Feds to Seize Mongols Patch
by Steve
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
This article from the LA Times paints a rather disturbing picture of what lengths the feds will go towards eliminating gang violence...
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-mongols22-2008oct22,0,754213.story
But the most lasting blow to the San Gabriel Valley-based bikers may be down the road: In an unusual maneuver, the feds are also seeking to seize control of the Mongols' trademarked name, which is typically accompanied by its cherished insignia -- a ponytailed Genghis Khan-like figure riding a chopper.
This makes the feds no different than a rival motorcycle gang. It's not uncommon for a motorcycle club to collect the patches of a smaller club, and effectively put it out of business.
And what good would it do to take away the name and logo from a club? It's members are still out there, and will seek to continue their ways under another name and logo.
I guess if the feds can buy control of banks and mortgage lenders, they can also seize control of trademarks and logos. That's a scary thought when you consider Barack Obama is about to become the next President.
Next thing you know, Obama and the liberals will want a law that requires every club to register their name and patch with the feds.
I won't defend the Mongols or any other club, but I don't like the idea of government seizing ownership of private property under the guise of protecting the public, especially when property itself can't commit any crimes.
Labels: Motorcycle Clubs
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Firing of Guards with Motorcycle Club Ties Upheld
by Steve
Thursday, December 27, 2007
The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New York ruled that a State is within its rights to fire a state-employee for being a member of a motorcycle club.
The matter isn't that simple, however.
In this case, three prison guards were fired for being members of The Outlaws MC, while a fourth was "counseled". This happened two years ago.
Their firings were appealed, and the federal court upheld the firings, due to the nature of their job descriptions, and nature of their workplace.
Read the full article here...
http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19149470&BRD=985&PAG=461 &dept_id=161556&rfi=6
Labels: Motorcycle Clubs, The Outlaws MC
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"1%" a New HBO TV Drama
by Steve
Thursday, October 04, 2007
HBO has ordered a pilot TV drama show called "1%" based on the world of 1%er motorcycle clubs.
The new drama was ordered following the departure of other successful HBO dramas, "The Sopranos" and "Six Feet Under".
The new pilot show "1%" is written by Oscar-nominated writer Michael Tolkin.
Source: Reuters
Labels: Motorcycle Clubs
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Clubs That Are Not Clubs
by Steve
Sunday, July 29, 2007
There's some clubs out there calling themselves "club" when in fact they're not really a club. I think it's a phenomenon that's spreading across the motorcycle community with greater frequency.
I've even seen one in SoCal calling itself a "motorcycle club", when in fact they're not a club at all. They don't wear a patch, and they allow anyone to walk in off the street and become a full member.
There's another group based in SoCal, now with chapters all around SoCal, calling themselves a "club", but going on to say the following about themselves...
The club has no membership dues, no patches and no meetings. Patches went out in the 60's & 70's. If you think you need a patch, well you probably know what that means!
Well then, you're not a club.
You can't be a club if anyone can just walk in and become a full member without knowing anyone, without having qualifications, or without having demonstrated their worthiness. If your group is a club, then it's a club like belonging to MySpace or Yahoo.
In fact, that's what they really are, web forums. Someone created a website where people can create a user account and post messages to each other. Somewhere down the line, they started calling it a club. They like the prestige that comes with the word "club", without the responsibility of being a club.
A club patch isn't just a piece of cloth anymore or anyless than the US Flag is just a piece of cloth. It stands for something special, and that something special is defined by the members of the club. The members is what makes the club unique, and if anyone can join right off the street, then you can't create anything unique.
I'm not saying your club has to have a patch in order to be a club, what I'm saying is that it can't be a club if it's that easy to join. Wearing the club patch is a symbol of your accomplishment in achieving membership. If anyone can be a patch holder right off the street, then members don't have much to be proud of.
If you created a group just so that you can find some buddies to ride with, that's cool. We all want people to ride with. But if that's your sole intention, then don't call it a club. Figure out something else to call it.
But if you do want to call it a club, then make it exclusive, make it special, make it tough to join, make other people wish they could join but can't.
Labels: Motorcycle Clubs, Riding Clubs
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New Zealand District Bans Back Patches
by Steve
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Apparently, the Wanganui District Council in New Zealand voted today to adopt a "no colors" policy across its entire domain, according to The Daily Telegraph...
http://www.news.com.au/..../0,22049,21564353-5006506,00.html
Districts in New Zealand are similar to the counties we have in the USA.
At issue is escalating warfare between rival motorcycle clubs, including a serious head-injury of a MC member last month where shots were fired...Civil libertarians are horrified at the possibility of a law that would mean anyone wearing gang patches or regalia in a public place would get a $NZ5000 ($4400) fine.
The Bill would be aimed at those displaying gang regalia in the Wanganui shopping area, on beaches and in parks.
Banning the wearing of club patches won't stop gang warfare. Motorcycle club members can identify their association in other ways that the public doesn't recognize, but where other club members can easily identify.
If anything, not being clearly identified as a club member might cause other citizens to be confused as club members. Moreover, the general public will no longer know if they're walking among motorcycle club members.
Labels: Legislation, Motorcycle Clubs, New Zealand
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Airheads BMW Club
by Steve
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
There's a "worldwide" club for owners of vintage aircooled BMW motorcycles called, "Airheads Beemer Club".
It was founded by the same guy who owns that John Deere BMW motorcycle, and he's the editor of their newsletter, "Airmail". The Airheads have about 3,100 members worldwide and offer an extensive technical section in each of issue of Airmail.
Visit Airheads Beemer Club online at:
http://www.airheads.org
Labels: BMW Motorcycles, Motorcycle Clubs
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New Biker Book - "Under and Alone"
by Steve
Saturday, June 11, 2005
A true story about a cop who goes undercover to join the Mongols was published last April, entitled "Under and Alone: The True Story of the Undercover Agent Who Infiltrated America's Most Violent Outlaw Motorcycle Gang"
.
It sounds like an interesting read for those intrigued with biker gangs.
William Queen, who was a Vietnam Vet and an agent for the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco & Firearms, infiltrated the Mongols as an undercover agent. According to Amazon.com:
Assuming the role of bearded biker "Billy St. John," Queen entered into a 28-month undercover operation. To gather evidence of homicide, weapons and narcotics violations, he sometimes wore a wire, knowing that its discovery could lead to his murder. Indeed, he was suspected at first of being a cop and forced to prove himself in more than a few dangerous situations. But after months of hazing, he became a trusted member.
Labels: Motorcycle Clubs, William Queen
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Motorcycle Club Sues Rochester Bar for Discrimination
by Steve
Saturday, February 19, 2005
From KAAL TV 6, members of a motorcycle club are suing the Rochester Bar because it was denied access for wearing their colors:
The attorney representing the Sons of Silence motorcycle club says its members were refused entrance to the bar because they were wearing their "colors," or motorcycle apparel. He sent a letter to the bar warning of legal action, saying a 1998 state law prohibits that kind of discrimination.
Labels: Biker Discrimination, Motorcycle Clubs
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Bosozoku Biker Gangs of Japan
by Steve
Wednesday, January 12, 2005
An article in the Mainichi Daily News says that the police in Japan are taking advantage of new laws in an attempt to pull the reins on the "bosozoku biker gangs" that roam the country. Apparently these gangs don't cause much physical harm, but are more of a nuisance with their late-night rides, their loud mufflers, and hogging up Japan's narrow streets.
Previously, police really didn't have the power to do much about bikers zig-zagging on city streets, or blocking road ways. But now, they have a new law where if you're suspected of being in a biker gang, you can be arrested on the spot.
Geez! So that does that mean if a H.O.G. rider is seen riding around with a club emblem on his jacket, that he can be arrested on the spot?
It's get worse though:
It's not the only new tool in the police arsenal that helps them combat bikers. Cops will also be armed with paintball rifles, nail guns to shoot out tires and can now use unmarked Black Wing motorcycles to keep watch on the roads. A whopping force of 250 road patrol cops conducted a special training session on Oct. 19 in anticipation of the crackdown on bikers.
Labels: Bosozoku Biker Gangs, Japan, Motorcycle Clubs
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