022. Deb was particularly active with ABATE of Arizona, holding many different offices through the years, and in 2001 was selected as the first designated lobbyist for the Arizona Confederation of Motorcycle Clubs (AZCMC). Deb was a member of many state motorcyclists’ rights organizations, including the MMA of Arizona. She also served on the MRF Board of Directors for many years and was instrumental in the formation of MRF A&E (Awareness and Education), a 501(c)(3) charitable, non-profit organization created to assist the MRF in providing resources to promote motorcycle awareness and ‘share the road’ programs, along with all aspects of motorcycle safety education including rider training. A highly successful businesswoman in her own right, Deb was extremely well connected, not only in the motorcycling community and industry, but legislatively and in some very influential social circles as well. These relationships were of incredible value to the bikers of Arizona and the entire country. Deb’s accolades and awards are many, including being inducted into the MRF Hall of Fame in 2020 and the Sturgis Hall of Fame and Museum in 2021. Deb is a past winner of the MRF President’s Cup (2003), the MRF Founder’s Award (2017), and the MRF Lifetime Achievement Award (2020). Among her many other duties, Deb served as the MRF’s State Representative for

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Remember them for their Sacrifice – Memorial Day 2022

This Memorial Day weekend take a moment and remember the sacrifices made by many while fighting for the freedoms each of us enjoy everyday. In streets across our nation traditional motorcycle events honoring those lost in military service will be held. We at the Motorcycle Riders Foundation are forever grateful to our brothers and sisters lost defending the freedoms we cherish. As Ronald Reagan said, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children’s children what it was once like in the United States where men were free.” Message from MRF: As we spend time with family and friends, let’s all take a moment to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice to keep our country Free. We at the MRF wish you and yours a safe and happy Memorial Day. Visit: https://mrf.org/ About Motorcycle Riders Foundation: The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) provides leadership at the federal level for states’ motorcyclists’ rights organizations as well as motorcycle clubs and individual riders. * * * * We all at Bikernet.com honor and remember our brothers and sisters in the Armed Forces. Keep America Free. Keep Riding Free Forever.

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Bikers Inside the Beltway 2022: Demand reaches room capacity!

Demand reaches room capacity! – Hotel booked up! Bikers Inside the Beltway – “Let us refuse to be silent! Speaking freely is a decisive step forward on the road to freedom” — Leyla Zana “Speaking freely” since its first orchestrated visit with members of Congress in 1989, is exactly what the Motorcycle Riders Foundation does. And the results are evident in the MRF’s history of legislative accomplishments. Participatory democracy is what the MRF is all about. Bikers Inside the Beltway is a 13-year exercise in participatory democracy. Biker’s Inside the Beltway is about making a difference. You still have time to make a difference and let your voice be heard when you attend Bikers Inside the Beltway on May 17! Protecting the rights of motorcyclists is not just a collection of words in a press release any more than leaving your motorcycle parked in your garage is about riding. Profiling, E-15 (ethanol fuel), autonomous vehicles, all part of the present and future of motorcycling. The MRF’s legislative agenda is a result of input from motorcyclists with the directions to take care of business on Capitol Hill. That’s what Bikers Inside the Beltway is all about. The MRF understands motorcycling, motorcyclists’ rights, and what it takes to keep the siege against your rights, your freedom, your lifestyle, and yes, your motorcycle at bay. However, participatory democracy works best with participants. Your participation in Bikers Inside the Beltway is needed now. Your visit to Congress does make a difference. In 2021, co-sponsors on MRF supported legislation rose over 20 percent during Bikers Inside the Beltway. Numbers make a difference. Currently, there are almost ninety co-sponsors on H. Res 366 – an anti-profiling resolution. By joining other freedom loving motorcyclists, you can help increase those co-sponsors and the resolution can move forward. Day

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Just 10 days before Bikers Inside the Beltway: MRF Update

Dear colleague… With just 10 days before Bikers Inside the Beltway, the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) is gearing up to take our message to Capitol Hill. Co-Chairman of the House Motorcycle Caucus, Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI), has already started greasing the wheels for our arrival. This week he sent a letter to all 434 of his colleagues in the House of Representatives asking for support on the issue of motorcyclist profiling. Known as a “Dear Colleague Letter” this tactic allows lawmakers to contact each and every member of the House and ask for support. In this case Rep. Walberg is asking for his fellow Representatives to cosponsor H. Res 366. H. Res 366 is one of the major agenda items MRF members will be pushing when they meet with their elected officials in D.C. This action by Rep. Walberg means no congressional office can now honestly say, “I’ve never heard about this motorcyclist profiling issue.” Thank you for your leadership, Representative Walberg! Below is the full text of Rep. Walberg’s letter: * * * * “May 4, 2022 Dear colleague, May is Motorcycle Awareness Month. As the co-chair of the House Motorcycle Caucus, I am proud to represent the nearly 10 million motorcyclists in this country. Motorcycles and motorcyclists not only represent an important part of our transportation network but are also an iconic part of the fabric of Americana. Over the years numerous motorcyclists have reached out to my office and others to discuss their concerns over the profiling of motorcyclists. In response to these concerns, myself, Congressman Burgess (TX), Congresswoman Bustos (IL) and Congressman Pocan (WI) introduced H. Res. 366 a resolution that promotes awareness of motorcyclist profiling and encourages collaboration between the motorcycle community and law enforcement officials to prevent instances of profiling. As of this week,

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MRF Feather Flags were flying today!!

The sun came out for the first time – Since I got them home. This weekend they will be going to work in Woodstock, IL. The shortest the Flags are is 12 foot, I was standing with them in two pictures just to show you all just how tall they are. (“I’m 6’5”) They can only be printed on one side, but do bleed over, and are noticeable on the back side too. Bought the Feather Flags at Feather Flags & Banners | 30% OFF & Free Shipping (featherflagnation.com) Website: https://featherflagnation.com/ I know that there are other companies out there, but this is the one I picked. Four Kit’s 12 foot tall, with two ground stakes, & two hard floor stands, four plan white flags. Came to $332.66 Shipped to my door. Then I took the plan white flags to Elliott Graphix. $35.00 each for $140.00 to print them up this way. So for a grand total of $472.66 I’m ready to rock and roll. (“If you do this too. Work with your local print shop.”) I already have five other sets of Feather Flags, for ABATE, SALES, WELCOME, & Red, White, and Blue flags. with stands. I’m going to make my outside MRF table stand out this summer, if inside and the ceiling is tall enough? There too!!. Shooting for that traveling flag, Iowa!! I’m giving it my best shot, to take it away from you and bring it home to Illinois!! Yes I am!! What do the Chicago Clubs always say? Well maybe next year? If I don’t make it this year. MOTM 2022 in Des Moines IA will tell the final story. I might even surprise myself with my numbers and State’s too!! “Ride Safe, Ride Smart, Ride Often, Ride Home!!” Dennis “Cleaver” Yeager Beowulf M.C. LTD

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MRF Update: Paving the Way & Rolling Toward Washington, D.C.

BIKERS INSIDE THE BELTWAY ! THE VOICE OF BIKERS IN WASHINGTON ! The groundwork to pave the metaphorical roads to Washington D.C. and Capitol Hill took time and commitments from freedom loving motorcyclists from throughout the country. Individual attendance to Bikers Inside the Beltway, less than a month away, makes a difference in accomplishing our legislative goals. Yes, the Motorcycle Riders Foundation is rolling toward Washington. Yes, since 2009 the MRF has hosted Bikers Inside the Beltway, a grassroots tradition orchestrated by SMROs that began with just as much determination but without a name in 1989. The MRF has brought over a thousand motorcyclists to Washington to meet with their members of Congress with the sole mission of promoting a legislative agenda that continues to successfully become law on behalf of all street riding motorcyclists. Those visits are effective. Members of Congress know that it is not easy for constituents to make the trip to Washington, D.C. And when constituents from a well-known organization such as the Motorcycle Riders Foundation venture to Washington to meet with their congressional delegation, members of Congress tend to listen. Your personal visit to Congress does make a difference. Co-sponsors on legislation the MRF supported rose over 20 percent during Bikers Inside the Beltway in 2021. Numbers make a difference. Currently, there almost ninety co-sponsors on H. Res 366 – an anti-profiling resolution. By joining other freedom loving motorcyclists, you can help increase those co-sponsors so that those numbers make an even greater difference. The MRF’s legislative agenda – beyond the three items listed below — recommended and approved by SMRO leaders at the 2021 Meeting of the Minds, is not all-inclusive. News items during the past two weeks have repeatedly demonstrated why the following items are at the top of the MRF’s legislative agenda

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MRF Call To Action: anti-motorcyclist profiling resolution

Where Does Your State Rank? Last month the Motorcycle Riders Foundation released our first call to action of 2022. The call to action was related to H. Res 366, the anti-motorcyclist profiling resolution in the House of Representatives. Since its release, over 1,600 bikers have taken a moment to click a few buttons and have their voice heard. One great part about this call to action is that if your lawmaker has already been supportive of the resolution, they get a thank you email. While if your member of congress has yet to act, it explains the issues and asks for support. We’ve seen great results from this effort. Since the beginning of February, 26 new representatives have signed on as cosponsors! If there is one thing we know about bikers, they are a competitive bunch. So, to inspire even more engagement, here’s a list of the top 5 states who’ve taken the time to answer the call. 1. Wisconsin – 176 2. Michigan 155 3. New York 136 4. Texas – 124 5. Arizona 118 The map also shows you how many bikers from each state have contacted their member of the House. If you have already done the call to action, we thank you! But let’s keep the pressure up! You don’t need to do it again, but you can share the link below, forward this email and hit social media. Let’s get as many bikers as we can to take 2 minutes out of their day to spread the word on profiling. If you want Washington D.C. to address the profiling of bikers click here. As always, Ride Safe and Ride Free! About Motorcycle Riders Foundation The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) provides leadership at the federal level for states’ motorcyclists’ rights organizations as well as motorcycle clubs

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MRF Update: Transportation Funding Unlocked

This week the House and Senate are tackling a self-imposed deadline to pass funding legislation before government departments and agencies run out of money. To avoid a government shutdown, a large omnibus spending bill is being voted on that will fund government operations through the end of September. Importantly for transportation related projects and programs, the omnibus bill unlocks billions of dollars in funding that Washington red tape has delayed. Lawmakers and transportation officials have been warning for months that full implementation of the $1.5 trillion infrastructure law, which was enacted in November, isn’t possible because government funding is constrained at 2021 levels. So, while the money is actually in the accounts and ready to be spent, transportation agencies are locked out of using a large percentage of the money until this second piece of legislation is enacted. Only in Washington, D.C. does it take two bills, five months apart, to achieve your policy objectives! Lawmakers Focus on Tesla Recently Tesla has come under criticism for its Autopilot and Full-Self Driving (FSD) features, which critics say give the impression to drivers that the vehicles are capable of hands-off operation. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened two investigations into Tesla’s autopilot system and the automaker has launched nearly a dozen recalls in the U.S. Many of those recalls are related to over-the-air updates which allows Tesla to tweak and change its software remotely. Last month, Senator Ed Markey (D-MA) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) sent a letter to Tesla seeking answers to a series of questions regarding its technology. Included in the letter were questions regarding safety programming, issues related to phantom braking and driver monitoring capabilities. Tesla responded to the letter last week saying in part, “Tesla’s Autopilot and FSD Capability features enhance the ability of our

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