1%er Question

[MAS Tequila]

I'm sure this will bring all kinds of responses but here goes.

I received a call from a long time friend tonight, and after a few minutes he informed me that he thinks he can get permission from his club to wear his prospect colors and ride up from the coast.

My reaction was: Prospect colors, are you f@#king nuts? Why would you go and do that?

End result was that I told him he was welcome here sans colors.

That if he even had them with him I didn't care to see him.

I'm sorry, but there is enough sh*t of my own to deal with right now without adding that to it.

Then he said I would change my mind if I went to a party at the clubhouse, and got involved with the club.

I know several 1%ers and like the fact that the respect my feelings about not wanting their lifestyle.

I think I'm writing a longtime friend off tonight.

MT

[Loafer]

Sorry to hear.
It will be him that will be losing out.
Maybe he will come around to your way of thinking. :-/
Tough decision. :(
Good luck with it.

[jandreu]

Soooo he has to have permission to ride? I'm with you WTF ??? And can't ride without his colors? ???

[ponch]

Soooo he has to have permission to ride? I'm with you WTF ??? And can't ride without his colors? ???

Ironic, isn't it? for a group of people that don't want to follow societies rules, they certainly are screwy and just as controlling as another other tribe. I find this aspect of 1% clubs both ironic and hypocritical. Like George Carlin said, we are all full of sh!t.



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[trip]

I think you're right MT... Write him off... he's not the friend you once knew.

[cactusjack]

This friend of yours is an adult and he made this choice on his own. I don't think he needed permission to ride, he needed permission to wear his colors. The fact that he may someday be a full patch doesn't automatically mean he is a criminal or somehow unsavory. We can choose who we associate with. If you don't want to associate with a prospect of an MC, that's your choice.

[mrtelefoneman1]

I sorta side with CJ on this one. If his club says he can't wear his colors, then so be it. That is their property anyway and if he is a friend, then he will come ride with you without the colors. If the club says he can't ride with you or without them, then he's less than a man and you might think about reconsidering your friendship. Tough I know but I've had to do it. Good Luck MT.

[usranger74]

Rules, rules rules, we don't need any fXXX rules except those rules we invent. MC are a oxy moron http://s2.images.proboards.com/tongue.gif

[Jared]

Often times you become like those you associate most with.

[Idaho]

Your friend has pleged into a club and it sounds like he needs to recruit new blood in order to advance and he is looking to lean on your friendship. I say you can still be a friend but need to let him know that it will not recognize his association with the MC club. If he is good with that then okay, if not then you have your answer. Adios amigo.

[ponch]

Often times you become like those you associate most with.

And often times we associate with those were are most like. Then there are times we are just a hostage. ;)

[skeeter]

looking for love in all the wrong places.

be a light shining in the wilderness and pray your friend will find what he truly needs.

[AlabamaNomadRider]

Tough decision but he needs to respect your feelings.

[ringadingh]

Having the police watch you constantly is not the lifestyle I'd want to choose voluntarily. I can't see any benefits at all in becoming a member.

[Top Cat]

If he decided to ride up to see you and said he would leave his colors at home then I see no reason to write him off as a friend.
If on the other hand, he insists on wearing the colors even after you made your feelings known, then yes write him off. The MC is more important to him than your friendship.

[jims]

Seems like he couldn’t have been that close a friend if he is so easily written off. No MC will tell anyone not to ride or who to ride with but most MCs would not want a member riding with ‘colors’ while riding with another rider or group. For example the law enforcement MC the Blue Knights wouldn’t want a member riding with their colors along with a 1% group member and certainly vice-versa. The ‘colors’ are club property not the rider’s.
Your friend has obligated himself to put his MC first in all things yet he has still included you in his circle of friends. He is still a friend if you not decide to sign on and you still share riding together. A friend would not want to display ‘colors’ if a concern. In fact I am surprised his club would allow him to show prospect colors while riding solo in the first place, not normal protocol.

[Bdog]

Once a friend..always a friend..no matter what..just my opinion.

[Top Cat]

Once a friend..always a friend..no matter what..just my opinion.

Now that is a very blanket statement.
Let us say your best friend <s>sleeps </s> has sex with your wife.
Do you still consider him your friend?

[ponch]

Once a friend..always a friend..no matter what..just my opinion.

Now that is a very blanket statement.
Let us say your best friend <s>sleeps </s> has sex with your wife.
Do you still consider him your friend?


Have you heard the old saw, "my wife ran off with my best friend, now I miss him"? :)

I've had friends that I've parted ways with, but I also have friends that I have known 30+ years. It takes time to find that out. Also, there are friends and there are friends. A real friend is someone that will come to help 3am in the morning for whatever reason. There aren't too many of those.

[trip]

Actually, I have had my best friend have an affair with my wife... my first wife. After that whole experience, I have a different way at looking at friends. Right or wrong, I feel I don't really need friends.

Like Ponch mentioned.... it takes a while to really know if someone is your friend. A true friend is a person that has your best interest at heart and is willing to help anyway he can.

I don't know too many with that character... I haven't had a good friend since my divorce 30 years ago...... so be it.

[coacha]

Tracy Lawrence song says it best IMHO:

You find out who your friends are
Somebody's gonna drop everything
Run out and crank up their car
Hit the gas, get there fast
Never stop to think 'what's in it for me?' or 'it's way too far'
They just show on up with their big old heart
You find out who your friends are

I got one of those and we both have and will drop everything to do what needs to be done. There are a few others I know that probably will do the same, but one I know I can count on any time, any place.

[jims]

That’s the irony of this whole thread – old friends, new friends. Most if not all 1%ers join a MC because they have been let down, run off or run over by so called friends. They are in search of belonging to group that stands for something even if that is notoriety. The MC will help and come to the aid of a member at any time or anywhere for any reason, it is often the only family they have. Whereas the average person will place priorities in the order of (for the sake of discussion, alter as desired) God, country, family, friends, work, neighbor – the MC priority is always the club and members. The purpose of the “prospect” stage is to test that commitment.
Fortunately our “riding group” Kawanow gets together for the simple reason of having a common interest in the proper care and feeding of Nomads and Vaqueros. I don’t know anyone in Kawanow personally but I would consider them ‘friends’ or at least friendly.

[Top Cat]

Once a friend..always a friend..no matter what..just my opinion.

So you admit this was kind of an unthoughtout statement ???

[Bull Durham]

An old saying...........


"A Friend Is Someone Who Will Bail You out of Jail, but Your Best Friend Is the One Sitting next to you Saying 'That Was F***ing Awesome!' " http://s2.images.proboards.com/cheesy.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/cheesy.gif

[skeeter]

with a few mutual aquaintences I'll do my best to be your Huckleberry. Just remember there is only one that's perfect and always there.

[skeeter]

I think I could wear a 1% patch cuz if 99% of the times that I take a calculated risk and come away unscathed, I always seem to play that last point.

I have the scars to prove that I'm playing all out.

or maybe I'm not playing with a full deck....

a few bricks short of a full load...

?

[skeeter]

shut up JD

[vulcans2]

MC's are not a democracy nor merely a social organization, and their rules are law, and stringent. Violate them and the results are often seriously disastrous to the individual. You have a name and a moniker, but no individuality. Go with the club when they say, where they say and that's ironclad. It's too bad your friend has decided to associate with this club and prospect. It's not a savory lifestyle and it's all-consuming, and that's where his loyalty is now. Since he's still a prospect, he has a chance to pull out before it's too late. Maybe you could convince him to get out before he can't get out. Eventually he'll know too much and they don't just let you leave. He may not be able to leave his colors at home to ride outside the club. But if he chooses the club over longtime personal friendships, then I think it's time to find other friends and put him in the past. He's an adult, it's his choice. Wish him luck.

[Bdog]

[quote author=blackiedog board=general thread=24847 post=379421 time=1312903541]Once a friend..always a friend..no matter what..just my opinion.

So you admit this was kind of an unthoughtout statement ???[/quote
No not at all. My point is simple..Once a friend..( became a friend)..always a friend ( made a committment )..no matter what ( still a friend..may not like this person anymore, or trust them or want anything to do with them etc. ) but still a friend. I know this may not make sense to some and others it will....jmo

[recumbentbob]

Soooo he has to have permission to ride? I'm with you WTF ??? And can't ride without his colors? ???

He is a "Prospect" NOT a full club member, that is why.

[Top Cat]

[quote author=blackiedog board=general thread=24847 post=379421 time=1312903541]Once a friend..always a friend..no matter what..just my opinion.

So you admit this was kind of an unthoughtout statement ???[/quote
No not at all. My point is simple..Once a friend..( became a friend)..always a friend ( made a committment )..no matter what ( still a friend..may not like this person anymore, or trust them or want anything to do with them etc. ) but still a friend. I know this may not make sense to some and others it will....jmo

Your right about one thing John, I don't understand your logic. ???
But that's what makes the world interesting. We are all different. http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

[jestephens]

Motorcycle gang fight shut down I-44 in Missouri this weekend . . .
http://www.ksdk.com/news/article/271725/3/Biker-gangs-fight-on-Interstate-44

[ponch]

Motorcycle gang fight shut down I-44 in Missouri this weekend . . .
http://www.ksdk.com/news/article/271725/3/Biker-gangs-fight-on-Interstate-44

I guess the meth market must be getting tight. http://s2.images.proboards.com/shocked.gif

[bigdaddy]

Most 1% ers are very insecure people. They seek the group dynamic because they have a hard time interacting with others. Let them be. They are not what they used to be. RICO has taken a lot of starch out of their shorts. As Father Martin the recovering alcoholic once said..."The louder the man, the more scared the man is." 1% ers make their impact with their mouths....don't hear it.

[Loafer]

jestephens, I noticed at the bottom of the link you posted that the Gannett publishing copyrighted that story, not to be reproduced without their permission I assume.

[rflnomad]

Tough call. I don't do anything that I don't agree with. Doesn't matter what friends say. The wife and I ride to escape the day and enjoy the peace & quiet. Don't really need anything more.
Only have two patches on our jackets, the Kawasaki patch that was on them when we bought them at the dealer when we got the bike, and our Kawanow patches. ;)
We ride for "us".
Good Luck with your decision.

[Kawhead]

jestephens, I noticed at the bottom of the link you posted that the Gannett publishing copyrighted that story, not to be reproduced without their permission I assume.Obviously, jestephens is one of the 1% ers and don't give a chit about "The Man" or his rules. Don't do nothing to provoke him, or he'll disappear yo azz! http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

[jestephens]

jestephens, I noticed at the bottom of the link you posted that the Gannett publishing copyrighted that story, not to be reproduced without their permission I assume.Obviously, jestephens is one of the 1% ers and don't give a chit about "The Man" or his rules. Don't do nothing to provoke him, or he'll disappear yo azz! http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

You're right about my concern of the 'the man', he can sit on it. http://s2.images.proboards.com/cool.gif

[Kawhead]

Obviously, jestephens is one of the 1% ers and don't give a chit about "The Man" or his rules. Don't do nothing to provoke him, or he'll disappear yo azz! http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

You're right about my concern of the 'the man', he can sit on it. http://s2.images.proboards.com/cool.gifSometimes I think my screen name should have been ESP or Nostradamus or something fitting, and cool like that. http://s2.images.proboards.com/cool.gif

When you rebel against "The Man" it's cute and fun and all that until "The Man" promotes you. Then you wanna taken them little rebels and bury them up to their necks in a field and run over them with a wheat thrasher s-l-o-w-l-y. http://s2.images.proboards.com/angry.gif:(" title=">:(" border="0"/>

http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

[ponch]

You're right about my concern of the 'the man', he can sit on it. http://s2.images.proboards.com/cool.gifSometimes I think my screen name should have been ESP or Nostradamus or something fitting, and cool like that. http://s2.images.proboards.com/cool.gif

When you rebel against "The Man" it's cute and fun and all that until "The Man" promotes you. Then you wanna taken them little rebels and bury them up to their necks in a field and run over them with a wheat thrasher s-l-o-w-l-y. http://s2.images.proboards.com/angry.gif:(" title=">:(" border="0"/>

http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

I am still waiting for that promotion.

[Loafer]

You're right about my concern of the 'the man', he can sit on it. http://s2.images.proboards.com/cool.gifSometimes I think my screen name should have been ESP or Nostradamus or something fitting, and cool like that. http://s2.images.proboards.com/cool.gif

When you rebel against "The Man" it's cute and fun and all that until "The Man" promotes you. Then you wanna taken them little rebels and bury them up to their necks in a field and run over them with a wheat thrasher s-l-o-w-l-y. http://s2.images.proboards.com/angry.gif:(" title=">:(" border="0"/>

http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

I thought the alcohol had worn off enough for me to understand your statement. But I'm still at a loss.

[Kawhead]

Sometimes I think my screen name should have been ESP or Nostradamus or something fitting, and cool like that. http://s2.images.proboards.com/cool.gif

When you rebel against "The Man" it's cute and fun and all that until "The Man" promotes you. Then you wanna taken them little rebels and bury them up to their necks in a field and run over them with a wheat thrasher s-l-o-w-l-y. http://s2.images.proboards.com/angry.gif:(" title=">:(" border="0"/>

http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

I thought the alcohol had worn off enough for me to understand your statement. But I'm still at a loss.You shoulda understood it, I was dam inebriated when I wrote it! Mutton Head! When I got through typing, every word come up with the red squiggly spell check line under 'em! http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/cheesy.gif

I wondered off the thread a bit musing of the horrible days when I was a foreman on a paint crew, and I had to keep the crew working. Entrepreneurs, and supervisor and stuff like than really have my hat off to 'em.