Motorcyclist Magazine gets Political

Motorcyclist Magazine | Nov 07 | Aaron Frank

[fightin kentuckian]

I urge everyone to write Motorcyclist Magazine and let them know how you feel. Below is the letter that I wrote to the magazinie.

Just picked up the Nov 07 issue (of Motorcyclist) from the (Post Exchange) PX. I needed something to read while waiting in the barber shop for my high-and-tight. I flip open the magazine and go straight to the Buell article by Aaron Frank.

I get half way through the the first paragraph when I came across the phrase "ambiguous Iraq War". This is a slap in the face to anyone who has worn a uniform.

First, as a Sr NCO with 20 plus years, there is nothing ambiguous about the war in Iraq. It is so very clearly a part of the larger war against Islamic Terrorism. Haven't you seen the videos of hooded men shouting Allah Akbar Every time they chop off a head or bomb innocents and Soldiers alike. Doesn't Frank remember 911?

There is nothing ambiguous about watching an Soldier present a triangular shaped folded flag to a woman or child seated beneath a canopy and reverently recite a solemn speech that begins,"On behalf of a grateful nation."

I spend everyday thinking about the war and how best to train new Soldiers so that they can carry on and win this "ambiguous war".

So when I pick up a motorcycle magazine the last thing I want is politics from a publication that should stick to what it knows, motorcycles, and let the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines handle the war.

[hoe_cake]

Most of the Harley riders I’ve been acquainted with are conservative. And to witness a reunion of the Harley Military Veterans is quite an awesome experience.

[ArrogantBustard]

There’s a bunch of riders in my office/lab. Not a single Harley. Not a single leftist, either.

[nerdwithamachinegun]

Same here. I just escaped the Cult of Hardley.
Our token leftist can’t even understand why a bike rag is making political comments about anything but nanny-state laws.

[wardaddy]

I’m not defending the writer since I support the war but the term ambiguous could reflect split public support, or the sorta not really defined end game there.

It seems like the end game is more kill Al Queada and leave Iraq governable by friendlies...all fine by me but is kinda ambiguous compared to:

Utterly defeat them and force them to behave and adopt our ways like WWII.

I agree that is the writer felt the need to qualify this war then he probably doesn’t support it.

[wizr]

Yep. To me, a Buell is an ambiguous motorcycle.

[BraveMan]

Angry Hooligan ping . . .

[JMJJR]

I’ve been riding for 40 years, the majority of those I ride with are prior military (me too). The ‘Biker community’ has a much higher percentage of veterans then the general population .

It’s interesting that the editorial staff of that magazine appears brain dead to that fact.

[Red Badger]

Ping!.......

[DungeonMaster]

I feel that anyone not riding a Harley is liable to believe almost anything.

[Disambiguator]

Yep. To me, a Buell is an ambiguous motorcycle.

Why is that? H-D came out with a sport bike in the 70's, but it was ahead of its time. I rode one once, and it handled impressively.

[dakine]

“capable of being understood in two or more possible senses or ways”

[martin_fierro]

Ecce Fcuktard
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[BraveMan]

I sense no ambiguity in my XB12SS. Just the rough hewn soul of an bona fide American Hot Rod.

While other bikes may whisper subtleties in your ear, not so with the Buell. It screams it’s message in your face, “Screw up just once and I WILL hurt you!”

[absolootezer0]

I feel that anyone not riding a Harley is liable to believe almost anything.

that's because we haven't been brainwashed to believe only what we're told by HD. :P

[JoeSixPack1]

So I googled Motorcyclist Mag & found their current give away contest. Doesn't look like I'll be reading any of their rags for world opinions any time soon.

But Fierro might want to try to win the above scooter!

[archy]

I’ve been riding for 40 years, the majority of those I ride with are prior military (me too).

Me too, as are virtually all of the Patriot Guard Riders.

One interesting spinoff of the Iraqi war is the spinoff use of motorcycle outriders; the Brits are particular believers, especially their SAS *Mobility Troop.*

The idea of having a nearby IED go off while aboard a bike is not a happy one; but it seems that the Brits have discovered that well-sewperated outriders on motorcycles aren't a very attractive target for command-detonated explosive charges, the ragheads prefering to get their victims by the truckload. And those on a bike are much more able to spot suspicious roadside objects or wires.

[SFC Chromey]

hmmm, so I ride Italian- Ducati, what’s your term for that?