BIZARRE BEHAVIOR WHEN CITIZEN CONFRONTS BEAUREACRACY

Shivering and wheezing from the fifteen-block trek from the parking lot at U of T to the Ontario Legislature, I (accompanied by my sturdy protest sign) stood before the security desk aka Checkpoint Charlie. Following a lengthy discussion with the (very polite) guard in attendance, I was informed that my sign was persona non grata and I would not be allowed entry unless I left it outside by the garbage bin. This sign, I explained in great detail, was proudly displayed at three previous protests regarding biker rights and that it represented huge sentimental value to this old campaigner. The guard gave me his personal guarantee that it would be there when I returned. I bought his spiel mainly ‘cuz the prospect of that long walk back to my car was definitely not an option. Ten minutes later, with coffee in hand, I passed the security desk on my way outside and was informed by the very polite (now very golly-gee-shucks humble) guard that, despite his best efforts, the Speaker of the House (his boss) had confiscated my sign. I exited the building and two, count ‘em, two security Sergeants of opposite gender (extremely polite and pleasant) halted me and inquired if there were large numbers expected to attend this specific session of parliament. I informed them that, at this point in time, I was an army of one but other protesters were expected. As if on cue, a couple of school buses pulled up to the front doors and a tense moment (when walkie-talkies were unholstered) was aborted as soon as a large group of senior citizens disembarked. Bizzare, Eh? At this point I inquired if it was possible to retrieve my sign but, according to the duo, it looked extremely doubtful but they would utilize their best efforts on my behalf. Mmmmm; perchance two closet protesters sympathetic to the cause? This conversation caused me to recollect Mr. Pooler’s fondness for the observation that “you can’t put the shit back in the donkey!” causing me, once again, to admire and endorse that undeniable pearl of wisdom. At this point, I was bored and in the throes of hunger pangs. The cafeteria beckoned and I was gone.

The male Sergeant (an extremely helpful sort) sat down across the table and said, “I got some good news and some bad news.” Now, as a survivor in the human race, I have learned to never, never ask for the bad news if there is a choice. I opted for what was behind the first curtain.

“The Speaker has returned your sign and I have it stashed outside the door and I’ll show you as soon as you’re finished.” he explained. The situation was lookin’ good so I bravely, and boldly, inquired about the second choice.

“Just kidding about the bad news” he said smiling, ”but the Speaker would like your sign for his collection if you’re going to throw it away later.” He added seriously. Damn Bizarre, Eh?

I declined, explaining that the sign represented a personal statement. We then proceeded to the door area and bumped into Kathy and Ken Macdonald, both members of Sarnia/Lampton BRO wearing their respective patches proclaiming same, and coincidently also the people responsible for spearheading the campaign against this oppressive piece of legislation. The whole episode was almost laughable except for the fact that the Private Members Bill 117 was scheduled for second reading on that cold December afternoon.

Bill 117 is another piece of unnecessary legislation that further oppresses our lifestyle. If this legislation passes, you can kiss goodbye to bonding with your offspring (fourteen and younger) while enjoying a leisure ride aboard your machine. It will not matter if the child can reach the pegs as only the age of the child will allow or disallow this right of passage. If this bill achieves law the police can add yet another excuse for those unnecessary (read annoying) roadside stops should a juvenile occupy your bitch seat.

Following a lively debate that afternoon, with sitting members split fifty-fifty, Bill 117 was sent to committee and it may or may not die there. Your assistance is needed to smother this bill before it becomes law. Call your MPP! Better yet email him/her a letter explaining your opposition to Bill 117. Examples of letters are available on the Sarnia/Lampton BRO website www.slbro.on.ca or OCC website www.occ4u.org with updated additional information on http://groups.msn.com/OCCOntarioConfederationofClubs. Download a petition sheet or Google® the many online petitions against Bill 117 and sign one. Hell, sign all of them! Tell all your friends, bikers or not, about this total waste of our precious tax dollars and a further attempt to legislate all facets of life; particularly at a time when there are far more pressing issues, and particularly when this subject is already covered under the current law.

Many individuals are convinced that petitions do not achieve success. Nothing is further from the truth! Recently, the Ontario government backed down on parts of a controversial bill restricting drivers under 19 when they're behind the wheel due to a group on Facebook® that attracted 150-thousand sympathizers . . . Did I mention there is a Facebook® group protesting Bill 117? Change can be accomplished but it requires diligence and dedication. Don’t delay joining this groundswell of grassroots politics and remember . . . YOUR opinion can make a difference NOW!!

Not sure where to send a signed petition sheet? Send it to me via snail mail to our OCC P.O. Box listed on www.occ4u.org and I’ll see that it is placed in the proper hands.

Scary Larry

OCC Treasurer