[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 126 (Monday, September 12, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: September 12, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                          ABATE: CARING HAWGS

                                 ______


                          HON. JAMES A. BARCIA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 12, 1994

  Mr. BARCIA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an 
organization that is a model for caring about one's own community. 
ABATE, American Bikers Aiming Towards Education, is a nationwide 
organization with over 3,400 members in Michigan. On Sunday, September 
4, Region 7, including Huron, Tuscola, and Sanilac Counties within my 
5th Congressional District held a meeting to review its efforts to 
educate the public and its members about motorcycle riding.
  More noticeably, though, is the fact that ABATE Region 7, under the 
leadership of Butch Brown, continues its efforts to give back to the 
community through very impressive programs. It is beginning its 
preparations for another annual toy run, in which last year's primary 
recipients were abused children. It reviewed on-going efforts for a 
food drive for the needy in their organization and in their community. 
And many members and community leaders are interested in their next 
annual bowl-a-thon, which this year helped provide needed funds for 
three emergency medical teams and support for the Kingston Fire and 
Rescue Service to purchase its own Jaws of Life. They also helped raise 
funds to maintain Evergreen County Park in Sanilac County. Their 
efforts exemplify the best of Americans helping themselves and their 
neighbors through hard work and dedication.
  Mr. Speaker, motorcycle riding is a sport enjoyed by a wide variety 
of people. Yes, there are those who look like the bike riders that have 
been romanticized by Hollywood. But there are also many other 
professionals and housewives who enjoy the thrill of open riding 
provided by safe motorcycling. Their free spirits have involved them in 
legislative battles against certain laws their members consider to be 
unnecessary, and that is why they also like ABATE to be known as 
meaning ``A Brotherhood Against Totalitarian Enactments''. People may 
disagree with their specific proposals, but they must respect their 
rebel spirit that was a necessary ingredient in our Nation's birth and 
in becoming the leading supporter of freedom in the world.
  Businesses throughout the tri-county area of Region 7 have been most 
supportive of the several fund raising efforts made by ABATE, and are 
to be commended for their willingness in helping their communities help 
themselves.
  Mr. Speaker, the Harleys and other motorcycles are symbols of their 
freedom from the confinement that so many of us find at our work or 
even in our cars. But these Hawgs also demonstrate that the members of 
ABATE, and Region 7 in particular, are on a wonderful road of life 
caring about the people that are met along the way. I encourage our 
colleagues to learn about ABATE activities in their own districts and 
to become involved with people who know how to care, know how to give, 
and know how to ride the wheels of life.

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