On Tuesday, January 13th representatives of the Viet Nam Vets M/C and Vietnam Veterans Outreach Center showed up at a zoning hearing in South Windsor, Connecticut expecting to obtain approval for an application to conduct their nonprofit business from an established office in an Industrial Zone. Legally, it was not even required that an occupant apply for and argue for such a case, because it is the obligation of the landlord to insure that their property is being used within the codes and specifications of the town.

However, our representatives were misled by the town’s zoning official; who said that we should apply for a zoning hearing, that such a formality would be beneficial, and that approval would be forthcoming.  Four days prior to the hearing, a fire marshall appeared with three other people taking photos and going over the building with a fine tooth comb. Of course, this seemed a little unusual, but our people cooperated with the entourage, and were openly willing to comply with any problems that might be noticed.

For some strange reason the inspectors were concerned about two motorcycles and a gasoline can in the garage. They also showed some concern about a propane tank that was being used to fuel a propane heater in the garage and workshop. Now, one would normally expect to find vehicles, a gas can and propane heaters in a garage, but if this posed any kind of a problem, we were more than willing to remove them.

Then, on the evening of the hearing, the South Windsor Police Department appeared to present its case against the Viet Nam Vets M/C and the Vietnam Veterans Outreach Center. In a scene reminiscent of the Arlo Guthrie movie, "Alice’s Restaurant", they were ready with all their photographs and evidence from the "scene", which suggested that the Outreach Center was just a front for a "secret" sex club. Scandalous! In fact; the "Group", as it was called, was subletting the upstairs of the building, donating to our many Veterans’ causes, and behaving

responsibly. There was nothing illegal or secret about their activities except that they needed to apply for an entertainment license. But, the police presented the case in such a way as to make all of the Outreach Center’s business appear nefarious and covert, and they falsely claimed that the Outreach Center and the sublessor organization were one and the same, which they were not.

However, the presentation had it’s designed effect. Supporters walked out in disgust, the Hartford Courant wrote two articles which reflected the slanderous wording and negatively biased opinion of the South Windsor Police, and our fellow Veterans organizations reacted negatively because whatever was implied hurt and embarrassed Veterans’ causes everywhere and discredited all the great things we have been doing for Veterans.

In spite of the Police presentation, however, the Zoning Board voted to reject the Vietnam Veterans Outreach Center only on the basis of the gasoline cans, motorcycles and propane tank, which were in the garage and which could have been removed at any time. And, before our rent had even expired for the month of January, the town tacked a notice on the front door of the Vietnam Veterans Outreach Center that the building was unfit for human habitation. One of two bathrooms needed repairs.

In the end, the police have effectively and successfully slandered our club by presenting their case in a public forum and by using false accusations and "evidence" of private activity that was neither illegal nor had anything to do with me or other members of the Viet Nam Vets Motorcycle Club. In so doing they have damaged our ability to serve other Veterans, who served this country and fought for the rights of all Americans.

"Why would our beloved "peace officers" betray Veterans in such a way?!", you ask? Aren’t they on the same side?

One can only respond by asking you, why State Troopers would stop motorcycle riders on the highway for no reason while on their way to a POW/MIA Awareness Party? Why would police officers all over the Northeast stop us for up to 45 minutes for no reason and let us go? Why would they slap us with huge fines for aftermarket exhaust pipes or high handlebars, low seats or open belt primaries? Why would they confiscate our bikes for loud pipes which is now a misdemeanor charge? Why would they get other towns to shut down motorcycle clubhouses on the basis of zoning technicalities? Why would they raid countless motorcycle club meetings and parties, injuring people and in one case killing a dog, only to find nothing? Why would they actively use the Patriot Act to spy on the

private affairs of motorcycle riders and their friends? Why indeed?! 

The answer is simple my dear friends...Because they can! Ever since the attacks of 9-11, they were given the power and public consent to do things to Americans that would never have been allowed before that time. You can’t even protect yourself without being arrested on a weapons charge, because they say you are taking "the law" into your own hands. As a nation we have been duped into believing that the "authorities" are capable and willing to protect our security and welfare, when in fact, they are simply taking advantage of their newfound powers and jealously guarding the institution that is quickly becoming known as our American "Gestapo".

The Gang Taskforce and associated law enforcement officials have labeled Motorcycle Clubs as terror organizations, whether their members have records or not. And the Viet Nam Vets Motorcycle Club is being slandered, because we are fighting for bikers rights along side other organizations which they openly and unfairly label as criminal organizations. As Military Veterans we are well-trained and familiar with the use of weapons, which makes us a perceived threat just by our simple existence. And, the fact that we are willing to fight again for our freedom causes them even greater concern.

Little wonder...Because, as the "enforcers" tighten the reins on our daily activities,Veterans have noticed that the freedoms we fought for are fast becoming a mythical legend in the changing history of a place we once called "the land of the free". As our greatest national philosopher and statesman, Benjamin Franklin, once observed, "He who gives up his freedom in exchange for security will get neither, and deserves neither."

Speaking only for myself and a handful of Patriots, we fought for freedom once before, and we will gladly give our lives for freedom once again. To die for a great cause is the greatest death, so..."Cry havoc, and let slip the dogs of war". Freedom isn’t FREE! If you wish to reach our Viet Nam Vets Outreach Center, call 860-257-7555 or, visit our web site and sign our guestbook at: www.vnvmcct.com.  If anyone wishes to contact me directly, e-mail me at:

toolongvnvmc @ snet.net (remove the spaces before & after the @ sign). May your forks point to good fortune.  Until next time, it will still be...

Opinions and views expressed in this or any other column are not necessarily those of the Publisher, Editor, or any other affiliate of Northeast Rider Magazine  http://www.northeastrider.com/