I read something the other day that intrigued me. 'What is the definition of freedom?' The author related that after thinking about it, he did not have an answer.

I have to say I do not have an answer either. I know what my idea of freedom is, however I’m sure it varies from person to person, is relative to everyone and is totally limitless.

I do however know freedom can disappear in a heartbeat, and I know that freedom stands for something greater than just the right to act however one chooses. Certainly, as the author stated freedom does mean the right to do as one pleases—to think, believe, speak, worship (or not worship), move about, gather, and generally act as you choose—but only until your choices start to infringe on another person's freedom.

The article went on to state the abuse of freedom leads to its demise; think about someone yelling 'fire' in a crowded theater. Think about laws that limit sound emissions for motorcycles. Some say the sharpest interpretation of freedom is “the absence of necessity, coercion, or constraint in choice or action.” I guess I could go along with that.

Freedom should be about living one’s life and having a government that is not oppressive, to be able to own firearms, and ride a motorcycle without the possibility of mandatory roadside checkpoints. So ask yourself, what is your definition of freedom and do you actually have it?

If you agree with any of the above you need to be active and current in the MMA and actively lobby your elected officials in the ongoing struggle against legislations that will rob you of motorcycle and individual freedoms.

Currently we have too many members that have not paid their annual membership dues, some are many months delinquent. We have sent out renewal reminders many times to these individuals but still no response. Postage is too expensive to keep sending out the reminders month after month. We are always working to increase membership and hate to drop members because they haven’t paid their dues for one reason or another, and it’s not right to continue to let non-paying members receive the same benefits of the paying members. Don’t be a postage burden, mail in or renew your membership on line. Please let us know if you are no longer interested in keeping your membership active and we will, against our best wishes remove you from the membership rolls.

Finally we need to seek the support and sponsorship of any and especially new elected political figures. We also need to secure the support and sponsorship of TV, radio and print corporations who can contribute to our cause. In addition to getting manufacturers and motorcycle businesses involved by showing them how injustices and anti-motorcycle legislation can affect their businesses.

Any feedback and input will be greatly appreciated.

Tom Corr
MMA of AZ Chairman