TMRA II

Interesting conversation took place last night.. Another of the good
brothers at TMRA II called me.. Name's not important.. We discussed several
issues and the one that has stuck in my mind has been the ill conceived
perception by so many, that TMRA II is a one sided democratic controlled
membership..

Nothing could be furthur from the truth.. As a matter of fact.. Sputnik, who
as we know is the Chairman of TMRA II and an activist in the political arena
in Austin, makes a point of attending as many Republican functions as
Democratic ones.. For example.. Sputnik was very active at the State
Democratic Convention as well as the State Republican Convention.. Sputnik
supports many of the republican candidates and incumbents throughout the
state and nation.. He is a democrat (I think).. but he is balanced in
support of issues that are on both sides of the aisle in our legislature..

The membership also reflects a balance of republican and democrat
persuasions.. Although I suspect there just may be more democrats, the
republican brothers and sisters members,would argue that point, I'm sure..

Perhaps my own affiliation has contributed to this misconception of the
makeup of TMRA II.. Needless to repeat, I am definitely a democrat .. Be
that as it may, the republican brothers and sisters who know me personally
can attest that the concern of TMRA II is to represent motorcyclist's
interest and the best interests of our nation and state.. That is not
necessarily the order of priority..

As brothers and sisters of our mutual interests in motorcycles and the
rights of motorcyclists, we have often joined together, as democrats and
republicans, to access our political system and to make sure that our
government is representative of all of us as Americans..

TMRA II is unique in that respect and should be supported by everyone who
rides.. Dirt bikes, Touring bikes, Sports, Cruisers or whatever you ride,
even Cages and Pickups benefit greatly by the representation by TMRA II each
time the legislature is in session..

Your friend in Irving
Bill Walker

 

Sheesh.. Jim.. that would take days. I will try. Actually Elmer McKeeghan
or Mike Alvey either one would be better qualified to more completely give
you ALL the details of the organization.. Membership is open to anyone..
The organization has chapters throughout most of the state... Sputnik is the
chairman of TMRA II and has been almost from the beginning.. Some say that
he is the "father" of the organization..

The organization is focused on the legislative interests of motorcyclists
rights across the state, although Sputnik spends some time helping plan and
organizations like it, in other states.. TMRA II maintains an office in
Austin and maintains a presence in our state capitol, especially during the
legislative sessions, when members throughout the state gather there to
access their representatives and either argue for or against bills affecting
our rights .. Their high profile visibility in the capitol ensures that many
of the bills which might not represent the best interest of bikers are
brought to the attention of the membership..

Some might say that TMRA II is simply a lobbying effort by bikers, and that
is also accurate, but it is much more . Each chapter has monthly meetings
which all the members who attend express concerns, interests or ambitions
for the legislation or other issues which are of concern to them.. Very
open.. and usually informative.. The fellowship is another part of TMRA II
that I personally enjoy.. Regardless of party affiliation, republicans and
democrats come together as Bikers and they discover the many issues that we
all have in common..

One particular issue that I have focused on for a lot of years is our
insurance costs in Texas.. Others are concerned about the high cost of our
utilities and fuel.. Other issues concerning the environment are heard ..
The helmet law of choice in Texas is one of the products which we can be
thankful to TMRA II, for.. Although it isn't a perfect law and has some
areas that need to be smoothed out, we do not wear helmets if we meet the
requirements of the state..

I hope this gives you an idea of what TMRA II is about.. It is only the tip
of the iceberg.. Good.. honest and interesting people who share your
enthusiasm for motorcycles..and they work to make all our lives a bit more
enjoyable and free.. Mike Alvey or Elmer McKeeghan monitor this newsgroup
and post on here occasionally.. I'm sure they will notice your request for
information and will also respond when they get a chance.. Thanks for asking
me, and I hope that my little bit of information gives you some insight of
TMRA II.. I will discuss it more, if you like .. when we ride together
again... See you guys after I return from Arizona... Be safe while I'm gone
and regards to IceMan and both the lovely wives .and family..

BTW.. be sure to make the young man of yours know that this old veteran
wishes him a successful tour in Iraq and my prayers will be with him and all
the others while they are in harm's way.. Godspeed ... youngster.. stay
safe..

Your friend in Irving
Bill Walker