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Post by Pat on Sept 15, 2009 17:04:09 GMT -6
Dammit. There's a politician in here? Who let THAT happen? ? i always had the impression that you were in charge I thought it was just a ceremonial position. If it involves actual responsibility for anything, then I quit.... Hmmm, maybe that makes ME the politician?
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Post by ressless1 on Sept 15, 2009 18:36:53 GMT -6
I still find it odd that nobody has really answered my question. My point is yours Geeze. Nothing at all has changed (in fact it's probably gotten worse) since these laws went int effect. Why suddenly do some folks find it okay to attend and ride during these events that are held in the City? (Under the guise of making a "statement") During the Fall Rally is that going to be the status quo. "It's okay to ride in the City, just don't spend any money"? Cut the Bullshirt! I understand that from the start there were several different opinions regarding this issue but riding (motorcycles) in the City was ALWAYS a NO! Much like a game of chess, when you establish a strategy, you must see it through to the end. If not, you're sure to lose! Not sure what has gotten worse but you can explain your position. From the view from the perch not a dime has done all I wanted it to do. The business community has organized and over 500 members are in BOOST and actively and publicly supports Bike Week. They have also sued the City and hosted and paid for Freedom Fest. We did not have that in the beginning. There is a new and competitive Chamber of Commerce and the MBACC is the recipient of many lawsuits. Actually it was Mike Shank the HD representative who has dropped their lawsuits and is not a member of BOOST. So who sold who down the river. Enjoy those HD open houses. Won't see me there. Riding under the guise of making a statement. Hummmm. I ride because I can. If it makes a statement it is I can ride anywhere I want to. Same as you. You choose to take you ball and go home and I no longer do. Thats your call and mine. Sorry if that doesn't fit your game plan but it fits mine. Soooo I'll ride in the City most every day. Vroom Vroom. [/quote] I agree with ya Bird. If I lived there, I would make a point to ride there every day, respectfully and with a helmet, but I would be there. For us to stay out is doing what they want. Also, good move on the face to face with Roades and the other leaders, kind of "know your enemy". Knowledge is power.
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Post by geezer on Sept 15, 2009 18:49:16 GMT -6
So, the Not A Dime In '09 campaign is gone, too? If we ride in the city, with a helmet, and support businesses that support us, ain't that the same thing as waving the white flag?
And does anyone know who HELP and/or BOOST is endorsing for mayor?
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Post by Pat on Sept 15, 2009 19:46:34 GMT -6
So, the Not A Dime In '09 campaign is gone, too? Not as far as I am concerned. I would not spend a dime within the city, "friendly" business or not, until the offending ordinances are gone. Not in 09, not in 2010, not ever. I want the businesses and citizens of MB to be as highly motivated to do the right thing as can be accomplished. The fiscal pressure is part of that. His Majesty, the Council, and the chamber think they have the strength of numbers behind them. The more people knocking on their door (both from below and above) complaining, the better. It will counteract their perception of strength. A so-called "friendly" business that has been let off the finacial hook and is not made to suffer right along with the rest of them won't be as motivated to get out and make their feelings known. Desperate people, on the other hand, can move mountains, and maybe even move city hall. I am persuaded that the folks at BOOST are genuine, and have some motivations here that go beyond the purely economic. That is, I think they recognize when the constitution is being trampled on. That said however, the reward for them doing the right thing and working against this injustice should come when the injustice is actually undone, not before, IMHO. No dessert before the main course. I think Mike and I probably disagree on this, but that's kewl. Everyone has an opinion.
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Post by beachbikers1 on Sept 15, 2009 20:04:26 GMT -6
I've been quiet up till now but what happened to "Not a Dine in '09" and maybe "Again in 2010" that you have been preaching so heavily Bird? I live in the City so I have no choice other to wear my helmet and drive through the City like Range & Train. But I'm far from burying the axe with the City and do any business until I know what kind of support we are going to get from BOOST and HELP during the election and what we end up with after. So far I'm not seeing too much in our favor or request for our support from any organization or candidate. Rhodes and Gray must go as a package or we're in trouble. As much as some people don't like McBride he must be elected along with Karon & Donny. Randal Wallace is ok, he is anti-helmet and would side with Karon & Donny in a heart beat (I know him). Beach, I personally look on the current moment as a bit of a pause while various threads sorts themselves out. There are the upcoming fall elections. There is the movement within the business community via BOOST to attempt to affect positive change and restore some economic sanity and moral standing to the Beach. There are the continuing slowly grinding wheels of justice in the lawsuits. There are new people popping up and participating in the political process. There are the new taxes and their impact on the local economy. There are the constant battles by TERC to prevent the local political establishment from misusing the A-Tax funds. And the larger swirl above all this is the general state of the economy and the public distrust and anger at abusive politicians who disparage the will and views of the public. And so, how we move forward requires, in some sense, some resolution to various of these threads and a bit of dust settling, not to mention a final accounting from the summer and just how poorly local businesses fared. I agree with you that not a single thing has changed in real substance to disuade me personally from altering my view of a general boycott of Myrtle Beach businesses and carrying that forward into 2010. On the other hand, that is not the same as saying nothing has happened at all. Quite a bit has and is happening, some of which is positive and which needs to be nurtured along to see what fruit it may bear. We're in this for the long haul, and the goals have not changed. But, when you are trying to start a fire out in the woods and you get a bit of tinder to spark and smoke, you don't want to blow too hard on it lest you blow it out. Anyway, that's kinda where I am at the moment. Taking a breath and watching to see what develops and what doesn't over the next month or two. Bird will offer his own views on all this I am sure. Just on a personal note, I find myself in the position of fighting to keep the lights on at work, scrapping for new contracts, and working long hours to help make that happen. At times, this has meant longer delays in updating the website and less public participation here in the message forums than I would like, but we're still at it and still have not taken a nickel from anyone. We do this because we believe in it, as does everyone here, and particularly because what is happening in Myrtle Beach is in many ways a microcosm of what is happening on the national scale and the concept many politicians seem to have developed that we the taxpaying public work for them, rather than the other way around. That pisses me off, as I know it does a lot of you also. Heck, I'm doing this from the People's Republic of Maryland. If you think Myrtle Beach is bad, you outta come up here sometime! And, just to let you know that we do think a little bit ahead, I did mention to Dilligaf last time I saw her that it might be time to start working on the "Do it Again in 2010" apparel, just in case. Only difference is, this time we'll have the infrastructure, contacts, and credibility in place to make it hurt twice as much. Not everything that goes on is in plain sight. That is certainly true for the enemies of individual liberties but it might also be true for those who oppose them. Regards, Pat PS - As an aside, I do not personally trust HELP. At all. I think they are opportunistic and "Meet the new boss, same as the old boss." I do not believe they have any appreciation for (or care about) the fundamental infringement of liberty that motivates so many of us here. I have never heard a single word from any of their membership or leadership to persuade me otherwise, although I tried to keep an open mind about them in the beginning since they appeared to have overlapping goals with ours. You will notice that there is not a single mention of them or link to them from our website or forums. That is not an oversight. Just one man's opinion. I just got back from NY today or I would have responded sooner. I'm going to have to set you straight on one thing. As far as Myrtle Beach politics I know more than than you will ever think you know. I live here in the City and see what goes on here ever day. Don't sit up there in Maryland and think you are going to solve our problems, you got problems of your own solve them first. You made a remark "But, when you are trying to start a fire out in the woods and you get a bit of tinder to spark and smoke, you don't want to blow too hard on it lest you blow it out." that really pissed me off! You don't know the real facts you only know hear say to make your conclusions. If you don't have a vote you have nothing to say!
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Post by Pat on Sept 15, 2009 20:11:43 GMT -6
You don't know the real facts you only know hear say to make your conclusions. If you don't have a vote you have nothing to say! Heh! No one can accuse you of not being passionate.
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Post by Pat on Sept 15, 2009 20:56:21 GMT -6
As far as Myrtle Beach politics I know more than than you will ever think you know. I live here in the City and see what goes on here ever day. Just out of curiosity, and drawing upon your extensive political expertise, who did YOU vote for in the last Mayoral election, and how did that work out for ya?
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Post by freebird on Sept 15, 2009 21:30:15 GMT -6
Beach, I personally look on the current moment as a bit of a pause while various threads sorts themselves out. There are the upcoming fall elections. There is the movement within the business community via BOOST to attempt to affect positive change and restore some economic sanity and moral standing to the Beach. There are the continuing slowly grinding wheels of justice in the lawsuits. There are new people popping up and participating in the political process. There are the new taxes and their impact on the local economy. There are the constant battles by TERC to prevent the local political establishment from misusing the A-Tax funds. And the larger swirl above all this is the general state of the economy and the public distrust and anger at abusive politicians who disparage the will and views of the public. And so, how we move forward requires, in some sense, some resolution to various of these threads and a bit of dust settling, not to mention a final accounting from the summer and just how poorly local businesses fared. I agree with you that not a single thing has changed in real substance to disuade me personally from altering my view of a general boycott of Myrtle Beach businesses and carrying that forward into 2010. On the other hand, that is not the same as saying nothing has happened at all. Quite a bit has and is happening, some of which is positive and which needs to be nurtured along to see what fruit it may bear. We're in this for the long haul, and the goals have not changed. But, when you are trying to start a fire out in the woods and you get a bit of tinder to spark and smoke, you don't want to blow too hard on it lest you blow it out. Anyway, that's kinda where I am at the moment. Taking a breath and watching to see what develops and what doesn't over the next month or two. Bird will offer his own views on all this I am sure. Just on a personal note, I find myself in the position of fighting to keep the lights on at work, scrapping for new contracts, and working long hours to help make that happen. At times, this has meant longer delays in updating the website and less public participation here in the message forums than I would like, but we're still at it and still have not taken a nickel from anyone. We do this because we believe in it, as does everyone here, and particularly because what is happening in Myrtle Beach is in many ways a microcosm of what is happening on the national scale and the concept many politicians seem to have developed that we the taxpaying public work for them, rather than the other way around. That pisses me off, as I know it does a lot of you also. Heck, I'm doing this from the People's Republic of Maryland. If you think Myrtle Beach is bad, you outta come up here sometime! And, just to let you know that we do think a little bit ahead, I did mention to Dilligaf last time I saw her that it might be time to start working on the "Do it Again in 2010" apparel, just in case. Only difference is, this time we'll have the infrastructure, contacts, and credibility in place to make it hurt twice as much. Not everything that goes on is in plain sight. That is certainly true for the enemies of individual liberties but it might also be true for those who oppose them. Regards, Pat PS - As an aside, I do not personally trust HELP. At all. I think they are opportunistic and "Meet the new boss, same as the old boss." I do not believe they have any appreciation for (or care about) the fundamental infringement of liberty that motivates so many of us here. I have never heard a single word from any of their membership or leadership to persuade me otherwise, although I tried to keep an open mind about them in the beginning since they appeared to have overlapping goals with ours. You will notice that there is not a single mention of them or link to them from our website or forums. That is not an oversight. Just one man's opinion. I just got back from NY today or I would have responded sooner. I'm going to have to set you straight on one thing. As far as Myrtle Beach politics I know more than than you will ever think you know. I live here in the City and see what goes on here ever day. Don't sit up there in Maryland and think you are going to solve our problems, you got problems of your own solve them first. You made a remark "But, when you are trying to start a fire out in the woods and you get a bit of tinder to spark and smoke, you don't want to blow too hard on it lest you blow it out." that really pissed me off! You don't know the real facts you only know hear say to make your conclusions. If you don't have a vote you have nothing to say! Sounds like you had a bad trip back.... ;D
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Post by acoghlan on Sept 15, 2009 22:39:51 GMT -6
I would like to know, as do many others, what candidates BOOST and HELP are supporting in the upcoming elections. Tonight a new smoke shop opened ,"Purple Haze", on Seaboard Street in MB. Many attendees stated they were definitely voting for Donny of Donny's Saloon, formally known as the Steelhorse Saloon, for council member, but were undecided on the other new candidates.
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Post by freebird on Sept 15, 2009 22:43:34 GMT -6
Not sure what has gotten worse but you can explain your position. From the view from the perch not a dime has done all I wanted it to do. The business community has organized and over 500 members are in BOOST and actively and publicly supports Bike Week. They have also sued the City and hosted and paid for Freedom Fest. We did not have that in the beginning. There is a new and competitive Chamber of Commerce and the MBACC is the recipient of many lawsuits. Actually it was Mike Shank the HD representative who has dropped their lawsuits and is not a member of BOOST. So who sold who down the river. Enjoy those HD open houses. Won't see me there. Riding under the guise of making a statement. Hummmm. I ride because I can. If it makes a statement it is I can ride anywhere I want to. Same as you. You choose to take you ball and go home and I no longer do. Thats your call and mine. Sorry if that doesn't fit your game plan but it fits mine. Soooo I'll ride in the City most every day. Vroom Vroom. I agree with ya Bird. If I lived there, I would make a point to ride there every day, respectfully and with a helmet, but I would be there. For us to stay out is doing what they want. Also, good move on the face to face with Roades and the other leaders, kind of "know your enemy". Knowledge is power.[/quote Thanks. Thats how I see it. We are winning over people and things are happening. As far as MB I didn't break any laws. My bike is properly purchased, legally registered and insured in the Great State of SC. I intend to ride it anywhere I want just like anybody that drives a car.
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Post by Pat on Sept 15, 2009 22:50:51 GMT -6
I would like to know, as do many others, what candidates BOOST and HELP are supporting in the upcoming elections. Tonight a new smoke shop opened ,"Purple Haze", on Seaboard Street in MB. Many attendees stated they were definitely voting for Donny of Donny's Saloon, formally known as the Steelhorse Saloon, for council member, but were undecided on the other new candidates. I will leave it to others to discuss candidates since I have been advised that I have nothing to say, but I will quote none other than Beach: "With Mayor Rhodes Gone, We Can't Go Wrong."
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Post by Pat on Sept 15, 2009 23:18:00 GMT -6
I intend to ride it anywhere I want just like anybody that drives a car. I hope you ride it better than your son drives HIS car...
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Post by acoghlan on Sept 15, 2009 23:30:48 GMT -6
I enjoy your informative posts, Pat. If I didn't I wouldn't read them. No one I know is going to vote for the Rhodent. As far as we're concerned he's ruined Myrtle Beach.
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Post by howardstern on Sept 16, 2009 4:43:03 GMT -6
Hey Ressless. Perhaps, because of your distance, your a bit naive as to the daily happenings in the Myrtle Beach area. I could go on and on about how it's gotten worse around here due to the wranglings of the Rhodes administration. Yes, Not a Dime has been a wonderful success. But, to say that headway is being made is false. Nothing at all has changed in the City in regards to the ordinance's that were enacted upon Bikers and Tourists along the Grand Strand. The laws remain in place. The Tax's remain in place and it's business as usual for a group of politicians that scarf at the will of the people. Welcome to Myrtle Beach. Hope you have the chance to vist soon...
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Post by freebird on Sept 16, 2009 6:05:54 GMT -6
Please enlighten us o wise one. Since you stay out of the City what do you care what happens in MB. By they way the 1% tax is being applied in Horry County. The Legislature sneaked that in at the last minute. Also check out how much money Horry County gave MBACC. So everytime you buy anything in Horry County it gets recycled back to MB. Just thought you would want to know so you can stop buying anything in Horry County as well.
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