ABATE OF FLORIDA, INC.

SOUTHWEST CHAPTER
Newsletter
May 2017 Volume XLI Issue V

Next Chapter Meeting Sunday, May 21st @ Six Bends Harley Davidson at 10:30 a.m.

ABATE OF FLORIDA, INC.

The only Motorcyclists Rights Organization in the State of Florida
Legislative News MSAP Instructors Community Service
ABATE: American Bikers Aimed Towards Education
We lobby and educate the Government and the general public to promote motorcycling in a safe and positive image.
ABATE of Florida, Inc. 2010 ABATE of Florida, Inc., Southwest Chapter. All rights reserved. ABATE of Florida, Inc.
and the Southwest Chapter does not condone drinking while riding or driving.

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 ABATE OF FLORIDA, INC. SOUTHWEST CHAPTER MEETING:
MISSION STATEMENT

We are a non-profit organization of SUNDAY, MAY 21ST @ 10:30 a.m.

motorcycle enthusiasts from all walks of life.
We lobby and educate the government and the at SIX BENDS HARLEY DAVIDSON
general public to promote motorcycling in a 9501 Thunder Road
safe and positive image. We endeavor to enlist Fort Myers, FL 33913
the cooperation and participation of all
organizations and individuals that share a
similar interest in preserving our American
tradition of FREEDOM. We promote
motorcycle safety, training and political MEMBER MATERIAL DEADLINE,
awareness. We ARE NOT A CLUB OR NEW ADVERTISERS AND/OR AD
GANG. We fund our work through toy runs, CHANGE DEADLINE:
poker runs, campouts and other motorcycle
activities. We are your neighbors and friends
who work, pay taxes and get involved with our 20th of the month for editorial and Board
community. We serve and support our country approval
and believe in freedom. We use all legal means
to protect our rights without infringing on the
rights of others.
IDENTIFICATION STATEMENT
OUR GOALS
Southwest Chapter Newsletter
To become a powerful and viable political
force in legislative matters concerning the
Issue date: May 2017
motorcyclist;
To promote safe riding habits without PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY
infringing on individual freedoms; ABATE of Florida, Inc.
To motivate bikers to write letters to their SOUTHWEST CHAPTER
legislators before, during and after the PO Box 60745
legislative session; and Fort Myers, FL 33906
To furnish our members with a newsletter to
keep all bikers informed in regard to upcoming www.southwest.abateflorida.com
legislation.

DISCLAIMER: The views expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily those of ABATE of Florida, Inc. and/or the
Southwest Chapter. The publication allows members to express their beliefs and opinions. ABATE of Florida, Inc., and the
Southwest Chapter accepts no responsibility for the comments, opinions, or views contained in this newsletter.

Please direct correspondence in reference to this publication to: Heidi Szolga, Southwest Chapter, P.O. Box 60745, Fort
Myers, FL 33906-6745 or email at abateswc@yahoo.com.

Donations to ABATE of Florida, Inc. are not deductible for Federal Tax Purposes.
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 Presidents Message and Report:

Dear Southwest Chapter Members:

Well, another Month has come and gone and we have some good news and some
not so goodFirst the good. Heidi, Moe and I rode in the Freedom Ride to
Tallahassee on April 10th and though the turn-out was not as strong as State and
those present would have liked, it was accounted to more people having jobs and
were unable to attendand thats a good thing. We were able to speak with some
of the Senators aides from our area and let them know why we stood against HB
6009 and why we are fighting to get our Safety Money back in ABATEs hands. Now, for all intended purposes, HB 6009
is 99% DEAD, Moe & Teddybear will give you the Meat & Potatoes on that coming up in their reports. Wednesday
nights at our Old Stomping Grounds Victory Lane is picking up momentum. We are holding raffles and 50/50s and not
just raising revenue for the Chapter, but also making new friends and new people aware of what ABATE is doing to guard
our Freedoms and promote Safety. They have specials and dining gift certificates to give awaySo well look for you
on Wednesdaysspread the word and bring some friends. The Great Cycle Games event at Sun Sports is just around the
corner and we are expecting a real good turnout. The call for Line Judges and Timekeeper volunteers has produced some
good teams to support the event, so again, tell your friends and bring them out. Its Saturday May 6th at Sun Sports Cycle
& Watercraft on Colonial, starting at 9:00 A.M. Ill let you know how it turned out in next months report. Some more
good newsat the State Meeting in Tallahassee there were some Chapter Achievements which Heidi explained like this:
Southwest Chapter Swept the Floor. Shell tell you all about it in her Membership report stay tuned. On the fun side,
we are looking to do more riding each month & also do more fundraising events, at least every other month. Well keep
you informed. Now, if youve never seen our MSAP videos, theyve been posted Online, check them out. See the Delegates
Safety Report for more info. Next, Lee County will issue a May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month Declaration to
our Chapter. We encourage all to attend. The information for this Proclamation is on the newsletter calendar.

Now for the not so good, we had a very poor response for nominations to our Chapter Board of Directors (BOD) Positions.
Only one nomination was accepted, another was declined, and one was withdrawn due to the nominees absence. Ive seen
this happen before and even though I jest about our Southwest Chapter Regulars, its a very sad and disheartening truth
of ABATE Chapters. We see the same Delegates and the same BODs at our State Meetings, month after month, year after
year. Some, like in our own BOD, the people who step up not only hold one position but 2 & 3 posts, some hold as many
as 4. This my friends, gets old after a while. Its nice to enjoy the freedoms that ABATE of Florida and its Chapters provide
through their hard work, dedication and the giving of their timeand not just for ABATE Members but for all motorcycle
riders, in every class of motorcycles and enjoy the rewards and achievements of the Chapter while others do most of the
heavy lifting. Dont get me wrong, I know who the ones are that help with the Set-ups and Breakdowns and come to
our Bike Nights and support our Events I thank you all. Its been an honor to serve our Chapter and I can tell you from
what I know of your current Board, they feel the same way. So consider this, from this time last year, to the present,
ABATE of Florida has lost 2 Chapters, were now just 25. And one of those Chapters had one of our largest Memberships
in our organization. Heres what we lose every time that happens; Not only the decline in Membership; we lose MSAP
instructors. I cant stress enough how important our MSAP Program is to ABATE of Florida in promoting Safety and
Crash Avoidance. That program not only saves lives, its one of the most powerful munitions our lobbyist has in his arsenal
against the Helmet Law Crazies. It is one of the reasons weve been able to keep intrusive Legislation at bay. We lose
contacts with the schools that this program supports, we lose revenue at Chapter and State levels, we lose the ability of our
numbers to sway Legislators against bills that would restrict our freedoms and support those issues that will assist ABATE
in promoting its 2 primary Missions: Our Rights and Our Safety. All this we lose, because some would not step up and
serve in THEIR OWN CHAPTER for 1 year. This is the main reason Chapters fold. So Ill close with this: Weve shared
good times and lean times, great memories and sad ones, falls and great achievements and in September will celebrate our
37th year together. Dont let Southwest Chapter fall by the wayside. Your Chapter needs your help! I ask this, Brother to
Brothers and Sisters. I look at it like this: Volunteer service is a series of small tasks, in which the rewards are always
ample.

Thanks,
Ride Free my friends.
Robb

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 Vice Presidents Message: ABATE of Florida, Inc./Southwest Chapter
EXECUTIVE BOARD & TRUSTEES
PO Box 60745, Fort Myers, FL 33906-6745
www.southwest.abateflorida.com

President: Robb Rabell

thesawguide@yahoo.com / 239-458-3136

Vice President: Moe Moser

ironcitysupplyco@yahoo.com / 412-999-3397

Greetings Chapter Members: Secretary: Gwynne Hickman

Gwynne.hickman@gmail.com / 239-246-2025
With the Florida legislative session scheduled to close on
May 5, Im proclaiming May 6 to be Freedom Day! Treasurer: Heidi Szolga
Barring an extension to the session, thats the day that the
love_of_tigers@hotmail.com / 618-616-0870
mandatory helmet bill, HB 6009, will be officially dead.
What better way to celebrate than by coming out to Sun
Sports and joining your fellow freedom fighters at the Sergeant-At-Arms: John Lupo
Great Cycle Games? The proceeds from the event will go the_loops@msn.com / 239-850-4905
to our Chapter to help us in our mission- fighting for
motorcyclists rights and educating the general public Asst. Sgt-At-Arms: Don Gator Meredith, Jr.
about awareness of motorcyclists on the road. If you 239-245-3147
dont care to participate in the Games, come out anyway
and make a $10 donation to the Chapter while hanging Membership Trustee: Heidi Szolga
out with good-looking and interesting people! love_of_tigers@hotmail.com / 618-616-0870
Hope to see you there.
Public Relations: Gwynne Hickman
Moe
Gwynne.hickman@gmail.com / 239-246-2025

Legislative Representative: Ken Teddy Bear Miller

Kenm0612@gmail.com / 239-410-3208

Safety Director: Ed Lufkin

Vm101bat@gmail.com / 508-685-9220

Newsletter: Heidi Szolga

love_of_tigers@hotmail.com / 618-616-0870

Webmasters: Taylor Musburger

ABATE@musburger.net / 360-298-1921 and
Ed Lufkin, vm101bat@gmail.com / 508-685-9220

Chapter Chaplain: Tom Provenzano

tprovenz@comcast.net / 239-267-8641

Products: Vacant

Chapter Rep: Moe Moser

Chapter Rep: Carl Nelson

HELP SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL MOTORCYCLE

RIGHTS ORGANIZATION (MRO)
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 ABATE OF FLORIDA, INC./SOUTHWEST CHAPTER
GENERAL MEETING
Six Bends Harley-Davidson, Fort Myers on April 23, 2017
15 Members Present -
Silence your phones, Pledge of Allegiance, Moment of Silence
Meeting called to order at 10:32 a.m.
Robb welcomed Tom and Mary who recently re-joined our chapter.
Presidents Report:
There was not a large turn-out for the Freedom Ride, however, it
was very fruitful as the riders were able to see many of the
Legislators. The Southwest Chapter has returned to Victory Lane
Caf in N. Ft. Myers for Wednesday night Bike Nights. Another
group has also joined us. The 50/50 raffle was a success, especially
because the winner donated his share of the winnings back to the
chapter! Thank you. We will have another 50/50 raffle and a shirt
raffle next Wednesday. The Great Cycle Games event is in 2 weeks
and we need volunteers; please help your chapter make this a
winner. Last week Robb met with the food vendor and there will
be an assortment of foods available. We will open the nominations
for the Executive Board at this meeting, will confirm them at the
next meeting and vote in June. Nominations can also be made at
our May meeting.
Vice-Presidents Report:
Moe had no report.
Secretarys Report:
Gwynne stated the minutes from our March meeting had been
posted in the newsletter and hopefully everyone had a chance to
review them. She asked if there were any corrections or additions;
being none a motion to accept as made by Carl Nelson, seconded by meeting to participate. Information regarding this will also be posted
Fran Lupo. Motion carried.
Treasurers Report:
Heidi reported the beginning and ending balances of our account
for the month, including our expenses and income. Everyone was
welcomed to look over the report at the end of the meeting. Motion New Business:
to accept was made by Big Bird and seconded by Teddy Bear.
Motion carried.
Membership Report:
Heidi reported we had 18 new members and 2 renewals in the past
month. At the State meeting, the Southwest Chapter received 4
membership awards for the highest percentage of growth and for
the most new members for the months of January and February
2017! Congratulations and thank you to all who helped make this
happen! The Certificates of Excellence will be held in the
Secretarys files.
The State has been holding a 2-year membership drive that began
April 2016 and will continue till April of next year. Heidi has
reached 50 sponsorships and will receive her prizes
congratulations, Heidi! The prizes are varying and cumulative for
each level reached.
Public Relations/Communication Report:
Gwynne reminded everyone of the upcoming presentation of a
proclamation for May being Motorcycle Safety and Awareness
Month at the next County Commissioners meeting May 2nd at 9:30
a.m. We invite all of our members to attend as we accept this
proclamation and let our County leaders know we are paying
attention.
Legislative Report:
Teddy Bear reported the helmet law is dead! Don Hanfeldt, the
Representative from District 33 is the person who brought this
forward and was heavily backed by the FL Medical Association
when he ran for office. It is expected he will bring this up again next
year. There is a mandatory helmet law on the Federal list to be
brought forward by the National Highway Safety Administration, so
we cannot let our guard down. The Vulnerable Riders bill has been
assigned to the first committee, but has not been heard yet. Our
Southwest Chapter is an eleven-year member of the MRF (Motorcycle
Rights Foundation), which is fighting for our rights at the Federal
level. Discussion was held on the pros and cons of wearing a helmet.
Moe is personally a member of the MRF and urges all of us to consider
joining as individuals.
Delegate Report:
Heidi reported on the Delegate report from the April 9th State meeting
and the Tallahassee Freedom Ride.
Sergeant-at-Arms:
Remember to check your tires before riding and be safe. Increase your
distance with others during the rainy season.
Products:
We will be placing an order of 50 small chapter patches. Let the Board
members know if you want one.
Old Business:
The Great Cycle Games event will be May 6th at Sun Sports. We have
some volunteers, but need more. Please come forward and help you
chapter with this fundraiser. It is only $10 to compete in all of the
biker games and contests, many prizes will be given out, including gift
certificates. Heidi reached out to the other chapters during the State
on FaceBook. Peace River will host their Run-a-Much event May 20th
at the Peace River Campground. The five chapters (Southwest, Gator
Alley, West Coast, Estero and Peace River) will host the State Party in
November.
Robb wants to start doing day rides once or twice a month, as well as
more fundraisers. Gun raffle tickets are $5.00 each and you are invited
to sign up to sell them! The drawing will be in December.
Nominations for the Executive Board:
VP Moe opened the nominations for the 4 Executive Board positions
Robb Rabell was nominated as President by Heidi, Robb accepted the
nomination. Closed. Carl Nelson was nominated as VP by Robb, Carl
declined. Closed. Trudy Rabell was not present but will accept a
nomination for Treasurer next month if asked. Closed. No nominations
for Secretary. Closed.
All other Trustee positions will be appointed by the new President.
Nominations closed until next meeting in May.
Robb reported that we have over 200 members in our chapter and
stressed the importance of members supporting the chapter by
attending the meetings, events and volunteering. PLEASE step up at
the next meeting. Heidi stated it is time for others to step up and help
out. It is only a one-year commitment and if everyone were to do their
job, it would be easy for everyone. We only need 4 members for the
Executive Board, and if we dont have those positions filled, our
chapter will fold.
Robb reminded everyone we have chapter postcards to send to our
Legislators if you want them. See Heidi for the gun raffle tickets.
Motion to Adjourn:
Motion to adjourn was made by John Lupo, seconded by Charlie
Fisher. All in favor, meeting adjourned at 11:41 a.m.
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6
Legislative Report:
By: Teddybear
Good Morning Freedom Fighters,

With buzzards circling overhead, HB6009, the helmet bill, is dead, but, it doesn't mean that we should let our guard
down. I suspect that we will be hearing from Rep. Hahnfeldt again next session, unless our sister chapters, that are in his
District, can open some type of communication with him and his staff.

I did some research on Rep. Hahnfeldt to see if I could find out where he got this from. Rep. Hahnfeldt served in
the United States Navy as a submarine commander and later as a submarine fleet commander. He served his country with
honor and distinction.

When he retired, he and his family moved to Florida where he got involved in local politics and served as a Sumter
County Commissioner. The person who held the District 33 seat vacated the seat to run for the State Senate. Former Comm.
Don Hahnfeldt filed for the seat and ran unopposed.

All the businesses who do business in The Villages donated $29,000 towards his campaign. He was also heavily
endorsed by the Florida Medical Association (FMA). If you're familiar with the FMA, you know that they're very strong
advocates of mandatory helmet laws, just like their parent organization, the American Medical Association (AMA), along
with their partner in crime, the Center for Disease Control (CDC).

Fortunately, there doesn't appear to be any federal tax dollars involved or any federal attempt to coerce our
Legislators to pass this law. But we still need to remain vigilant.

The Vulnerable Road User Bills, HB 541 and SB

432 had their first reading back in March and are still in
their first committees. As soon as we get any movement on
these bills, we will let you know.

The VRU Bill that REMOVES motorcycles from

the list, SB 408, the sponsor CANNOT find anyone in the
House to sponsor a companion bill, and it has not made it
to the first committee. Again, the buzzards are circling
overhead.

Our request for a safety money grant will be in both

the Senate and the House Budget Bills again this year.
Hopefully, the Governor won't veto our request as he has
done in the past.

HOUSE READY TO MOVE ON 'STAND YOUR

GROUND'

After senators quickly approved the proposal, the

Florida House could be poised to pass a bill that would shift
a key burden of proof in "stand your ground" self-defense
cases. The House could take up the issue (HB 245 and SB
128) during a floor session Tuesday. The Senate approved
its version of the bill in a 23-15 vote March 15.

The proposal, backed by the National Rifle Association,

stems from a Florida Supreme Court ruling in 2015 that said
defendants have the burden of proof to show they should be
shielded from prosecution under the "stand your ground"
law. In "stand your ground" cases, pre-trial evidentiary
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hearings are held to determine whether defendants should be immune from prosecution. The bill would shift the burden
from defendants to prosecutors in the pre-trial hearings.

The House version easily cleared the Criminal Justice Subcommittee and the Judiciary Committee on party-line votes, with
Republicans in support and Democrats opposed.

HOUSE APPROVES JUDICIAL TERM LIMITS

The Florida House on Wednesday narrowly approved a proposed constitutional amendment that would limit
Supreme Court justices and appeals-court judges to two consecutive terms in office, sending a major priority of Speaker
Richard Corcoran to an uncertain fate in the Senate.

House members voted to approve the measure (HJR 1) on a 73-46 vote nearly along party lines. It takes 72 votes to
pass a constitutional amendment through the House. Six Republicans --- Reps. Eric Eisnaugle of Orlando, Jay Fant of
Jacksonville, Joe Gruters of Sarasota, Don Hahnfeldt of The Villages, George Moraitis of Fort Lauderdale and Dan
Raulerson of Plant City --- joined Democrats in opposing the measure.

If adopted by the Senate and the voters in a November 2018 referendum, the proposal would essentially limit most
judges to between 12 and 15 years in office. Service of current District Court of Appeal judges and Supreme Court justices
before 2019 would not count toward their term limits.

Appellate judges in Florida aren't directly elected but go on the ballot every six years in retention elections for up-
or-down votes. Legal organizations across the political spectrum have opposed the legislation, but Corcoran, R-Land O'
Lakes, brushed that off in a statement issued by his office after the vote.

"That tells you we are doing what is right," Corcoran said. "And neither special interest hand-wringing nor political
influence will stop the House from doing what is right. It boils down to this --- we believe that no government job should
be for life." But opponents argued that the measure was aimed at weakening the judicial branch after a string of Supreme
Court rulings that have stymied Republicans who dominate state government. Many of those rulings have been issued by
majorities featuring long-serving Democratic appointees.

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 "At the end of this day, the bill will have one major chilling effect: a less-independent judiciary beholden to the
executive and legislative branches," said Rep. Evan Jenne, D-Dania Beach.

HOUSE APPROVES 'PIP' REPEAL

The Florida House on Wednesday overwhelmingly approved a proposal that would repeal the state's longstanding
"no fault" auto insurance system. The debate now shifts to the Senate, where a similar measure (SB 1766) has moved through
one committee with less than three weeks left in the regular legislative session.

House members voted 89-29 to approve their version (HB 1063), filed by Rep. Erin Grall, R-Vero Beach. The bill
would eliminate a requirement that motorists have personal-injury protection, or PIP, coverage, which helps pay medical
bills after accidents. Motorists instead would be required to have bodily injury coverage.

Grall said the bill would lead to a change in "personal responsibility" and would reduce auto-insurance rates. "It's
time to repeal PIP," Grall said. But opponent Larry Ahern, R-Seminole, said the changes would shift costs to health-
insurance policies.

JUSTICES APPROVE FELON RIGHTS, GAMBLING INITIATIVES

In a pair of high-profile issues that could go on the ballot next year, the Florida Supreme Court on Thursday
approved proposed constitutional amendments that would restore felons' voting rights and restrict the expansion of gambling
in the state. The court's approval of the measures is a critical initial step, but supporters still face the task of collecting
hundreds of thousands of petition signatures to get the proposals on the November 2018 ballot. Groups backing both
initiatives quickly said they will move forward with collecting and submitting the required 766,200 signatures to reach the
ballot. Supporters of the gambling measure had submitted 74,626 signatures as of Thursday, while backers of the felon-
voting initiative had submitted 71,209, according to the state Division of Elections. "We are pleased that the Supreme Court
has approved the language of this amendment and we can move forward with our efforts to ensure that Florida voters ---
not gambling industry influence and deal making --- are the ultimate authority when it comes to deciding whether or not to
expand gambling in our state," said John Sowinski, chairman of Voters In Charge, a group spearheading the gambling
measure. The Supreme Court does not rule on the merits of proposed constitutional amendments but looks at issues such
as whether ballot titles and summaries would be clear to voters and whether initiatives comply with a single-subject
requirement. The court unanimously signed off on the proposal that would automatically restore the voting rights of many
felons after they have completed the terms of their sentences. The amendment would not apply to people convicted of
murder and felony sexual offenses. The issue of restoring felon rights has long been controversial in Florida, with critics
of the state's process comparing it to post-Civil War Jim Crow policies designed to keep blacks from casting ballots. A
system approved in 2011 by Gov. Rick Scott and the Cabinet required felons convicted of nonviolent crimes to wait a
minimum of five years to have their rights restored, while others could wait up to 10 years before being eligible to
apply. Attorney General Pam Bondi and other supporters of the process have argued that the restoration of voting rights for
felons should be earned and only after a sufficient waiting period.

But the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida, which is helping lead efforts to pass the ballot initiative next
year, said the proposal would bring Florida in line with other states. "Now the work of gathering signatures and mounting
a successful campaign to change the Florida Constitution begins in earnest," Kirk Bailey, ACLU of Florida political director,
said in a prepared statement Thursday. "We look forward to Florida voters being given a chance to bring our state's voting
rules out of the 19th century and into the 21st." The Supreme Court was more divided about whether the gambling-related
initiative should move forward. The measure was approved in a 4-2 decision, with Chief Justice Jorge Labarga and justices
Barbara Pariente, Peggy Quince and Charles Canady in the majority and justices Ricky Polston and R. Fred Lewis
dissenting. Justice Alan Lawson, who joined the court at end of December, did not take part. If the amendment is approved
in November 2018, it would give voters the "exclusive right to decide whether to authorize casino gambling" in the state. It
would require voter approval of casino-style games. Polston, in a dissenting opinion joined by Lewis, argued the proposal
is misleading and violates the single-subject requirement. He contended, in part, that the proposal would not fully inform
voters about its possible effects on a constitutional amendment passed in 2004 that authorized slot machines in Miami-Dade
and Broward counties. Under that amendment, local voters also had to approve the slot machines. "The initiative is placing
voters in the position of deciding between a preference for controlling the expansion of full-fledged casino gambling and
Florida's current legal gaming landscape," Polston wrote. But the majority rejected arguments that it should block the
measure from going on the ballot. "The opponents primarily argue that the initiative should not be placed on the ballot
because it is unclear whether, if passed, the amendment would apply retroactively and what effect, if any, the amendment
would have on gambling that is currently legal in Florida --- including gambling that was previously authorized by general
law rather than by citizens' initiative," the majority wrote.
9
 "However, as the sponsor points out, the opponents' arguments concern the ambiguous legal effect of the
amendment's text rather than the clarity of the ballot title and summary."
Washington, D.C. - It's becoming increasingly clear that multiple federal courts are fundamentally hostile to gun rights.

In March, the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals let stand a ruling that held that there was no right to sue a police
officer who killed an innocent man in his own home, even though the officer was at the wrong house, did not have a warrant,
pounded on the door at night, failed to identify himself as a police officer, failed to turn on his car's emergency lights, and
misunderstood a neighbor's directions pointing him to a different door entirely.

Why did the court hold that the police officer was immune? Because the homeowner answered the door holding a
gun, which he unquestionability had the constitutional right to do.

The Eleventh Circuit is now the second federal court of appeals (the Fourth Circuit was the first) that has held that
lawful gun ownership can actually diminish your other constitutional rights, such as your Fourth Amendment right to be
free from unreasonable search and seizure.

Yet exercising one constitutional right should not limit the exercise of other constitutional rights. It's time for the
Supreme Court to step in.

Concealed Carry Reciprocity Proposed Nationwide

A group of Republican U.S. House members have proposed a bill, HR 38 that would allow national concealed carry
reciprocity for licensed concealed carry permit holders. The bill is sponsored by U.S. Rep. Richard Hudson, R-North
Carolina. Hudson says that carry permits should be treated the same way as driver's licenses.

10
 Our Second Amendment right doesn't disappear when we cross state lines, and this legislation guarantees that, he
said in a statement. The Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2017 is a common sense solution to a problem too many
Americans face. It will provide law-abiding citizens the right to conceal carry and travel freely between states without
worrying about conflicting state codes or onerous civil suites.

The lawmaker made the same proposal in the last congress and managed to gain 131 co-sponsors. However, certain
rejection by the Obama administration cause the bill to fail to advance. Hudson expects that a firearms-friendly Trump
administration will face vastly better odds.

However, with the Senate Republican majority too slim to survive a filibuster, the odds are still long against final
passage to reach the President's desk.

From the Motorcycle Riders Foundation, Washington, D.C.:

Motorcycle Riders Foundation Responds to NHTSAs Proposed Policy on Autonomous Vehicles
WASHINGTON, DC Today, the Motorcycle Riders Foundation filed official comments with the National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regarding a proposed policy and guidance surrounding automated vehicles or self-
driving cars.

Released in September, the long-awaited guidance from the Agency was a first step in attempting to regulate this
burgeoning technology. The guidance included a model policy for states to better understand how such vehicles are tested
and used on the road as well as a recommended 15-point safety assessment for manufacturers to follow to ensure
autonomous vehicles are safely designed, developed, tested and deployed.

Generally, the guidance was accepted as a positive first step, but very quickly opposing sides materialized with
differing views on non-mandatory guidelines versus regulations, the scope of the federal government and effect on
preemption for those states that have already begun to address the vehicles in state law, and general concerns over how to
ensure safety within a technology that is so rapidly evolving.

Representing the voice of the millions of street motorcyclists in the U.S., the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF)
thoroughly reviewed the proposed policies as well as attended Agency workshops, congressional hearings and other forums
to better understand how this technology and these policies would consider and ensure the safety of motorcyclists on the
road. The organizations thoughts are captured in extensive comments filed with the Agency, which can be viewed at:
https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=NHTSA-2016-0090-0001.

In short, the comments indicate that while the MRF recognizes the potential that these vehicles may offer in regards
to improving road safety, other sections made clear that, any guidelines, procedures, or regulations promulgated, are
considerate and inclusive of all road users, specifically motorcyclists. The comments centered around four main points
including implementing an enforceable requirement for automakers to have robust testing when it comes to motorcycle
recognition and responsiveness, ensuring that safeguards surrounding cyber security have strong standards, thoughts and
considerations regarding liability in crashes with self-driving vehicles, and general concerns about the scope and
enforceability of the policy as well as the need to define a clear role between states and the federal government.

With over 10 million registered motorcycles on the nations roads, the MRF insists that this group is an important
stakeholder that is often overlooked when it comes to driverless vehicles. The MRF is working to ensure that bikers across
the nation not be overlooked; they recently nominated a well-known motorcycle rights activist to serve on a newly
established Council at the Department of Transportation that will help advise the Secretary of Transportation on this issue.
There has been no indication yet that the nomination has been accepted, but the MRF insists that it will remain vigilant in
ensuring bikers have a seat at the table when it comes to automated vehicles.

From the American Motorcycle Association:

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Three federal bills have been introduced to halt the spread of E15 fuel, which contains as much
as 15 percent ethanol by volume. H.R. 1314, introduced by U.S. Rep. Robert Goodlatte (R-Va.), calls for the elimination of
the Renewable Fuel Standard, which is the section of the Clean Air Act that provides minimum volumes for renewable fuels
each year.

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 Goodlatte's second bill, H.R. 1315, would cap ethanol blending at current levels and ban the sale of blends higher
than 10 percent ethanol (E10). H.R. 199, introduced by U.S. Rep. Michael Burgess (R-Texas), also would cap ethanol fuel
blends at 10 percent.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke issued two secretarial orders on March 2 that expand access to
public lands and increase hunting, fishing and recreation opportunities nationwide. Secretarial Order No. 3346 overturns
the recent ban of lead ammunition and fish tackle used on Fish and Wildlife Service lands, waters, and facilities. The order
highlights the need for additional review and consultation with local stakeholders.

Secretarial Order No. 3347 advances conservation stewardship, improves game and habitat management and
increases outdoor recreation opportunities by directing bureaus and agencies to immediately identify areas where recreation
and fishing can be expanded.

The order also requests input from the Wildlife and Hunting Heritage Conservation Council and Sport Fishing and
Boating Partnership Council to provide recommendations on enhancing and expanding access on public lands and
improving habitat for fish and wildlife.

THE RAZOR'S EDGE

In a trailer for a forthcoming feature film about Wonder Woman, the DC Comics character, Israeli actress Gal Gadot
is shown as the titular character, raising a car above her head and tossing it down a crowded street.

Some Internet commentators complained that the shot was unrealistic: Gadot's armpits, visible for a moment,
appeared implausibly free from any vestige of hair. After all, they asked, would Wonder Woman, who was supposed to
have been raised as an Amazonian warrior princess, really shave her pits? Worse, it was a missed opportunity for a feminist
statement.

With Wonder Woman standing in as an example of female strength, wrote one blogger, it would have been
exciting to see her with a little hair under her arms.

Luckily, the vital question of whether Wonder Woman would, or would not, have armpit hair were she a true
feminist was settled by the response of a plurality of respondents to a New York Times/Women in the World online poll:
And the Survey Said? Who cares? She's not real.

Wonder Woman, who does not exist, is getting her own movie. Some feminists have been perturbed on social media
I know, I know, who saw that coming because her fictional armpits are shaved.

It doesn't matter if the quantity of people who are concerned about Wonder Woman's armpit foliage number in the
high hundreds. It becomes a thing on the Internet and gets amplified and discussed because social media need to be righteous
about something all the bloody time.

It starts with Lyndx Myspttixlic (aka Susan Johnson) writing a blog post about how the whole notion of hairlessness
is oppressively gender-conformative in the context of the historicity of the male gaze. Right? Any fool can see that. The
culture needs strong, positive role models of women who can deflect bullets and also have French-level lady fur.

You want to ask these people: Will you finally be happy if Wonder Woman foreswears daily depilation? If not,
when will you be satisfied? Wave a wand, the world's yours. What does it look like?

See you in the wind,

'TEDDYBEAR'

Quote of the Month: Everything reactionary is the same; if you don't hit it, it won't fall. This is also like sweeping the
floor; as a rule, where the broom does not reach, the dust will not vanish of itself.
Mao Tse-tung Aug. 13, 1945

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 SOUTHWEST CHAPTER LIFE MEMBERS
Kim Adair Sonny Gartrell Tabitha Rossi
Keith Baker Steven Goldstein Roland Salsberry
Bill Barber Lynnda Gray Bruce Scheiner
Darrell Barnett Larry Gullin Juergen Wolfgang Schmidt
Denee Bartels Bob Hall Jencye Schmitt
Karl Bartling Hans Holberg Jerry Schmitt
Karl Bartling, III Rodney Hollingsworth Elsie Seif
James Bogenrieder Misti Hollingsworth Doug Sepanak
Scott Blink Harry Hoover Robert Simon
Chet Budz Jeff Hoover Kelly Smith
James Burkholder Jonathan Hunt Roger Smith
Nora Burkholder George Huttman Randall Spivey
Don Campbell Susan Red Huttman Richard Stergulz
Ellen Campson Dan Jackson Sandy Stergulz
Frances Cazes Cindy C.J. Jordan Grandpa Steward
Wayne Cerra Frankie Kennedy Lynda Stewart
Jonathan Conant Ed LaCombe S. Wade Stogran
Terry Covington Richard Leon Russell Sullivan
Audrey Cran Julio Lopez Heidi Szolga
Rick Cran Mary Ann Rivera-Lopez Scott Turner
Rob Cran KD Marlowe Ruth Vorys
Robert Cruz Crusan Don Meredith Jr. Teresa Webster
Jim Crystal Kenneth Miller D. Payton Wells
Dan Curry John Mitchell Michael Wieland
John DAgostino Jay Monttetit Jama Wyatt
Kim DAgostino Moe Moser Steve Wyatt
Biffle Davis Taylor Musburger
Lynne Davis Carl Nelson Life Members Who
Mary Dicenzo-Porter Steve Newton Have Passed Away
Al Diagiaco Tami Newton
Frank Disomma Terry Padilla Jerry Barnett
Cindy Doak Bob Penn Maggie Cran
Randy Eck Asuncsion Peppers Ginny DAsti
Marius Espeleta Richard Peppers John Kennedy
Jeffery Fielder Kathleen Provenzano Russell May
Harry Foster Rev. Thomas Provenzano Rev. Rea Means
Leather Foster Frank E. Rhorer Jo Ann Miller
Brian Galvin Bill Robinson Jim Mozeleski
Janet Rolfe
To become a Life Member contact the Membership Trustee on Page 4

Southwest Chapter Products

Chapter Patch Large (Members Only) $25.00

Chapter Patch Small - $7.00
Chapter Flag - $25.00

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 MEMBERSHIP REPORT & SPOTLIGHT
Please welcome to the Chapter the following members who joined during our Membership Drive over the last few
months. We welcome each of you and hope to meet/see you at our meetings and events.
Lily Arenas Dorian Gulledge Pedro Perez
William Bailey Lloyd Hartman Norbert Pilz
Ilia Basora Jody Hayes Ben Povlow
Cheryl Bell Harry Ted Hudson Gerald Pratt
Howard Bell Bill Jolicoeur Ted Prillwitz
Jan Burg Bob Kaniper Christy Rabell
Max Burg Kenneth Katcko Marion Rozwood
Larry Burgess Kevin Kelsey Al Salafia
Stephen Carpinteri Beth Kirby Rob Sample
Robin Caywood Thomas Koebel Cathy Sapp
Steven Caywood Craig Kugelman Jeff Sapp
Jeff Cherney Jerry Leonard Steve Schultz
Charles Colletti Sherry Leonard Eugene T. Seaman, II
J. Coltrain Katie Linzalone Jim Soppa
Sandra Cote Phil Linzalone James St. Charles
Larry Crips Charles Lufkin Carl A. Steinhoff, II
Anthony Cuozo Gerald Mangina Dean Swafford
Jack Davis Wendy Mangina Bob Tarqueno
Matthew Duff Scott Maycroft Terry Thweatt
Richard Fabsits Michael Mazzoli Carl Truax
Wendy Fabsits Ron Miller Jim Vaughan
Gary Gissiner Rhonda Mitchell George Walla
Becky Gloss Craig Monyelle Edward Weide
Mike Gloss Russell Moe Moses Mark Weiss
Bonnie Grecio Joe Ozimek Kevin Wilson
Glen Pannenbakker
As a highlight to our Southwest Chapter, at the April State Meeting in Tallahassee, Southwest Chapter received Certificates
from State for the highest percentage of membership growth and the most new members for both January and February,
2017. This is a significant achievement for Southwest Chapter and we thank all the members who worked hard in supporting
our membership drive and helping us obtain these achievements.
Heidi Szolga
Southwest Chapter ABATE
Membership Trustee

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 May, 2017
Sun Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri Sat
1 Safety Month 2 3 4 5 Sun Sports 6
Proc - Cty Victory Lane Great Cycle
Commissioner Bike Night Games
Office, 2120 6pm - ??
Main St., Ft.
9am-4:30pm
Myers-9:30am
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
Victory Lane Fort Myers
Bike Night Bike Night
6pm - ?? 6-10pm

14 15 16 17 18 19 20
Victory Lane
Bike Night
6pm - ??

21 22 23 24 25 26 27
Chapter Victory Lane
Meeting-Six Bike Night
Bends-10:30am 6pm - ??

28 29 30 31
Victory Lane
Bike Night
6pm - ??

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 June, 2017
Sun Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri Sat
1 2 3 1 2 3
Victory Lane
Bike Night
6pm - ??

4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Victory Lane State Meeting
Bike Night 2pm
6pm - ?? St. Augustine,
FL
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
Victory Lane
Bike Night
6pm - ??

Chapter Mtg 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
Six Bends-10:30 Victory Lane
Bike Night
6pm - ??

25 26 27 28 29 30
Victory Lane
Bike Night
6pm - ??

17
 ABATE OF FLORIDA, INC.
Southwest Chapter P.O. Box 60745 Fort Myers, FL 33906

ADVERTISING RATE SCHEDULE

AND APPLICATION

6 Months 12 Months
BUSINESS CARD $ 55.00 $ 80.00
QUARTER PAGE $ 85.00 $135.00
HALF PAGE $145.00 $245.00
FULL PAGE $200.00 $375.00
Please submit all artwork in PDF or JPEG format. Email advertisement artwork/information and/or questions to
abateswc@yahoo.com. All advertising MUST be approved by ABATE of Florida, Inc., Southwest Chapter.
Ad renewal payments must be received by the 10th of the renewal month or ad will be discontinued.
Forward this completed form and payment to above P.O. Box. Checks payable to Southwest Chapter
Business Name:
Address:
Business Contact: Business Phone:
Cell Phone: Email:
AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE:
Print Name: Ad Start Date:
Duration of Ad: Ad Renewal Date:
Date Payment Received: Form of Payment:
DONATIONS TO ABATE OF FLORIDA, INC. OR SOUTHWEST CHAPTER ARE NOT TAX DEDUCTIBLE AS
CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION FOR FEDERAL INCOME TAX PURPOSES.

18
 ABATE of Florida, Inc.
Southwest Chapter
P.O. Box 60745 Fort Myers, FL 33906
Southwest.abateflorida.com

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
SEE PAGE 4 FOR MEMBERSHIP TRUSTEE INFORMATION

Name (Please Print Legibly):

Mailing Address:

City State Zip Code + Four

Phone: (Include Area Code):
May we use your phone number for our phone tree? YES NO
Email Address:
Are you a registered Voter? YES NO
Please list your voting districts from your Voter Registration Card:
FL House FL Senate US Congress
District

Name of Chapter you wish to join: Southwest Chapter

If you are a member of more than one chapter, please designate your home chapter

Select ONE of the following:

New/Renewal Annual Membership Due $20.00
Lifetime Membership $600.00
Transfer Membership to:
Change of Address:
Signature: Date:
Sponsored by Chapter Member:
Memberships are open to anyone 18 years of age or older. All members receive with their paid membership a membership
card, our bi-monthly Masterlink magazine, Chapter Newsletter, Chapter voting privileges and personal involvement in
Statewide legislative actions and their freedom to ride.
CHAPTER USE
Dues Paid by Cash Check Money Order
Mailed Date: Membership Card Make Checks Payable to:
ABATE of Florida, Inc.
Copy of By Laws Southwest Chapter
Membership Expiration
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