Auntie ABATE / “Cuz” Report

Oh, Auntie ABATE—By Golly, it’s been one heck of a year! We’ve had two major elections – our own ABATE of WI elections, and the Presidential election. It’s been a whirlwind, a political tornado, to say the least. Here’s hoping the new year finds us all settled down and ready to move on to the business at hand. A lot of that business has to do with getting to know our new officers for ABATE of Wisconsin and our new legislators, whether they be on a federal level or on a state level. Now is the time for all of us to step up and get those who represent us in government to know who we are and why we do what we do for the motorcycling community. If you have a passion for keeping your freedoms, let our government officials know.

It might not hurt to heal some old wounds, too. No matter what your political affiliations might be, we are all working toward a common goal of freedom on the road. So, be sure to answer those calls to action from Steve or the MRF. They are so important in pushing forward with legislation we need to preserve our rights. I hope by now you know who your legislators are and more importantly, that they know you, so when we do have to meet them, they are familiar with you and with ABATE. Be sure to wear some of that ABATE swag when you meet with them, so they have the visual, along with the talking points. Visuals make a difference.

December has always been a time for reflection. The older I get, the faster the years go by, but at this time of year, I do stop to appreciate what I have, the friends that I’ve made, and family. Family doesn’t just mean those people that you are born into. Family means that sense of comfort and community you find with those that become close to you, those that you can trust.

I have added a lot of family throughout my years of being a member. I know that wherever I travel, I can count on some of the best people I have met because of this motorcycling network I have been accepted into. No, we don’t have the same viewpoints on a lot of things and, yes, I’m known to speak my Polish mind. But I listen too, and I respect other’s opinions and believe it or not, we can put our differences aside and still remain family after our discussions.

It has been a difficult year, without a doubt. A lot of us have had to dig deep and have found out what we are made of and what drives us to succeed. We have had a lot of time to reflect and to ride. I call it soul searching, and at the end of the day, what’s important for me is being satisfied with what I have and who I spend my time with. Here’s to family.

Merry Christmas.

Happy New Year.
“Cuz”