DON’T ADD TO THE CHAOS! Those who can read and choose not to, are no better off than those who can’t. After herding cats these past 5 years, the growing “spectator culture” in America where political engagement is often treated like a performance to be watched or a post to be liked rather than a call action to show up in the real world, left me disheartened and exhausted. However, I am a stubborn ol’ lady and not one to give up easily. For the reason that as a younger woman, blissfully ignorant, naively believing the adults were in charge and myself too busy simply surviving to worry much about anything that had no direct impact on me or mine at that moment in time. One day at a time was the most I could manage. Complacency, a form of privilege, to say I was merely complacent though would be an understatement. So, to those of you still on the sidelines, I get it….. to a degree….. With Social media came performative participation, posts and tweets replacing real conversations and algorithms controlling who was fed which content when. Every platform, an echo chamber for talking heads pushing partial truths, conspiracy theories, and apocalyptic news, twisting enough truth with straight out lies for kicks and clicks. Making it difficult to figure out what was real and what was fake; alternative facts normalized and misinformation weaponized. Reading books with pages replaced with snippets limited to just enough characters to instill fear and rage. Many today refuse to read anything longer than a paragraph or two and claim they don’t have the time to research much beyond the algorithms set up to validate what their activity on social media has shown resonates with them. So here we are in the Age of Information in many ways more ignorant than ever, and those of us trying to use facts and reason to wake people up, who are only pretending to be asleep, are fatigued Coordinating the first Ride for Liberty I learned that some are motivated to action because they are incensed by current events whether it directly impacts them or not. However, most are more likely to join only if the mission is more in line with a resolution than revolution. Recently I was directed to a fellow motorcycle enthusiast who I was told had more experience herding cats than myself. Excited to have the conversation, unfortunately though I was not given much opportunity to share this year’s mission and vision. Without viewing the Liberty Ride website or other social media, my soon to be new friend insisted what we have done for five years would be impossible to do and that the challenge I proposed was an even more unrealistic pipe dream because “America was a Nation of spectators watching democracy die as if our politics were merely a contact sport.” Not realizing that we had indeed done what he said we could not do, and not just once but 5 times, I let him rant hoping for a chance to get a word in, then gave up. It was clear he was battling some of the same demons I have been. Leaving me as undeniably disheartened and exhausted as he was, our conversation ended on a bit of a sour note. However, after taking a look at the website, he reached out again later and said he was in. We all have those moments and we gained not just another liberty rider but I made a new friend. Much of what I am sharing today I had already written long before that conversation so I did not need anyone to tell me what herding cats these past 5 years revealed about the growing “spectator culture” in America, in fact, it is the very reason I am hellbent on this mission. You see, when the protests started popping up all over the country in early 2025, I was surprised, then excited and inspired. Spending most every day these past 5 years herding cats, I was convinced that if hundreds of thousands were hitting the streets to protest, millions more would Rally on common ground, and that is the reason I set out on this mission. Immediately met with unsettling threats from cowards hiding who they really are and more than a few obstacles at every turn. Muddling through, I backed up and tried again. Sometimes I jumped over hurdles, other times going around them or crawling under them. Going down some rabbit holes and chasing some squirrels, I dropped the ball a time or two but still picked it up again and did what I could. It is only because I will never forget the lessons herding cats taught me, that I understand the value of speaking truth to power as much as I understand that harsh loud conflict can feel isolating and intimidating and overwhelm the average person. Also, unlike speaking Truth to Power, speaking Truth to Wisdom is not so much about spewing facts to those in power , but rather presenting truth to those with enough wisdom to listen. By building bridges and filling the void dividing this country we can forge a path on common ground. Empowering the powerless, we turn activism into a collective endeavor, not to protest but to rally. Wisdom holding truth humbly has the potential to produce results that move the needle farther than venting anger speaking truth to power. However, the Fight for our democracy has a lot of empty seats in the room. The reason those seats are empty and those in the middle are quiet is because we have become a nation of spectators sitting in the ‘nosebleed seats’ of history. Watching the news as if democracy and politics were contact sports for us to watch and either cheer or jeer. It is not so much about being neutral as it is about being complacent, equating “likes” on social media to a foot print and “Shares” a stride. Forgetting that the only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing as if the hottest places in Hell weren’t reserved for those who, in a period of moral crisis, maintain neutrality. Those who do show up speaking truth to power, loud and angry, serve a valuable purpose, gaining attention and making it clear We the People are angry. However, Martin Luther King Jr. in his wisdom said “darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that” because his life experience taught him early that adding to the chaos repels as many as it gathers. We the People have spoken our truths to power, and just perhaps if we start speaking truth to wisdom, those not inclined to protest will walk away from their keyboards, rallying on the common ground of the foundation of American principles. When activism isn’t appealing—if it isn’t rooted in strategic, thoughtful wisdom that invites everyone in —we are just ‘clanging cymbals making noise and though it is clear many are enraged, that is the only message being heard; meanwhile millions who share our values remain silent. Those not showing up to protests don’t see a movement; they see a melee. They don’t see a resolution but a revolution. Although revolutions affect change, a rare few will choose them, that is until there is simply no other choice. Organizers, advocates, and activists, (cat herders much like myself) are carrying the weight of an entire society on their shoulders and many of us are burning out. Exhausted, not just by the work, but by the isolation, fighting the good fight while most of the world , including many of you who for whatever reason found your way here, watch through a screen from the safety of your lazy boy. Without the cat herders of the world, we are afloat on a ship without a rudder, spinning in circles until it sinks. Keyboard warriors battling bots and those whose only purpose is to keep you there instead of out in the world where your presence could actually make a difference. ‘The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any, and that my friends is how we got here. We will not harness that power raising the volume, but by raising our expectations for ourselves. It’s time to move from the bleachers, not to the sidelines but to the field. I promise that lazy boy will be even more inviting and comfy when you return. We don’t need more martyrs; we need community. We don’t need more spectators; we need participants. We must stop being spectators of our own decline and start being the architects of our future. Let’s speak truth with the wisdom that demands a hearing, rather than the volume that demands an exit. -as Always, whatever you choose to do, don’t add to the chaos!
TWO CENTS WORTH
Truth-denied, history- rewritten, the word Liberty-weaponized; Old Glory, the American symbol of freedom-held hostage and Lady Liberty stands weeping.
Accept the #RideForLibertyChallenge and Ride for Liberty with us on the non partisan common ground of American Principles!
Ask any motorcycle enthusiast why they ride and most would tell you the charm of riding is that you don’t really need a destination or a reason, the journey is the greatest motivation. Liberty riders agree that the journey that is each Ride for Liberty is what matters most, each transfer a connection and a reminder that We the People means Everyone, “No matter where they are from, the color of their skin, who they love, or how, or even if they choose to worship” . Want to ride with us? Click here. We Ride for Liberty for All to honor the men and women, immigrant and indigenous, soldier and civilian, past and present whose sacrificed for a more perfect Union we have yet to reach and must continue to strive for. We ride to remind others that as the founding father’s Posterity, we are obliged to not only maintain , sustain and build upon the blessings secured for us but protect them with the same vigor, fervor and allegiance as America’s revered heroes have fought to ensure them for us, so that We the People would not ever have to again . Liberty Riders relay the founding documents hand to hand across state borders, peacefully forging a chain from state to state, illustrating what united looks like. Each leg, a link as diverse as those whose backs and dreams she was built on, the free, the indentured and the enslaved — all but indigenous people, immigrants, or the offspring of, every one. We are only here, because they came. In 2020 136 riders relayed across 34 states coast to coast. That first Liberty Ride Relay was organized in a month and took about a month to conclude from kick off in Portland Oregon to the final leg into Washington DC, transferring near daily. Participation has almost doubled each year since. Our Nationwide Liberty Ride Relay Kickoff is the first Sunday of May Annually with Ride for Liberty for All day . We relay from coast to coast throughout the summer , ending in D.C. as close to Constitution/ Citizenship Day (Sept. 17) as possible, or at least during Constitution Week September 17 through 23. We coordinate over a hundred Road Captains running planned routes in a relay, passing copies of the Constitution, Bill of Rights, Declaration of Independence, and Emancipation Proclamation hand-to-hand from coast to coast, forming chains of liberty riders. Want to ride with us? Click here. The Liberty Ride is not exclusive but all inclusive, those joining us on each Ride for Liberty are united by the belief that the principles outlined in the founding documents and their amendments must be protected and applied to all, no matter where they are from, whom they love, the color of their skin, or how they worship. We the People means EVERYONE ! No Matter What! Due to the nature of herding cats, the relay concept, motorcycles and mother nature , schedules are posted 30 days ahead of each leg. Some flexibility may be required but for the most part each leg happens much the way we plan. Our intention is always to have all 4 Documents moving on Ride for Liberty for All Day and converge on Washington, D.C. during Constitution week between Sept. 14 and 23rd. We leave the end game transfer somewhat open, for the purpose of coordinating our schedules with those who accept the challenge to receive the final transfer from us. Join a leg of the The Liberty Ride near you and Ride for Liberty for All with openminded bikers reclaiming patriotism as an American value not a partisan side to choose, and join us in reaffirming our dedication to continue to aspire for that more perfect union first envisioned by the founding fathers who risked their lives for the American Dream of equality in liberty and justice.
2024 Ride for Liberty Path
Big news! We have routes set for all 2024 Liberty Rides! The Declaration of Independence Relay started early in Hawaii in April with a Ride to Remember the Sacrifices Made for Freedom at Peral Harbor arriving in California in time for the nationwide kick off of the 2024 Liberty Ride the first Sunday of May, Ride for Liberty for All day! Liberty Riders will carry the Constitution with them to Alaska later this summer at a pace of 1000 miles a day and this year we are set to relay across all 50 states! Kicking off nationwide on May 5, we will end in Washington D.C. mid-September. We continue looking to build up our relay teams in every state so fill your tank and get this summer’s tires on — we’re ready to ride and want you to ride along. From Hawaii the Declaration will be shipped to SoCal in time for International Female Ride Day and then shortly after IFRD it will begin its trek across the country heading for DC and arriving May 25 then head to Delaware to begin its tour of the original 13 Colonies throughout the summer. Leg 19 of the Declaration will connect and unite with leg 19 of the Constitution in South Carolina mid to late August before traveling together for the final legs to DC. The Constitution is set to kick off in NYC on Ride for Liberty for All Day with its first transfer at Liberty Park to Pennsylvania riders before heading westward to the Northwest and on to Alaska. Returning cross country to the southeast to join the Declaration in South Carolina mid-August, set to finish the journey to DC united with the Declaration either (September 14) the weekend before Constitution day or during Constitution/Citizenship week (Sept 17 – 23). Before that final trek to DC however . Labor Day Weekend we will give a special salute to all hard-working men and women by handing off the United D/C documents to one of our Veteran Road Captains, soon to retire and the embodiment of hard work. Join us this labor day as we salute the hard-working men and women who built, maintain, and sustain the American way of life , paying special tribute to the workers rights that protect them. The Bill of Rights has already begun moving up the Florida Panhandle transferring at Daytona Beach and then Grateful Gainesville on its way to pay honor to civil rights heroes in Birmingham with the next stop Black Wall Street in Tulsa. Similarly, the Emancipation will kick off in AZ with it’s first transfer from Phoenix to Flagstaff Free Thinkers et al heading for New Mexico and Colorado before heading to Black Wall Street in May also. Legs 8 of both the Bill of Rights and Emancipation will then transfer at Black Wall Street May 18 in the Greenwood District of Tulsa Ok . They will not unite there however, as they will meet again later in the Summer, uniting at the National Biker Round Up then traveling the final legs from Springfield to DC together. From Black Wall Street the EP will head to celebrate Juneteenth in TX then follow parts of the Civil Rights trail over the summer, while the Bill of Rights will leave the Greenwood District with a recent Teacher of the year, heading back to school as a lesson in civics for her students in St Louis on May 20. A few weeks later it will be carried along the John Brown Freedom trail heading for the Midwest Ride for Liberty Rally. It is noteworthy that the June Midwest Ride for Liberty Rally is intended to pay our respect to the brave men and women who risked everything for freedom, both their own and that of others. All those making the journey to Iowa in June will have ridden roads to get there that either follow a similar route or at least take them through some of the same areas the Underground Railroad once led so many to freedom. 2024 is going to be a great year Even if you cant join one of the Relay legs, You can still participate, mark your calendars for Ride for Liberty for All Day, the first Sunday of every May. Here is a snapshot of this year’s Path based on the Road Captains signed up. 2024 will be our best year yet!
Kicking Over ’24
Happy to announce that the Liberty Ride is entering its fifth year and planning and route plotting is well under way. To kick things off, we have designated the first Sunday in May, National Ride for Liberty for All Day. Because of the grit within a rare breed of folks saying “ I am in” before even really knowing just what they are in for, we will make all 50 states this year. The Declaration will be kicking off in Hawaii with a ride to Remember the Sacrifices made for Freedom and then the Constitution will make it all the way to Alaska later this summer at a pace of a thousand miles a day. From Hawaii the Declaration will be shipped to SoCal in time for International Female Ride Day and then shortly after IFRD it will begin its trek across the country heading for DC May 25 then head to Delaware to begin its tour of the original 13 Colonies throughout the summer. Leg 19 of the Declaration will connect and unite with leg 19 of the Constitution in South Carolina mid to late August before traveling together for the final legs to DC. The Constitution is set to kick off in NYC on Ride for Liberty for All Day with its first transfer at Liberty Park to Pennsylvania riders before heading westward to the Northwest and on to Alaska. Returning cross country to the southeast to join the Declaration in South Carolina mid-August, set to finish the journey to DC united with the Declaration either (September 14) the weekend before Constitution day or during Constitution/Citizenship week (Sept 17 – 23). Before that final trek to DC however . Labor Day Weekend we will give a special salute to all hard-working men and women by handing off the United D/C documents to one of our Veteran Road Captains, soon to retire and the embodiment of hard work. Join us this labor day as we salute the hard-working men and women who built, maintain, and sustain the American way of life , paying special tribute to the workers rights that protect them. The Bill of Rights has already begun moving up the Florida Panhandle transferring at Daytona Beach and then Grateful Gainesville on its way to pay honor to civil rights heroes in Birmingham with the next stop Black Wall Street in Tulsa. Similarly, the Emancipation will kick off in AZ with it’s first transfer from Phoenix to Flagstaff Free Thinkers et al heading for New Mexico and Colorado before heading to Black Wall Street in May also. Legs 8 of both the Bill of Rights and Emancipation will then transfer at Black Wall Street May 18 in the Greenwood District of Tulsa Ok . They will not unite there however, as they will meet again later in the Summer, uniting at the National Biker Round Up then traveling the final legs from Springfield to DC together. From Black Wall Street the EP will head to celebrate Juneteenth in TX then follow parts of the Civil Rights trail over the summer, while the Bill of Rights will leave the Greenwood District with a recent Teacher of the year, heading back to school as a lesson in civics for her students in St Louis on May 20. A few weeks later it will be carried along the John Brown Freedom trail heading for the Midwest Ride for Liberty Rally. It is noteworthy that the June Midwest Ride for Liberty Rally is intended to pay our respect to the brave men and women who risked everything for freedom, both their own and that of others. All those making the journey to Iowa in June will have ridden roads to get there that either follow a similar route or at least take them through some of the same areas the Underground Railroad once led so many to freedom. 2024 is going to be a great year I look forward to seeing you all on the road riding for liberty this summer and can’t wait to see the pics of your liberty rides, please don’t forget to post about your adventures and send me what you don’t mind I share as well. Ride safe, be peace, enjoy the adventure, and as always steer clear of the chaos. -D’Ette Rene’ Chief Cat Herder The Liberty Ride Society Mark your calendars for the first Sunday in May The Liberty Ride invites motorcycle enthusiasts everywhere to join us in celebrating the first Sunday of every May as “Ride for Liberty for All” Day and ride with civil rights and social justice in mind. We are inclusive The “Ride for Liberty for All” Day encourages inclusion of riders from every walk of life, brand and style of motorcycle, ethnic group, social group and identity throughout these United States. It’s official – politicians notice! In 2022, the Governors of Kentucky, Kansas and Pennsylvania proclaimed the first Sunday of May as “Ride for Liberty for All” Day. Kansas’ Governor Kelly Has continuing to recognize “Ride for Liberty for All Day” each year since. The Soul of “Ride for Liberty for All” Day We ride to pay homage to not just Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., but all the heroes who sacrificed and devoted their lives to civil rights and liberties, allowing each of us the opportunity to be true to ourselves, worship how we desire, love who we do, live how we choose and pursue our own happiness. We ride to serve as a reminder that it was not that long ago that many of our ancestors and fellow citizens were still being denied the rights of full participation in our civil society. As we’ve seen, these rights and norms are not guaranteed against a coordinated attack and are only as robust as our willingness to defend them. We ride to illustrate the strength in our numbers and reveal the true diversity of the motorcycle community nationwide. We ride to offer a new perspective, and instill compassion, for the struggles that many face in the pursuit to be their authentic selves. We are dedicated to the evolution of America toward a more perfect union, as stated in the preamble to the Constitution. We ride to affirm that Civil Rights comprises not only racial justice, but also Worker’s rights, Women’s rights and LGBQT rights. We ride in solidarity because a threat to the rights belonging to any of us is a threat to the rights of all of us. Among us, we want to demonstrate that we are united, state to state – so ALL really means ALL, not just those resembling the founding fathers. Making the “Ride for Liberty for All” day a little more special and fun When the kickstands come up for the “Ride for Liberty for All” Day, put your passenger pegs down, symbolically taking your civil rights hero or martyr for a ride. Participants are encouraged to be creative by dressing the part or taping a photo of a civil rights hero on their windshield. The destination of your ride is your choice, but visiting a place of civil rights significance can make the ride even more resonant. If possible, invite your friends along so it’s a shared experience that makes others notice. What are the Liberty Rides? If you’re new to the Liberty Ride, think of it as a ride promoting liberty for all. We are not a riding club and are not affiliated with any organized — or disorganized — motorcycle club or group. We are independent riders who run a nationwide network of relays to carry the United States’ founding documents — the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Emancipation Proclamation — from coast to coast. In previous years each of the founding documents have traveled with a copy of the 1965 Voting Rights act and a demand for voting rights protections for all; protecting each citizen’s right to vote has been the focus of the Liberty rides, however this year we are working on bringing awareness to the limbo status of the Equal Rights Amendment, still not ratified , and yes still needed. Officially our Annual Nationwide Liberty Ride Kick off is the first Sunday of every May with Ride for Liberty for All Day. The Relays run simultaneously, roughly looping through and covering the northeast, southeast, southwest, and northwest states before converging during Constitution Week September 17 through 23 as close to Constitution/Citizenship Day, Sept 17, as the miles allow. Traveling the country, we pass the founding documents from rider to rider like a chain. Liberty riders are united by the belief that the principles outlined in these documents should be applied to all, regardless of where we or our ancestors were born; whom we love; the color of our skin; or how or if we worship. Join the Liberty Ride and ride for liberty for all with openminded bikers who are reclaiming patriotism as an American value — not a partisan one — and who are rededicating themselves to aspire for that more perfect union first envisioned by the founding fathers. If you would like to be a rider, can volunteer to help, or provide financial support, please click those links or send us a message from our web site, www.libertyrides.org.
Raising money for the ACLU
The ACLU is keeping a close watch on civil rights violations of the Trump administration and has filed over 400 law suits. This costs money. The organizers of the #LibertyRide started a fundraiser in support of the ACLU.You can donate via Facebook.
Please join us!
To join the ride, reach out to the road captains for each segment