I don’t pretend to know what did or did not happen and agree that there are some concerns about what occurred afterwards.
With that said - I would ask you to agree that even attending such an event hosted by a group like that is a defacto sign of support for a criminal organization. You can’t have it both ways.
I would not go to a Crips or Bloods BBQ or get-together - would you? If I did, would FReepers advocating the side of the bikers be sympathetic if I was accidently shot or laugh and say I got what I deserved? Honest question that deserves and honest answer.
While I share the constitutional due process concerns of many who have posted about this here on FR, I do not share their apparent opinion that everyone is completely innocent. The “hosts” and the other gang that showed up are purely criminal organizations. I would not belong to any “club” that associated with such an organization (in any way) because at some point my participation becomes consent or support.
MC aren’t all criminal organizations. Many are and many aren’t. But that’s for the gov’t to prove in a court of law. It doesn’t give them the right to kill people for being part of the MC just because they think they may be doing illegal things.
Do you want unwise to be illegal?
Do unwise choices merit forfeit of due process and constitutional rights?
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What kind of ride do you have?
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Well, you are mostly right. The COCI was a front for the Bandidos, but not every club that belonged was a criminal gang.
When outlaw gangs control the COC’s, they use them as instruments of extortion. Non-outlaw clubs that join and pay dues (protection money) get to ride on the roads without being hassled by the biggest outlaw gang in the state. So that is one reason that legitimate, non-criminal clubs join and show up to these meetings.
Now, whether or not paying extortion to criminals so you and your buddies can ride a Harley in peace is being a good citizen, that’s another question altogether.