I'm a people watcher. Over the years I've listened to a lot of bikers, hard riders, and RUB's share their views on life and tried to understand their value systems. While I believe that we're all unique individuals and personally dislike the concept of stereotypes, I have noticed patterns regarding different philosophies on life, and here are my observations on two quite different groups of folks.

Group 1
In our society, some folks consider themselves "civilized" and assume that all others subscribe to their definition of this word. For example, many folks who have a disagreement with someone are quick to say, "I'll call my lawyer and sue their ass." In many instances, they have not even sat down with the other side face to face to discuss the issue and try to reach consensus on how to resolve the situation (my definition of consensus: something everyone can live with). Or, they use the court system or political influence to force their agenda on others forgetting that while the majority rules, the minority has rights too. Oh yes, minority rights are to be protected by our courts, but it often takes years to rectify injustice, and the damage is already done.

Group 2
Despite being a sensitive, skinny little feller, I've hung out with some other folks whose views tend to include many traditional, conservative values with a little "renegade" attitude. There are no gray areas with these folks. Things are black or white. "Group 1" folks described above don't really get that these folks, who also feel like they are reasonably "civil", have much more expeditious ways of handling disagreements that have escalated. Some of these include: quite unpleasant physical confrontation, makin' a call to have the problem "eliminated", or whatnot. I know folks personally who will risk everything including their fortune, freedom, personal injury, and more for a principle that they believe in strongly. They believe that legislation instead of law enforcement via the court system or a litigious, paper attack is still a personal attack and will not tolerate it, when it puts their way of life at risk or jeopardizes the financial security of their circle. By the way, these folks will not be surrendering their firearms to the government, even if asked nicely...

One Man's Opinion
I honestly believe that so many issues could be resolved if folks would just talk to each other face to face, before things get out of hand. Up close and personal... not via email... not on a cell phone... not by any other form of electronic communication... definitely not through lawyers... Face to face.

As always, add 98 cents to this, and you'll have a buck.

  --  Jim "Jimbo" Knepper    April 10, 2006