Every once in a while you have to blast off at something that really bugs you. I have no problem with the Wall Street protesters calling themselves the 99%. However, I am not optimistic that they will actually accomplish much in the way of reform – without leadership and direction they remind me more of a techy-Woodstock gathering. (Unfortunately I missed Woodstock - I was in Viet Nam at the time.)
Here’s what bugs me: the mega-rich that have manipulated the economy for their own gain at the expense of the rest of us being called the 1%.
The 1% is an outlaw biker symbol.
In 1947 the Wild Bunch rode through the southwest and took over Hollister.
About 1961 outlaw bikers were termed by the American Motorcycle Association as the 1% of bike riders.
The 1% patch doesn’t belong to any one club, but in the tradition of Easy Rider it is a symbol of someone who rides against the wind: a non-conformist; someone who resents authority and chooses to live a life of free choice, regardless of social restraints; someone who lives to ride a motorcycle.
It pisses me off to hear the people controlling the world banks; the people that raped the world economy; the people who manipulate and control our government (Big Brother) being called the one-percent.
I am a 1%er. My bros are 1%er.
Fuck you manipulators of our government and fuck you Congress for the whores that you are.
The Ol’Buzzard 1%
Mildred, you can always come home.
ReplyDeletethe Ol'Buzzard
good pictures but boring text!
ReplyDeleteGreat pics, makes me homesick and I'm not even from Maine.
ReplyDeleteJust a couple of other points, though.
The Wild Bunch was a Peckinpaw film.
Hollister in 1947 was overrun with bikers attending a rally. Some of those motorcyclists were the "Pissed Off Bastards" (I understand they were the predecesors of the HA).
Another point is that I thought the HA was a small club which Sonny Barger joined, not formed. He certainly took it large, but I don't think history bears out that he started the HA.
I'll shut up and stop whining now. Kool pics.
About the 1%er patch, I believe that it means what you say it means, just the AMA stating the 99% of motorcyclists were law-abiding. However, do I have to act like an "outlaw" biker, or do I have to be a club member, or can I just be a motorcycle enthusiast who lives at the fringe of law-abiding, or does that contstitute just being a shithead with pretentions? A real question.
Dave, a true 1% is a nonconformist; I take it as no club and no allegiance. Ride what you want, where you want, and the way you want - No apologies.
ReplyDeleteBut all bikers are part of the brotherhood.
the Ol'Buzzard